Wave Description:

The Lawson Whitewater Park isn’t a surfing mecca, but the features here will give up surfable rides from around 300 cfs to over 800 cfs. At higher flows pay attention to eddylines, as the river is hauling downhill in a hurry once the flows get big. At more reasonable flows, you’ll see a few wave/holes that will hold a board and a surfer. Worth a stop if you’re headed by on I-70 and the flows are there.

Gauge Information:

Clear Creek at Lawson is the accurate gauge for this stretch; surfable flows usually only show up during spring runoff. But because Clear Creek has a larger drainage than most front range creeks, you get a reasonably long season. Note that the water up here is much colder than the water in Golden, which has had many more river miles to warm up. This water was snow not too long ago.

For photos of the waves at specific flows, check out the River Surf Report.

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Directions:

Park at the Lawson Whitewater Park; there are changing areas and bathrooms there as well. The features will be right in front of you.