Pumphouse Recreation Area

About this spot

Overview Managed by Kremmling Field Office (https://www.blm.gov/office/kremmling-field-office) The Pumphouse Recreation Area is part of the Upper Colorado River Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA), providing opportunities for developed camping, river access and access to hiking trails. With over 100,000 annual visitors the sites facilities include 3 developed boat ramp sites, 12 vault toilets, day use and overnight parking, 18 Single Campsites and 2 Group Campsites. The campground has a seasonal potable water system that may be in operation between mid-April to mid-November (not available for trailer hookups or filling of Recreational Vehicle and Travel Trailer filling). Recreation Pumphouse Recreation Area is the most heavily used access point for the Upper Colorado River between Kremmling and State Bridge. Those floating downriver access calm flat water to Class III whitewater rapids. The Gore Canyon Whitewater Playpark is located just above Boat Ramp #2 and provides a manmade wave that is popular for kayakers, stand up paddle boarders and other small watercraft. It is also an exciting splash feature for watercraft coming downriver from Boat Ramp #1. Hiking opportunities accessed from the Pumphouse Recreation Area provide ample access for wade fishing and exploring along the Colorado River. The Gore Canyon Trail is open to foot travel only providing access upriver for 1.5 miles. Keep an eye out for the historic retaining walls holding the trail in place that early surveyors of Gore Canyon and homesteaders developed to access this area of the river for finding a railroad route and efforts to divert water for irrigation. The Gore Canyon Ranch Trail is open to foot travel only and provides access downriver for 1.25 miles connecting to the Gore Canyon Ranch Trailhead and Parking Area. This undeveloped area was the site of a homestead ranch and acquired by the BLM to improve a