Colorado

A large parking area and unloading area is available next to an expansive boat launch area. Outfitters generally rig on the left side of the ramp while the public uses the right side. Toilets, potable water, and a campsite for river runners are all available here. A covered picnic area is available for lunch and trip orientation, but not for any cooking or camping.

An old and a new bridge cross here about 500 feet above the river. The old bridge is now a pedestrian walkway and viewing area. On the north side of the bridge is a parking area, bathrooms, and a small visitor center. The view from the bridge is tremendous. The view from below looking up at the bridge is pretty neat too. Keep your eyes open for California Condors.

Badger is the first real rapid with Grand Canyon waves. It is more difficult at lower flows when there are some rocks and holes to avoid. A boulder near the top of the rapid to the right of center can form a hydraulic that is best avoided.

Soap Creek enters on the right just below the beginning of the rapid. This is a typical rapid with large rocks and holes on either side at the top, but a wide tongue down the middle into standing waves. Decent camping is available above the rapid on river right.

Read and run generally down the middle avoiding any boulders.

This rapid is named for House Rock Wash. The rapid curves gradually to the right, so the current carries boats towards the left into a number of very big breaking waves. Lurking in the waves at the bottom of the rapid is a boat-flipping hole. Avoiding this hole is the first big test.

It is easy for kayakers to go to the right of the hole, or to go through it and roll back up afterwards. Loaded rafts have to pull hard to stay right. If there is enough water, smaller rafts can sneak far right at the top and maneuver their way through shallow rocks.

Read and run rapid formed by the outwash from North Canyon that comes in on river right. The side canyon here is a good hike and a popular first hiking stop for many groups.

Start of the 'Roaring Twenties,' a series of fun and relatively closely spaced rapids.

Read and run.

Pourover in the center at the top of the rapid with lines around the right or left. The right line is easier.

This rapid is new and formed in 1989 and one of the bigger drops in the Roaring 20's. The right-of-center tongue takes you into a standing wave.

The outwash from Ship Spring Wash coming in on the left forms this rapid. A pourover at the top left of the rapid requires starting center and then moving left avoiding the holes at the bottom right.

A similar run to the rapid above this. Start center to avoid the pourover at the top on the left and then move left to avoid the holes on the bottom right.

Center pourover that can be run to the right.

Formed by the outwash from Tiger Wash that enters the river from river left. A read and run rapid with some rockfall debris at the bottom of the drop.

Read and run.

Water cascades out of the redwall on river right from a spring that is a good place to find clear water. Be careful of poison ivy that is prevelant here.

On the left is a giant natural ampitheater carved out of the limestone. It is an easy and very popular stop. It is dark and cool in the back. Sounds carry loudly through the cavern.

Read and run.

A big rock occupies the center of the river. Clean tongues are on either side. At some flows kaykers can find decent surfing. At high flows, the rock creates a monster hole, but you have plenty of room to avoid it to the left. A campsite is available on river left.

A good side hike accessible from a nice camp on river right.

A long rapid with some waves and holes on the right and a drier line if you stay to the inside on the right. There are some good camps on river right that are popular for the access they provide to the Nankoweap Granaries, one of the classic hikes of the Grand Canyon.

The standard line is to enter left and move to the right. A pourover in the center is to be avoided followed by a boulder near the left shore in the tailwaters of the rapid.

The outwash from 60 mile creek that comes in from river right forms this rapid.

The Little Colorado enters from the left. During the dry season it will be flowing milky blue and with a few hundred cfs coming from limestone springs just a few miles upstream. During rainy times this river will be muddy with flows from its vast drainage.

A straightforward read-and-run rapid formed by the outwash from Lava Creek.

The line is generally left of center, avoiding the hydraulics to the right, and then moving over towards the right at the bottom of the rapid.

Formed by the outwash of the Unkar Delta that extends into the river from the right. The line varies with flow but generally stay to the center avoiding, or punching, features along the way that are created by rocks on the right and on the left. The Unkar Delta (pull out above the rapid on the right) is a fun stop to explore the canyon's prehistoric history where a couple short loop trails take you through an area with several artifacts.

Fun hydrualics that you can read and run.

This is the first real ass kicker with big holes. It is one of the longest rapids on the river and the rapid most cluttered with boulders and holes. This also makes it one of the more dangerous rapids to swim. Boaters must make multiple manuvers throughout the rapid and be prepared to take corrective action when things don't go as planned. You can scout from either river right or river left. The river right scout gives you a higher vantage point to look down on the rapid and gives you a better view of all the lines. The river left scout is down at river level and closer to the rapid giving you a close up view of the left lines (which tend ot be in as flows increase), but it is harder to see the right lines.

