MAIN ELK CREEK Main Elk Canyon

Put-in	Calm water above five-foot waterfall
Takeout	bridge (watch for private property)
Length	2 miles
Difficulty	Low water	IV (P)
	High water	V+

Special Beta: Colorado big water with roadside access!

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Here is an exploratory run that I was curious about for a long time and finally paddled in 2003. For years, I eyed the Main Elk as it coursed through New Castle, wondering if somewhere along its length there was potential for kayaking. Certainly the Elk has more then enough water, almost a thousand cfs in a big year, it seemed reasonable that some runnable whitewater might exist. Then, in 2003, I discovered this stretch while on a hike and was intrigued by the scenery, and the suprisingly good whitewater within.

Mushroom Rapid

All things consdiered, the Main Elk would be a viable run if it weren't for one crucial problem: access. The best whitewater is on public land but requires a hike of about a mile to get to. Since the private land surrounding the run is very exposed, and littered with fences and wood to portage, it is unlikely that you would be able to secretly descend. Were it not for such strictly guarded access, many other options would be available for paddling along this creek.

The riverbed itself is surprisingly clean (in 2008 no portages were necessary though a few trees needed to be be snuck or ducked) and consists of up to a mile and half of continuous class IV/V. If the juicy section were just a little longer or a little steeper, this run would be well worth the trouble.

Your day begins with a hike up Hadley Gulch Trail, around the private property, and into the canyon section on public land. Make sure to take a left when the trail forks off. About half a mile into your hike, the trail returns to creekside and the canyon walls close in. At high water, a stretch of the trail where it nears some cliffs will be well under water. If the water is knee deep here than it is probably too high. Scout as you hike to check for logs and see the tight, twisting, lines that you will need to negotiate. It is quality single-track creekin' in a beautiful alpine setting. Just passed the narrow portion of the trail near the cliffs, you will ascend a somewhat strenuous hill. Not far above this is the beginning of the meat. Scout this first series of rapids carefully! Put-in above the crux, where the river is calm and flat, and get warmed up. Once the rapids begin, they never slow down again!

The Triangle

The first drop is The Triangle, a small vert somewhat reminscent of Water Slide on Escalante Creek. Boof this five foot drop vigorously in the center to avoid ugly pinspots on both sides. Due to the consequences, and difficulty to execute the boof properly, this might be a class V drop. Eyeing the undercut pinspot suspiciously, we chose to portage. Just downstream is a sweeping, fun set of rapids and corners (beware of wood). At high water this section is a shotgun blast. The first ledge drops into a powerful hole and sneaks on either side lead to more problems. At these levels the whole stretch is probably class V+. Before long, the canyon walls close in, and you paddle through one of the more scenic parts of the river. A few swift corners later and you will land in the eddy above the crux rapid, Mushroom Rock (look for the huge mushroom shaped rock mid-channel). Mushy is a short, technical plunge with some potentially ugly lines. At high water a potential sneak opens up on the left though getting there is not as easy as it looks. The main line down the right picks its way through some sharp rocks and drops over an angled five-foot ledge that pushes you towards a cliff. At high water this ledge is shorter but the hole is really trashy. Just downstream is a small, runnable weir with a diversion intake and a potential pinspot.

Below Mushroom and the diversion drop, you are entering private land and are faced with a tough decision. You haven't been in your boat long and hiked a long way to get here, so getting out already is not an attractive option. But if you proceed any further, you will be entering private property with no legal option for exit until much further downstream (about seven miles). It is another half mile with some more decent III/IV whitewater to get down to the bridge where your car awaits, but the further you go, the deeper into private property you get. It is unclear how the landowners feel about kayakers, but judging by the numerous signs, they are serious about keeping their land private. We chose to paddle a short ways into the private property zone and discreetly portage our way back to the takeout. As you hike out you will catch glimpses of some interesting looking whitewater below, but are forbidden from further exploration by the private property.

There it is. Why write such a long description for such a mediocore run? Well, after all the work we put in to explore this drainage, I almost felt obligated to write it up. This will never be a good run. The access issues, unfortunately, are the big spoiler here. Were things different (perhaps with permission from the landowner?) this little creek would be well worth the effort. But it is there, and for those with an adventurous spirit, a taste for masochism, and a desire to see something far off the beaten track, the Main Elk might be for you.

