Floating Update
Labor Day Weekend 2023
Monday
Happy Labor Day Everyone!
Ok Folks, the flow through Deckers is at 299.25cfs. With that being said, the floating is pretty good. Water clarity is a little off, with Horse Creek and the sediment that’s flowing out of the canyon that’s pumping into the South Platte. This is all happening after the crazy storms we had last month. Please read the safety information below, as this should be your number one priority. It’s been a pretty busy weekend so far, with it looking that way again today. Keep in mind we are expecting afternoon thunderstorms. These got pretty active last night, with some pretty intense lightning. So, make sure you are prepared to get off the river and seek shelter if you find yourself caught in bad weather. Also, please keep in mind the rules around parking, camping, and day-use areas as you enjoy your time on the South Platte. BRING CASH! You cannot use your debit/credit card to pay for day-use fees. Please be aware that you will have to pay for each vehicle that enters the day-use area parking lots. What this specifically means is that ALL vehicles that are utilizing the parking lot must pay the $10 day-use fee. There is NO FREE TEMPORARY PARKING at the day-use areas along the river. Season passes for access to the day-use areas are only $100. Thanks for continuing to support the website and our National Forests.
Chris
Tubing/Paddle Boarding/Kayaking
DECKERS OVERVIEW
Tubing & Paddle Boarding Deckers
1. Always wear a life vest. It’s hard to judge how swiftly moving water is flowing, which is why authorities always recommend you – and specially your children – always wear a live vest.
2. Avoid high-level streams. Do not go into streams when they are running high or near bankfull. Those streams can be very dangerous.
3. Be weather-alert. Stay up-to-date with current weather conditions as well as stream conditions for the area where you’ll be tubing.
4. Know how to swim. You really should know how to swim in case you flip over. A life vest should not be your only option of stay afloat.
5. Wear a helmet. Our rivers are rocky and head injuries are common while tubing. Even a bike helmet will work.
6. Do not wear flip-flops. Don’t go into the river with loose-fitting shoes. Wear something with traction like aqua shoes or sneakers.
7. Leave valuables at home. If you have a medical condition, however, wear a medical
Access to Access
Deckers to Bridge Crossing Picnic Ground (Platte River Campground): 4 miles
Bridge Crossing Picnic Ground (Platte River Campground) to Scraggy View Picnic Ground: 4.2 miles
Scraggy View Picnic Ground to Willow Bend Picnic Ground: 1.8 miles
Willow Bend Picnic Ground to Confluence with North Fork: 6 miles
Total Mileage: 16 miles
Day Use Area Information
Along the S.Platte River there are many areas to park and launch your craft! However, there are a few things you should be aware of, as the volume of people visiting the area has grown tremendously over the last few seasons. As an employee of ExplorUS myself, I would to explain a few things about the fee based day-use areas and the public parking areas. If you are planning to access one of the fee based areas, which are Bridge Crossing, Platte River Campground/Day use, Ouzel Campground/Day use, Scraggy View, Willow Bend, or Osprey Campground/Day use areas, be prepared to pay the $10 fee. Remember to bring cash or a check. ExplorUS does not accept credit or debit cards at this time. Each vehicle entering the parking lot will be expected to pay the $10 fee, as space in this parking lot is limited. This includes using the restrooms, stopping to inflate your floatation device, use of picnic tables and grilling areas, or simply accessing the river through the parking areas. If you are planning to bring multiple vehicles to any of these fee based parking areas and get out of the vehicle for any period of time, you will be expected to pay the $10 fee. Allowing multiple vehicles to stop and occupy parking space without paying the $10 fee, is preventing those that are willing to pay the fee, the opportunity to do so. Refusal to pay the parking fee can result in a fine in excess of $100. The only pass accepted for free entry into the day-use areas is the seasonal pass that is sold by Explorus. The other pass that gets you 1/2 off the daily $10 fee, is the America the Beautiful Lifetime Senior, Veteran, or Disabled Pass. Explorus does not honor the ANNUAL America the Beautiful Pass. Also, please keep in mind that the day-use areas and campgrounds along the river are Federal properties. This means that the State Parks Pass that you may have purchased through your car registration process does not apply. Please read the sign boards carefully, as they explain the passes that are accepted and those that are not. Along the South Platte River, from Deckers Corner to Nighthawk(Pine Creek Rd) there are 16 free public parking areas and 2 public restrooms.
Kayking Deckers-Deckers to Confluence, South Platte River (Class II–III)
Located below Cheesman Reservoir, this scenic stretch traverses the South Platte’s rolling granite terrain from the town of Deckers to the confluence with the North Fork. Easy access and several fun rapids at moderate water levels make this a great beginner to intermediate run.
Put-in: Deckers
Take-out: The confluence of the North and South forks (near South Platte)
