Floating the Roaring Fork River through North Star is a wonderful way to experience nature. North Star is a nature preserve, where you are one among many species; please be respectful of others by being quiet, staying on your watercraft and leaving your dog at home.
Stand-up paddleboards, canoes and kayaks are the preferred vessels for floating through the Preserve. The river through North Star flows gently, making it a suitable float for families and beginners. The water, however, is very cold, especially in early summer. When floating North Star, we recommend putting in and parking at South Gate (see map). Please leave your dog at home (it’s the rule). Moose see dogs as a threat and may charge, even if you are on water.
Paddling at North Star is a float-through-only experience. The float from Wildwood goes through private property before reaching the Preserve. There is no access to the land until you reach the designated North Star Beach (signs are posted). The Beach is NOT a takeout. River travelers may only take out at South Gate and the Pedestrian Bridge. Be prepared to stay on your watercraft once you embark on a float. Please use the takeout at the pedestrian bridge to end your float if you do not leave the river at South Gate. Danger awaits if you continue past the bridge.
North Star is a nature preserve. Please obey all regulations. Again, there is no stopping/beaching anywhere outside of the designated Beach (marked with signage) and the designated takeout/put-ins. There is absolutely no access to the west side of the river (the Hwy. 82 side is the east side). No audible music is permitted. North Star is a Quiet Zone – please lower your voice or, better yet, float through in silence and enjoy the experience. Also, please remember, no use of North Star is permitted between dusk and dawn. And, pack out everything you bring with you.
Beavers are among the wild critters that call North Star home. Paddlers are required to distance themselves as much as possible from beavers and beaver lodges. Beaver dams, if they exist, are protected. Please don’t attempt to dismantle a dam. If a beaver dam is present, be prepared to negotiate over or around it as advised by signage at river access points.
Moose are unpredictable and may behave aggressively if they perceive a threat. Moose attacks on humans often involve dogs, as dogs remind moose of wolves. Dogs are not permitted at North Star and should be left at home. If you come upon a moose while floating, stop and pull to the side and wait. Ideally, boaters should stay 100 yards (the length of a football field) from a moose. In the event of aggressive moose behavior at North Star, Open Space and Trails may close access to the property. Please obey closure signs.
Parking is extremely limited at North Star Nature Preserve and the Wildwood put-in. The easiest method of floating the river is to have a friend/relative drop you off at a launch point along with your watercraft, and pick you up at the end of your float. Commercial guide/shuttle services are also available to drop and pick you up, and also to guide you on the water. Only permitted operators are allowed to shuttle/guide at North Star/Wildwood. Permitted operators for 2021 are:
Parking is limited. If you choose to drive, you must park in a legal parking spot. If none are available, return at a different time or day, or arrange for a shuttle. There is no guarantee there will be vehicle access to North Star at any given time. Here are a few possibilities to deal with the logistics:
Moose are unpredictable and may behave aggressively if they perceive a threat. Moose attacks on humans often involve dogs, as dogs remind moose of wolves. Dogs are not permitted at North Star and should be left at home. If you come upon a moose while floating, stop and pull to the side and wait. Ideally, boaters should stay 100 yards (the length of a football field) from a moose. In the event of aggressive moose behavior at North Star, Open Space and Trails may close access to the property. Please obey closure signs.
700 Ute Avenue Aspen, CO 81611
Phone: 877.711.0522
Phone: 970.925.7820
