Felt I had to explore some before committing to a 3-week trip next year and with the excellent water level............of
f we were.
Launched at Rancherias with the Johnson Ranch gauge indicating ~5.25 feet. The water fluctuated sometimes as much as a foot and a half per day, but overall trended downwards. The last of the summer rainstorms would be my guess. Several reports noted the river can both rise and fall very rapidly and after this trip, I would agree. The gauge variability did not seem to match the water variations actually experienced. Took 5 days with the takeout being the commonly used Santa Elena exit.
With the craft we brought and at this flow, the rapids were a non-issue. We read & ran from the boats with the exception of the Rockslide which was scouted. The Rockslide was pushy enough to cause some trepidation, but the higher flows also opened up multiple lines. We followed the traditional route of Mexican Gate, through the middle, hard right then left once past Dog Nose Rock. Beautiful section of river with Santa Elena Canyon truly world class.
Did short hikes at Closed Canyon, Entrance Rapid, and Fern Canyon. Fern especially was a very pleasant stroll.
It was all good except for:
1. We were somewhat caught by surprise how difficult egress to the river was. The cane/tammies totally line the shore with only a few access points. Used to think some sections of the Colorado River were choked, but not any more. Not near as many good campsites as used to for the number of miles undertaken.
2. Dropping water meant lots of mud.
3. Naive newbie's that we were, somehow assumed a river access point to be more than a single track cut through the cane ending in a steep, slippery, mudflat.
For the upcoming trip learned that the various springs will serve nicely to supplement water supplies. Also not to count on the Rio Grande Village or Castalon store to provide a weeks plus worth of decent food. Probably should cache instead. At common winter flows, will take an IK instead of cataraft. Although an insane drive, possible to launch from Fern Canyon in the morning and watch TV at home in Phoenix on the same day.
Was a good trip.
Will post an actual trip report under that forum when I manage to put something coherent together.
Closed Canyon Rapid: We hiked both Closed Canyon and the Mexican canyon directly across from it.
On river in Colorado Canyon:
Metate Camp directly below the False Sentinel: Only rainstorm of the trip surprised us and wet rats were we.
Entrance Rapid camp: Mark hiked the overlook from Arroyo San Carlos while I did it from the Texas side.
Rockslide:
On river in Santa Elena:
Santa Elena camp on the Texas side across from Fern Canyon:
