Royal Gorge re-opens for whitewater rafting

A section of the Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge managed by the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area will re-open for whitewater boating today.

A 10-mile stretch of the river through the Royal Gorge was closed for over a week due to the Royal Gorge fire. Following the fire, it was determined that cables and debris presented a significant safety hazard to boaters. Whitewater rafting and kayaking through the gorge was suspended until mediation measures could be completed.

Alpine Cable & Construction, Inc., the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Rock & Rail Railroad and river rangers from the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area completed mediation measures Friday when they removed six cables that had fallen into the Arkansas River. The goal was to clear the river of boating hazards and that operation is now complete.

The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area stretches for 152-miles from just below Leadville to Lake Pueblo State Park. All portions of the river are now open for whitewater boating with blue skies, bright sunshine and warm temperatures providing the perfect setting for a family adventure!


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Turquoise Lake Remains Frozen | Campgrounds Opening Without Potable Water

The Leadville Ranger District on the San Isabel National Forest is notifying recreationists that the Turquoise Lake Recreation Area near Leadville will not have water for human consumption available at the campgrounds. This is a temporary situation lasting through the Memorial Holiday weekend. Late winter weather and continued cold nights have kept the water lines and the lake frozen.

The affected USFS facilities in Lake County are: Father Dyer, Tabor, Lady of the Lake, Baby Doe, Belle of Colorado, Printer Boy, Molly Brown, Silver Dollar, Matchless and Maid of Erin. Potable water will be unavailable at these sites until further notice.

Campers choosing to cancel reservations will be given refunds and campers choosing to stay at these sites will be charged a reduced rate because water is not provided. If you are camping, bring water for washing, drinking and, of course, drowning campfires.

Turquoise Lake remains frozen and the water level is below the boat ramps. There will be no fishing or boating available at this lake. However, nearby Twin lakes is available for both of these recreation activities.

For additional information please contact the Leadville Ranger District at 719-486-0749.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com