FLOW GUIDE Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon

Glenwood Canyon Flow Guide

0 to 2,000 cfs Low

Very common level during the summer, fall and early spring seasons. Grizzly is mellow (II) though shallow in spots, Shoshone is straightforward (III), and Barrel is mostly dry due to the diversion.

2,000 to 5,000 cfs Medium

Banks starting to fill in. Popular and fun level. Grizzly is deeper and pushier but still manageable by a strong beginner. Shoshone is getting juicy and starting to show a little muscle, especially above 4,000 cfs. Long swims and flipped rafts are possible. Barrel is filled in a pushy. This is the level in which most Barrel descents occur. Class V around 3,000 cfs and up.

5,000 to 10,000 cfs High

Now we’re talking! Only the biggest rocks are still exposed. Grizzly has some surprising waves and powerful currents (III), Shoshone is pushy class IV with some ugly, well-spaced monster holes, and Barrel is top-expert V+.

Above 10,000 cfs Very High

Yee-haw! Monster waves and very strange currents throughout. Only experienced paddlers should attempt even the easy sections. Grizzly is pushy and swirly (III), Shoshone is starting to flush but has gigantic moments and brutal consequences (IV), and Barrel is utterly heinous. How high can it get? In 2011 the river peaked just under 19,000 cfs. In both 1983 and 1984, the two highest water years on record, the river peaked over 20,000 cfs.

COLORADO RIVER Dotsero to Bair Ranch

Put-in	Dotsero Boat Ramp
Takeout	Bair Ranch
Length	6 miles
Difficulty	< 2,000 cfs	I+
	2,000-5,000 cfs	I+
	5,000-10,000 cfs	II
	> 10,000 cfs	II

Special Beta: Put your noobs here!

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If there ever was an ideal section of river for a first river experience, it is this one. Smooth, calm corners, huge deep eddies, and two or three minor wave trains define this run. For a beginner, especially one that is on the timid side, this is the perfect place to start. As opposed to many Colorado class I’s, this section is deep, making it safer for the bottomside-top beginner.

The put-in for this section is at the dirt boat ramp just upstream of the I-70 bridge in Dotsero (river left). This adds 3 miles of calm water and the section’s most difficult rapid (I+ at most levels). A shorter run, however, can be had by driving downstream from the Dotsero exit along Highway 6 to the trailhead at the east end of the Glenwood Canyon Bike Path. This abridged version has the best eddies and two good riffles (I+) but loses the best rapid.

Although this section is great for beginners at most flows, very high water (over 10,000 cfs) some dangerous currents form.

COLORADO RIVER Barrel Springs

Put-in	Hanging Lake
Takeout	Shoshone (or Grizzly Creek)
Length	2.2 miles (3.6 miles to Grizzly)
Difficulty	< 2,000 cfs	IV+ (P)
	2,000-5,000 cfs	V- (VI-)
	5,000-10,000 cfs	V (VI-)
	> 10,000 cfs	VI-

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The hardest, most dangerous rapid on the entire Colorado Rier lies not in the famed Grand Canyon or the depths of Cataract Canyon or Westwater or even Gore Canyon, but here in Glenwood Canyon only a few minutes drive from Glenwood Springs.

Formerly known as Kayaker’s Nightmare, and considered unrunnable, these days this infamous rapid, re-christened Upper Death, has been downgraded to V+ and is run with some regularity. In my opinion, Upper Death is worthy of tipping into the VI- to VI grade. Regardless of the class rating, it is a very serious drop and infrequently ran. It is quite possibly the hardest rapid in the Roaring Fork Valley.

This section of river, often called “Barrel”. Is plagued by unfortunate logistical problems that have undermined its reputation as a premier, cutting-edge, big water run. First, the put-in and takeout are only accessible from the eastbound lanes of I-70, which makes the shuttle annoyingly complicated. Second, when I-70 was constructed the signature rapid was hidden under a bridge from interstate viewers, reducing the “siren” effect that such a magnificent rapid can have. Third, and most important, the diversion at Shoshone Dam pulls the teeth of the river here, rendering it dry for much of the season. Despite this, Barrel still offers some of the only big water hair boating in Colorado and is a very worthy run for the expert kayaker.

