Arkansas, Colorado, US

03. The Numbers (Numbers Launch to Railroad Bridge Launch)

Justin Gilbert at Number 5

Justin Gilbert at Number 5
Photo by Sammer Elias taken 05/22/08 @ 800 cfs

Gauge Information

River Description

The Numbers is widely considered just about the best Class IV run in the state of Colorado. At low levels the river channelizes and is fun IV- down to about 300cfs for playboaters. At about 1000cfs the rapids graduate to IV proper, and over 2200cfs they take on a IV+ character. There are 6 major Class IV rapids creatively named number 1 through 6, although most takeout shortly after #5. Rapid #1 is the most technical, but 4 and 5 generally have the most carnage. Above 3000cfs the run takes on a big water character, massive holes abound. At this level a powerfull 8 foot surfing wave forms at the base of rapid 1 and 1/2. There is a lot of private property around the rapids so scouting is most likely illegal, do what you have to do to be safe. As noted above most people take out just after #5 where there are an abundance of unofficial takeouts. If the water level is medium to high I would reccomend that you make the most of a short run and takeout below #6 at the railrod trestle.

See Colorado Rivers and Creeks II, by Banks and Eckardt (The Bible), for info on this and most of the other kewl runs of Colorado.

Lat/longitude coords are approximate, from TopoZone.

See also Pinecreek (Class IV/V),
The Numbers (Class IV),
Fractions/ Frogrock/ Milkrun (Class III),
Buena Vista (Class III),
Browns Canyon (Class III),
Salida (Class III),
Rincon (Class III),
Pinnacle Rock (Class III),
Royal Gorge (Class III/IV).