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South Platte River Parking

NEW!  Paid parking is required June 1 – September 2 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, for the Platte Canyon Entrance parking lot in South Platte Park. These parking lots are located near the river put-in by C470, accessed off Platte Canyon Road.

Planning in advance is encouraged. Reservations are available below. This reservation system will help reduce long wait times, traffic jams, and safety issues by allowing you to plan for your summer river experience!

A number of parking spots will be held for reservations for $10 per car. Additional parking spots may be available on a first-come, first-serve basis but there will be no waiting allowed in the parking area. Same-day parking is $13 per car.  

REMINDER: No alcohol is permitted.

Reservations

  • Parking reservations are $10 per car for a 4-hour time block from 10:30-2:30 pm. Cars that do not make a reservation in advance are $13 for a 4-hour block.
  • Parking is free and first-come, first-served when the park opens at 6:30 am, and spaces must be vacated by 8:45 am.  Parking is also free after 4:30 pm until the park closure at sunset.
  • Parking reservations can be canceled up to two hours before the start of your reservation period.
  • Reservations not filled within the first hour of the time block will be canceled and resold.
  • Reservations will be required for all users including anglers, bikers, runners, and birders during these time blocks.
  • Reservations are not required Monday – Friday.
  • Failure to remove your vehicle by the end of your reservation window will result in overstay fees or towing.


Reserve Your Parking Spot

Other River Access Options

  • Drop your group and gear at the put-in using a 10-minute loading zone (come with your fleet inflated!).
  • Use a ride-share service or bike to the start of the float.
  • Book a trip with Adventures West, who provides tubes, life vests, parking and a shuttle from Breckenridge Brewery.
  • Go downstream and float the river near Union Avenue when flows are appropriate.

South Platte Park River Flow Recommendations

View the current river flow conditions

  • 50 cfs and below:  Floating is not recommended.  River permits are invalid as flows are too low.
  • 50 – 600 cfs: Good for families, life vests recommended, less experienced should scout or portage boat chutes.
  • 600 – 2000 cfs: Experienced floaters only, life vests recommended, scout or portage all rapids.
  • 2000 +:  River may be closed to all uses except whitewater vessels.

River Permits

Groups of 15 or more, or if participants are paying a fee, require a River Use Permit.

Contact South Platte Park Manager, Skot Latona, at 303.730.1022 or SkotL@ssprd.org.

Always Play It Safe! in all river activities.