Pumphouse Recreation Area

The Pumphouse Recreation Area is adjacent to the Colorado River between Gore Canyon and Hartman Canyon. The scenery within the area is a major component to the adjacent Colorado Headwaters National Scenic and Historic Byway and are important features that make this stretch of river Wild and Scenic Eligible.

Recreation: Pumphouse Recreation Area is the most heavily used access point for the Upper Colorado River between Kremmling and State Bridge. Those floating downriver access calm flat water to Class III whitewater rapids. The Gore Canyon Whitewater Playpark is located just above Boat Ramp #2 and provides a manmade wave that is popular for kayakers, stand up paddle boarders and other small watercraft. It is also an exciting splash feature for watercraft coming downriver from Boat Ramp #1. Hiking opportunities accessed from the Pumphouse Recreation Area provide ample access for wade fishing and exploring along the Colorado River. The Gore Canyon Trail is open to foot travel only providing access upriver for 1.5 miles. Keep an eye out for the historic retaining walls holding the trail in place that early surveyors of Gore Canyon and homesteaders developed to access this area of the river for finding a railroad route and efforts to divert water for irrigation. The Gore Canyon Ranch Trail is open to foot travel only and provides access downriver for 1.25 miles connecting to the Gore Canyon Ranch Trailhead and Parking Area. This undeveloped area was the site of a homestead ranch and acquired by the BLM to improve and expand public recreation and access, provide educational opportunities on the area’s history, wildlife and responsible recreation opportunities and restore habitat for wildlife. The historic Argentine Trail is open to foot travel only and is accessed from the Gore Canyon Ranch Trail. This trail is not for the lighthearted as it has steep drop offs as much of the trails was blasted into the cliffs of Hartman Canyon allowing access for surveyors and mule trains. Those floating down stream can see this trail high up the canyon wall on river left.

Nearby: The town of Kremmling, CO is approximately 15 miles east of Pumphouse Recreation Area where visitors can get supplies. Rancho Del Rio – a private resort along the Colorado river, has a small store with supplies and is a river access point for those recreating on the river. Rancho Del Rio is located approximately 10 miles west along Trough Road. Trough Road, which accesses the BLM Recreation Areas and Rancho Del Rio (private river access – fee site) is the Colorado Headwaters National Scenic and Historic Byway. Originating just east of Grand Lake on Highway 34, the byway ends at State Bridge.