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Mick Havrilla has seen his share of uses for the Yampa Valley River in the 15 years he has been floating it.

"I've seen everything from a family trip to outfitters bringing big groups," said the Craig resident." It is a versatile river for all ages."

For most of the Yampa River it is ranked as a Class I rapids. For that part of the river Havrilla suggested a canoe. Six miles south of Maybell in the Juniper Canyon area there are spots that have been classified as Class III and difficult for a canoe to navigate. That part of the river is for kayakers and rafters.

"The nice thing about the Yampa is you can have a morning trip, day trip or overnighter by putting in the river around Craig," Havrilla said.

There are several spots to start a trip from in and around Craig. The Yampa Valley Golf Course located south of Craig off Colorado Highway 394 has an access point. Follow the signs past the airport and they will take you to the drop off.

Loudy-SImpson Park on U.S. Highway 394 features a developed boat launch/parking area on the river.

The Yampa Project pump station near Colorado State U.S. Highway 12 bridge south of Craig. Follow the signs south of the bridge down to the pump station. The area is heavily used by fishermen and is preferred by them as a drop off.

Another spot to get the boat wet is the Government Bridge on Moffat County Road 17, 47 miles down river from the golf course. To take out a boat you must stay within the county road right-of-way, which is about 15 feet from the bridge, in order to avoid trespassing on private property.

While most of the river is Class I Nick of Outdoor Connections in Craig warned about the high water season.

"In early May and June the water is high and fast," he said.

"It creates a lot of undertows and surprises so you can't just goof around all the time."

While high water creates more hazards the early part of the season does take one factor out of a float trip -- mosquitoes. "Later in the float season the mosquitoes can get so bad that unless there is a stiff wind on the shore, they are unbearable," Havrilla said. "So the choice is either go early with the high water where it is cold or go when the water is warm but the mosquitoes are out."

The Elkhead Reservoir located northeast of Craig provides an opportunity for water skiers and other water sports. The Colorado Division of Wildlife manages the fishing and wildlife resources and there is a daily fee of five dollars per day.

The Green River in western Moffat County that runs through Dinosaur and Brown's Park provides more opportunity for a white-water rafting experience. The river cuts through the scenic Lodore and Yampa Canyons. There are outfitters in Utah, Wyoming, Colorado and California that are certified to float the Green and trips are usually several days.

According to the Division of Wildlife, there have been casualties in all three areas mentioned.

The DOW suggests everyone should wear a life jacket, that whitewater rafters never go alone and that all occupants of a boat know how to swim.