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Saint Vrain Creek, South, CO

2. Confluence to 1 in 5 Rapid (SSV)

Class V+

5 Miles

Avg Gradient 248 fpm

Max Gradient 375 fpm

Pete in SSV

Pete in SSV
Photo of Peter Roth by Brian Adkins taken 06/03 @ 350cfs

River Description

The definition of steep manky roadside Class V+ in Colorado, the entire run is full of jagged rock from Hwy 7. Although some hate this run, it is a great afterwork run for hairboaters. Above, and including, Big Narrows is the best part of the run with continuous Class V boulder gardens, punctuated by steep and funnelized Class V cascades. Below Big Narrows it mellows out to continuous Class V-/V rapids.

For pics of SSV and many other Colorado classics check out my Webshots photo album.

To get there: The entire run is next to Hwy 7, about 3 miles upstream of Lyons. The Class V at the take-out is obvious on the drive up, as is the Narrows in the middle of the run. The put-in is at the confluence of the south and middle forks. Above that it looks too bony and woody.

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.

The various reaches of of Saint Vrain Creek,
Upper NSV (Class V+/VI-),
Middle NSV (Class IV/V),
Lower NSV (Class II/III),
Upper SSV (Class V+/VI-),
SSV (Class V/V+), and
Left Hand Creek (Class IV).