Colorado whitewater, Crystal River Pitkin county, Penny Hot Springs to Avalanche Creek section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS IV-V     2.1 miles   The Penny Hot Springs to Avalanche Creek section of Crystal River is 2.1 miles long and has been determined by American Whitewater to be a class IV-V section. The beautiful scenery of Colorado and the playfulness of the water attract people from near and far. The starting point is not too far from Edwards, if you're not familiar with the area there's a road map further down the page. Whether you're whitewater rafting or kayaking around     here you'll find a large number of good spots. There are plenty of other sections in this river system that can be paddled as well. Whitewater rafting and kayaking in Colorado is often more difficult than elsewhere, so better not forget that rivers here are not as easy as elsewhere. You might have to settle for a hotel a bit away from the river if you want to stay the night, but do book a room before you come because it is a very popular destination. This is a bit of a short stretch so no need to bring snacks. Getting your paddling muscles activated and a chance to spend some time outdoors are great attractions for lots of people. Briefly about the general area:   You can never get enough of the great skiing at Sunlight Mountain. Why not take a refreshing hike along the Munsey Ruby Stock Driveway; Penny Hot Springs is always fun to check out. This is a great river. High temperatures at Crystal River through the days of summer are in the 80's, and through the night it cools down to the 50's. The wintertime comes with highs in the 30's while Crystal River night low temperatures throughout the wintertime are in the 0's. Crystal River is ordinarily a rather waterless place. The month of October is the wettest with most of the rain while February is typically the driest month. Crystal River, Penny Hot Springs to Avalanche Creek road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Crystal River.   Whitewater Near Crystal River: Crystal River, Pitkin County, 1 miles away       Class IV-V - 2.1 miles long (Penny Hot Springs to Avalanche Creek) Crystal River, Pitkin County, 1 miles away       Class III - 4.8 miles long (Avalanche Creek to B.R.Campground) Crystal River, Pitkin/Gunnison County, 3 miles away       Class V+ - 2 miles long (Redstone to Penny Hot Springs) Crystal River - South Fork, Gunnison County, 9 miles away       Class V+ - 0.25 miles long (Schofield Pass to Crystal) Crystal River, Pitkin/ Gunnison County, 9 miles away       Class III-IV - 3 miles long (Marble to Redstone) Yule Creek, Pitkin County, 9 miles away       Class V+ - 1.3 miles long (Bible Camp to Crystal River) Crystal River, Gunnison County, 11 miles away       Class V+ - 1.8 miles long (Road to Crystal to Beaver Lake) Crystal River, Gunnison County, 13 miles away       Class III-IV(V) - 3 miles long (Crystal Mill Falls to Crystal Gorge) Crystal River - North Fork, Gunnison County, 13 miles away       Class V+ - 0.65 miles long (to scree slope) Yule Creek, Gunnison County, 13 miles away       Class V+ - 2.25 miles long (10 000' to Marble Quarry)   Ski Areas Near Crystal River: Sunlight Mountain, Colorado , 12 miles away, 2010 foot drop, 4 lifts, 67 runs Crested Butte, Colorado , 25 miles away, 2775 foot drop, 16 lifts, 121 runs Buttermilk, Colorado , 26 miles away, 2030 foot drop, 7 lifts, 41 runs Aspen Highlands, Colorado , 26 miles away, 3635 foot drop, 4 lifts, 131 runs Irwin Lodge, Colorado , 27 miles away, 2100 foot drop, 3 lifts, 15 runs Aspen Mountain, Colorado , 28 miles away, 3267 foot drop, 8 lifts, 76 runs Snowmass, Colorado , 31 miles away, 4406 foot drop, 21 lifts, 84 runs Beaver Creek, Colorado , 53 miles away, 3340 foot drop, 25 lifts, 149 runs Vail, Colorado , 63 miles away, 3450 foot drop, 31 lifts, 193 runs Powderhorn, Colorado , 64 miles away, 1650 foot drop, 4 lifts, 44 runs   Marinas Near Crystal River: Roaring Fork Marina, Carbondale , 10 miles away   Hotels Near Crystal River: Comfort Inn & Suites, Carbondale , 10 miles away Days Inn Carbondale, Carbondale , 10 miles away Aspenalt Lodge, Basalt , 15 miles away Hotel Colorado, Glenwood Springs , 18 miles away Starlight Lodge, Glenwood Springs , 18 miles away   Campgrounds Near Crystal River: Janeway Campground, Pitkin County, 1 miles away Osgood Campground, Pitkin County, 1 miles away Redstone, Carbondale, 2 miles away   Trails Near Crystal River: Munsey Ruby Stock Driveway, Gunnison , 14 miles away Blue Creek Trail, Eagle , 16 miles away   Public Lands Near Crystal River: Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, Gunnison - CO , 60 miles away Curecanti National Recreation Area, Gunnison - CO , 60 miles away Paonia State Park, Colorado , 16 miles away Gunnison National Forest, Colorado , 22 miles away Harvey Gap State Park, Colorado , 36 miles away   Golf Courses Near Crystal River: River Valley Ranch Golf Club, Carbondale , 9 miles away Ranch at Roaring Fork Golf Course, Carbondale , 11 miles away Aspen Glen Golf Club, Carbondale , 11 miles away   Lakes Near Crystal River Geneva Lake, Gunnison , 13 miles away