Rapids

b section

Red Creek Rapid is the only named rapid on the Flaming Gorge tailwater (A and B sections combined). Formed at the mouth of Red Creek on river-right, where the side-canyon debris fan constricts the Green and stacks the ch…

Class III–III+cataract canyonMile 2.7

Brown Betty (Rapid 1) is the first named rapid of Cataract Canyon, marking the transition from the flatwater of Meander Canyon through the Confluence into the whitewater corridor. A solid Class III drop at most flows. Be…

Class II–IIIcataract canyonMile

Rapid 2 is an unnamed upper Cataract rapid between Brown Betty (Rapid 1) and Rapid 3. A minor read-and-run drop at moderate flows that blends into the building upper-canyon wave train at higher water. The upper Cataract …

Class II+–III+cataract canyonMile 4.1

Rapid 3 is an unnamed upper Cataract rapid — a fast-moving wave-train drop in the early rapid corridor. Read-and-run Class III at moderate flows. Often used by trips to calibrate crew timing and rigging before reaching t…

Class II+–III+cataract canyonMile 5.7

Rapid 4 is an unnamed upper Cataract rapid immediately above Rapid 5 (mile 210.7). The rapid sits in the upper-canyon rapid corridor and runs as a read-and-run Class III drop at most flows. At high water Rapids 4 and 5 m…

Class III–III+cataract canyonMile 5.8

Rapid 5 is an unnamed upper Cataract rapid that sits 0.1 mile below Rapid 4. A large beach below the rapid is commonly used by trips pausing before the Rapid 6/7 sequence. Class III at most flows with a defined wave trai…

Class II+–III+cataract canyonMile 6.7

Rapid 6 is one of the upper Cataract rapids, sitting between Rapid 5 (mile 210.7 upstream from Lees Ferry) and Rapid 7 / North Sea (mile 209.5). At moderate flows it is a read-and-run Class III drop; at high water it fee…

Class III–IV-cataract canyonMile 7

North Sea is the lower section of Rapid 7 in Cataract Canyon — the part of the rapid that rolls out through the Toreva Block boulder field below the main drop. Webb/Belnap/Weisheit identify 'North Sea' (singular) as this…

Class II+–IIIcataract canyonMile

Rapid 8 is an unnamed upper Cataract rapid between the Toreva Block boulder field of Rapid 7 / North Sea and Rapid 9. A short read-and-run drop that provides a brief recovery zone between the North Sea and the Tilted Par…

Class II+–III+cataract canyonMile 7.8

Rapid 9 is an unnamed upper Cataract rapid in the Tilted Park section of the canyon. The surrounding geology — sedimentary beds dipping visibly off-horizontal from Paradox-era salt tectonics — is the canyon's most readab…

Class II+–III+cataract canyonMile

Rapid 10 is an unnamed upper Cataract rapid in the Tilted Park reach. A wave-train drop with a downstream hole that can surprise paddlers who drift too far river-right at certain flows. The surrounding off-horizontal bed…

Class II+–IIIcataract canyonMile 9.4

Rapid 11 is an unnamed upper Cataract rapid immediately above Rapid 12. The two rapids are separated by only 0.1 mile and effectively run together at any meaningful flow. Class III- at moderate flows. Runs into Rapid 12 …

Class II+–IIIcataract canyonMile 9.5

Rapid 12 is the last named rapid before the Mile Long sequence begins at Rapid 13 (Range Canyon debris flow). Rapids 11 and 12 run together at most flows, and together they mark the end of the 'upper rapids' section of C…

Class III–IV+cataract canyonMile

Mile Long is one continuous rapid that starts from debris-flow outwash at Range Canyon (Rapid 13) and extends down to the island at Rapid 20 (Ben Hurt). At high water it behaves as a single, sustained pulse of whitewater…

Class III–IV-cataract canyonMile

Rapid 13 is the upstream end of the Mile Long sequence — the rapid created by the Range Canyon debris-flow outwash entering the Colorado on river-right. The character of the rapid is directly shaped by boulders delivered…

