Whitewater runners hope always for years like last year, when unusually gracious snowpack in the mountains melted to swell Colorado’s rivers. It meant days on the Dolores River, which only rarely rises through the remote, desert canyon of the state’s southwest.

The Dolores is but one river on the bucket list of enthusiasts in the state.

Gunnison Gorge

The late, prolific landscape photographer John Fielder famously knew every nook and cranny of Colorado. The Gunnison Gorge was one of his favorite spots. So it has been for people around Montrose, who have historically packed horses to haul gear into the rugged realm.

The Chukar Trail to the put-in is no cake walk. One is rewarded with an endlessly scenic trip over Class II-IV rapids. A common trip covers two or three days to the put-out at Gunnison River Pleasure Park.

Northgate Canyon

A lesser known, 11-mile stretch of the North Platte River carves this granite wonder. The canyon defines Northgate Wilderness outside Walden in northwest Colorado — calling to bald eagles and to boaters worthy of navigating the rock-riddled, Class III-IV water.

Some make it a full day from the Routt Access put-in to Six Mile Gap. Others add another day or two to reach an ideal destination for reflecting, recovering and celebrating: the hot springs of Saratoga, Wyo.

Royal Gorge

Maybe you’ve only gazed upon the Arkansas River from atop the bridge and theme park. Maybe you’ve wondered about that thrill far below through the deep, dark depths of the Royal Gorge.

Maybe you should keep wondering. Guides point to several, family-friendly trips along the river closer to Buena Vista. Only the fit and prepared take on the big waves and steep drops of the Royal Gorge — something to brag about later.

Yampa River

The Yampa is the last free-flowing tributary of the Colorado River system. Which only begins to capture its legend. The trip through the sandstone canyon and ancient mysticism of Dinosaur National Monument must be experienced to be understood.

It’s a hard experience to come by. That’s due to Mother Nature not always providing boatable water, and also due to private permits being in high demand and short supply. When conditions allow, some commercial outfitters offer multi-day trips over 71 miles of mostly mild water.