Slate River, Colorado

The Slate River is a tributary to the East River, which eventually joins with the Taylor River to become the famous Gunnison. The Slate River is known more for its quality as a kayaking and rafting river than for its fishing opportunities. This is a great stream to enjoy some Class V rapids.

Slate River in Gunnison County, Colorado not far from Crested Butte provides some great rapids for the more experienced kayaker, canoer, or rafter. There is a section about two miles long, running from the Beaver Ponds to Oh Be Joyful Campground that has Class V rapids. This section is not considered to be of the same quality as the nearby Daisy and OBJ Creek. Because of this there are less crowds trying to "run" the Slate River.

This river is fed entirely by the days snowmelt so the later you put on the higher the flow will be. Peak flows are at sunset or shortly after. Obviously as the snow melts and the fall approaches, the water level will be constantly low.

This is the place to take your "boat" for an uncrowded thrill ride!