The Skiing's Great — and Apply for That River Permit

January 24, 2020

The end of the January is the deadline to apply for a river permit to float prized stretches of Southwest rivers

It’s too early to think about melting snow while snow remains in the forecast. But if you dream of floating the rivers of the Southwest this spring and summer, that’s the kind of multitasking you need to do. In fact, you’re running out of time! If a river permit is needed to fulfill your dream, wake up!

Chama River — The Rio Chama is a Class II river with a good number of twists and turns to keep you on your game.Jan Nesset

The early season lottery is upon us with an application deadline of Jan. 31 if your dream is to float sections of the Chama, San Juan or Upper Salt rivers, Desolation Gray Canyons of the Green River, or the Green and Yampa rivers in Dinosaur National Monument.

Floating the Desolation Gray Canyons section of the Green River is truly a memory-maker, one that requires a permit regardless of the time of year.Jan Nesset

Rather than detailing the beauty of floating any one of these rivers, we’ll point out that Colorado’s statewide snowpack is sitting well above the 100% average. It’s likely to be a great floating season!

To float any section between Montezuma Creek and Clay Hills of the San Juan River in southeast Utah requires a permit, year round.Jan Nesset

The links below will get you started on the permit process for each river. For a number of the rivers you will be directed to the website www.recreation.gov to apply.

Get going!