Stoddard's Landing

No actual boat ramp here — this is a carry-in launch for kayaks, canoes, and tubes. Don't show up expecting to back a trailer down to the water. There's a nice natural limestone shelf along the riverbank that makes it easy to slide a kayak in or climb out.

The weekend closest to the 4th of July turns this stretch of the Rifle into a party river. Tubers, kayakers, and floaters pack the water and the 15-spot parking lot fills fast. If you want a peaceful paddle, avoid that whole week.

Even on regular summer weekends, try to arrive before 1pm. The parking lot is small and there's no real overflow option — once those 15 spots are gone, you're out of luck or parking on the shoulder and hoping for the best.

The river runs shallow and fast through here, especially by mid-summer. Great for tubing and wading, but you'll scrape bottom in a loaded canoe if water levels drop. Works well as a put-in or take-out point depending on your float distance.

This spot has a real trash issue, especially after busy weekends. The limestone shelves and riverbank collect cans, wrappers, and broken cooler parts from the float crowd. There's a trash can and a porta potty on site, but not everyone uses them. Bring a bag if you want to enjoy a clean setup.