Colorado whitewater, Henson Creek Hinsdale county, Above Nellie Creek to 1/2 mile from Lake City section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS IV-V     6.7 miles   The sections for whitewater rafting and kayaking here in Colorado are often more challenging than in other states, so if you're visiting here do keep in mind that a large number of rivers in this state are not easy. The nature scenery of Hinsdale County and the water flowing gracefully down Henson Creek will make you feel great. This section of Henson Creek in Hinsdale County is 6.7 miles long and is rated by American Whitewater as a class     IV-V section. Not too many hotels nearby, you'll have to drive a bit to get to one, but do book a room before you come because it is a very popular destination. If you're a camper you can camp at one of the great campgrounds nearby. If you're coming from Durango it's not a long drive at all to the starting location, as you can see on the road map further down. There are a few other stretches in this river system that can be paddled as well. No matter if you're whitewater rafting or kayaking around here you'll find a large number of good places. The beauty of the San Juan and Jemez Mountains is a great plus for this river. Getting a good workout and spending   some quality time in nature will have you coming back for more. This stretch is mid length, good for a one day paddling trip. Briefly about the general area: If the weather is great here at Henson Creek, you can go for a hike along the Ridge Stock Driveway; close by you discover splendid sites like Alpine Gulch. So many exciting things to do here in the San Juan and Jemez Mountains, too splendid to be true. The Big Blue Trail is a splendid hiking trail close to Henson Creek; at Henson Creek you always meet someone from Lake City. This river is always fun. Don't leave Henson Creek without first paying a visit to Treasure Falls, and a cool spot to check out is Sugarloaf Rock. Henson Creek, Above Nellie Creek to 1/2 mile from Lake City 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 Henson Creek.   Whitewater Near Henson Creek: Henson Creek, Hinsdale County, 3 miles away       Class IV-V - 6.7 miles long (Above Nellie Creek to 1/2 mile from Lake City) Lake Fork Gunnison River, Hinsdale/Gunnison County, 4 miles away       Class III - 3.6 miles long (Lake City Town Run) Cimarron River, Gunnison / Montrose County, 18 miles away       Class V+ - 10.2 miles long (Big Cimarron Campground to Cimarron Road bridge) Rio Grande, Hinsdale County, 18 miles away       Class III-IV - 8 miles long (Rio Grande Reservoir to 12 miles above Creede) Lake Fork Gunnison River, Hinsdale/Gunnison County, 19 miles away       Class IV-V - 5 miles long (Redbridge to Blue Mesa Reservoir) Uncompahgre River, Ouray County, 22 miles away       Class V+ - 2.2 miles long (Ouray to KOA campground) Cebolla River, Gunnison County, 23 miles away       Class II - 10 miles long (Highway 149 to Blue Mesa Reservoir) Lime Creek, -blank- County, 24 miles away       Class V+ - -blank- miles long (2nd Gorge) Animas River, San Juan/ La Plata County, 25 miles away       Class IV-V - 24.2 miles long (Silverton to Tacoma) Mineral Creek - South, -blank- County, 26 miles away       Class V+ - 0.5 miles long (Above South Mineral Camp Ground)   Ski Areas Near Henson Creek: Kendall Mountain, Colorado , 23 miles away, 400 foot drop, 1 lifts, 3 runs Silverton, Colorado , 24 miles away, 3200 foot drop, 1 lifts, 1 runs Telluride, Colorado , 34 miles away, 3845 foot drop, 18 lifts, 115 runs Purgatory, Colorado , 38 miles away, 2029 foot drop, 11 lifts, 85 runs Wolf Creek, Colorado , 49 miles away, 1604 foot drop, 7 lifts, 77 runs Irwin Lodge, Colorado , 54 miles away, 2100 foot drop, 3 lifts, 15 runs Crested Butte, Colorado , 55 miles away, 2775 foot drop, 16 lifts, 121 runs Hesperus Ski Center, Colorado , 62 miles away, 700 foot drop, 2 lifts, 5 runs Aspen Highlands, Colorado , 72 miles away, 3635 foot drop, 4 lifts, 131 runs Buttermilk, Colorado , 73 miles away, 2030 foot drop, 7 lifts, 41 runs   Hotels Near Henson Creek: Surf Chateau, Buena Vista , 4 miles away China Clipper Inn, Ouray , 21 miles away Bridal Veil Bed And Breakfast, Ouray , 21 miles away China Clipper Inn, Ouray , 21 miles away Beaumont Hotel And Spa, Ouray , 21 miles away   Campgrounds Near Henson Creek: Engineer Pass #4, Lake City, 1 miles away Engineer Pass #3, Lake City, 2 miles away Lake City Campground, Lake City, 3 miles away   Trails Near Henson Creek: Ridge Stock Driveway, Gunnison , 6 miles away Big Blue Trail, Hinsdale , 7 miles away Fall Creek Trail, Hinsdale , 9 miles away Little Cimarron Trail, Hinsdale , 11 miles away Ridge Stock Driveway, Ouray , 12 miles away   Public Lands Near Henson Creek: Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, Gunnison - CO , 57 miles away Curecanti National Recreation Area, Gunnison - CO , 57 miles away San Juan National Forest, Colorado , 23 miles away Ridgway State Park, Colorado , 29 miles away Crawford State Park, Colorado , 40 miles away   Lakes Near Henson Creek Lake San Cristobal, Hinsdale , 6 miles away