Class III-–III+cataract canyonMile

Rapid 14 is the second rapid within the Mile Long sequence — the last drop before Capsize (Rapid 15). At moderate flows there is a commonly-used scouting eddy between Rapid 14 and Capsize where groups can land to look at…

Class III–III+cataract canyonMile 11

Capsize Rapid (Rapid 15) is one of the signature rapids within the Mile Long Rapid sequence (Rapids 13–19). It is the most technical of the Mile Long rapids and typically requires scouting. A common scouting eddy exists …

Class III–IV+cataract canyonMile

South Seas refers to the core of the Mile Long sequence — specifically Rapids 16 through 19 — which become one continuous, choppy wave train at high water. The name echoes the ocean-swell character of the waves through t…

Class III–IV-cataract canyonMile

Rapid 16 is the first rapid within the South Seas core of Mile Long. At moderate flows it runs as a distinct wave-train drop after Capsize; at high water it becomes the upstream end of the continuous South Seas sequence …

Class III–IV-cataract canyonMile

Rapid 17 is the second rapid within the South Seas core, sitting immediately above Button Hole (Rapid 18). At high water it is part of the continuous South Seas wave train. Middle of the South Seas core. Limited downstre…

Class III–IV+cataract canyonMile 12.5

Button Hole (Rapid 18) is the signature feature within the South Seas core of the Mile Long sequence. The name refers to a large lateral hole on river-right that forms at moderate-to-high flows and catches craft that dri…

Class III–IV-cataract canyonMile

Rapid 19 is the lower end of the South Seas core and the final rapid of the Mile Long sequence at moderate flows. At lower water, Mile Long ends here and Ben Hurt (Rapid 20) stands as a distinct rapid below. At high wate…

Class III–IVcataract canyonMile 11.8

Ben Hurt Rapid (Rapid 20) is the final warm-up before the Big Drops sequence. The river splits around an island here, and the rapid establishes the tone for what is coming downstream. Class III+ at moderate flows, pushie…

Class IV–Vcataract canyon

The three-rapid sequence — Big Drop 1, Big Drop 2 (Little Niagara), and Big Drop 3 (with Satan's Gut as the river-left pourover feature inside it) — that defines Cataract Canyon. Consecutive, scoutable, and the focal poi…

Class IV–Vcataract canyonMile 14

Big Drop 1 is the first of Cataract Canyon’s three marquee rapids. It marks the transition from consequential warm-up rapids into the main big-water corridor and is commonly scouted by private groups, especially during s…

High swim consequence

Class IV–Vcataract canyonMile 14.15

Big Drop 2 is one of Cataract Canyon’s most consequential rapids and is frequently the crux for raft crews. It is known for large breaking features, fast recovery demands, and the potential to flush mistakes into Big Dro…

High swim consequence

cataract canyonMile

Purgatory is a named eddy — not a distinct numbered rapid — in the Big Drops area of Cataract Canyon. The name is associated with a specific swirly eddy that can pull craft into a hold above or between the Big Drops. The…

Class IV–Vcataract canyonMile 14.45

Big Drop 3 is Cataract Canyon’s signature rapid and the most commonly cited psychological centerpiece of the canyon. The hydraulic known as Satan's Gut is the defining hazard at many medium and high flows.

Class II+–IIIcataract canyonMile

Powell's Pocket Watch (Rapid 24) is the first rapid below the Big Drops sequence — the first recovery-zone rapid after Satan's Gut. Named in reference to an incident during John Wesley Powell's 1869 expedition in which a…

Class II+–IIIcataract canyonMile

Repeat (Rapid 25) is the middle of a three-rapid recovery sequence (Powell's Pocket Watch → Repeat → Rerun) below the Big Drops. The name pairs with downstream Rerun and reflects the character of the two rapids running t…

Class II+–IIIcataract canyonMile

Rerun (Rapid 26) is the lower of the Repeat/Rerun pairing — the second of two similar wave-train drops below Powell's Pocket Watch. Downstream of Rerun is Ten Cent Camp on river-left, and below that the river enters the …