After working through Barrel’s unique logistical issues, carry your boat down the bike path past Shoshone Dam to the crux rapid, Upper Death. It is not worth putting in in-between the dam and falls.

Barrel Springs Rapid

Upper Death is a serious rapid at all levels, and probably unrunnable at certain water levels. The rapid is a three-tiered cascade with a large, steep ramp at the bottom with a powerful hole studded with ugly rocks in the froth. A cave on the left halfway down the rapid and an undercut at the bottom on the right further increases the danger of the line. The rapid deserves a V+/VI- rating depending on the flow.

A short pool separates Upper Death from its unruly stepchild Lower Death. At the lowest runnable levels you can paddle around and warm-up in the pool between the two, but usually it’s a rocket blast start into some immediate cruxy moves. IV+ at its easiest, Lower Death gets harder as the water comes up. Lower Death is full-on class V at medium to high levels.

A mile and a half of intermittent II/II+ lands you in the pool above Barrel Springs, the namesake drop and an area classic.

Pioneered in the early 80’s by paddlers like Matt Gaines and Kevin Padden, Barrel is a rapid of preeminence in the Roaring Fork Valley. Though the rapid has undergone numerous topographical changes, it is a long and difficult rapid usually rated IV+ to V- at low to medium levels, thus it is not as cutting edge as it used to be. At high water, however, Barrel is full-on class V+ with dangerous consequences. Even the best boaters will be challenged at these levels. I have been with world-class playboaters who passed on Barrel over 5,000 cfs.

Barrel is a long rapid, and its continuous nature add to its difficulty. The crux moves come in the top third, which is often called the “S-turn”. Depending on the flow, a big hole backed up by some sharp rocks or turbulent laterals will give you pause. Some people choose to put-in below the S-turn crux and only paddle the “Dogleg”, the long curving runnout that ends in a move right to avoid an ugly hole/roostertail (IV/IV+). At lower levels and exciting center line exists.

Below the Dogleg, the river eases but still remains turbulent, crashing through a rapid I have always called “Lower Barrel” or “Post-Barrel” (III+/IV). After a couple of corners the river calms and you may be tempted into thinking the difficulties are over. But alas, one more tricky drop exists. Just around the corner and out-of-sight from the powerplant and boatramp at the Shoshone Powerplant is a sneaky, sharp drop that cannot be seen from the interstate. The hole here is violent and deceptive. A somewhat straightforward sneak exists but you must be much further left than it appears from above, or risk being typewritered into the stickiest spot (IV-).

COLORADO RIVER Shoshone

Put-in	Shoshone Powerplant
Takeout	Grizzly Creek
Length	1.6 miles
Difficulty	< 2,000 cfs	III
	2,000-5,000 cfs	III+
	5,000-10,000 cfs	IV
	> 10,000 cfs	IV+

Special Beta: Colorado big water with roadside access!

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At regular levels Shoshone is one of Colorado’s benchmark class III runs. Seen by millions and paddled by many, Shoshone is one of the busiest stretches of river in the state. Very few, however, would likely call Shoshone their favorite.

         
As a long-time local paddler who has paddle Shoshone more times that I could ever count and at almost every level between 400 and 10,000 cfs, I have a certain fondness for this run; it is where I honed many of my skills. Shoshone does, however, have a few detractors that keep it from being a classic. First, length. At just over a mile and half, Shoshone is simply too short. Second, visibility. With a bikepath, train tracks, and a four-lane interstate, it is often hard to remember how amazing and beautiful Glenwood Canyon is. The noise pollution is tremendous. Third, this run is busy. Hoards of boats do Shoshone and the sheer volume of rafts and kayaks can change the nature of your day. Shoshone does have some things going for it, however, that make up for some of its shortcomings. It has deep, quality class III whitewater with ample opportunities for play (though none too amazing). It has consistent flows that keep it running when all else has gone dry. It is a great place for the skill-advancing intermediate to sharpen their kayaking teeth and learn skills necessary for more technical whitewater. These factors alone will always guarantee this run’s

The All Day Wave on Shoshone

popularity.

