Lower Canyons

[tabriz]

Hi, I'm planning a raft trip to the Lower Canyons over Christmas this year.  We'll have 4 people and 3 rafts.  The largest raft is 15 feet.  Is this too big for this stretch?  I'd love to hear from anyone who's done this trip.  Trip reports, advice, etc.

Thanks!
Lee

[Flipper]

Here’s some resources?

http://bigbendbookstore.org/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=24&products_id=67

Louis Aulbach’s page on L.C. http://users.hal-pc.org/~lfa/Lcrg.html

Check Keith Bowden’s story links on bottom of Louis’ page & read Keith’s “Tecate Journals” http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=oxoe4v3Oom0C&dq=tecate+bowden&printsec=frontcover&source=web&ots=Um-ny9xw-m&sig=TvM0KJy3R7fT3SPm9ZBsJKVfJmk&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result

[Red Hawk]

I've done the Lower Canyons in a solo canoe several times and believe it is among the nations finest wilderness river trips. There are new considerations though. Border issues are manageable I understand, but something to get right before you go. Also Aulbach and others write about the river before the present flood, Things may be totally different now. Riverside water sources and the major rapids like Madison Falls are probably changed completely. New rapids may have formed. It would be interesting and informative to compare before and after. (Here's a chance for a new book.)

Nevertheless, it all depends on water levels at the time of your trip. To me, a raft is not the best way to do the lower canyons, you're too dependent on river current and you have much less ability to maneuver quickly. Many of the rapids are (or were) boulder fields at the mouths of side canyons. Some of the passages between boulders are very narrow (3 or 4 feet). Strong and dangerous side currents are common. I've seen times where big rafts had to be disassembled to manage portages and tight boulder passes where a canoe just zipped through. A kayak (if you travel light) or a canoe (if you want to take it all with you) and the ability to pole it allows quick ferries and upstream maneuvers in tight places, and a much greater sense of being with the river, not against it. To me that's the whole point.  spc

[cadster]

Has anyone been down since last month's flood?

Does anyone have a hired shuttle recommendations? I've got the numbers for Ted Thayer and the Stillwell Store from Aulbach's page.

Is the road into Dryden Crossing passable to cars?

I remember a free access at the La Linda bridge years ago. Do you need to pay the Heath Canyon Ranch now?

Thanks.

[Roy]

Here's a link to the outfitters outside the park.  Never heard anything bad about any of them.  They should have the most curent info on river conditions.

[RichardM]

Here's a link to the outfitters outside the park.  Never heard anything bad about any of them.  They should have the most curent info on river conditions.

Hey Roy, your link is invisible. Was this the one you meant?
http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/outfitters.htm

[Hoodoo]

I remember a free access at the La Linda bridge years ago. Do you need to pay the Heath Canyon Ranch now?

From Aulbach’s page



The NPS/BIBE website also lists the same contact phone number for Heath Canyon put-in and take-out.

Take lots of pictures, A Lower Canyons trip is on my short list of things to do. 

[harold]

If you go to the luv2paddle.com website there is a thread on the lower canyons by some people that are very familiar with that trip. I would highly recommend checking out that site. Go to the Paddling Camping Touring section.