Class III–IV-cataract canyonMile 14.8

Imperial (Rapid 27 per Webb/Belnap/Weisheit numbering; historically called Rapid 25 in older guides) is the largest rapid below the Big Drops sequence — a long rapid with a sustained wave train. Often overlooked by trips…

Class II+–IIIcataract canyonMile 16.5

Short Rapid (Rapid 28) is one of the re-emerged lower Cataract rapids — a drop that has returned to visibility as Lake Powell reservoir levels have dropped. Documented by the Returning Rapids Project after the 2002-2003 …

Class III–IVcataract canyonMile

The Chute (Rapid 29) is one of the significant re-emerged rapids in lower Cataract Canyon. The Returning Rapids Project characterizes it as 'the Hermit of Cataract' at high water — a reference to Hermit Rapid in the Gran…

Class II+–III+cataract canyonMile 17.5

Waterhole Canyon Rapid (Rapid 30) is a re-emerged rapid at the mouth of Waterhole Canyon on river-right in lower Cataract. Documented by the Returning Rapids Project; photographed at 6,500 cfs. Character is shaped by the…

Class II–IVcataract canyonMile 19.1

Gypsum Canyon Rapid sits at the confluence of Gypsum Canyon with the Colorado, traditionally one of the last consequential rapids of Cataract before the river entered historical Glen Canyon (now Lake Powell). The rapid w…

Class II–II+desolation canyonMile

Wild Horse Rapid is one of the first named rapids below Sand Wash — a Class II drop that introduces the Desolation rapid sequence. Most trips run on sight.

Class II–IIIdesolation canyonMile 38.5

Steer Ridge Rapid is a mid-canyon Class II-III drop in Desolation Canyon. Named for the prominent ridge formation above, the rapid features a boulder-strewn channel with straightforward lines at most flows.

Class III-–IIIwestwater canyonMile 9.8

Surprise Rapid sits between Funnel Falls and Skull — a Class III wave train that, as its name implies, catches some groups off guard right before they reach the crux of Westwater. Short and relatively clean at most flows…

Class II–II+desolation canyonMile

Calf Canyon Rapid is a Class II drop in upper Desolation Canyon, named for the Calf Canyon side drainage. Read-and-run at most flows.

Class III–III+desolation canyonMile 60

Three Fords Rapid is one of the biggest whitewater features of Desolation Canyon — a Class III near the lower end of the canyon that takes its name from three distinct rocky drops historically forded on foot at low water…

Class II+–IIIdesolation canyonMile

Wire Fence Rapid sits in middle-to-lower Desolation Canyon, downstream of Joe Hutch / Cow Swim. Takes its name from the Wire Fence Canyon side drainage. Class III-.

Class II–IIIdesolation canyonMile 68.6

Class IIIgray canyonMile 30

Swasey's Rapid is the signature whitewater of Gray Canyon, a Class III drop near the take-out at Swasey's Beach. It is the last significant rapid before the river flattens approaching the town of Green River, Utah.

Class III–IVgrand canyonMile 17

House Rock Rapid at mile 17 is an early and important psychological marker for Grand Canyon groups — the first significant Class IV of the trip, arriving just as teams are settling into canyon life. The rapid's name come…

Class IV–Vgrand canyonMile 76.5

Hance Rapid at mile 76.5 marks the transition from Marble Canyon into the Inner Gorge — the most technical and consequential whitewater zone in the Grand Canyon. One of the longest and most complex rapids in the canyon, …

High swim consequence

Class IV–Vgrand canyonMile 90.5

Horn Creek Rapid is one of the Inner Gorge's most feared rapids — a short, explosive Class V where the consequences of an error are among the most severe in the canyon. The rapid is compact but extremely powerful, with a…

High swim consequence

Class IV–Vgrand canyonMile 95

Hermit Rapid offers one of the most spectacular wave trains in the entire Grand Canyon — nine massive standing waves in a straight corridor that make it the paradigmatic Grand Canyon big-water thrill. Unlike some Inner G…

