Short answer: No.
At a Glance: As of July 13, 2026, the Colorado River at Glenwood Springs is flowing at approximately 1,790 cubic feet per second (cfs) and holding steady. That puts it squarely in the ideal Class III range for the famous Shoshone Rapids.
Commercial rafting trips are running daily, the whitewater is still lively, and thanks to the upstream Shoshone Hydroelectric Power Plant, this stretch maintains dependable rafting flows even during dry years.
“Below average” does not mean “too low to raft.” It means you’re looking at one of the best times of the year to experience the river.
Last Updated: July 13, 2026
Flow Data Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Water Information System — Colorado River below Glenwood Springs (Station 09085100)
Quick Facts (July 13, 2026)
- Current Flow: Approximately 1,790 cfs (USGS Real-Time Gauge)
- Current River Stage: Approximately 4.08 feet
- 7-Day Flow Range: Approximately 1,710–2,140 cfs
- Ideal Shoshone Class III Flow: Approximately 1,200–3,000 cfs
- Current Status: Commercial rafting trips are operating daily through summer into September
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Why Everyone Thinks the River Is “Low”—And Why That’s the Wrong Question
If you’ve searched for Colorado River water levels this summer, you’ve probably seen headlines about drought and below-average runoff.
That’s true.
The river is running below the historical July average. In fact, the historical median flow for July 13 is approximately 4,310 cfs, making 2026 a lighter-water year.
However, here’s what those headlines usually leave out:
For rafting the Shoshone section of Glenwood Canyon, lower summer flows are actually considered the best conditions.
The real question isn’t:
“Is the river lower than average?”
The better question is:
“Is the river in the ideal Class III rafting range?”
At approximately 1,790 cfs, the answer is an emphatic yes.
Peak Runoff (Mid-May to Mid-June)
- Typically 8,000+ cfs
- Big, powerful water
- More challenging conditions
- Commercial rafting may be suspended above 6,000 cfs by the U.S. Forest Service
Mid-Summer (Approximately 1,200–3,000 cfs)
- Technical Class III rapids
- Fun wave trains
- Boulder dodging
- Great for beginners
- Excellent for families
- One of the most popular rafting periods of the season
Simply put:
The water level that appears “low” on drought maps is often the exact level that creates the most enjoyable rafting experience on the Colorado River.
The Secret Weapon: The Shoshone Hydroelectric Power Plant
One reason Glenwood Canyon remains such a dependable rafting destination is the Shoshone Hydroelectric Power Plant.
Located just upstream of the Shoshone Rapids, the plant releases water through its turbines throughout the rafting season.
That release helps maintain a dependable minimum river flow, allowing rafting trips to continue even during drier summers when many other rivers begin to drop below ideal boating levels.
Combined with runoff from Colorado’s high-country snowpack and the extensive upstream watershed, Glenwood Canyon offers one of the state’s longest and most reliable rafting seasons.
Perfect conditions for a half or full day trip on the river!
What the River Feels Like Right Now
At approximately 1,790 cfs, rafting through Glenwood Canyon offers:
- Exciting Class III whitewater
- Technical rapids including Maneater, Tombstone, The Wall, and other famous Shoshone Rapids
- Cleaner, warmer water than during peak runoff
- Comfortable summer temperatures
- Great conditions for first-time rafters
- Family-friendly excitement
- Predictable flows that make planning easier
Many experienced rafters intentionally wait until July and August because the river provides an ideal balance between excitement and comfort.
When Is the Best Time to Raft Glenwood Springs?
May–Early June
- Highest water of the season
- Bigger, more powerful rapids
- Best for experienced thrill seekers
- Shoshone may close if flows exceed 6,000 cfs
Mid-June–September (Current Conditions)
- Prime rafting season
- Consistent Class III whitewater
- Warmer water
- Ideal for beginners
- Excellent for families
- Most popular time to raft
Fall
- Gradually lower flows
- Continued rafting thanks to Shoshone Power Plant releases
- Cooler weather with dependable river conditions
Right now—mid-July 2026—you are in one of the best rafting windows of the entire season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Colorado River too low to raft in Glenwood Springs right now?
A: No. As of July 13, 2026, the Colorado River is flowing at approximately 1,790 cfs, which falls comfortably within the ideal 1,200–3,000 cfs range for Class III rafting on the Shoshone section. Commercial rafting trips are operating daily.
Q: What is the current water level of the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs?
A: The U.S. Geological Survey’s real-time gauge below Glenwood Springs (Station 09085100) reports approximately 1,790 cfs with a river stage near 4.08 feet as of July 13, 2026. During the previous week, flows remained stable between approximately 1,710 and 2,140 cfs.
Q: Are the Shoshone Rapids still Class III at these flows?
A: Yes. Between approximately 1,200 and 3,000 cfs, the Shoshone Rapids provide exciting, technical Class III whitewater with fun wave trains and maneuvering around exposed rocks. Conditions generally become more challenging as flows exceed approximately 3,000–5,000 cfs.
Q: Does low water mean the rafting season is over?
A: No. The Shoshone Hydroelectric Power Plant releases water throughout the rafting season, helping maintain dependable river flows. This allows commercial rafting trips to continue through summer and well into September, even during drier years.
Q: Is July a good time for beginners and families to go rafting?
A: Yes. Mid-summer is widely considered one of the best times for first-time rafters and families. The rapids remain exciting while generally being more forgiving than the high-water conditions experienced during peak spring runoff.
Ready to Go?
The river is flowing.
The rapids are lively.
And mid-summer conditions are exactly why so many people choose July and August for their Glenwood Canyon rafting adventure.
Don’t let drought headlines convince you otherwise.
These are some of the best rafting conditions of the entire season.
Check availability and book your Glenwood Canyon / Shoshone rafting trip today.
Or browse all of our Glenwood Springs rafting trips to find the adventure that’s right for you.
Sources
Flow figures are sourced from the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System, Real-Time Station 09085100 (Colorado River below Glenwood Springs), retrieved July 13, 2026.
River conditions can change daily. Always check the current USGS river gauge or contact us before your trip for the latest flow information.
