|
River
|
County
|
Reach
|
Length
(miles)
|
Year
Listed/ Updated
|
Potential Classification
|
ORVs
|
Description
|
Other
States
|
| Animas River |
San Juan,
La Plata |
Animas City
to Mineral Creek |
45
|
1982
|
|
S, R, G, F,
W, H |
Excellent
scenery, deep canyons, surrounding mountains; popular recreation
attraction, including the Durango-Silverton Narrow Guage Railway,
float trips; highest-value fishery resource (FWS); very important
habitat providing diverse wildlife populations; historic gold
and silver mining district, historic Animas City. |
|
| Arikaree River |
Yuma |
NE/KS State
line to Alder Creek |
48
|
1982
|
|
F, W, H, C |
Exceptional
fish and wildlife habitat along river, especially wetlands;
highest-valued fishery resource (FWS); significant waterfowl
use; historic Beecher Island Indian Massacre site; Jones-Miller
Hell Gap Paleo Buffalo Kill-Storage site. |
KS
|
| Arkansas River |
Lake/Chaffee |
Pine Creek
to Buena Vista |
10
|
1982/ 1993
|
W
|
S, R, G, F,
W |
High mountain
stream in rural setting with fisheries, cultural sites, recreation,
scenic vistas, etc. with 46% public land ownership. |
|
| Arkansas River |
Chaffee |
Salida to
Pine Creek (continues downstream to Canon City in Section 13f) |
39
|
1982
|
|
S, R, G, F |
Deep, narrow
canyon; excellent white water boating, world class kayaking
above Buena Vista; diverse fishery habitat, highest-valued fishery
resource (FWS). |
|
| Arkansas River |
Chaffee, Fremont |
Canon City
to Salida (continues upstream to Pine Creek in Section 16) |
52
|
1982
|
|
S, R, F, W |
Excellent
canyon scenery, Royal Gorge; good white water boating; diverse
fishery habitat, highest valued fishery resource (FWS); important
wildlife habitat. |
|
| Arkansas River |
Chaffee/Fremont |
Salida to
Vallie Bridge |
20
|
1982/ 1993
|
W
|
S, R, G, F,
W |
Mountain stream
in a rural setting with fisheries, recreation, scenic vistas,
etc. with 41% public ownership |
|
| Arkansas River |
Chaffee |
From Buena
Vista to the town of Salida |
29
|
1982/ 1993
|
W
|
S, R, G, F,
W |
High mountain
stream in rural/semi-urban setting with fisheries, cultural
sites, recreation, scenic vistas, T & E species, etc. with
40% public ownership. |
|
| Arkansas River |
Fremont |
Vallie Bridge
to the west edge of Royal Gorge Park |
31
|
1982/ 1993
|
W
|
S, R, G, F,
W |
Mountain valley
stream in a rural setting with fisheries, recreation, scenic
vistas, T & E species, etc. with 70% public ownership. |
|
| Arkansas River |
Otero |
Entire segment
within Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site |
2
|
1993
|
R
|
R, H |
Within Historic
Site, associated with reconstructed fort and river crossing
of the Mountain Branch of the Santa Fe Trail. Minor recreational
boat use and trail horseback crossings. |
|
| Arkansas River |
Lake/Chaffee |
USFS boundary
north of Leadville to Pine Creek |
37
|
1993
|
W
|
S, R, G, F,
W |
High mountain
stream in rural setting with fisheries, cultural sites, recreation,
scenic vistas, etc. with 46% public land ownership. |
|
| Badger Creek |
Fremont, Park |
Arkansas River
to source |
25
|
1982
|
|
S, R, G, F |
Deep canyon
with exceptional scenery; popular with recreationists; highest
valued fishery resource (FWS). |
|
| Beaver Creek |
Fremont |
Skagway Reservoir
to east side of State Refuge |
20
|
1993
|
W
|
S, R, G, F,
W, O |
High rugged
mountain stream in wilderness setting with fisheries, limited
recreation, scenic vistas, T & E species, etc. with 100%
