• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Uncover Colorado Logo

  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Towns
  • Lodging
  • Dining
  • Transport
  • Shop
  • Search
  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Towns
  • Lodging
  • Dining
  • Transport
  • Shop
  • Search
Blue River Breckenridge Colorado
Blue River in Breckenridge, Colo. Photo: Steven Martin

Blue River – near Breckenridge-Silverthorne-Kremmling

FacebookTwitter

Running for about 65 miles between southern Summit County and the Colorado River, the Blue River in Colorado is a majestic water way known for its excellent fishing and eye-catching scenery. It begins high in the mountains south of Breckenridge, winding its to the north and west to Kremmling.

Blue River Route

Blue River Drainage Basin Map
Map of the Blue River drainage basin. Photo: Shannon1

The Blue River begins its journey near Mount Quandary in the Ten Mile Range. From nearby the town of Blue River, it flows past Breckenridge north towards Dillion Reservoir. After passing through the Dillion Reservoir Dam the Blue river flows through the Roberts Tunnel. The Roberts Tunnel was built channel some water under the Continental Divide and connects the Colorado River Basin to the South Platte River Basin.

After passing through the tunnel the Blue River travels along the eastern slope of the Gore Range before hitting the Green Mountain Dam. Here it creates the Green Mountain Reservoir where it provides hydro-electric power and irrigation for the surrounding areas.

Once the Blue River has passed through the Green Mountain Dam it travels 13 miles north to Kremmling where it meets the Colorado River.

Activities on the Blue River

Blue River Downtown Breckenridge CO
Blue River through downtown Breckenridge. Photo: Steven Martin

Road trippers can enjoy the beauty of the Blue River by driving along Highway 9 between Kremmling and the Green Mountain Reservoir. Road trippers will enjoy looking at the cotton wood lined banks capped by the rugged Gore Mountains in the background.

For visitors who want a closer look at the river, kayaking and canoeing are popular past times on this river. Kayakers and canoers can access the river at Quaking Creek Ranch and from the Blue River Campground. There are other places where the river can be accessed while it runs through public land, but Quaking Creek Ranch and the Blue River Campground are the most popular.

The Blue River also offers Gold Medal fishing! The trophy fishing area is located downstream from the Dillion Dam and runs all the way to Kremmling. Anglers can hope to catch both rainbow trout and brown trout in these shallow waters. Check regulations, most is fly fishing or artificial lures only. Trout love this river because the bottom is made up of gravel. Anglers can access the river anywhere on public land and many parking areas are available along Highway 9.

Blue River Breckenridge CO Fly Fisherman
Fly fishing the Blue River in Breckenridge. Photo: Jim & Robin Kunze

Rafting the Blue River is also popular during the late spring to early summer season. The Upper Blue River has some class III and IVs and begins near the aforementioned Blue River Campground. The Lower Blue River is after that with Class II and III rapids.

Whether you chose to experience the Blue River by car or in waders you can expect to enjoy a peaceful day surrounded by breath taking scenery.

Blue River Flowing Through Breckenridge CO
Blue River in Breckenridge. Photo: Jim & Robin Kunze
Blue River Winter Silverthorne CO
Winter on the Blue River by Silverthorne. Photo: Dr.DeNo

Details

Passes thru:

  • Blue River
  • Breckenridge
  • Frisco
  • Silverthorne
  • Heeney
  • Kremmling

Length: 65 miles

Tributary to: Colorado River

Latest in Blue River

Dillon Reservoir Fishing Summit County Colorado

10 Fishing Spots around Breckenridge

If you’re lucky enough to live in or frequently visit this exciting mountain town, you already…

10 Fishing Spots around BreckenridgeRead More

Arkansas River Fly Fishing Gold Medal Waters Colorado

Gold Medal Waters in Colorado

Colorado is blessed with a plentiful offering of trout-filled lakes, streams, and rivers. There are countless…

Gold Medal Waters in ColoradoRead More

Autumn Afternoon Lake Dillon Frisco CO Camping Summit County

Camping near Breck, Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne, all around Summit County

Summit County is probably the most popular weekend destination for the millions living on the plains…

Camping near Breck, Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne, all around Summit CountyRead More

South Platte River, Colorado

Colorado’s Major Rivers

When all of Colorado’s famous snow melts in the spring, it becomes the state’s gorgeous rivers.…

Colorado’s Major RiversRead More

Primary Sidebar

Join our Colorado travel community

Enter your email below and grab our free locals' guide and monthly what's up designed to help you live your Colorado life and uncover fun things to do. —and never miss out again.

Colorado Rivers

  • All Activities
  • All Rivers
  • Animas River
  • Arkansas River
  • Big Thompson River
  • Blue River
  • Cache La Poudre River
  • Canadian River
  • Cimarron River
  • Clear Creek
  • Colorado River
  • Crystal River
  • Dolores River
  • Eagle River
  • East River
  • Fountain Creek
  • Fryingpan River
  • Gore Creek
  • Green River
  • Gunnison River
  • Illinois River
  • Kannah Creek
  • La Plata River
  • Los Pinos River
  • Mancos River
  • Michigan River
  • North Platte River
  • Piedra River
  • Purgatoire River
  • Rio Grande River
  • Roaring Fork River
  • San Juan River
  • San Miguel River
  • Smoky Hill River
  • South Canadian River
  • South Platte River
  • Taylor River
  • Uncompahgre River
  • White River
  • Yampa River
  • Willow Creek

Footer

Get In Touch

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Resources
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter

Disclosure: Uncover Colorado is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Things To Do

  • Travel Blog
  • Colorado Activities
  • Colorado Events
  • Colorado Towns
  • Colorado Hotels
  • Colorado Restaurants
  • Colorado Transportation
  • Made in Colorado

Visit Mile High Happy Hour for Denver neighborhoods' restaurant happy hours.

Winter Activities

  • Camping
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Federal Lands
  • Hot Springs
  • Ice Skating
  • Skiing and Snowboarding
  • Snow Tubing
  • State Parks

Vacation like a VIP! Leisurely Lifestyle shares life and travel hacks, as well as cheap luxury travel.

Copyright © 2021 · Uncover Colorado - Vacations, Travel & Tourism | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer