This famous river begins as a small stream high in the
San Juan Mountain Range, at the Rio Grande Reservoir, about 27 miles west of Creede. It then flows east following Highway 149 to Del Norte. In Del Norte the river forks and flows towards New Mexico.
For boaters the Colorado stretch of the Rio Grande provides an easy float. For 30 miles, it winds through sage brush, pion and juniper along rock formations. This segment of the Rio Grande is serene and relaxing. However, several miles below the New Mexico state line the river becomes full of rapids and quite technical. Only rafters and experienced kayakers should float beyond this area.
