Due to the spring snowmelt this year, the currents in the Colorado River are very strong and water levels have been slowly rising. Residents and visitors using the River Park at Las Colonias are reminded to use caution when recreating in the area, abide by the river park guidelines, heed the flag warning system, and wear life jackets for any activity on the water. The city has posted a red flag due to the significant increase in water levels this week.
The warning system using yellow or red flags is used by the city’s Parks and Recreation department to notify users of the conditions of the river. A red flag indicates a high-hazard warning and only experts with appropriate river equipment should use the park, and do so with extreme caution. When red flags are posted, innertubes and other devices not appropriate for whitewater usage are highly discouraged. When river levels decrease later this spring, the red flag will be replaced with a yellow flag indicating a medium or modest-hazard warning which means visitors of the park should exercise caution. Use of innertubes are acceptable when the yellow flag is up.
The flags as well as the free life jacket kiosks are located on the east side of the park, near the boat ramp, and on the west side, behind the Amphitheatre at Las Colonias. Life jackets are strongly recommended for all visitors of the River Park. Life jackets, through the Save-A-Life Life Jacket Program, are available to borrow free of charge at each kiosk and should be returned to one of the kiosks that are located at all boat ramps including both ends of the River Park. Lifeguards are not on duty at the River Park and parents and caregivers should keep a close eye on children playing around or in the river. River Park hosts will be present during the busier times to provide educational materials and to help users have a positive experience.
The River Park at Las Colonias includes a lengthy and accessible water channel, two standing wave water features, and beach and wading areas. These amenities are accessible to a wide range of ages, abilities, and experience levels when the yellow flag is posted. The River Park channel is NOT a continuous loop and users must exit at the end or risk ending up in a side channel or the main section of the Colorado River.
A printed copy of the River Park map is contained in the 2023 summer edition of the city’s Parks & Recreation Activity Guide and is also posted at the River Park. A map of the River Park
Learn more about the River Park.