Cruise with Colorado Whitewater (CW)
Please register for the cruise if you would like to attend. For all cruises, please have some experience running the class of whitewater that is listed with each cruise. If you have any questions about the skill level required for the cruise you wish to attend, please contact the cruise leader (Joe Brooks) for that cruise, or send an email to cruises@coloradowhitewater.org.
See full list of cruises and wavier information here.
Cruise leader is Joe Brooks. As events get closer and volunteers step up, they will reach out to those who have registered and confirm details of the activity.
A CW cruise is a fun river meet up for members to meet other paddlers and have a good time on the river.
There is no instruction available during the cruise. Be confident your skills are appropriate for this section of river.
You must have appropriate gear for cold water.
Please plan to help with boat shuttle. This is almost always a challenge.
As the event gets closer and the leader has confirmed your skill level and confirmed appropriate water flows, the cruise leader will share specific details of meeting location.
All participants must be CW members and sign a waiver.
Please register for the cruise if you would like to attend. For all cruises, please have some experience running the class of whitewater that is listed with each cruise. If you have any questions about the skill level required for the cruise you wish to attend, please contact the cruise leader for that cruise, or send an email to cruises@coloradowhitewater.org.
See full list of cruises and waiver information here.
Cruise leader is Nik White. As events get closer, he will reach out to those who have registered and confirm details of the activity.
As the event gets closer and the leader has confirmed your skill level and confirmed appropriate water flows, the cruise leader will share specific details of meeting location and time.
Please register for the cruise if you would like to attend. For all cruises, please have some experience running the class of whitewater that is listed with each cruise. If you have any questions about the skill level required for the cruise you wish to attend, please contact the cruise leader (Erik Stendebach), or send an email to cruises@coloradowhitewater.org.
As events get closer, we will reach out to those who have shown interest and confirm details of the activity.
This is a See Jane Paddle Cruise
Please register for the cruise if you would like to attend. For all cruises, please have some experience running the class of whitewater that is listed with each cruise. If you have any questions about the skill level required for the cruise you wish to attend, please contact the cruise leader (Lorraine Bruteig), or send an email to cruises@coloradowhitewater.org.
Arkansas River Weekend - July 10 - 12, 2026!
Get ready for Arkansas River Weekend 2026! We're planning to have cruises on Saturday and Sunday for most skill levels, ranging from easy runs like Big Bend to Salida to the more challenging runs like the Numbers. (Let us know if you're willing to lead or sweep a cruise!) Camping will be at Paul's Lot in downtown Buena Vista at the River Park. If you're willing to help with leading or sweeping a cruise, registration or other needs during the event email Dan Beyers at dbeyers59@gmail.com.
We will be meeting at 9:00 Saturday and Sunday mornings to divide into cruise groups. Each group will then sort out their shuttles. Day attendees should arrive at the site by 8:30 to check in and sign up for cruises. Don't be the hold up! You don't have to be in your pfd yet but be prepared to leave to go boating shortly after the meeting.
Important: Please register each individual separately, including all family (including minors) or group members. This helps us accurately track attendance and coordinate our volunteers effectively.
As a reminder, river weekends are not instructional events and are not suitable for those who have not had instruction or experience in whitewater kayaking or rafting. For those of you who are interested in instruction, our friends at Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center (RMOC) offer classes. Sign up directly with RMOC.
CAMPING / REGISTRATIONS: We'll have group camping in Paul's Lot (Google maps- Paul's Lot) at the River Park in Buena Vista this year. We'll be in a great location near the river & town, which is similar to where we were in 2019. Participants should register as either planning on the group camping area or staying elsewhere as a day participant so that we can monitor how many people will be camping. We are limited to 100 people in total including campers and day participants. The Town of Buena Vista is charging us for the site under a Special Event & Camping Permit and we will bring in toilet and trash facilities. Although the club is still subsidizing, the event camping will cost $30/person for the weekend. Note this is per person, not per site, and applies to everyone present including children and significant others.
