Moffat County is home to some of the most spectacular, untouched river canyons in the American West. The county’s lifeblood is the Yampa River—the last major, free-flowing undammed river in the entire Colorado River system—and the majestic Green River.

From pulse-pounding Class V whitewater to lazy afternoon tube floats through town, Moffat County offers an uncrowded aquatic playground for every skill level.

The Crown Jewel: The New Craig River Park

The biggest news in Colorado water recreation is the grand opening of the Craig River Park (the centerpiece of the Yampa River Corridor Project). This project completely transformed an old, hazardous municipal diversion dam into a thriving, multi-use outdoor destination.

• The Features: The park boasts two engineered whitewater drop features specifically designed for kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders (SUPs), and tubers looking for a bit of play.

• The Amenities: Beyond the water, the park features a bank-side amphitheater, picnic shelters, native landscaping, and a brand-new trail system that links the river directly to downtown Craig.

• Ecological Impact: The redesign didn’t just help humans; it opened up 17 miles of the river, allowing four federally listed endangered fish species to pass safely through the area for the first time in decades.

Rafting & Kayaking: From Mild to Wild

Moffat County’s unique river geography means you can choose your own adrenaline level.

1. The Adrenaline Canyons

• Canyon of Lodore (Green River): Flowing through Dinosaur National Monument, this world-renowned trip drops rafters through towering, deep-red sandstone walls and legendary rapids like Disaster Falls and Hell’s Half Mile. (Note: Requires a National Park Service permit).

• Cross Mountain Canyon (Yampa River): For expert kayakers and rafters only, this narrow gorge features high-stakes, technical Class IV and V rapids that roar during the spring snowmelt.

2. The Scenic Wilderness Floats

• The Little Yampa Canyon (32 Miles): Starting at the South Beach boat ramp just south of Craig, this stretch is a premier multi-day wilderness float. It features Class I flatwater, making it perfect for rafts, canoes, and touring kayaks. The river winds through BLM-managed canyon country flanked by gold cottonwoods and soaring raptors. No permit required!

Tubing & Paddle Boarding: In-Town Casual Fun

If you want a relaxing afternoon under the warm Colorado sun, the local floating scene is unbeatable.

• The In-Town Float (Craig): The ultimate summer weekend tradition. Grab an inner tube, an inflatable kayak, or a paddleboard and put in at Pebble Beach. Enjoy a gentle, scenic 2-to-3-hour float right through town, testing your skills at the new Craig River Park drops before taking out at Loudy-Simpson Park.

• Elkhead Reservoir State Park: Located just east of Craig, this expansive reservoir is the county’s epicenter for flatwater paddleboarding (SUP) and canoeing, alongside power boating and jet skiing. The wake-free zones offer glassy waters perfect for beginners looking to master their balance on a board.

Best Times to Hit the Water

• May to June (Peak Runoff): The snowmelt from the Rocky Mountains hits the Yampa, bringing the highest water levels. This is prime time for big whitewater rafting and the multi-day canyon expeditions.

• July to August (Summer Splashing): The river slows down, warms up, and clears out. This is the golden window for casual tubing, paddle boarding, and navigating the drop features at the new river park.

Need Gear? If you didn’t bring your own setup, Good Vibes River Gear in Craig is the local hub for raft supplies, specialized equipment, and shuttle services