public land ownership. |
|
| Big Thompson
River |
Larimer |
Entire segment
within Rocky Mountain National Park |
14
|
1993
|
W
|
S, R, G, F,
W |
Fishery values
in upper 11 miles and geologic values in lower 2.6 miles. Habitat
for threatened greenback cutthroat trout, beaver, black bear,
and endangered peregrine falcon. |
|
| Big Thompson
River, North Fork |
Larimer |
Entire segment
within Rocky Mountain National Park |
9
|
1993
|
W
|
S, R, F |
Habitat for
threatened greenback cutthroat trout. In upper reach, river
flows through alpine tundra, and mountain peaks are very accessible
due to the open topography of the valley. |
|
| Blue Creek |
Gunnison |
Curecanti
National Recreation Area boundary downstream to Morrow Point
Reservoir |
2
|
1993
|
W
|
S |
Towering canyon
walls and undisturbed vegetation provide aesthetic values unequaled
in the surrounding area. |
|
| Cache la Poudre,
North Fork |
Larimer |
Dale Creek
to source |
31
|
1982
|
|
S, F, W, H |
Exceptional
scenery, varied topography; diverse fishery, highest-valued
fishery resource (FWS); exceptional riparian habitat for game
and non-game wildlife; Cannibal Phil historic site. |
|
| Chacuaco Canyon |
Las Animas |
Purgatoire
River to Highway 160 |
37
|
1982
|
|
S, G, W, C |
Deep, scenic
red canyon with intermittent stream, potholes; beautiful sandstone
formations and exposed geologic processes; excellent wildlife
habitat; dinosaur tracks and bones; Indian paintings, dwellings,
camps, and artifacts. |
|
| Coal Creek |
Gunnison |
Curecanti
National Recreation Area boundary downstream to Blue Mesa Reservoir |
0
|
1993
|
W
|
S, F, W |
Scenic, fishery,
and wildlife values. |
|
| Colorado River |
Grand, Eagle |
State Bridge
to Blue River |
23
|
1982
|
|
S, R, G, F |
Exceptional
mountain, canyon scenery; varied high quality recreation opportunities,
notably white water boating; excellent visibility of geologic
processes; highest-valued fishery resource (FWS). |
|
| Colorado River |
Grand |
Entire segment
within Rocky Mountain National Park |
21
|
1993
|
S, R
|
S, R, W, H |
Prehistoric
sites, historic mining and lumbering camps, early homesteads,
and the earliest transmountain water diversion structure in
Colorado. Alpine peaks, talus slopes, and broad glacial valley. |
|
| Conejos River |
Conejos |
North, Middle,
and El Rito Azul Forks from sources to confluence with Conejos
River, thence Conejos River to confluence with South Fork |
57
|
1993
|
W, R
|
S, R, G, F,
W |
|
|
| Crystal River |
Gunnison,
Pitkin |
National Forest
boundary to sources of North and South Forks (including the
North and South Forks) |
45
|
1982
|
|
S, R, F, W,
H |
Excellent
scenery; popular with recreationists; good diversity of fish
and wildlife, excellent habitat, possible Colorado cutthroat
waters; highest-valued fishery resource (FWS); marble quarry
for Lincoln Monument; historic mines, mining towns. |
|
| Crystal River |
Pitkin |
Sweet Jessep
Headgate upstream to source, including both North and South
Forks |
40
|
1982/ 1993
|
|
S, R, H |
|
|
| Curecanti
Creek |
Gunnison |
Curecanti
National Recreation Area boundary downstream to Morrow Point
Reservoir |
1
|
1993
|
S
|
S, F |
Scenic and
fisheries values. |
|
| Dolores River |
Montezuma,
Dolores, San Miguel, Montrose |
1.3 miles
below McPhee Damsite downstream to point 1 mile above Colorado
Highway 90 bridge near Bedrock |
105
|
1993
|
W, S, R
|
S, R, G, C,
O |
Challenging
white water boating and rafting during spring and early summer.
