Running Rivers

Running Rivers is a 100% volunteer-led organization, a small group of Coloradans who are passionate about improving our state's naturally functioning waterbodies and creating new ways to sustainably enjoy them. Our programs create unique opportunities for people to experience public lands and waters in novel and fun ways, to expand their depth of understanding of the importance of healthy functioning native fish ecosystems, and to invest in their time, money, and sweat through on-the-ground stewardship projects.  

Conservation through Recreation! 

From all of us at Running Rivers, we thank you for your support.  Your one-time donation will significantly increase our ability to inspire others to engage in the active protection of our public lands and waters. 

And if you really want to help us move the needle for our fishy friends, please consider committing to monthly support of our organization. Just as cutthroat trout need cold, clean water all day / every day to thrive, regular and reliable sources of funding are the lifeblood that sustain small non-profits like Running Rivers!  

Regarding our impact, here is a recent testimonial from one of our many conservation partners, Colorado Parks and Wildlife:

“Running Rivers has been instrumental in assisting Colorado Parks and Wildlife with native cutthroat trout conservation efforts. The assistance provided by Running Rivers has allowed us to accomplish significantly more native-fish monitoring and native fish reclamation projects and has helped promote Rio Grande cutthroat trout throughout the San Luis Valley and elsewhere. The focus of the Running Rivers group to conserve and restore native fish populations aligns perfectly with native fish conservation efforts throughout the state of Colorado.”

Estevan Vigil, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Aquatic Biologist for the San Luis Valley, Colorado Outdoors Magazine 2025 Fishing Guide