River Class / Skill Level

• Class: III–IV whitewater with several powerful rapids including Disaster Falls.

• Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced paddlers comfortable with technical canyon rapids.

Season / Permits / Weather

• Boating Season: May through September.

• Permit Required: Yes — permits issued by the National Park Service.

• Best Time to Run: June and July during peak snowmelt flows.

• Weather: Warm desert days with cool canyon nights.

Water Levels / River Character

• Typical Flow Range: ~800–18,000 cfs depending on snowmelt runoff.

• Low Water: Technical rapids with exposed rocks.

• Optimal Flows: 3,000–10,000 cfs provides exciting wave trains.

• High Water: Powerful hydraulics and fast current.

• Special Considerations: Historic expedition route traveled by John Wesley Powell.

Put-In / Take-Out

• Standard Put-In: Gates of Lodore Boat Ramp.

• Standard Take-Out: Split Mountain Boat Ramp.


• Trip Length: Approximately 44 miles, typically run in 3–4 days.