After putting in at the boat ramp below Shoshone Powerplant, you paddle a short riffle (II) to a huge eddy on river right above the first rapid, Baptism (III-/III+). Before I get into describing the rapids themselves, it is worth noting a fact or two about said rapids’ names.

The name game in Shoshone is a complete mess. While each of the rapids, and even some of the individual holes, rocks and even eddies, have been named, there seems to be a great deal of confusion about these names. Kayakers might call a rapid one thing and rafters might call the same drop by yet another moniker. Certain rapids might have two or more differing names depending on who you talk to. This first rapid, for example, is usually called Baptism (III-/III+), but I have also heard it called Upper Superstition in certain guidebooks. Oh well, I will try to note this discrepancies as I go along.

Baptism is a straightforward rapid with a large wave train at the top that widens into runnout that is peppered by holes or rocks depending on the level. This rapid merges into the next at medium and high levels.

The river bends hard right below Baptism and enters Tuttle’s Tumble (III/IV), which I have also heard called Lower Superstition. Tuttle’s features a large table rock in the center of the river that forms a big and trashy hole above 4,500 cfs or so. A river-right chute is the usual route around this obstacle. Move either left or right below Tuttle’s to avoid two off-set rocks at low water (the Olsen Twins) which turn into a huge, trashy hole at higher levels (Marty’s Diner). Immediately below Marty’s is a rocky runnout called Pinball Alley (II+/III) with a few sharp moves around small but troublesome rocks/holes. A big eddy on the left below provides a good place to stop before the next rapid.

Next up is The Wall (III/IV) one of the more distinct and fun rapids of the run. While almost everyone agrees that this rapid is called The Wall (named for a retaining wall on river left) I have seen it listed as China Wall in several publications. The river bends right through The Wall and crashed through a series of big waves and holes. Most boats enter left to miss two ledgy holes and pull right to miss a rock/hole at bottom-left of the drop. The slot between the two holes at the top is also a common gate for entry and shortens the pull right, making it especially popular for heavy rafts. Many rafts have flipped, however, flubbing this entry move and dropping into either of the two holes. Above 4,000 cfs these holes are powerful. Above 8,000 cfs they are basically washed out.

Below The Wall is a large eddy on river left followed by a short drop that forms a surf wave at lower levels. This drop is often called the All-Day Wave by kayakers, a named from a different era that seems almost comical now. In the days of the 8-foot playboat we used to front surf/flat spin here for hours. Nowadays it’s probably only good for a carve or two before moving on. I have heard this rapid called Bonehead and even, ugh, Upper Superstition in certain circles. This short class II is washed out above 3,000 cfs.

Below the All-Day Wave the river constricts and bends slightly left through a short rapid sometimes called Lower Superstition. I prefer to think of this rapid as the first part of Tombstone, as problems here often lead to problems in Tombstone immediately downstream. At higher water the two drops are intimately connected. A huge crashing wave forms here above 4,000 cfs or so and the undercut formed by the bikepath at high water on the right is a particularly dangerous place for swimmers.

In my opinion, Tombstone (III+/IV) is the crux rapid of the run, and the only one where everyone seems to agree on the name. A tall, sharp rock left of center distinguishes the hardest move. This rock combine with a steep pourover/hole to its right barrs easy passage. At low water rafts generals go right of the hole and cut back left to miss a pesky pinspot. Kayakers, on the other hand, usually take a whooshing slot between the tombstone and the hole and avoid the pinspot completely. At high water you must wiggle between two very large holes. The pointed rock starts to go under at about 6,000 cfs.

After Tombstone the river calms in a large pool sometimes called Cottonmouth Alley by raft guides. At highwater the river remains fast through here. The last rapid, Maneater (III/IV) has a reputation as the run’s hardest, but in truth it's straightforward. This reputation comes from the fact that some of the biggest waves of the run are found here. Maneater is straightforward to run, however, and flushy. A flip here should deposit you in calmer water downstream, making this one of the better places to experience carnage. Busting a big wave 2/3rds of the way down keeps the commercial rafters wet and smiling. A large ledge hole far left above 5,000 cfs is probably this rapid's most dangerous hazard. Unfortunately, Maneater was listed as Superstition Rapid in Dave Eckhardt and Gordon Banks 2^nd edition of Colorado Rivers and Creeks.

