What Does COVID-19 Mean For The Colorado Tour?

Last Updated: 3/30/2020

I know many of us are thinking about it, so I’m just going to address the elephant in the room. What does this Pandemic mean for summer paddling events like the Colorado tour?! Events are being canceled and rescheduled left and right. So below I have outlined some of the changes we are already seeing in the Colorado tour competition circuit.

Glenwood Adventure games
May 15th – 17th 2020
Main Website
Facebook Page
Organizers have not yet made any changes to the schedule for the 2020 games. However, they are monitoring the situation and plan to keep us informed as the date approaches. But as of now, the event is still set to take place in Glenwood Springs, Colorado in mid May.

CKS Paddlefest
May 22nd – 25th 2020
Update as of 3/30/2020:
Main Website
Paddlefest has not been moved or canceled yet. But, just like Glenwood Games, organizers are paying attention and plan to let us know if anything changes. So, for now, you can still plan on being in Buena Vista, Colorado on Memorial Day weekend!

Burning Can @ Lyons Outdoor Games ( POSTPONED )
Moved from May 30th to September 5th 2020
Main Website
Facebook Page
Typically taking place the weekend after Paddlefest, LOG has been moved to Labor Day weekend. The festival will still take place but it is unlikely that kayaking will be a part of this year’s event because the rivers in Lyons, Colorado don’t run that late in the year.

Animas River Days ( POSTPONED )
Moved from May 29th – 30th to June 12th – 13th 2020
Main Website
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Durango, Colorado’s Animas River Days will be pushed back 2 weeks. This event was also set to be the USA Freestyle Kayak National Championships. There has not yet been any information released regarding Nationals. So, if this is an event you were planning on attending, keep your eye out for any news on that.

GoPro Mountain Games ( POSTPONED )
Moved from June 4th – 7th to August 20th – 23rd 2020
Update as of 3/30/2020
Main Website
As a widespread favorite, it is sad to see the Mountain Games postponed but I trust that the Vail Valley Foundation made this call with the community’s best interest in mind. The games will now be held in August, though it is unclear what the river sports will look like due to low water levels that time of year. They are trying to be creative and “ keep this edition of the GoPro Mountain Games as close to the original as possible” (co-Director, Mac Garnsey). You can read more about event changes in their update linked above.

FibArk Whitewater Festival
June 18th – 21st 2020
http://www.fibark.com
No official statements have been made on the FibArk website about Salida’s Whitewater Festival. According to that site, the date is still set to take place on Father’s Day Weekend.

Gunnison River Festival
June 13th, 27th, August 1st and 2nd 2020
Facebook Page
As a many weekend event, it is hard to tell if any dates have been changed. But, as of now it seems like the anual Taylor River race will still be held on June 13 in the Gunnison Valley.

Article By Katie Fankhouser
Instagram: @katie.kayak