Rio Grande, Colorado

The Rio Grande, or Rio Bravo del Norte, as it is known in Mexico, flows from its headwaters near Alamosa, Colorado, through New Mexico and down the Texas-Mexico border through Big Bend to Brownsville and the Gulf of Mexico almost 1,450 miles below its headwaters. However, paddling in Colorado is generally limited to the Upper Rio Grande and the Alamosa and Conejos Rivers, though it is possible to paddle several other sections of the river and its tributaries, as well.

The river rises as the North Fork flowing southeast from Continental Reservoir and the South Fork flowing into and easterly from Rio Grande Reservoir, both in Hinsdale County and joining just east of the Mineral County Line and west of Spar City. Within Colorado, the Rio Grande is joined by the Alamosa, La Jara, Conejos and Trinchera Rivers, all of which are navigable during short seasons when monsoonal rainfall raises them momentarily.

Click HERE for the history and anthropology of the Rio Grande

Click the links below for information regarding the section of the Rio Grande where you want to paddle.

[ North Fork ] [ Rio Grande Res. to Marshall Park ] [ Marshall Park to South Fork ]
[ South Park to Alamosa ] [ Alamosa to SH 142 ] [ Alamosa River ] [ Conejos River ] [ Trinchera River ]

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© September 23, 2002. All rights reserved.

Last updated December 20, 2007

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