Rafting community seeing some impacts from the low river flows this season

Rafting in Grand Junction and the wider Colorado River corridor is facing season-wide impacts from low river flows driven by a weak snowpack and extreme drought. Local river users say operators are adjusting operations as typically longer trips and larger craft options may be constrained by reduced water levels. Jason Hughes, owner of Wet Dreams, said they have not seen a sharp sales decline, but customers are choosing smaller boats or lighter gear. He also noted a planned National Parks Service scientific rafting trip on the Yampa River was cancelled due to low flows. Data cited from USGS shows the Colorado River near the Colorado-Utah line peaked at about 25,000 cfs on June 10, 2024, compared with 12,000 cfs on June 4, 2025, and 4,280 cfs on May 19 this year. Competitive context includes alternative regional trips via Westwater Canyon and Ruby Horsethief Canyon.