Clavey

The road to the lower bridge is now closed for good, and the only real option for this run is to put on at the Cottonwood Road bridge (upper section put in) for a 2-day. Although similar in mileage, the upper section will take significantly less time than the lower: about 2-4 hrs for the upper and a full day for the lower + paddle out on the T.

Flows for the upper section should feel somewhat low when you put on. If it feels high or padded out, then the lower will likely be too stout. There is a notable overhung rock on river left, in the eddy at the bottom of the rapid under the bridge at the upper put-in. We had water levels 1-2 feet below the overhang, and I would consider it medium-low flow. I would probably not put on if the overhang is underwater or very close to it.

There is a brilliant campsite at the end of the upper run, on a huge slab of rock on river left, about 1/8 of a mile below the now closed bridge. In addition to being a very comfortable slab, the rock contains numerous indigenous grind holes, clustered in one location. There is another campsite about 4 miles into the lower run, on river right, marked by a tire hanging on a tree. Getting there will require passing about 20 of the best class 5 rapids, and I would not consider it to be a quick 4 miles.

I ran this section last weekend 5/20-21/2017. It is much more challenging than the upper. Also, there is a three-mile hike to the put in due to a road closer. And the road to the lower takeout/ Putin is closed. Winter storms were hard on the road infrastructure in this area.

Check out this google earth screencast for more information on this advanced run. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJdisSBnX5w&feature=youtu.be

Photo courtesy of and copyright by Brett Valle. Check out his excellent stuff in Boof.com.
Photo courtesy of and copyright by Brett Valle. Check out his excellent stuff in Boof.com.