Below Maneater a half mile of easier water (II-) brings you to the popular Grizzly Creek boatramp.

COLORADO RIVER Two Rivers to South Canyon

Put-in	Two Rivers Park
Takeout	South Canyon Boat Ramp
Length	6 miles
Difficulty	< 2,500 cfs	II+ (III-)
	2,000-5,000 cfs	II+ (III)
	5,000-10,000 cfs	III
	> 10,000 cfs	III+

Special Beta: Colorado big water with roadside access!

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The section from Two Rivers Park at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers down to South Canyon below town is more urban, industrial, and quieter than the runs in Glenwood Canyon. Compared to the Grizzly section upstream, South Canyon generally has fewer, but slightly bigger rapids. As of the spring of 2008 it also has the Glenwood Spring Whitewater Park, a manmade wave that is best at highwater but offers play opportunities at every level. The 2009 U.S. Freestyle Kayak team trials were held here.

Immediately downstream of Two Rivers Park the river crosses under a tall bridge with dangerous but easily avoided columns. After another long, calm stretch alongside a railyard, the river bends left through an easy riffle (II-/II) Not far downstream the river splits around an island and drops through a lengthy rapid (II/II+). A couple of nice beaches and the private boat ramp belonging to Whitewater Rafting are just downstream on the left.

There are several warning signs regarding the whitewater park, informing boats to “scout/portage” on the right. In reality, for a properly managed boat, there shouldn’t be any reason to do either. Negotiating the whitewater park, in fact, is no more difficult than negotiating South Canyon Rapid not far downstream. The structure is just upstream of the large road bridge in West Glenwood near the West Glenwood on-ramp. If you are feeling uneasy about the whitewater park, give it a quick scout before starting the run. It is a fun place to hang out anyway, with grassy, tiered seating, a few benches, and some large rocks. The only downside is the lack of available parking.

The hole/wave itself has caused some problems for boats, particularly in its first year when people weren’t yet accustomed to running it. Right of center is the worst spot, where medium and high water brings the most powerful and trashy part of the wave. Make sure to stay far right to avoid the worst of it (II+/III-)

Below the whitewater park the river starts to leave Glenwood behind and enter South Canyon. You are now also entering the burn area of the 2002 Coal Seam Fire. The remains of the 1994 Storm King Fire, which killed 14 firefighters, are also visible. Now, years later, many of the signs of those two important days in Glenwood Springs’ history are starting to be erased. A few easy corners will take you past a wastewater treatment facility and to the top of a long, straight rapid just as you leave town. This rapid is best taken left of center at almost every level to avoid a couple of sleepers which turn into big holes at medium levels (II+/III). A couple of easier riffles come in quick succession below this rapid (II).

After a calm stretch the river bends right into “Upper South Canyon,” a wave train with some fun laterals and big rollers (II+). A fast, flat section greets boaters below this rapid and the black, iron bridge at South Canyon comes into view.

South Canyon is the crux rapid of the run. It is a large wave train with big laterals and crashing whitecaps. At higher water a bridge pylon river right can cause some problems for an off-line or swamped boat. A huge eddy on the left adjacent to the rapid and an even bigger one on the right at the bottom aid in cleaning up any carnage you might experience. These features help minimize any protracted hardships and keep the grading of the rapid to a manageable III-/III. One more straightforward rapid (II/II+) leads to the boat ramp on the right.

COLORADO RIVER South Canyon to New Castle

Put-in	South Canyon
Takeout	New Castle
Length	6 miles
Difficulty	< 2,500 cfs	II+
	2,500-5,000 cfs	III-
	5,000-10,000 cfs	III
	> 10,000 cfs	III+

Special Beta: Colorado big water with roadside access!

Fun Factor:
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This novice/intermediate section of river is even less frequently paddled than Two Rivers to South Canyon above it. Despite this, however, it is a worthy run for the advanced beginner or intermediate paddler. Mellow water peppered with several stiffer corners define this run.

