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Welcome to CROA - Colorado River Outfitters Association miles of side- canyon hiking, swimming holes, and views of slick -rock arches and spires. The Colorado River is accessible by outfitters located statewide, from Summit County to Steamboat Springs, Aspen to Grand Junction, and Winter Park to Glenwood Springs. Animas River Wild and inaccessible, the Animas River features both a family - friendly stretch and some of the most challenging whitewater in Colorado. High in the snowcapped San Juan Mountains, the Animas runs parallel to the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for 26 miles. The area surrounding the Animas is rugged and steeped in history of the area's railroads and mining past. The Upper Animas drops an average of 85 feet per mile and features dozens of Class III and IV rapids, with intermittent Class V rapids to really spice up the trip. Along the banks rafters will find abandoned cabins, remnant foot bridges and spectacular views of the 13,000 - foot -plus mountains. The lower portion of the river, or Lower Animas, offers an easy introduction to whitewater rafting, with the same spectacular views of the Southern Rockies as the Upper Animas trip. Smelter Rapids, Class III, are the most challenging on a Lower Animas trip, as most of trip consists of class I and II floating toward the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. Outfitters with access to the Animas River are located in Durango, four hours from Grand Junction, Colo., or Albuquerque, N.M. Cache la Poudre River The Cache la Poudre River begins high in the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park along the Continental Divide. It flows north and east through Roosevelt National Forest, down the slopes of the Front Range, and through the city of Fort Collins. The Poudre drops 7,000 feet between its headwaters and its confluence with the South Platte River east of Greeley, Colo. As the first and only designated National Wild and Scenic River in Colorado, the Poudre is located in a pristine and protected environment. Class I{ and III rapids like Pinball, Roller Coaster, Red House Chute and Headless Bridge are challenging for the whole family. Slightly more challenging are the Class III and IV rapids such as Twin Pin, Liquid Thunder, Tunnel Slam, Mishawaka Falls, Cardiac Corner and the Pine View Falls. Bighorn sheep, black bears, mule deer and eagles are among the wildlife living along the Poudre. Outfitters with access to the Poudre are located in Fort Collins and in Estes Park, just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. Yampa River The Yampa River, which runs through Dinosaur National Monument in Northwest Colorado, is the last major tributary of the Colorado river Page 2 of 3 http: / /www.croa.org/media -2.htm 12/28/2006