River Rafting & Kayaking
Each spring, snowmelt from the surrounding mountains brings increased water flow to our local rivers, lakes, and reservoirs along with adventure opportunities for rafters and kayakers alike.
There is no better way to experience the run-off than boating down the river! The Gunnison Gorge offers one of the most remote and unique rafting and kayaking experiences in the nation, complete with wilderness camping and your chance to reel in chunky trout in Gold Medal waters.
For a water adventure closer to civilization, enjoy the Water Sports Park located right in the heart of Montrose.
Although rafting rivers is fun, it is also an activity that requires a high level of experience in order to safely maneuver a boat through any whitewater situation. Before you go, make sure your leader is properly versed and equipped for a variety of whitewater situations. Better yet, take advantage of utilizing local knowledge and certified trained professionals with a local rafting company offering guided trips.
Please ensure your vessel has been thoroughly cleaned/decontaminated before launching it in water. Unseen hitchhikers may be traveling on your vessel and have the potential to ruin our water sources.
Most popular rafting trips in the region:
Gunnison River Gorge
The ideal way to see the Gunnison Gorge is from the inside! A true wilderness experience, this 14-mile river section combines incredible wildlife and scenery with class III-IV whitewater through one of the most spectacular canyons in Colorado. The Gunnison Gorge Wilderness, located nine miles northeast of Montrose and just downstream from the Black Canyon National Park, offers a wild and pristine backcountry experience. The gorge is famous for its world-class fishing, geology, and wildlife, but sees moderate use because of its remote location and challenging access.
Uncompahgre River
The Uncompahgre River between the town of Ridgway and the Ridgway Reservoir (Class II to III+ rapids) is a great introductory rafting section with wonderful wildlife and scenery opportunities. The majestic San Juan Mountains provide the backdrop for the entire run. Float through prime wildlife habitat for an up-close look at songbirds, deer, and birds of prey. Narrow canyon sections of the Uncompahgre River provide a unique and remote experience for paddlers and a unique opportunity to get off the beaten path. A fantastic run on over 15 miles of remote access on the lower Uncompahgre River is also available, with excellent water flows maintained throughout the summer. Access on this mostly private section of river is extremely limited, with no defined take-out location.
Lower Gunnison River
Named for the Spanish Jesuits that first explored the area in 1777, the Dominguez and Escalante Canyons are rich in history, wildlife, and scenery. The class II Gunnison River gently carves its way through Dominguez canyon creating a wilderness feeling. Cottonwood stands along the river provide nesting habitat for herons and songbirds, while deer, desert bighorn sheep, and large game can be seen along the banks. Native American rock-art and spectacular desert flora and fauna can be found on numerous side-hikes, making for a rich experience on the edge of canyon country; great for both rafts and kayaks.
Floating the Gunnison River through Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area
San Miguel River
The San Miguel drops over 7000 feet from an alpine ecosystem to the desert. The San Miguel offers the whitewater boater a variety of runs within the class III-IV range. The river’s consistent gradient and continuous character provides the boater with an abundance of whitewater. Due to spring flooding, the river contains numerous strainers and downed wood, though most are easily spotted; use caution. The San Miguel should be easily navigated by the intermediate whitewater boater. However, the San Miguel’s class II-III rating can be deceptive. This river is continuous, shallow, and contains a fair amount of downed wood – the consequences can be more significant than the rating would suggest.
Don’t forget to contact your local rafting outfitter to receive the most up-to-date information on conditions, access, gear, and guided trips.
Most popular places to kayak in the region:
Silver Jack Reservoir
Located at the base of the Cimarron Mountains, this remote reservoir provides stunning mountain views and solitude. It takes a little over an hour to reach the reservoir on dirt roads from Montrose but this drive can be done in a 2 wheel drive vehicle. There is a primitive boat ramp located at the fishing access point on the southern portion of the reservoir. There are no rental options at the reservoir so rent a vessel in town or bring your own!
Ridgway Reservoir
Located 25 minutes south of Montrose, Ridgway Reservoir is a popular boating, fishing, and paddle boarding destination. Various companies offer paddleboard rentals in the summer from the shores of Ridgway Reservoir. The reservoir can be accessed at the Dutch Charlie or Dallas Creek entrances to Ridgway State Park. The Dutch Charlie entrance features a boat launch as well as various beaches you can launch from and Montrose Surf & Cycle offers paddleboard rentals here in the summer. Dallas Creek also has a beach to launch from or, for a bit more excitement, you can launch upstream and ride the river down into the reservoir. RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service rents paddleboards from the Dallas Creek portion of the state park in the summer. There is a recreation fee of $9.00 per vehicle for day use at all Ridgway State Park entrances.
Blue Mesa Reservoir
Blue Mesa Reservoir is located about one hour east of Montrose. Kayaks and canoes can be rented for use at Blue Mesa Reservoir’s Elk Creek and Lake Fork Marinas. This is the largest body of water on our list with seemingly endless places to launch around the reservoir. Maneuver and explore the main body of water or venture into several arms of the reservoir which reach into secluded canyons.
Related Links
- Gunnison Gorge Current Flows
- Gunnison Gorge Visitor Information and Map
- Gunnison Gorge Flows and Rapids Info
- Official Montrose Water Sports Park Page
- Black Canyon Kayaking Information
- Colorado River Outfitter’s Association
- Licensed Outfitters – Colorado Parks and Wildlife
- BLM Uncompahgre Field Office Website
The @blackcanyonnps Visitor Center may be closed, but you can still get your Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park passport cancellation stamp.
Visit the BLM Uncompahgre Field Office (UFO).
Address:
2465 S. Townsend Ave.
Montrose, CO 81401
Phone: 970-240-5300
Hours:
M-F: 9:00am – 12:00pm; 1:00pm – 4:00pm (Closed Federal Holidays)
#passportstamps #npspassport #npspassportstamp #montroseco #nps #southrimfire
@montroselifestyle @montrosedart

