Hacienda Santa Elena to UtuadoClass III-IV(V+)
3.8 Miles
Avg Gradient 75 fpm
Gauge Information
Arecibo
Hacienda Santa Elena to Utuado III-IV(V+)
River DescriptionLocated in the heart of Puerto Ricos mountainous region know as the Cordillera Central, the Upper Areciebo cuts its way through a steep-walled canyon just above the town of Utuado. Providing road side access, route 10 (a major north south highway that connects the towns of Areciebo and Ponce) parallels the river for most of the section. The run sits in a beautiful canyon lush with vegetation were homes literally hang off the steep walled banks above the river. Cement columns of up to thirty feet form the foundation for these homes and you can literally see the floor boards from the river.This section is different from the downstream reach of the lower Areciebo. It’s a tight and technical creek run switching between boulder garden and slot style rapids with drops of up to six feet. The gradient is fairly consistent except for a steep class V+ waterfall section. As you approach a small concrete dam the gradient rapidly increases and it's time to get out and scout the next set. Three falls ranging from 18-25 feet drop in succession, the first falls is ugly and broken but drops into a deep recovery pool, the second falls drops almost on top of the third and is very technical. After this the rapids gradually calm as the river descends into the town of Utuado. If this section is running the upper and lower reaches of the Areciebo should have sufficient water and are worth checking out. StreamTeam Status: unverified
Last Updated: 2005-08-27 16:23:00
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