Kayaking

 

 

Yampa River: There are excellent kayaking and canoeing opportunities east and west of Craig. The Little Yampa Canyon Recreation Area west of Craig is a scenic alternation of canyons and valleys offering wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, and river canoeing. Juniper Canyon offers a short whitewater class II run while Cross Mountain Canyon offers high risk and challenging class IV and V rapids for experienced river runners.

Click here for Yampa River public access points.

Green River: The Flaming Gorge Reservoir, providing a constant flow level year round, regulates the Green River levels. Canoeing is best on the upper stretches of the Green through Browns Park Wildlife Refuge. At the south end of the refuge, the river enters the Gates of Ladore, which is primarily white water suitable for experienced river runners, and best for rafting and kayaks. A permit is required to enter Dinosaur National Monument.

Little Snake River: The Little Snake is accessible early spring to early summer for its entire 40 miles. After mid-season the river is not suitable for boating activity due to low water.

What Makes the Yampa River Unique?

The Yampa River ties together many features of the Yampa Valley that make it unique and of statewide significance. The Yampa River supports globally rare plant communities as well as four endangered fish species. This watershed has historically provided the lifeline for farming and ranching in the Yampa Valley. The river in Routt County is mostly private, while over half of it in Moffat County traverses public lands.

Motor boats &
jet skis

Elkhead Reservoir, located east of Craig, is the most popular body of water in the county for power boating. There is a daily fee for lake use. The lake is patrolled and managed by Colorado State Parks. Water is open year round for boating and popular for water skiing and jet skis during the summer months. Camping, fishing and hiking paths are available at Elkhead.

Non-motorized

 

Freeman Reservoir: Located in the Routt National Forest, accessed via Colorado Hwy 13

Axial Pond: Four-acre lake located off State Highway 13, 12 miles south of Hamilton. The pond is open for fishing only – no swimming or waterfowl hunting.

Floating & tubing

 

Tubing on the Yampa River is a popular summertime sport suitable for the entire family. Tubers start at Pebble Beach, #4 on the MAP, and float to Loudy-Simpson Park or the South Beach take-out area, located east of Craig.

Fishing There are many areas within Moffat County that provide excellent fishing opportunities. The Yampa and Green Rivers, Elkhead Reservoir and secluded mountain lakes and streams are waiting for fisherman. In Colorado, anyone 16 years of age and older must possess a Colorado Fishing License.

Elkhead Reservoir: Northeast of Craig

  • Small and largemouth bass, channel catfish, northern pike, rainbow trout.
 

Freeman Reservoir: Routt National Forest, 20 miles north of Craig

  • Cutthroat trout

Green River: Northwest corner of Moffat County in Browns Park

  • Brown trout, rainbow trout, catfish
 

Loudy-Simpson Park: South of Craig on Ranney St.

  • Northern pike, brown trout, rainbow trout

Public Safety Center Pond: 1st St.

  • Trout. Open only to youths 12 and younger

Williams Fork River: South of Craig

  • Rainbow trout

Upper Yampa River: Craig to Steamboat Springs

  • Brown trout, rainbow trout, northern pike

Lower Yampa River : Craig to Utah border

  • Channel catfish, northern pike

A group of boys whitewater rafting A couple rafting the Lodore Canyon RiverTeenagers Floating the River in a tube

Visit

Craig Chamber of Commerce &
Moffat County Visitor Center

775 Yampa Ave • Craig, CO 81625 

970.824.5689 • 970.824.3046

The Craig Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to build a strong economic environment that contributes to business and community success.


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