Yampa River - Cross Mountain Gorge

Description

Cross Mountain Gorge is a fun run through a beautiful desert canyon in northeastern Colorado not far from Craig.  This run often attracts the attention of antsy Colorado and Utah boaters since it is one of the first decent sections in Colorado to start running in the early season, often as early as March.  At low water expect mostly easy class II and III with a couple rapids in the IV- range and a stretch of flatwater on ingress and egress to the gorge.  At high water, the run is big water class V with a downright impressive hole at the Osterizer rapid.  Under 3000 cfs, the run is still manageable, but expect some big water class IV with a few juicier rapids at the upper end of that range.

Camping is available at the East Cross Mountain campground, which also serves as the put-in.