11. Lees Ferry to Lake Mead (Grand Canyon) (The Grand Canyon)Class I-V
230 Miles
Avg Gradient 9 fpm
Max Gradient 35 fpm
Granite - Into The Maw
Granite - Into The Maw Photo of Late afternoon run by Daniel W. Webb taken Aug. 28, 2004 @ 18000 Gauge Information
Colorado
River DescriptionThe Grand Canyon is one of the seven Wonders of the World. The only launch point is Lee's Ferry, which is measured as mile 0 on most maps. Lee's Ferry is the dividing point between the Upper and Lower Colorado Rivers for water rights politics. The majority of private trips in Grand Canyon travel 226 miles to Diamond Creek for their takeout. Other takeouts include Pearce Ferry on Lake Mead (mile 279) which has been closed due to low lake levels since August 2001. The next access is South Cove, which is 17 miles farther on the lake.Passengers may choose to hike in or out at a variety of trails in the mid-section of the run. The most common location to swap participants is Phantom Ranch (mile 89). The commercial rafting industry that feeds on Grand Canyon has built the whitewater up to heroic proportions in the public mind, but in reality, it is not that difficult. The gradient tells the tale; most of Grand Canyon is flat water. The infamous 1 to 10 rating system does not mean that these rapids are harder than class 6; this rating system is for heavily loaded large rafts, and a 10 on this scale might not require a single stroke from a kayaker. Disregard the hype, and apply your usual river-running judgment. Putting together an expedition that meets Park requirements and keeps a group of river runners well fed and happy for 18 or more days is the challenging part. The skills required for a kayaker to negotiate Grand Canyon include: 1. A bomber roll. The water is too fast and cold to really enjoy swimming. 2. The ability to turn sideways to a big wave train and paddle out of it. 3. The ability to keep your balance and your cool in sustained funny water (whirlpools and boils occur at the bottom of many rapids and along eddy lines). 4. The ability to scout and choose a big-water line. Lava rapid (mile 179) is the most intimidating rapid on the section. Because of another flash flood in Prospect Canyon, the left side of the rapid (which is considered by some to be a sneak) is cluttered with boulders, and only popular with rafters at higher flows (at least 15,000). Center Left at the top of the rapid is one of the biggest pourover holes you'll ever see, yet you will not be the first to throw some ends there if you try. You can scout from either side, but the impressive scout is to follow a small trail on river right up to an outcrop of lava where you can overlook the maelstrom. It doesn't look good, but you can't see while you're in it. The standard line is to start center right. Rafts commonly punch through the maw of the V-wave, but kayakers can bust through the lateral that feeds it from the left and smooth out their ride. Grand Canyon Waiting List (Private Boater Permit) If you're a private boater, interested in the Canyon, check out the Grand Canyon Private Boaters' Organization. They do some excellent work. Lat/Longitude data are very approximate. Want some Grand Canyon Lynx? Click here! And here! Check out this article from the archives of the AW Journal. Reaches of the Colorado River:
StreamTeam Status: verified
Last Updated: 2005-05-29 10:48:35
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