Most boaters enter the rapid center right then work left to avoid the biggest holes. A left line is also often an option as long as the flows are high enough.

Stay to the left to avoid the hole and lateral waves at the top right. Don't get too far off the big V waves and find yourself smacked around. While the approach can be intimidating in the dark confines of the inner gorge, this rapid is relatively straightforward.

Another intimidating horizon line in the inner gorge, this rapid is a set of big wave trains. A center right entrance is standard to avoid the hole to the left at the top and the rocks to the right. Pass to the left of the hole at the bottom

Follow the tongue down the right to avoid the pourover on the left.

Read and run rapid.

Offset holes that can be avoided by running to the left or right, or show off your skills by splitting them down the middle.

Three different trails meet the river here: one to the north rim and two up to the south rim. The trails provide access to the rim and Phantom Ranch where a post office and snack bar are a popular stop for river runners. You can hike a fun loop over the Bright Angel bridge and back over the Kaibab bridge. This is also a popular location for exchanges for those not running the entire Grand Canyon.

Minor rapid formed by the outwash from Bright Angel Creek that comes in on river right.

Read and run as the river bends around to the left.

Possibly the most difficult and intimidating rapid at lower flows. Dark walls rise raggedly on both sides. A big clean tongue enters the rapid on the right and flows into big breaking waves and finally into a monster wave hole.

One strategy is to enter on the tongue, then get left of the bottom hole. Another route is to enter between two horns at the top left of the rapid, punch some big waves then easily stay left of the bottom hole.

The waves throughout the rapid are powerful.

Read and run rapid.

Granite is a long rapid with big waves up against the wall on river right. The outwash from Monument Creek coming in on river left pushes the main tongue to river right funneling the flow up against the cliff wall on river right. Large waves rebound off the cliff and a hole awaits at the bottom of the rapid in the center. A good line is to stay towards the right along the line of laterals coming off the cliff wall, but not right up against it, and then moving right of the hole at the bottom.

You can scout this rapid by walking down along the shoreline on river left but confident boaters can read and run.

The biggest free standing waves up to this point on the river. This is an easy and relatively quick scout on river left or confident boaters can read and run.

Read and run rapid.

Crystal became the big one in 1966, after a big flash flood in Crystal Creek dumped big boulders in the river and constricted the main channel to the left. Crystal Hole dominated the center of the river and large diagonal waves surfed rafts towards it.

Over time high flows in the main river have gradually reduced the power of the central hole and made it easier to miss the hole. It still remains a serious rapid. Scout from river right either up high or down at river level.

A standard line is to run left of the main hole and navigate the waves and hydraulics in the main channel. A rock garden at the end of the rapid needs to be run to the left or right. If you take this route beware of the cliff walls on river left just below the main hole with some tricky hydraulics that can flip rafts. Another option is to hug the shore on river right and skirt the right side of the main hole. This moves gets tricker as flows drop.

Mid chanel pourover that is run to the right.

Large waves in the middle that can be avoided by running left.

Read and Run.

Read and run rapid.

More of the 'gemstone series.' This is another read and run.

Read and run rapid with waves formed by the outwash from Emerald Canyon on river right.

Rapid formed by the outwash from Ruby Canyon coming in on river left. It's a fun read-and-run wave train that forms to the right.

Rapid formed by the outwash from Serpentine Canyon that comes in on river left. It's a read and run rapid with a big wave train that forms to river right. Avoid the pourover at the top right.

Read and run rapid with multiple lines.

Formed by the outwash from Shinumo Creek that comes in from river right. If you can grab the eddy at the very top at the entrance to Shinumo Creek you can hike up a short distance to a cool waterfall. You might also find fossils in the creek bed.

Read and run rapid.

Read and run rapid.

Formed by the outwash from Walhenberg Canyon coming in on river right. The rapid has a large mid-channel hole.

There is a wonderful short hike up to a pretty swimming hole. It does involve some scrambling. Adventurous climbers can continue scrambling past the main swimming hole and eventually come out above.

Read and run rapid.

Read and run rapid formed by the outwash from Blacktail Canyon that comes in on river right. This is also a good hike up into Blacktrail Canyon where you can witness the Great Unconformity--rock layers separated by a billion years in time--and enjoy the acoustics if you have brought instruments along. This rapid also marks the start of Conquistador Aisle, an incredibly scenic section of the Grand Canyon.

Read and run rapid.

Read and run rapid formed by outwash from Forster Canyon.

Fossil Rapid is a read and run rapid at the start of the Middle Granite Gorge. It is one of the longer rapids in the canyon starting with a fun lead in before the river bends left and then back right creating a great S-turn sequence of whitewater.