Below the boatramp at South Canyon you enter a long, calm stretch good for warming up. The canyon is tight here and you are still in the burned-out remnants of two major forest fires (the 2002 Coal Seam and the 1994 Storm King). After the calm straightaway the river bends right into a long, mellow riffle (II-/II) with some big rocks along the right bank. The river calms below this drop and bends left. A horizon line emerges in front of you marking a short, steep drop sometimes called Landslide (II+/III-) Mudslides after the Storm King Fire added rocks to the river here, making the rapid significantly harder. A chute on the right is obstructed by large crashing waves at high water and the left is steep and hard to see over. Several possible chutes exist as well as several holes that could munch an offline kayaker or tuber.

The action is short-lived and the river mellows below this point. A dangerous railroad bridge, however, just above the confluence of Canyon Creek is treacherous at highwater. The best way is not always obvious from above, but most boaters split the two pylons.

Surfing South Canyon circa 2004

Below the bridge Canyon Creek enters on the right (possible river access). Two mellow but interesting rapids follow, one with a surprising hole at low water that seems to draw inexperienced boaters like a magnet (II+). After this the river calms as it passes under the former site of a pipe bridge long used by local high school kids for jumping. A few years back the old pipe bridge fell into the river. The river bends right below here into a stout riffle we used to call “Jurassic Park” for its proximity to Dinosaur Hole (II/II+).

Said Dinosaur Hole is a short ways downstream next to a fenced-in Dinosaur Quarry. The quarry contains a stegosaurus but was fenced off due to the presence of low-grad radioactive material. The rapid is short but contains a monstrous hole in the center above ~10,000 cfs. Most boaters skirt the hole to the right where big waves form at high water (II/III). Tibbets Landing, a popular river access, is just downstream on the right.

Below Tibbets, the river becomes even more mellow. While much of this section is highly visible from I-70, this stretch is even less-frequently paddled. The river bends right below Tibbets and enters a long riffle with some basement rock ledges about midway down that form some ledgy waves at medium levels (II/II+). A long calm stretch follows.

After going underneath a bridge in New Castle, the river enters one last rapid immediately above the takeout. This tricky drop has some medium-sized hole in the main channel and some sneaky rocks to avoid (II+). The takeout is at a boat ramp just downstream.

GRIZZLY CREEK Lower

Put-in	By foot, one mile up
Takeout	Colorado River confluence
Length	1 mile
Difficulty	all flows V (P)

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I used to hike up Grizzly and ponder the subtle kayak moves that his little creek would require. The continuous corners and small boofs and drops. Now I know better. I include this run only because people are still curious about it after it inclusion in the second edition of Dave Eckhardt and Gordon Banks’ Colorado Rivers and Creeks. In recent years, be it a surge in recent deadfall or loss in motivation by the local paddling community to keep it clean, this creek has become clogged to the point of worthlessness. The amount of work it would take to bring this creek to a viable standard is immense. Even less encouraging is the knowledge that it even if you put the work in, the creek will almost certainly clog once again.

As it stands now, I give it a full class V rating for the wood and consequences factor. In reality, most of it is continuous class IV but heinous strainers and other hazards seem to warrant the higher grade. When this thing really gets going it is full-on V+ with disastrous consequences. 

ROARING FORK RIVER Slaughterhouse

Put-in	Cemetery Lane
Takeout	Jaffey Park
Length	4.5 miles
Difficulty	< 700 cfs	IV-
	700-1,500 cfs	IV
	1,500 cfs-3,000 cfs	IV+
	> 3,000 cfs	V

Special Beta: Classic class IV

Fun Factor:
Fear Factor:

The Slaughterhouse Run on the Upper Roaring Fork is one of the best runs in Roaring Fork Valley and the entire state. The scenery combined with pleasant class IV whitewater weaving through rounded, glacial boulders make this one of the best stretches for the grade around.

First timers may want to pre-scout the first rapid, Entrance Exam (IV/V-), which comes quick upon putting in. This technical rapid is one of the run’s cruxes and has a long runout. Weave through some entrance boulders to a slot river left. A small two-boat eddy exists on the left at the top of this slot. Move right through this slot to avoid a punchy hole. The river widens and becomes shallow before plunging around a tight corner with some holes at Lower Entrance (III+/IV). The river winds through some high-quality boogie water for the next half-mile (III/IV-).

After an exciting corner, the river mellows briefly and bends to the right. At the end of a brief straight stretch alongside some crusty, shale cliffs on river left, the river turns abruptly left and disappears over a steep horizon line. You have arrived at Slaughterhouse Falls (IV/V-).