Upon arrival you'll need to check in as usual so your registration, membership and release can be confirmed. You'll receive a wristband, which will be different colors depending on whether or not you're camping. There will be opportunities to sign up for cruises in the evening as well as in the morning before the meeting. CW will be providing porta pots, hand wash stations, and a dumpster for trash but beyond these you must plan on being self supported and bring whatever water you need. Do not arrive at the camping area before 3:00 Friday afternoon. We have the site Friday, Saturday & Sunday.
The entrance to Paul's Lot is at the end of Main Street in the River Park. Look for a CW banner on the right once the road turns to dirt.
REALLY SERIOUS SUBJECTS:
SOME MORE GUIDELINES:
Questions? Email Dan at dbeyers59@gmail.com and include "CW Arkansas River Weekend" in the subject line.
Note: Registration for Arkansas River Weekend is non-refundable.
Please register for the cruise if you would like to attend. For all cruises, please have some experience running the class of whitewater that is listed with each cruise. If you have any questions about the skill level required for the cruise you wish to attend, please contact the cruise leader (Steven South), or send an email to cruises@coloradowhitewater.org.
As events get closer, we will reach out to those who have signed up and confirm details of the activity.
Please register for the cruise if you would like to attend. For all cruises, please have some experience running the class of whitewater that is listed with each cruise. If you have any questions about the skill level required for the cruise you wish to attend, please contact the cruise leader (Jen Kling), or send an email to cruises@coloradowhitewater.org.
See Jane Paddle Camping Weekend July 31 - August 2, 2026!
It's the 3rd Annual SJP Camping Weekend on the Arkansas, Whoo hoo!! Let's get on the river, gather around a campfire, and celebrate the river goddesses we are.
Canyon River Instruction (CRI) will be hosting our camping. Tents and sleeping vehicles are welcome. Unsure if we have space for any trailers so if this is of interest, please reach out to Sandi after you register. Porta Potties and drinking water are available.
Our camp hosts also highly recommend carpooling if possible.
All boating crafts are welcome.
CW Disclaimer: River weekends are not instructional events and are not suitable for those who have not had instruction or experience in whitewater kayaking or rafting.
CAMPING / REGISTRATION TYPES: Free Camping and registration for all SJP ladies. All must register and sign our annual waiver. Day Participants are not staying overnight. Car Campers are those who sleep in their vehicles. Tent campers are those who will be pitching a tent.
WHO CAN COME: This event is specifically for those who identify as women. Please no husbands, male partners/friends or children, as much as we appreciate their support of our whitewater journey.
SOME GUIDELINES:
CRUISES: TBD but will include a spectrum of difficulty. We will meet in the morning to decide how to split up based on the number of women in attendance. We'll meet at 9:00am on Saturday and Sunday mornings to finalize cruises.
SATURDAY DINNER: We're hoping to share a meal with the awesome female river guides of Canyon River Instruction. This outfitter is known for having a mostly female guide staff, many who also work with Worldwide Women of Whitewater and have some amazing stories to share. Let's break some bread with our whitewater community. (Have a great large group meal idea? Email Sandi with ideas.)
CRI HYBRID SWR AND ROWING TUNE UP COURSE (4 days): If you're feeling particularly ambitious and want a few extra days on the water, CRI happens to be running a Hybrid Swiftwater Rescue and Rowing course while we're there. This is a coed course and is not through CW but is available and you get to hang out with all of us at camp afterward so it could be the best of both worlds. Check out this link for more info: https://www.canyonriverinstruction.com/book-now/swr2d-be9f2
That's all. You should sign up now. : )
Questions? Email Sandi
Cruise leader is Eric Gillaspy. As events get closer, he will reach out to those who have registered and confirm details of the activity.
It's time for BaileyFest 2026!
Since it's Labor Day weekend, we have the land for the festival and camping for THREE nights! Friday/Saturday/Sunday nights, 9/4-9/7. Please register asap. We are under a strict participant number cap and fully expect the event to sell out this year. $45 gets you 3 nights of camping including toilets, shuttle on Sat and live music + DJ on Saturday night.
This is a land-based event. All paddling will be outside of the event & at your own risk.
