Tapeats Creek
01. Thunder River to Colorado River
| Difficulty | III-IV |
| Length | 2.2 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 400 fpm |
| Reach Info Last Updated | December 14, 2017 |
River Description
Tapeats Creek is a unique boating experience. This miniature box canyon is a spring fed whitewater stream that flows into the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Intrepid creek boaters who are hungering for a quick fix of creeking can run Tapeats from the top of the micro gorge to the main river below.
The carry up to the top of Tapeats Creek is arduous and a bit dangerous, but well worth the effort. The whitewater is spring fed, refreshingly cool, and moderately difficult. Rescue by fellow boaters would be difficult but at least the canyon has rim side access for rappelling and rope extractions. If your are dedicated and want a beautiful creek experience in the middle of your big water Grand Canyon trip, then stop at Tapeats Creek.
From Thunder River confluence down to the top of the gorge, is relativel low gradient, brushy and scrapey at spots, so it probably does not get boated much.
From the top of the gorge to the confluence with the Colorado is a pretty short distance. After all the hiking, try to take your time in the gorge to enjoy the scenery.
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Log in to add a reportYou can only get here with a Grand Canyon permit and some hiking
This is so you won't have to hike up to see Thunder river come out of the canyon wall. I only hiked this section, but every night I dreamed of kayaking.