Pumphouse Recreation Area

Summary

Pumphouse Recreation Area is located in the Upper Colorado River Special Recreation Management Area, offering camping, river access, and hiking trails. Visitors can take advantage of 3 boat ramps, 12 vault toilets, 18 single campsites, 2 group campsites, and potable water (subject to availability). The byway also offers access to historic trails, Gore Canyon Whitewater Playpark, and nearby attractions for supplies.

Overview

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 potable water system (not available for trailer hookups or filling of Recreational Vehicle and Travel Trailer filling). NOTE: The water system will be delayed in opening for the 2023 season due to new building construction. The water system will be available tentatively beginning in September.

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 was acquired by the BLM to improve public access, restore habitat for wildlife and provide educational opportunities on the area’s history, wildlife and responsible recreation opportunities. 

The historic Argentine Trail is open to foot travel only and is accessed from the Gore Canyon Ranch Trail. This trail is not for the lighthearted as it has steep drop offs from a trail that was blasted into the cliffs of Hartman Canyon. Those floating down stream can see this trail high up the canyon wall on river left. 

Facilities

Each campsite has parking that depends on the campsite, a picnic table, a fire ring, and close proximity to a vault toilet and trash receptacles. Campsites 1-8 (first come first-serve for 2023) parking is 35 feet or less in length. Additional vehicles may park along the roadway adjacent to the campsite if space allows, or must park in the general parking areas. Campsites 9-18 typically has space for two vehicles and trailers. Additional vehicles must park in the campground overflow parking across from Group Campsite A.

Drinking water may be available May - November. However, do not rely on this as the water source for your trips needs as it is not always operational. NOTE: The water system will be delayed in opening for the 2023 season due to new building construction. The water system will be available tentatively beginning in September.

There are no electric hook-ups and cell service non-existent without a booster. 

There are three boat ramps with restrooms. Boat Ramp #2 adjacent to the Gore Canyon Whitewater Play Park is a boat slide with steps. Boat ramps have electricity. NOTE: Electricity may be impacted at times due to construction of a new building.

Natural Features

The Pumphouse Recreation Area is adjacent to the Colorado River between Gore Canyon and Hartman Canyon. The scenery within the area is a major component to the adjacent Colorado Headwaters National Scenic and Historic Byway and are important features that make this stretch of river Wild and Scenic Eligible.

Nearby Attractions

The town of Kremmling, CO is approximately 15 miles east from Pumphouse Recreation Area where visitors can get supplies.

Rancho Del Rio – a private resort along the Colorado river, has a small store with supplies and is a river access point for those recreating on the river. Rancho Del Rio is located approximately 10 miles west along Trough Road.

Trough Road, which accesses the BLM Recreation Areas and Rancho Del Rio (private river access – fee site) is the Colorado Headwaters National Scenic and Historic Byway. Originating just east of Grand Lake on Highway 34, the byway ends at State Bridge.