July 22, 2020
| Reporter | Craig Mackaman |
We did this run with inflatable kayaks as well as the section above (Upper Woody Creek Bridge to Lower Woody Creek Bridge) at 330 cfs on 7/18/2020. Combined it took 3 hours. It was super fun and challenging to dodge rocks and keep in the flow of the deepest water. We still rubbed on rocks and got stuck on a few but the previous section and the upper part of this section was all Class II & II+ at this level. The handling it takes to navigate the river at this flow probably makes it more for intermediates. On this section once you get to a 90 degree left hand bend of the river where a side stream comes in and the waves splash on a low rock ledge on the right side, the river becomes more of a solid Class III. This spot is a great one to take a break on a gravel bar and you can jump in for a fun swim! After this, there is a little more flow and probably the toughest rapid (this may be Toothache Rapid) comes after a stream enters on the left if I remember correctly. My kayak flipped and sent me down river and at pretty good clip but practice - on your back feet first river position and you will flush out pretty easily. There may be an opportunity to scout this rapid if you're on the lookout for it. I would say the next few rapids are all Class III but are a little less technical including the one right at the Rt. 82 bridge just before the take out. The great thing about this run is the availability of a bus shuttle that runs up Rt. 82 between Glenwood Springs and Aspen. The RFTA (Roaring Fork Transit Authority) runs every 1/2 hour at numerous stops along the way. For this run (this section and the section above), you drive up to Wilton Jaffee Sr. Park (take Smith Way off of Rt. 82 towards the river) which is the put in spot. This is a nice little park with free parking and a boat ramp. You kayak these two sections down to the take out at the Rt. 82 bridge. You then secure your boat or have your buddy watch them and walk up the boat ramp to the highway and walk over the bridge to the RFTA - Wingo bus stop. The bus comes at about 14 and 44 minutes after every hour. Right now they are offering free rides due to COVID-19 but probably is pretty cheap anyway. You ride the bus up to the Upper Woody Creek bus stop and get off. This puts you right at Smith Way to cross the highway and walk down to the river and your car at Wilton Jaffee Sr. Park. This really could not be any easier or more convenient!