Moffatt Bridge Boat Launch

There's no real boat ramp here — zero lanes, no concrete. This is a carry-in spot for kayaks, canoes, and tubes. Don't show up expecting to back a trailer down to the water. There's a natural limestone rock shelf that makes getting in and out surprisingly easy on foot, though.

The drive between the upper parking lot and the launch area gets chewed up by erosion, especially after spring rains. It can get rutty and sketchy if you're in a low-clearance vehicle. Take it slow and scope it out before committing.

The weekend closest to the 4th of July turns this stretch of the Rifle into a floating party. The five trailer spots fill fast, and the river itself is wall-to-wall tubes and kayaks. If you want a peaceful paddle, avoid that whole week. Try to arrive before 1 PM on any summer weekend to snag a parking spot.

The Rifle runs shallow through here, especially by mid-summer. Expect to scrape bottom in spots even in a kayak. The current moves, though — it's a fun float but not ideal if water levels have been dropping. Late spring with higher water is the sweet spot.

This spot has a persistent trash issue, especially after busy weekends. The limestone shelf area and riverbank collect garbage from tubers and partiers. It's a genuinely beautiful location — clean water, nice rock features — but the litter can be pretty discouraging. There's a trash can and a porta potty on site, so there's no excuse.