Location
Adams Creek is located 55 miles WNW of Denver.
Map of Adams Creek
Description
Adams Creek, where it empties into Grand Lake is the most beautiful and untraveled river run that I am willing to publish. It is absolutely gorgeous and you will never see any other paddlers here, unless they read about it on this website. This is one of those places that pictures will never be able to do justice. It's not easy to get to but it's not that hard either, unless your canoe or kayak is heavy.
I have a set of wheels that I attach to mine when I do this run. The scenery is spectacular and the river is crystal clear and slow moving in this stretch so you can paddle upstream and then drift back. The hike takes you past Adams Falls which is worth having a look at. There are a good number of moose and elk in this area and I would not advise doing this trip without pepper spray (or a gun) in case you see a bear or a mountain lion. To do the whole trip you will have to hike with your canoe or kayak two different times.
Warnings, Tips, & Other Details
This is the Rocky Mountain National Park and it has plenty of wildlife, be smart and at least take some pepper spray. This is not an easy access kind of trip, if you're not in decent shape, don't try it or be prepared to stop a few times when your carrying your canoe. If all this sounds like a lot of trouble, it is. But if you can do it, it is worth it and you won't regret it...
It is a half mile hike up the East Inlet Trail to the put in spot much of which is uphill. The first stretch of Adams creek that can be easily paddled upstream is only a half mile. Then there is another .4 miles to hike to get to the next stretch of the creek that can be paddled upstream easily. This part of the hike is not on any trail so the going is not easy. The second part of the creek here that can be paddled is just over a mile. There is only one tree obstruction between the two paddleable stretches.
Pictures