HOW TO GET TO THE PARK

Pueblo, Colorado is known as the "Steel City" because it is home to Colorado's only steel mill and is located approximately 100 miles south of Denver on Interstate 25. That also makes Pueblo 38 miles south of Colorado Springs along the same interstate on what is commonly referred to as Colorado’s Front Range.

Pueblo is at an elevation of 4,695 feet above sea level. We aren’t in the mountains, but you CAN see them from here. Pueblo is typically 4-10 degrees warmer than Colorado Springs and Denver which can be a bonus or a curse.

In the case of the Pueblo Whitewater Park it is usually a blessing because it also means that the water in Lake Pueblo gets a chance to warm up before it is released into the park. It also gets a couple miles of flow under a warm sun from the dam to the park. Thus the Pueblo Whitewater Park is one of the warmest places to paddle in the state.

DIRECTIONS TO THE PARK




If you are traveling from the North along I-25 to Pueblo you want to look for the 6th Street Exit once you come to town. Take this exit and continue West on 6th Street which is a one way street. Move to the left lane and at the intersection with Elizabeth Street (which is where 6th becomes two-way) turn left (South) onto Elizabeth and immediately move to the far right lane. You want to turn right onto West Fourth Street. Once on Fourth Street continue West, cross the bridge which crosses the Arkansas River after it crosses a rail yard.

As soon as you cross the bridge you will see a Chinese restaurant on your left called the Tea Palace. Turn left at the first street past the restaurant, Chapa Street. The street bends to the left behind the restaurant. Continue on this road and then turn to the right on Pearl Street and the gravel parking lot for the top of the Pueblo Whitewater Park will be on your left.

From here you will have a bit of a hike to the water, but it is worth it.

If you are coming to town from the South, or if you missed the 6th Street exit keep your eyes peeled for the 1st Street exit from I-25. Once you exit I-25 you want to head West (toward the mountains) on 1st Street. Continue on 1st Street past the Marriott Hotel which will be on your left. Move to the left lane. Turn left onto Union Avenue (Quizno’s will be on your right).

As you travel along Union Avenue you will see City Hall on your left and when you see this it means that The Edge Ski, Paddle & Pack (719 583-2021) is located on your right directly across the street. Park behind city hall and stop in and say “Hi” to owner Bob Walker and crew. They can help you out if you forgot your nose plugs, any other items you may have left at home or give you the latest beta on the flows in the park.

Continue West along Union Avenue and as soon as you cross the Union Avenue bridge make a quick right onto Corona Street where you can park along the curb.

If you park here you are at the bottom of the park. There are steps down to the river right next to the bridge. Parking here is for those who would rather do their hike at the beginning of their session instead of at the end. Either way you will find yourself going about 1/2 mile along the park on a pea gravel trail which will is scheduled to be paved this summer (2007).

Corona is a one-way street so you won’t be able to go back the way you arrived. To get back to Union Avenue from here continue on Corona up the hill. Stay straight on Corona at the top of the hill and veer right when you come to a park. Then the next cross street will be Abriendo Avenue. You want to turn left on Abriendo which is actually a boulevard. If you continue on Abriendo this direction it will take you back to I-25 if that is what you want.

If you want to go back along Union and take advantage of the eateries or stop at The Edge you will want to turn left on Union Avenue from Abriendo just before the Library which will be the large building on your left.

I hope that my directions are helpful. You can click on the map and print it out if you like so that you can keep it with you.

See you in the park!