Slaughterhouse Falls, often called simply “The Falls,” is usually the psychological crux of the run and is one of the few places where you can really get whooped. Since this is a semi-regular occurrence, the Falls has a certain reputation amongst skill-advancing boaters.

In essence there is three ways to run the Falls: boofing far left, find a plume left of center, or far right at medium/high water. The far left boof is usually only done at low water. As the flow rises an eddy in the landing zone pulls with increasing vigor back towards the falls. Improper landing angle can quickly lead to an unpleasant thrashing in a sticky seam. The center “jet” line is most common between about 600 cfs and 1,300 cfs. Here, a weakness in the ledge offers a safe, albeit thin, ramp between the eddy far left and the sticky hole backed up by rock in the middle. As the flow rises, a far right line opens up. The right line uses a ramp to skirt a wicked hole/rooster tail over a steep double-drop to the eddy below. It looks impossible from upstream but proves surprisingly easy. Don’t over-paddle and go too far right or risk smashing into several ugly concrete blocks dumped along shore here.

Just below the Falls, the river widens and gets shallow. Sometimes detritus from the less-than-successful gets beached here. Maroon Creek enters on the left and the river drops over a short, steep weir with some possible pin spots. It’s not hard but hard to see over. Usually the better lines are fairly far left or right.

Below the weir it’s boogie time. The next few corners boast a series of fun III+/IV- rapids. The sequence directly upstream and beneath a low bridge can be exciting at high water. Gradually, the whitewater tapers off to a calm section as the river bends around the wastewater treatment facility. Some big homes can be seen up on the canyon rim above you.

The whitewater resumes after a big, left bend, and you negotiate a series of swooshing s-curves with big haystacks. After this initial rapid you enter a swift straight stretch. A good eddy and a low-water playspot make an enticing spot to break on river right in this area. Here kayakers can sidesurf, cartwheel, and loop or just rest before launching into the crux of the lower section which is not far below.

The next significant rapid is S-Turn, also called Hell’s Half Mile by some raft companies. In my opinion S-Turn is the technical crux of the entire run, especially at high water. I find it longer and more involved than Entrance Exam and far more sustained than Triple Drop. While there is nothing as singularly dangerous as Slaughterhouse Falls, it is a finesse rapid with a zigzagging line and no real way to sneak the crux moves and plenty of opportunities for punishment. It also has a long, bruising runout. In fact, S-Turn has no distinct beginning or end; it is really just an amplification in the midst of a long, continuous section. The rapids gradually stiffen and draw you into the crux before you realize what is happening. At medium and high water, it reminds me somewhat of Kirschbaum’s on Gore Canyon in terms of length and character.

Below S-Turn the river remains swift and passes through several IV- and IV corners and rapids. Two distinctly treacherous drops back to back, which are troublesome and even named in some circles, followed by big turn and huge eddy river left signal the last major rapid, Triple Drop (IV/IV+).

Triple Drop is technical and difficult to see over. The best line is not always apparent from the eddy above. I scouted it once (river left) at high water when I was alone after a buddy to a gnarly beating in S-Turn and lost his boat. At low to medium levels the line is right of center moving quickly left, hooking in behind a roostertail to avid a series of crunchy holes. One can vaguely guess what might constitute the three parts to Triple Drop. The usual line is a tight, class IV move, and while the consequences of failure are not dire they are…uncomfortable.

Below Triple Drop the river continues to roll with many indistinct III+ to IV- rapids. Gradually the difficulty tapers off. About half a mile above the takeout the river bends right and passes Hawaii Five-O, a shallow surf wave river left backed up by the last taste of IV-ish whitewater. The corner on river left just downstream of the surf wave is particularly deceptive and treacherous at higher flows. Surfs up!

The river mellows to class II/II+ below here. Rafts usually use the boatramp at the upstream end of Jaffey Park. For kayakers, however, it is easier to continue around the corner to a small eddy on the right within sight of the Upper Woody Creek Bridge. There is a good, short trail here directly to the vehicles. 

LINKS
Slaughterhouse Helmet Cam Guide- check out this helmet cam guide for a detailed look at the major rapids of this run from a kayaker's perspective.