Read and run rapid.

Read and run rapid formed by the outwash from the side canyon that comes in from river right.

This rapid has a small schist island at the top that is normally passed on the left.

The main current runs down the left side of the channel then piles up against a large bedrock midstream island. Half of the current turns sharply to the right of the island and that is the safe route. The other half of the current pushes to the left of the island, then turns sharply right on the downstream side. The left side of the island is a narrow and extremely turbulent chute that is not recommended. The rock walls on both sides are honeycombed with potholes carved by the water. A scout from river right is highly recommended to make sure you have your approach set. Rocks along the river right bank at lower flows can present challenges in timing your move to the right. Take some time to explore the interesting rock formations there. Bedrock Creek is also a nice hike.

This rapid is deceiving. It is big and wide and easy at the top. Once it picks up speed it curves a bit to the right then has large holes scattered through out. With a heavy raft it is easy to blunder into a few of them. If you find yourself in that situation, hold on tight and square up to hit them. This rapid is commonly scouted with a short walk up to an overlook on river left that gives you a good overview of the rapid.

The rapid is a minor rapid, but the creek offers wonderful hiking. Two trails climb the cliffs on either side of the creek then traverse narrow ledges above the gorge.  Facing upstream at the mouth, the trail on the left is easier, while the trail on the right requires some scrambling. Tapeats Creek flows year round because it is fed by two major springs: Thunder River and Tapeats Spring. Thunder River is the closer of the two but still requires a couple hours of hiking. The trail past Thunder River, continues on to Surprise Valley and eventually to the north rim or over to Deer Creek.

Kayakers can carry boats up the trail so that they can paddle through the narrows. See Tapeats Creek— Thunder River to Colorado River.

Camping is no longer allowed at the mouth of Tapeats Creek.

This is a straightforward rapid but Helicopter Eddy on river left has a powerful eddy fence that can be difficult to punch through if you end up there. It's easy to pull right and avoid the eddy but you need to pay attention, which can be particularly important if your most experienced rowers have left to do the Tapeats to Deer Creek Hike and left the boats in the hands of less experienced rowers.

Deer Creek is spring-fed and flows all year long. Boaters are provided with a dramatic sight where the creek gushes out of a notch in the cliff, then free falls about 170 feet, into a pool next to the main river.  A large sand bar seperates the base of the falls from the river. A trail starts at the mouth of Deer Creek and goes all the way to the north rim. A long, but popular day hike from the river, during the cool season, is from Tapeats Creek to Deer Creek via Surprise Valley. The steep hike to the valley above the falls is very nice by itself.

Experienced Canyoneers can travel through the short narrows leading down to the top of Deer Creek Falls.  It requires good rock climbing/canyoneering skills.  There are several bolted rappels past waterfalls within the narrows, while the final rappel is said to be 180 feet.   See canyoneeringusa.com,  and Todd's Hiking Guide.

At the very top of the rapid you will find a tight pull in for the mouth of Matakamiba. This is a spectacular side canyon worth exploring.

This rapid is more challenging than 6 rating would imply and it is worth a scout. This large rapid makes a gradual right turn against the cliff wall on the left with the debris fan on the right. A very large wave hole lurks in the center of the waves about 2/3 of the way through that can flip a loaded raft.

The conservative route is to stay as far right as you can scrape down. An exciting line is available on the left side which avoids the main hole, but requires punching other wave holes that are only somewhat smaller. Lines that start left and then move right to avoid the hole tend to have mixed results.

The rapid is tougher at lower flows.  Not sure at what flows the wave holes wash out.

Easy read and run.

You will find a pull in to the mouth of Havasu immediately at the top of this rapid. Beware of the bedrock shelf that extends out just before you need to make your pull. The mouth of the creek has space for a few boats and fixed anchors to tie off. You can bring a set of cams if you want more options and flexibility.

Rapid formed by the outwash of Tuckup Canyon coming in river right. Stay right if you plan to catch the eddy for the camp. This is a popular option for those who have spent the day at Havasu.

Rapid formed by the outwash from National Canyon coming in on river left.

Rapid formed by the outwash from Fern Glen Canyon coming in on river right.

Rapid formed by the outwash from Mohawk Canyon on river left.

Lava rapid (mile 179) is the most intimidating rapid in the Grand Canyon. 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 more popular with rafters at higher flows (at least 15,000). Center 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.

Lower Lava is the rapid following the short recovery pool below Lava Falls. The river flows past a bedrock wall on river left where hydraulics form.

Read and run.

Read and run formed by the outwash from Whitemore Wash that comes in on river right. The Whitemore Pictographs are just upstream of the rapid on river right.

