Yampa River State Park
State Park in Hayden, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Visitor Center/Office: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Closed Sat.-Sun.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
6185 W. US Hwy. 40
Hayden, CO 81639
United States
Yampa River State Park
State Park in Hayden, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Visitor Center/Office: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Closed Sat.-Sun.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
6185 W. US Hwy. 40
Hayden, CO 81639
United States
Average Streamflows
Knowing the Yampa River streamflows and proper river safety techniques is an important part of having a rewarding and safe experience on the Yampa River. Depending on river flows, park staff may discourage inexperienced floaters from floating the river, and developed ramps may be closed for safety and legal reasons. River streamflows are measured in cubic feet per second (CFS).
Check the current and seasonal Yampa River streamflows on the USGS website as you plan your trip.
Average Streamflows Data
River |
Month |
Average Stream Flow |
Check Stream Flow |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Yampa |
March |
500 to 1,000 cubic feet per second |
Check the current streamflows |
|
Yampa |
April |
500 to 1,000 cubic feet per second |
Check the current streamflows |
|
Yampa |
May |
5000 to 13,000 cubic feet per second |
Check the current streamflows |
|
Yampa |
June |
5000 to 13,000 cubic feet per second |
Check the current streamflows |
|
Yampa |
Late June |
500 cubic feet per second |
Check the current streamflows |
|
Yampa |
August |
500 cubic feet per second |
Check the current streamflows |
|
Yampa |
September |
750 cubic feet per second |
Check the current streamflows |
River Sections
Yampa River State Park is divided into 13 river sections. Each section offers its visitors different experiences, activities and amenities. It is the responsibility of the river user to know where he/she is and what type of land ownership he/she is passing through. Often during a boating season, the river becomes impassible due to low water. The sections that remain floatable take many hours to navigate. Please plan accordingly for your trips.
All sites require a State Parks daily or annual vehicle pass unless otherwise indicated. In addition, a camping permit is required at specific sites. Daily passes and camping permits are available at self-service dispensers at each site. All passes are also available at the park headquarters near Hayden. For directions and hours, see About This Park > Accessing the Park.
Sections Broken Out by River Areas
Sites 1–3
Hayden Pump Station, Yampa River State Park Headquarters and State Wildlife Area
Visitors can enjoy 20 miles of Yampa River State Park accessing river sites 1 to 3. Hayden Pump Station is located approximately five miles east of Hayden off US Highway 40 on the north side of the highway. Located 13 miles from Hayden Pump Station, the headquarters site has boating access, campsites, a camper services building with showers/laundry, a Visitor Center and a nature trail. Located 7 miles from the headquarters site is the state wildlife area, where visitors with a valid hunting or fishing license can hunt or fish.
Sites 4–6
Yampa Valley Golf Course, Loudy Simpson Park, South Beach
Visitors can enjoy about 10 miles of Yampa River State Park accessing river sites 4 to 6. The first access point is Yampa Valley Golf Course, which has an undeveloped boat ramp. 3.5 miles from Yampa Valley is Moffat County's Loudy Simpson Park, which has a launch/parking area on the river. 5.5. miles from the Moffat County site is South Beach, which has a boat ramp and vault toilets.
Sites 7–9
Duffy Mountain, Juniper Canyon, Maybell Bridge
Visitors can enjoy 25 miles of Yampa State Park from Duffy Mountain to Maybell Bridge. Duffy Mountain is located 32 miles downstream from South Beach and about 30 miles southwest of Craig. Improvements at the site include a vault toilet, boat ramp, parking and picnic sites. Located 12 miles down river from Duffy Mountain Access Site is Juniper Canyon. The improved site has a vault toilet, picnic sites, parking and boat ramp. Located 13 miles from Juniper Canyon, Maybell Bridge has a vault toilet, parking, picnic sites and boat ramp.
Sites 10–13
Sunbeam, East Cross Mountain, West Cross Mountain, Deerlodge Creek
Visitors can enjoy 25 miles of Yampa River State Park from Sunbeam to Deerlodge Park. Sunbeam is located approximately seven miles northwest of Maybell. There are no improvements or change facilities. Located 12 miles from Sunbeam, East Cross Mountain has a vault toilet, parking, picnic sites and boat ramp. Located four miles from East Cross Mountain is West Cross Mountain. Located nine miles from West Cross Mountain is Deer Lodge Park.
Colorado Water is Cold Water
Colorado waters are classified as "cold water" (anything under 70 degrees) for most of the year. Swimming in cold water risks cold water shock, which can lead to drowning even for strong, experienced swimmers. An unexpected fall into cold water can cause an involuntary gasp reflex (which can cause you to breathe in water). Cold water shock can also cause rapid heart rate and hyperventilation (excessive breathing). If you experience cold water shock, quickly regain control of your breathing and get into the HELP position (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) by crossing your arms across your chest and pulling your knees up to your chest, as if hugging yourself, to retain body heat.
Deadly Combos
Alcohol and Water
Alcohol use is the leading factor in recreational boating deaths. The intense sunlight and heat you experience when boating can amplify the effects of beer, wine and hard liquor. Your balance, vision, alertness, reaction time and coordination can change more intensely than you’re used to. One drink on the water is equivalent to three drinks on land.
