The off-season street sludge, muddy trails, and closed bars leave some mountain-town locals depressed and eager for spring getaways to warmer climates. But Pro kayaker, Brad Ludden, has already clocked in some frigid spring hours on the river in his hometown of Vail, CO and has some run-off hot spot recommendations for those jonesing to hit the water.

1. The Lochsa River- Northern Idaho
2. Gore Canyon- Colorado
3. Escalante River, Utah
4. Bear Trap Canyon on the Madison or the Gallatin- Bozeman, MT
5. The Snake River- Jackson, WY- Lunch Counter back after taking a year off.

Need to get the hell outta Dodge? check the World River Flow Levels all over the globe or check out the hot spots in your region on the Kayak World Map.

A little inspiration…