Read and run. Start by entering right of center. Move left to avoid the river right wall at the bottom of the rapid.

This rapid, with the unassuming name taken from the river mile where it is located, has been known to catch river runners off guard. The river flows to the right and the main current feeds into a large hole near the top that some do not notice until it is too late. The hole is capable of flipping a raft at certain flows.

Read and run. Stay alert for the mid-channel pourover.

A fun feature on river left.

A rock island with a larger channel to the left or a smaller channel to the right.

The last significant rapid before Diamond.

Fun run down the left side.

Read and run.

A rough dirt road comes down the side canyon to the river. The eddy is fairly small and Diamond Creek rapid starts immediately downstream. During the monsoon season in July and August, Diamond Creek can flash flood and wash the road out. This access is managed by the Hualapai Tribe and requires payment of a fee to the Tribe to utilize. Good whitewater continues for another 12 miles below this point but many groups prefer this take-out to avoid the approximately 40 miles of flatwater below the last rapids that continues down to Pearce Ferry.

The current moves swiftly as you pass the Diamond Creek take-out and immediately start through this rapid that is a fun read and run.

Read and run.

Bigger hydraulics to the center and left.

This rapid is worth scouting and is generally the rapid most likely to cause mishap in this lower section. The entry is straightforward to the right of center, avoiding a wave hole on the left but once on the tongue you need to pull hard to avoid the 'fangs' which are schist fins sticking up in the main flow towards the bottom of the rapid. At higher flows above 15,000 cfs these will likely be covered but scout the rapid to determine if they are in play.

Read and run.

Read and run.

Read and run.

Read and run.

An easy riffle with the rapid filled in with sediment.

This rapid is filled in with reservoir sediments. The camp here is one of the last good camp options on river right.

An easy riffle with the rapid filled in with sediment.

An easy riffle with the rapid filled in with sediment.

An easy riffle with the rapid filled in with sediment. This was once one of the biggest rapids in Grand Canyon.

An easy riffle with the rapid filled in with sediment.

An easy riffle with the rapid filled in with sediment.

An easy riffle with the rapid filled in with sediment.

An easy riffle with the rapid filled in with sediment.

An easy riffle with the rapid filled in with sediment.

An easy riffle with the rapid filled in with sediment.

An easy riffle with the rapid filled in with sediment.

A hike up to a waterfall on river left, one of the last good side hikes.

Pearce Ferry is at the end of the Grand Canyon as the high canyon walls fall away and the river flows through a more open landscape where it transitions to a reservoir. Trips to this point allow you to enjoy the full experience of boating the Grand Canyon. The whitewater ends approximatly 40 miles upstream of this access point but as long as reservoir levels remain low, boaters will have good current all the way to this point. The access point is located at the end of a 50 mile road from US 93 and about 2 hours from Las Vegas or 3.5 hours from Flagstaff.

The site is free to the public and administered by the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. It has no water and only minor facilities with a paved ramp, parking, and pit toilet. The take-out and de-rigging area is closed to swimming, fishing, camping, and shoreline fires to prevent conflict with river runner operations. It's not uncommon for two or three trips to be at the ramp at one time so keep your gear consolidated and the ramp clear.

The Pearce Ferry Access was closed in 2001 when the reservoir elevation dropped over 100' but was reopened in 2010 when a two-mile extension of the Pearce Ferry Road to the Colorado River was completed.

Reservoir silt has filled in the old river channel which ran along the cliffs to the north. The river has cut a new channel to the south, exposing a rock ridge. As the reservoir level dropped this new rapid formed at mile 281. It has become a class 10+ on the Grand Canyon scale, or a class V on the international scale. As of 2023 a few highly skilled boaters have run the rapid but it is generally not recommended. The rapid is constantly changing as the river continues to erode the rock ridge that causes the rapid.  The rapid can be viewed by walking downstream about 10 minutes from the Pearce Ferry take out along well-used trails.

Photos of Superimposition Rapid near Pearce Ferry, uncovered by the low lake levels.  Photos from February 2008.

Durango Bill's page with excellent photos and explanation of the formation of this rapid.

The satellite view on the map tab gives a good close up view of this new rapid when you zoom in.

When the reservoir level is around 1105 feet or lower, a rapid appears at the end of Iceberg Canyon. An excellent surfing wave is reported to form there, also. The location and rating are approximate.

Before Pearce Ferry road was extended all the way out to the river channel,  South Cove was the only viable take out past Diamond Creek. Now that there is a good take out at Pierce Ferry there is no need to go to South Cove. Now that the Pearce Ferry Rapid is class 5+, it would be dangerous to continue to South Cove and have to run that rapid.