Shoshone

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Run Length

2 miles

Average Gradient

39 fpm

Difficulty

Class III

Recommended Flow

River

Colorado River

Location

Glenwood Springs, Colorado, United States

Author

Current Flow & Weather

1430 cfs

N/A

Drainage

Colorado

Elevation

5930ft to 5845ft

The most frequently paddled 10 mile stretch of the Colorado River nestled in the heart of Glenwood Canyon. Paralleled by Interstate 70 near Glenwood Springs in north-central Colorado.

Six challenging Class III-IV rapids—including the Superstitions, The Wall, Tombstone and Maneater become a dynamic preface to the much-easier waters of the Grizzly Creek section that follows. During springtime high waters, outfitters have a sixteen-year age limit on the Shoshone section.

Shoshone's main appeal is in its consistent flows. At the putin, the oldest hydropower station in Colorado keeps right on churning, year round. Before other runs happen, and after they've dried up, Shoshone is going at a good low-water play level.

Difficulty
- III < 4000 cfs
- IV > 4000 cfs

All Day Wave

Paddler:Mark Cohen Photographer:Cindy Kuznik

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	Put-In The Shoshone Power Plant is located on Exit 123 off east bound I-70 which is approximately 5 miles east of Glenwood Springs.
	Baptism Class II+ As with all the rapids on this stretch, watch out for the rocks.
	Tuttles Tumble Class III- A good ledge hole next to a big rock. This turns into a big ledge hole at big water.
	Pinball/Marty's Diner Class II+ Another fairly easy boulder garden.
	The Wall Class III+ A fairly long rapid on a zig zag. A couple of fairly good sized holes to avoid, and some rocks to watch out for. Named because of the obvious railroad retaining wall on river left.
	All Day Play/Bonehead Class II+ A really good play wave right in the middle of the rapids. Runs at most levels, and is almost as fun to go plowing into as it is to surf.
	The Tombstone Shuffle Class III+ A fun move through some big rocks. At lower to medium levels then its a simple move between a river center slab (the Tombstone rock) and two convienently placed holes just downstream on right or left. Fun!
	Maneater/Superstition Class III+ The big daddy of the run. A big and fairly powerful rapid. A few good sized holes on the left to watch out for, and some crazy laterals that like to throw you around like to cross the whole channel can be found. At high water this becomes a crashing and powerful rapid.
	Shoshone Map Class I
	Shoshone Video @ 1850 CFS 9/28/2008 Class III RMH Video of Shoshone 9/28/2008 from islandertek on Vimeo.
	Take-Out Grizzly Creek Rest Area, Exit 121 off I-70.

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Trip Report

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	Uncharacteristically high, proceed with caution.
	Powerful, pushy and unforgiving.
	Ideal flow conditions.
	Boney with potential for boat abuse.
	Not enough water to float a boat.
	Please let us know.
	No gauge, visual required.