Arkansas,
|
|
03. Numbers Launch to Railroad Bridge Launch (The Numbers)
| Usual Difficulty |
IV (may vary with level) |
| Avg. Gradient |
71 fpm |
#'s at 3000cfs
#'s at 3000cfsPhoto of Tom Campbell by Brian Adkins taken 06/03 @ 3000cfs - high
Gauge Information
River Description
The Numbers is widely considered just about the best Class IV run in the state of Colorado. At
low levels the river channelizes and is fun IV- down to about 300cfs for playboaters. At about
1000cfs the rapids graduate to IV proper, and over 2200cfs they take on a IV+ character. There
are 6 major Class IV rapids creatively named number 1 through 6, although most takeout shortly
after #5. Rapid #1 is the most technical, but 4 and 5 generally have the most carnage. Above
3000cfs the run takes on a big water character, massive holes abound. At this level a powerfull 8
foot surfing wave forms at the base of rapid 1 and 1/2. There is a lot of private property around
the rapids so scouting is most likely illegal, do what you have to do to be safe. As noted above
most people take out just after #5 where there are an abundance of unofficial takeouts. If the
water level is medium to high I would reccomend that you make the most of a short run and takeout
below #6 at the railrod trestle.
To Get There: One alternative for this run is to start out by running the Pine Creek section. The put-in for the
Numbers though can be found at Hwy 24 mile 199.9 where a dirt road turns down to the river and
Scott's Bridge. Before crossing the bridge turn left headed upstream for about a mile along a
road that runs between the river and the railroad tracks. Be prepared to pay a fee for using the
launch which is maintained by State Parks. To get to the takout take Hwy 24 south to mile 201.5
and turn off onto County Road 371. Cross the river and bear right headed downstream along river
left. At this point you are now directly next to #5 which is on the downstream side of the
bridge. Continuing on down the road you will find a couple of alternative public access sites.
For the full run, it's 3.3 miles down this road to the Railroad Bridge access which also has a
couple of camp sites.
See
Colorado Rivers and Creeks II, by Banks and Eckardt
(The Bible), for info on this
and most of the other kewl runs of Colorado.
Lat/longitude coords are approximate, from TopoZone.
See also Pinecreek (Class
IV/V),
The Numbers (Class IV),
Fractions/ Frogrock/ Milkrun
(Class III),
Buena Vista (Class III),
Browns Canyon (Class III),
Salida (Class III),
Rincon (Class III),
Pinnacle Rock (Class III),
Royal Gorge (Class III/IV).
StreamTeam Status: Not Verified
Last Updated: 2009-07-27 04:24:05
Editors
No rapids entered. If you know names, and locations of the rapids please contact and advise the StreamTeam member for this run. 
User Comments
property being destroyed (trees cut, fences torn down). In addition both he and his family have had
some nasty encounters with various people (including boaters). While there is a small parking area
near the bridge, it appears that there is no direct public access from the road to the river around
the #5 rapid (including around the bridge). The land owner appears to be simply asking that people
respect his property and not to access the river from the road without direct permission Edit