Archeological values. |
|
| East River |
Gunnison |
Gunnison River
to source |
20
|
1982
|
|
S, F, W, H |
Exceptional
scenery, varied topography; diverse fishery, highest-valued
fishery resource (FWS); excellent riparian habitat important
to many wildlife species, including the wintering bald eagle,
a federally listed endangered species; historic mining area,
town of Gothic. |
|
| Elk River |
Routt |
Main stem
upstream from confluence with SF, NF and SF to headwaters, and
MF to confluence of Gilpin and Gold Creeks |
29
|
1993
|
W, S
|
S, R, F, O |
|
|
| Encampment
River |
Jackson |
Main Stem
from Wyoming state line to headwaters. West Fork from confluence
with main stem to headwaters at West Fork Lake |
20
|
1993
|
W
|
F, W, O |
|
|
| Fall River |
Larimer |
Headwaters
of Fall River to Fan Lake (within Rocky Mountain National Park) |
10
|
1993
|
W
|
S, R, W |
Excellent
recreational and scenic opportunities. Wildlife is visible to
visitors. Self-guided auto tour teaches about historic, geologic,
and recreational features. |
|
| Gunnison River |
Montrose |
Entire segment
within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument |
12
|
1993
|
W, S
|
S, G, O |
Outstanding
scenic canyon resources, wilderness values, and geologic features. |
|
| Gunnison River,
Lake Fork |
Gunnison |
Curecanti
National Recreation Area boundary downstream to Blue Mesa Reservoir |
1
|
1993
|
R
|
S, R, F, W,
H |
Primarily
fishing and rafting. Good breeding population of brown and rainbow
trout, a small herd of bighorn sheep, and refuge for migrating
bald eagles. Remnants of temporary railroad camps for construction
crews. |
|
| Gunnison River,
Lake Fork |
Gunnison |
Sloan Lake
to Wager Gulch |
13
|
1993
|
R
|
S |
Spectacular
scenery important for recreation. |
|
| Huerfano River |
Pueblo |
Huerfano Cucharas
Ditch diversion to Cucharas River |
9
|
1982
|
|
S, C |
Excellent
scenery with steep-sided canyon, various geological formations;
scattered pinyon-juniper at upper end; prehistoric occupation,
petroglyphs, artifacts. |
|
| Los Pinos
River |
Hinsdale |
Confluence
of North Fork and Rincon La Vaca downstream to northern boundary
of Granite Peak Ranch. Tributaries from headwaters to confluence
with Los Pinos River. |
54
|
1993
|
W
|
S, R, G |
Tributaries
are Lake Creek, Flint Creek, Rincon La Vaca, Rincon La Osa,
Snowslide Canyon Creek, and Sierra Vandera. Within Weminuche
Wilderness. |
|
| North St.
Vrain Creek |
Boulder |
Ralph Price
Reservoir to source |
19
|
1982
|
|
S, F, W, O |
Excellent
scenic and natural values in this last, virtually roadless canyon
on the urban front range. Elevations range from over 6000' to
14, 215' at Longs Peak Summit. Alpine meadows, talus slopes,
nearly unmodified subalpine and montane forests, habitat for
threatened greenback cutthroat trout, also golden eagle, big
horn sheep, cougar and elk habitat as well as highest-valued
fishery resource (FWS). |
|
| North St.
Vrain Creek |
Boulder |
Entire segment
within Rocky Mountain National Park |
8
|
1982/ 1993
|
W, S
|
F, W, O |
Alpine meadows,
talus slopes, and nearly unmodified subalpine and montane forests.
Habitat for golden eagles, bighorn sheep, cougar, elk, deer,
and threatened greenback cutthroat trout. |
|
| Piedra River |
Archuleta,
Hinsdale, Mineral |
Main stem
from confluence with Indian Creek to boundary between Sec. 8
and 9, T.36 N., R.3 W. Middle Fork from boundary between Sec.
10 and 15, T.37 N., R.3 W. to headwaters |
32
|
1993
|
W, S
|
S, G, F, W |
|
|
| Purgatoire
River |
Otero, Las
Animas |
Smith Canton
to Trinchera Creek (continues downstream to Arkansas River in
Section 13f) |
75
|
1982
|
|
S, G, F, W,
C |
Deep, scenic
red canyon with good flowing stream; beautiful sandstone formations
and exposed geologic processes; excellent fish and wildlife
habitat; dinosaur tracks and bones; Indian paintings, dwellings,
camps, and artifacts. |
|
| Purgatoire
River |
Bent, Otero |
Arkansas River
to Smith Canyon (continues upstream to Trinchera Creek in Section
13g) |
42
|
1982
|
|
S, G, F, W,
C |
Deep, scenic
canyon at upper end; good flow; excellent fish and wildlife
values; heavy prehistoric use in adjacent flats and canyon walls;
petroglyphs; dinosaur tracks. |
|
| Rio Grande
River |
Costilla/Conejos
Boundary, Alamosa |
Alamosa Wildlife
Refuge to Lasauoes |
19
|
1993
|
S
|
S, R, W, C |
Wetlands,
cultural sites, scenic vistas. |
|
| Rio Grande
River |
Costilla/Conejos
Boundary |
Lasauses to
1/4 mi. north of Labatos Bridge |
14
|
1993
|
S
|
S, G, W, H |
Rugged landscapes,
scenic vistas. |
|
| Rio Grande
River |
Costilla/Conejos
Boundary |
Lobatos Bridge