FUNCy Ducky Race is on — at FUNC Fest, Saturday, August 9!
Grab your ducks and get ready to race!
$3 per duck or 2 for $5
Buy yours at the Partners Mentoring Youth booth or pre-order by calling 970.249.1116 (Cash or Venmo accepted!)
Heats at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., & 2:30 p.m. with finals at 3 p.m.
Over $1000 in prizes up for grabs
No need to be present to win!
In partnership with @partners.west
#MontroseCO #visitmontrose
@city_of_montrose @montroselifestyle

We`re bringing back the FUNC-y River Parade for FUNC Fest’s 10th anniversary!
Bring your weird, your whimsical, your wonderfully wacky! Build a float (yes, anything that floats!) and cruise from the Montrose Water Sports Park put-in to the take-out in true FUNC fashion.
✨ Costumes? Yes.
🎵 Music? Absolutely.
🧜♂️ Props, themes & flair? Bring it on!
Whether you’re floating or cheering from the shore, this is one Montrose tradition you don’t want to miss.
Limited spots – register now: qrco.de/FUNCYPARADE
@city_of_montrose @montroselifestyle
#montroseco #funcfest

We’re offering a 25% discount on all Black Canyon National Park merch.
We know many community members and tourists coming through had plans to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. With the park’s Visitor Center closed this sale is our small way of keeping the Black Canyon experience alive for those passing through.
Sale Dates: July 24–August 29
Montrose Visitor Center 107 S Cascade Ave
#ShopMontrose #MontroseCO #BlackCanyon #SupportLocal #VisitorCenter

Groove on the Uncompahgre, Saturday, August 9!
Make your way to Riverbottom Park for an epic afternoon of live music, local talent, and summer vibes under the open sky—it’s all part of FUNC Fest’s 10th anniversary celebration!
@theriverarkansas kicks things off at 4:30 p.m.
The Brown Family Band keeps the rhythm rolling at 6:00 p.m.
@papabearwilliams closes out the night with a high-energy headlining set starting at 7:30 p.m.
But that’s not all—FUNC Fest is an all-day celebration of Fun on the Uncompahgre!
Cheer on water sports competitions
Enjoy family-friendly activities in the park
Catch the colorful and quirky FUNC-y River Parade at 2:00 p.m.
Bring your crew, lawn chairs and your best dance moves—it’s a full day of music, community, and summertime fun you won’t want to miss.
@visitmontrose @montroselifestyle
#MontroseCO #Funcfest

Calling all water sports enthusiasts! Get ready to ride the river.
Join us Friday, August 9 for a full day of adrenaline-pumping water sports competitions at FUNC Fest! From the kayak rodeo to boogie boarding battles, it’s all going down at Riverbottom Park.
- Races & events start at 10:30 a.m.
- Cash prizes + bragging rights
- $20 Registration Fee
- Youth Flow Fury is free for participants 17 and under. Youth must still register to compete.
Limited spots – register now: qrco.de/FUNCWaterSportsComp
@visitmontrose @montroselifestyle
#montroseco #funcfest

