Canoe the Colorado River

Canoe the Colorado River: front of the canoe, path ahead
Go with the flow
Objective:    Canoe the Colorado River from Blythe to Yuma
Distance:      58 miles (one-way)
Trip Length: 2.5 days

Paddling down a river is a summertime rite of passage. It reminds you of simpler times and freedom. Camp along the riverbank, explore uncharted islands, and splash along a sand bar. Canoe the Colorado River and set your own course. Sometimes you just need to disconnect and enjoy the journey. Be a modern-day Huckleberry Finn and see what adventures lie ahead on the river.

The Plan | Directions | Equipment Checklist

Did they just capsize their canoe?

The Plan

Drive to McIntyre Park and camp for the night. The next morning, you load up the rental canoes and begin the trip. The canoe trip starts at McIntyre Park in Blythe, California and ends at Fisher’s Landing near Yuma, Arizona. For much of this stretch, the Colorado River borders California and Arizona. Spend the next two nights on the river paddling and camping on sand bars. On the last morning, return the canoes. If time permits, you can visit Yuma before returning home.

Directions

Take the I-10 E. Take exit 241 for Intake Blvd. Turn right onto S Intake Blvd. Drive 6.3 miles. Turn left onto Peter D McIntyre Ave. The trip will start at Peter McIntyre County Park. You need to set up a shuttle between the start and the destination at Fraser’s Landing.

Equipment Checklist

Each person should have at least the following items:

  • 1 set of clothes for wearing in the canoe: rubber-soled shoes, t-shirt, shorts, underwear, socks, and hat with brim
  • Warm jacket and sweater
  • Complete set of extra clothes including jacket and shoes
  • Waterproof bag(s) for holding all personal equipment not being worn
  • Swim suit
  • Rain gear
  • Knit cap
  • Sleeping bag
  • Water bottle
  • 25-50 feet of rope for tying gear into canoe
  • Bailing bucket (This can be constructed from a 1-gallon plastic milk container.)
  • Cook kit, eating utensils, pot scrubber, paper towels
  • Matches
  • Pocket knife
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Personal hygiene materials
  • Toilet paper and trowel
  • 6-8 large plastic bags

Sun protection:

  • Sunglasses
  • Lightweight long sleeve shirt and long pants
  • Towel for covering legs while canoeing
  • Suntan lotion
  • Hat with brim

Optional Items:

  • Gloves
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera
  • Reading material
  • Fishing gear