There will be a food truck on site Saturday for the purchase of tasty treats. Breakfast burritos in the morning and a full menu for lunch and dinner throughout the day. We do have a vendor minimum of 65 orders, so please plan to enjoy this treat of convenience!
Venue coordinates: Coordinates: 39.385509, -105.438501
NO dogs. We love them, but not the place. Strictly enforced.
Leave no trace - Pack out your trash.
RESPECT THE NEIGHBORS - DO NOT TRESPASS - QUIET HOURS after 11PM
EVENT SCHEDULE:
Friday afternoon:
Event check-in: 4pm - 9pm
Show up without dogs. The festival area will be on river left again this year. Look for the Colorado Whitewater banner at the entrance. Check-in is required at the tent for everyone. The registration time is strict. If you need to arrive outside of this window, please contact (Nate).
Saturday:
Event check-in: 7am - 10am
Food Truck: ALL DAY! Nani's Bowls will be offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Get your day started right with a breakfast burrito, a meal between laps or dinner during the festivities!
Duck Racing: 5:15pm 4Corners Riversports has chipped in for prizes for this event! The ducks will race downriver to entertain and win swag! Can your inanimate object beat another inanimate object?!?! Who knows! But surely if you yell more, it will float FASTER! Winners will get sweet, sweet 4CRS swag while the losers will grumble at their stupid slow ducks.
BaileyFest Volunteer of the Year Award - 5:45 Sponsored by (TBD).
LIVE MUSIC: 6pm.
Sunday: Coffee and demos provided by Colorado Kayak Supply.
Monday: Boat and clean up after yourselves and get packed out by 1pm. Hope you enjoyed yourself and come back next year!
Prices: $45 in advance. Space is limited, so please register asap. This event will sell out in advance. Kids under 12 are free, but MUST be registered as a "child guest" for the event. If you bring a dog, you will be asked to leave with no refunds. Bringing a dog or other pet could result in this event never happening again. Your conscience cannot handle that. If you have a service animal, we comply with ADA rules. Please share in advance so there are no misunderstandings. No refunds, unless the event is canceled.
Specials:
TBD
Sponsors
Notes:
1) BaileyFest participation is capped to ensure that there will be fewer than 150 people (participant + volunteers) as required by Park County.
2) BaileyFest is an event that only occurs on the Berger residence. DO NOT trespass on anyone else's property. Being respectful of the neighbors is imperative to our ability to continue hosting this event.
3: If you are one of Bart's neighbors and have concerns or complaints during the event, please contact Nate Halpin (719-581-0861) and let's work though addressing and resolving your concerns to the best of our ability.
Requests for volunteers:
1 or 2 folks to bring/set up: CW Tent, banners, "Paddle at your own risk" signage, wristbands, other supplies from storage locker in Golden and to arrive by 3:30 on Friday
2 folks for Event Registration Friday from 4-6:30
2 folks for Event Registration Friday from 6:30-9
2 folks for Event Registration Saturday from 7-10
2-4 folks to help cleanup late Monday morning
Contact Nate to volunteer and you might even find yourself with free registration.
Colorado River Weekend - September 18 - 21, 2026!
Join us for the last river weekend of 2026 on the Colorado River!
We have reserved the two group sites at Pumphouse and looking forward to a fun weekend for all! Come on Friday, stay until Monday. Must pay the BLM for day use at the kiosk upon entry.
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leash and picked up after!
Participants will be required to pay a $10 parking fee on-site per vehicle per night to the Pumphouse Recreation Area. This will give you access to park at the campground overnight and park at the boat launches / take-out both days. BRING CASH!
Potential for runs on the Upper Colorado below Pumphouse and Lower Blue depending on flows.
Planning to bring back the Saturday night pot luck dinner to show our community spirit. Interested in a dutch oven cooking. We are considering a dutch oven competition for the pot luck....
More details to follow, but please register to confirm your spot!
Any questions, please email Chris Zeller and include CO Weekend in the subject.
Note: This event registration is non-refundable.
Colorado Whitewater is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 1312 17th St #76767, Denver, CO 80202
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