Guides share their favorite Colorado River rapids
this Colorado RiverThe Colorado River is an awe-inspiring force of nature that meanders 1,450 miles from its headwaters in the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of California. It cuts through seven states, sculpting some of the most stunning canyons in the West, and draws adventurers from around the world for its diverse flora and fauna and fascinating geological formations. So it’s no surprise that it’s also home to some of the best whitewater in the United States (and possibly the world). From Gore Canyon to the Grand Canyon, here are some of the most thrilling rapids on the Colorado River.
Gore Canyon
1) Gore Rapids (Class V)
Not for the faint of heart. Gore Canyon The Colorado River’s most turbulent and dangerous whitewater section, Gore Rapids is a test of even the most experienced paddlers and kayakers. The succession of Class IV-V rapids on this stretch of the Colorado River offers some of the most difficult and thrilling river experiences in the United States, but Gore Rapids is the pinnacle of it all. Gore Rapids is longer and more technical, and paddlers must maintain extreme concentration and choose one of several different lines to successfully paddle the rapids as they navigate through massive boulder gardens. Choose your line wisely, as one wrong move on this legendary rapid can send you straight into the churning, turbulent waters from which it will be difficult to recover.
2) Tunnel fall (Level V)
Less than two miles downstream (with three Class IV-IV+ rapids in between) is Tunnel Falls, a waterfall that tumbles 10 to 12 feet across the river. Like other rapids in Gore Canyon, Tunnel Falls requires precise maneuvering and unwavering focus to navigate. Those who make it through are rewarded with a thrilling experience that is sure to surpass the best of the most extreme adventurers and earn them a lifetime of bragging rights.
West Water Canyon
3) Skeleton Rapids (Level IV)
this Westwater Canyon’s most notorious rapidsSkull Island is made up of a complex maze of boulders, including Skull Rock, which requires different strategic maneuvers to navigate depending on the water flow conditions.[Skull Rock] “When the water is high, the river forms a huge hole on the right side of the river, which is called Skull Hole,” explains OARS Canyonlands guide Davide Ippolito. “Even if you manage to get around this hole, you still can’t escape,” he continues. “To the right is a huge boat-capping whirlpool called the House of Doom, which you don’t want to fall into because it’s almost impossible to get out when the water is high. If you’re in this creepy 60-80 foot deep whirlpool, I wish you good luck finding your way out without being pushed into the Rock of Shakes.”
Despite the high risk, Skull Rapid offers a thrilling experience for rafters and will put the paddler’s technical skills to the test.
4) Sock-it-to-Me (Level III)
Following Skull Rapid is Sock-it-to-Me. Don’t be fooled by this treacherous rapid’s Class 3 rating. According to Ippolito, Sock-it-to-Me capsizes more often than Skull. “Just when you’re celebrating passing the Room of Doom, this rapid closes in quickly,” he says. “With a huge wave in the right center called Catcher’s Mitt and a strong current on the left side that hits a wall called the Magnetic Wall, this rapid will make you reconsider taking any of the Westwater rapids lightly.”
Sock-it-to-Me lives up to its name, delivering a huge punch in Catcher’s Mitt and is the largest wave train in Westwater Canyon, adding an exciting element to an epic adventure in the Southwest Desert.
Kanat Canyon
5) Rapid 18 aka The Button (Level III)
Just like Sock-it-to-Me, the button should not be underestimated. Kanat Canyon Experiencing Higher spring flowThe “button” refers to a large rock in the middle of the river that controls the rapids’ biggest feature, according to OARS Grand Canyon and Canyonlands“It peaks at around 30,000 CFS. [cubic feet per second]“The main stream of the upstream rapids freight train rushes right into this turbulent, pounding abyss,” he said. “When the water is really high, a lot of Cataract Gorge is teeming with life. But at mile 30, the focus is on Rapid 18, which is one of the reasons some people call it the Dirty Thirties.”
The button is located in a stretch of rapids called the Mile-Longs, which Ippolito likens to a bar fight, “You don’t know where the next punch is going to come from.” Rafters lucky enough to experience the button at the peak of the current are in for a thrill ride they’ll never forget.
6) Rapids 21-23 aka The Big Drops (Level IV-V)
Colorado River is notorious Big Drop Considered one of the best whitewater rafting sites in the U.S., it includes Big Drop 1, Big Drop 2 and Big Drop 3, which come one after the other. “The Big Drops always keep you on your toes and always provide an exciting rafting experience, no matter what the water level,” said Seth Davis, OARS operations manager. “Because of the wild nature of this section of the Colorado River, one can experience a wide variety of currents in a single season, providing completely different experiences.”
Whether running Heavy rainfall during spring floods Or on a gentle fall current, rafters can return home with thrilling tales of conquering Cataract Canyon’s wildest mustangs.
Grand Canyon
7) Hermit Rapids (Class IV, 8 on the Grand Canyon scale)
Although often overshadowed by the more famous rapids of the Grand Canyon, anyone who has ridden the Hermit knows that it can be considered the best wave train and one of the most fun rides on the Colorado River. Depending on the current, the Hermit has the largest individual waves in the canyon, with about a dozen waves in a row, creating a roller coaster ride like you’ve never experienced before.
Located about 95 miles into the canyon, those who want to experience this epic fun should plan a full or lower canyon rafting trip and be prepared to hang on tight to wave after wave of screaming fun.
8) Lava Falls (Level IV+, Grand Canyon Level 9-10)
This list wouldn’t be complete without one of the most famous and intimidating rapids on Earth –Lava FallsKnown for its steep drop and technical challenge, Lava Falls attracts river runners from around the world to experience its unrelenting power.
While successfully navigating such rapids is an achievement in itself, for most of the 20,000 rafters Grand Canyon Every year, the lava falls are the lynchpin of the entire journey and mark a remarkable achievement as they approach the end of one of the greatest bucket list adventures on the planet.
Honorable Mention: Cataract Gorge Rapids (Class II-III)
this Lake Powell has seen a significant drop in water levels in recent years.a series of rapids that were previously buried under the lake bed have surfaced for the first time since the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam in 1966. While they may not be the biggest whitewater on the Colorado River, witnessing the return of these rapids from the water is exciting for Cataract Canyon boaters, who sit on the edge of their rafts, waiting to see what the rapids will bring. “For years, this whole section has been like unwrapping a whitewater gift,” Ippolito said. “According to historical records from river runners, there are about ten more rapids as the lake level drops.”
Rapid 29, also known as The Chute, is one of the most underrated rapids in this section of the Colorado River, according to OARS guide Peter Lefebvre, also a Return to Rapids“In high water it’s huge, and in low water it’s long, steep, technical, and pretty good even though it’s covered by the Drops,” Lefebvre said. Davis agreed, saying the Rapid 29 is “pure fun in high water. This section is a bit like Hermit at the Grand Canyon, and it creates huge standing waves that are like a roller coaster. Get your paddle deep in the water, get ready, hold on, and have a great time.”
