Colorado River just above Moab

Wilderness Tripping
#1

Has anyone done the Colorado River above Moab. I know its not that popular. What level is runnable in an open canoe?

#2

Actually it is a fairly popular stretch,
though not a zoo like some CO streams. There are occasional rapids, not above class 2, made more by loose rock and gravel than by ledges. There are a number of official access points. The highway parallels the river but I think would not be intrusive while you are on the water. This section is quite suitable for open canoes. The surrounding scenery is great. I do not recall whether there are official campsites.



I have not run this section yet, but I have it on my list.

#3

Colorado
Thanks

#4

I did a half day trip there

– Last Updated: May-06-09 12:36 PM EST –

in rented Duckies a few years back when mountain biking in the Moab area. I can't remember the exact put in and take out. I remember one or two Class II rapids on the stretch we did, characterized primarily by large wave trains, but I think they could have been cheated in an open boat.

Certainly a worthwhile trip. I would have adequate floation in your boat.

#5

When I was there a couple of years ago
there were signs notifying boaters that they had to carry an approved portable toilet in the group even for day trips. I was told that this was enforced and fines were not cheap. You might want to check that requirement.



There is a series of USFS (I think it is Forest Service) campgrounds along the river. Not sure how far above Moab the farthest one is located. They ranged from very primitive to fairly nice. I stayed in one of the primitive ones one night because I got into Moab too late to get a campsite at Arches. It was first come/first serve and self-pay. It had good river access. Not sure if you could have recognized it as a camping ground from the river.



Hope you have a good trip.



Mark

#6

I assume the rule is pee in the river
and the rest goes in the portable toilet. From what I saw a few years ago, patrolling was very scarce. Might be more stringent at typical put-in time.



On most rivers, the BLM accepts the drop-it-on-the-coffee-filters and cram-it-in-the-welding-rod-tube solution. That was what I used when soloing the Dolores.

#7

eddyflower
see



eddyflower.com



for all such questions (under rivers)


#8

Kind of like saying “Look it up in the
Yellow Pages.” If you don’t have the answer, hand me a more direct source.

#9

not really-
I put that there for people who aren’t aware of eddyflower. Great river info site.



http://eddyflower.com/RunDetail.aspx?RunId=939



will get you to the moab daily (popular in open canoes).


#10

Lots of detail, but not for people who
canoe at the low summer levels. Nothing on the potty issue.

#11

colorado river
This is a very popular stretch called “Professor Valley”. You should be able to find good info if you google it or look at guidebooks for the area. We did it in ww kayaks and had an open Gruman canoe with us years ago. The folks in the canoe were experienced paddlers and loved it but they did get wet and had a pretty good ride in a few places. They also had 1/2 covers at the bow and stern. They did take on some good water in some of the waves. Beautiful section, not dangerous and fun.