FUNC Fest Free Music is here!
Kick off FUNC Fest with a night of free live music under the summer sky! Join us Friday, August 8 at the Montrose Rotary Amphitheater for an evening packed with fun, music, and all the summer vibes.
@neonskyband hits the stage at 6:00 p.m. to get the party started.
@loabn15 takes over at 7:00 p.m., rocking the house with all your favorite hits!
Bring your crew, your lawn chairs, your dancing feet—and your best summer energy.
And the fun doesn’t stop there!
See you Saturday, August 9 at FUNC Fest for a full day of:
Water sports competitions
Family-friendly activities
More live music
And, of course, the return of the funky, fabulous FUNC-y River Parade!
Mark your calendars. We’ll see you at the river!
@visitmontrose @montroselifestyle
#MontroseCO #Funcfest

The countdown is on for FUNC Fest 2025 — and the full Schedule of Events is here, with something for everyone.
Mark your calendars:
Friday, Aug 8 – Food trucks, beer garden, and free live music at the Amphitheater from @neonskyband and headliner @livinonabadname
Saturday, Aug 9 – All-day festivities with water sports competitions, family fun activities, and a food and beer garden at Riverbottom. Stick around to enjoy free live music by @theriverarkansas, @Thebrownfamilyband, and headliner @thewilliamsbrothersband!
More details: visitmontrose.com/FUNC
@cityofmontrose @montroselifestyle
#FUNCFest2025 #MontroseCo #montroselifestyle

Stop by the Montrose Visitor Center for a Book Signing & Art Gallery with Natalie Heller!
Saturday, August 2 | 10 AM – 1 PM
📍 107 S. Cascade Ave
Enjoy a relaxing, beautiful art sampling and gallery, plus a chance to meet Natalie Heller during her book signing. Free refreshments will be served while you browse and connect.
Drop in, grab a treat, and soak up the creative energy downtown!
#visitmontrose #booksigning #localartistry @montroselifestyle

We’re looking for awesome volunteers to help make FUNC Fest 2025 unforgettable!
August 8 & 9
Join us for one day or both—and be part of the action that brings this community event to life.
Friday, August 8
Volunteers will help with:
• Parking logistics
• Passing out swag items
• Assisting attendees
• Other event support tasks
Saturday, August 9
Start your day with a FREE volunteer meal and then jump in to help with:
• Parking logistics
• Judging water sports competitions (no experience required)
• Course marshaling for water sports comps
• Helping vendors get to their spots
• Assisting attendees
• Water safety support
Ready to sign up? Contact Thomas Ceniceros, Pavilion & Community Events Coordinator
Tceniceros@cityofmontrose.org | 970.252.4881
Learn more: VisitMontrose.com/func
@montroselifestyle
#FUNCFest #montrosecolorado #montrosewatersportspark

Get Ready for the 10th Annual FUNC Fest!
🗓️ August 8 & 9, 2025 | 📍 Montrose Rotary Amphitheater + Water Sports Park
We’re making waves again for FUNC Fest 2025 — a two-day celebration packed with water sports, live music, local vendors, food trucks, a beer garden, and family-friendly fun!
Friday, Aug. 8: Free live music at the @MontroseRotaryAmphitheater
Saturday, Aug. 9: All-day action at the Montrose Water Sports Park — competitions, food, music & more!
📢 Calling all Vendors!
Want to be part of one of the biggest attractions of this one-of-a-kind western water celebration? Secure your spot by Monday, Aug. 4 before we fill up!
Apply now: qrco.de/FUNCvendorreg
Let’s make FUNC Fest’s 10th anniversary one to remember!
@visitmontrose @montroselifestyle

Summer Sale at the Montrose Visitor Center!
June 23–28 | 107 S Cascade Ave
Get ready for all your summer adventures with up to 20% off apparel during our big summer sale!
Whether you’re hitting the trails, heading to the lake, or road-tripping across Colorado, now’s the perfect time to rep Montrose in style. Stock up on locally inspired gear, gifts, and souvenirs while supporting the makers and spirit of our vibrant community.
#MontroseCO #SupportLocal #visitmontrose