Alcohol can also increase the dangers of cold water immersion.
Wind and Water
Weather can change very quickly in Colorado. Most summer storms arise in the afternoon, and they can come in fast and furiously, generally from the west.
Be mindful of the clouds and wind. Don't wait until the weather is on top of you before seeking safety. Wind is the main cause of paddlers falling in the water. Once in the water, the wind can blow your craft away from you, and if the waves become intense, it becomes difficult to swim.
Remember that after you get out of the water, wind chill can cause you to lose heat very quickly.
Life Jackets and Water
The majority of water-related fatalities happen when people are swimming in cold water or paddleboarding or kayaking while not wearing a life jacket. Colorado law requires that all water vessels have appropriately sized life jackets readily accessible for every person on board. Children under 12 must wear a life jacket at all times while on board any paddleboard, boat or kayak.
Weight and Water
Don't go over the maximum capacity or weight on boats, kayaks or stand up paddleboards. They can capsize or sink. Remember that coolers can change the total weight and weight distribution on your vessel.
Water Levels
Heavy rain and high wind can raise water levels quickly and without notice. Late May and early June are typically when the amount of melted snow that flows down the mountains and into rivers and streams is highest, causing water levels to rise for a few weeks.
Even without heavy rain, rivers and streams can have "drop offs," spots with sudden changes in depth, which can catch swimmers off guard.
Strong Currents
Prepare carefully, especially during high flows. Know the conditions, bring friends and have the right equipment. If using a paddleboard, remember that not all boards are made for strong currents. Unlike flatwater paddleboards, river paddleboards have a curved-up design for riding currents and rapids. To prevent drowning, river boards have built-in safety leashes that “break away” if the board or the swimmer get stuck on an object. Flatwater boards do have leashes, but they do not break away.
River Hazards
Know and be aware of river “hazards” – both natural and man-made: holes, wrap rocks, undercuts, rock sieves, horizon lines across the river, low head dams as well as significant rapids and “strainers” (trees in the river).
River Outfitters
River rafting is an exciting outdoor adventure for people of all experience levels. Find out how to book a guide or become a guide.
Visitors Seeking a River Guide
Many people use a river outfitter to enjoy a scenic float or exhilarating whitewater rafting adventure. Look up a river rafting or fishing outfitter, photographer or shuttle service in the Outfitter List.
River Outfitter List River Outfitters Wanting to Guide
All river outfitters operating in Colorado are required to first obtain a river outfitter license from Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Visit the River Outfitter Licensing Page to learn more.
River Outfitter LicensingRiver Etiquette
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Avoid Private Land
The river passes through areas of private property. Don’t trespass! Please respect the river’s neighbors. Pay attention to the private/ public signing system implemented for the river users’ benefit to indicate where private properties are located. Bring a map.
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Trash? Bring it out with you.
Did someone else leave it? Why not bring it out too?
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Pack Out Your Waste
Visitors on overnight float trips are encouraged to carry all waste out of the river corridor.
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Firepan Required
Use a firepan to confine ashes and charcoal and keep the ground clean. Use only fallen deadwood or driftwood for campfires. A firepan is required.
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Wash Dishes Away from Camp
Strain wash water and pack out strainer garbage. Always use biodegradable soap.
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Keep Noise Down
Please keep noise to a respectable level for wildlife, nearby homeowners and others enjoying the river.
Aquatic Nuisance Species in the Yampa River
Vessels and other floating devices that are both hand-launched and human-powered are exempt from mandatory ANS inspections.
Those accessing the river are strongly encouraged to self-inspect their watercrafts, boots, waders, and fishing equipment by making sure that all equipment is clean, drained, and dry. For instructions, see Clean Your Gear.
Learn more about aquatic nuisance species.
Inspection Locations
For those needing a boat inspection between mid-May to September 30, the best location is the Elkhead Reservoir boat ramp located in the southwest area of Elkhead State Park, west of the Elkhead dam.
Outside of these months, boat inspections can be completed at the Yampa River Headquarters Visitor Center. We ask that visitors call ahead, 970-276-2061, to ensure we have staff available that are certified to complete the inspection.
Rusty Crayfish
Rusty crayfish are present in Yampa River. Visitors can help stop the spread of rusty crayfish by cleaning their river equipment.
They are not native to Colorado and are a larger, more aggressive freshwater crayfish than our native crayfish. Their aggressiveness and high metabolic rates allow them to destroy aquatic plants, causing decreased plant abundance and diversity. Native crayfish are susceptible to bacteria and viruses which could be introduced by the rusty crayfish.
Clean Your Gear: Fishing
Help Protect Colorado Waters
Clean Your Gear
Cleaning your gear before and after use helps protect our water from aquatic nuisance species. Check out these videos to learn how to clean your fishing gear.
Oh, SHELL NO
Be a Pain in the ANS
Recreation in Colorado’s water could be impacted by the spread of invasive species in the water. Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) are invasive species that damage bodies of water. This can have huge impacts on many of the industries and products we all know and love: wine, corn, beer, peaches, drinking water, outdoor recreation and many more. If you’re recreating in the water, you can be a Pain in the ANS — and stop the spread of invasive species.