to New Mexico state line |
8
|
1982/ 1993
|
W
|
S, R, G, W,
C |
Vertical rock
walls. Uplifting, faulting, and volcanic action. Raptor nesting
sites. |
|
| Rio Grande
River |
Conejos |
NM/CO Line
to Lobatos Bridge |
8
|
1982
|
|
S, R, W |
Deep narrow
canyon, adjoins designated Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River
in New Mexico; good floating opportunities; good riparian habitat
for many wildlife species, including migratory whooping cranes. |
|
| San Juan River
(including East and West Forks) |
Rio Grande,
Mineral, Archuleta |
Fourmile Creek
to sources of East and West Forks |
50
|
1982
|
|
S, R, F, W,
H |
Excellent
scenery through varied topography; diverse fishery, highest-valued
fishery resource (FWS); very important habitat providing for
diverse wildlife populations; route of first trans-continental
telephone lines. |
|
| South Platte
River |
Douglas, Teller,
Park, Jefferson |
Cheesman Reservoir
to Elevenmile Canyon Reservoir |
28
|
1982
|
|
S, R, G, F,
W |
Deep, narrow
canyon with many rock outcrops in generally forested area; exceptional
recreation including fishing, backpacking, hiking, hunting;
highest-valued fishery resource (FWS); important habitat for
many wildlife species, wintering and migratory bald eagles,
a federally listed endangered species. Exceptional scenery,
nestled between majestic mountain ranges; varied high-quality
recreation activities; historic freight route. |
|
| South Platte
River |
Douglas, Teller,
Park, Jefferson |
Eleven-Mile
Canyon Dam downstream to private land in vicinity of Lake George |
8
|
1982/ 1993
|
R
|
S, R, G, F,
W |
Rocky outcrops
in defined canyon with interspersed forest cover and scattered
meadows. Developed campgrounds and picnic grounds. |
|
| South Platte
River |
Douglas, Teller,
Park, Jefferson |
Lake George
to mouth of Beaver Creek |
6
|
1982/ 1993
|
R
|
S, R, G, F,
W |
Wide flat
canyon bottom with ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir on slopes. |
|
| South Platte
River |
Douglas, Teller,
Park, Jefferson |
Beaver Creek
to head of Cheesman Lake |
9
|
1982/ 1993
|
W
|
S, R, G, F,
W |
Rocky outcrops
in defined canyon with interspersed forest cover and scattered
meadows. Used primarily for fishing. |
|
| South Saint
Vrain River, North Fork |
Boulder |
Rocky Mountain
National Park Boundary to high water mark of Ralph Price Reservoir
(Sec. 18, T.3N., R.71W., 6th PM.) |
11
|
1993
|
S, R
|
S, R, F, W |
Steep incised
canyon of granite rock with ponderosa pine on south facing slopes
and Douglas fir on north facing slopes. |
|
| Taylor River |
Gunnison |
Illinois Creek
to source |
21
|
1982
|
|
S, R, F, H |
|
|
| West Elk Creek |
Gunnison |
Curecanti
National Recreation Area boundary downstream to Blue Mesa Reservoir |
0
|
1993
|
W
|
S, W |
Free-flowing
and possesses outstandingly remarkable scenic values. |
|
| White River,
North Fork |
Rio Blanco,
Garfield |
White River
to source |
25
|
1982
|
|
S, R, F, W |
Excellent
scenery, deep canyon heavily forested with aspen and conifers,
unusual and varied geologic features; very popular with recreationists;
excellent game and non-game wildlife habitat; highest-valued
fishery resource (FWS). |
|
| White River,
South Fork |
Rio Blanco,
Garfield |
White River
to source |
35
|
1982
|
|
S, R, F, W |
Excellent
scenery, deep canyon heavily forested with aspen and conifers,
unusual and varied geologic features; very popular with recreationists;
varied wildlife habitat provides for diverse game and non-game
populations; highest valued fishery resource (FWS). |
|
| White River,
South Fork |
Rio Blanco,
Garfield |
White River
to Source |
38
|
1982/ 1993
|
|
S, R, G, W |
Fishing, hunting,
camping, and hiking. Spring Cave, third largest cave in Colorado.
Underground lakes and waterways. |
|
| Yampa |
|
The segment
within the boundaries of the Dinosaur National Monument. |
0
|
1982/ 1995
|
|
|
This river
is under Congressional study for designation to the Wild and
Scenic River System. It is currently under the full protection
of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act pursuant to Section 7 (b)
of the Act. |
|
| Yampa River |
Moffat |
Little Snake
River to Williams Fork |
83
|
1982
|
|
S, R, G, F,
W, C |
Excellent
varied scenery through largely natural environment, open areas,
canyons, precipitous rock walls through Cross Mountain, in canyon
areas; Colorado squawfish, humpback chub, bonytail chub, all
federally listed endangered species; highest-valued fishery
resource (FWS); excellent wildlife habitat for numerous species;
walls of Cross Mountain contain notable Indian rock art site. |
|
|