Class IV–Vgrand canyonMile 98.5

Crystal Rapid is one of the Grand Canyon's most consequential Class V rapids — created largely by a massive 1966 debris flow from Crystal Creek that deposited enormous boulders into the Colorado. The rapid fundamentally …

High swim consequence

Class V–VIgrand canyonMile 179.5

Lava Falls is the most famous and most feared rapid in the Grand Canyon — one of the most powerful commercially run rapids in the world. At mile 179.5, it is the climactic challenge of any Grand Canyon descent. Created b…

Class II–IIIgray canyonMile 10

Florence Creek Rapid is an early Class II-III drop in Gray Canyon, formed where Florence Creek enters the Green River. The side canyon deposits boulders into the channel, creating a rocky but readable rapid.

Class II–IIIdesolation canyonMile 68.6

Class IIIgray canyonMile 30

Swasey's Rapid is the signature whitewater of Gray Canyon, a Class III drop near the take-out at Swasey's Beach. It is the last significant rapid before the river flattens approaching the town of Green River, Utah.

Class III–IVlodore canyonMile 6.5

Disaster Falls is one of the early significant challenges in Lodore Canyon, encountered within the first few miles of entering the Gates of Lodore. The rapid is divided into upper and lower drops separated by a pool, all…

Class IV–Vlodore canyonMile 11.5

Hell's Half Mile is the crux rapid of Lodore Canyon and one of the most significant challenges in the entire Dinosaur National Monument river system. The rapid extends through a long boulder-choked corridor with multiple…

Class III-–III+split mountainMile 7

Inglesby Rapid is the fourth and final major rapid of Split Mountain Canyon, typically encountered after lunch on a day trip. Class III- to III+.

Class III–IVsplit mountainMile 4

Moonshine Rapid is one of the two primary whitewater challenges in Split Mountain Canyon — a compact but significant Class III–IV drop with a powerful wave train and limited scouting real estate.

Class III-–III+split mountainMile 5.5

Schoolboy Rapid is the third major rapid in Split Mountain Canyon, between SOB and Inglesby. Class III- to III+ depending on flow.

Class III–IVsplit mountainMile 6.5

SOB Rapid (also known as Sobe) is the second significant whitewater feature in Split Mountain Canyon, coming near the lower section of the canyon. It provides the closing challenge before the takeout and shares the techn…

Class II–II+westwater canyonMile 3.6

Little Wild Horse is the warm-up rapid of Westwater Canyon — a Class II riffle in the upper flatwater above the main gorge. It establishes the pattern of the trip and is generally run on sight.

Class III-–IIIwestwater canyonMile 7.3

Little Dolores Rapid at mile 7.8 is a two-part rapid with a center-right hole that marks the approach to the main Westwater gorge. Not a major hazard but a clear indication that the character of the canyon is about to sh…

Class III-–IIIwestwater canyonMile 8.4

Marble Canyon Rapid at mile 8.9 delivers a fun wave train down the right side and marks the entry into the deep gorge. The last read-and-run rapid before the core sequence of Staircase, Big Hummer, Funnel Falls, Surprise…

Class III-–IIIwestwater canyonMile 8.7

Staircase is a series of deep, trough-like waves — a stepped progression that gives the rapid its name. Part of the compressed main-gorge sequence of rapids that occur in quick succession within ~2 miles.

Class III–III+westwater canyonMile 9.2

Big Hummer delivers a wild splash and a substantial hole that guides must maneuver through or around. One of the compressed main-gorge rapids just above Funnel Falls.

westwater canyonMile 9.5

Funnel Falls is the first rapid of the Westwater inner gorge — the entry into the continuous Class III–IV sequence that defines the heart of the run. The Precambrian schist walls narrow here and funnel the river into a c…

Class III-–IIIwestwater canyonMile 9.8

Surprise Rapid sits between Funnel Falls and Skull — a Class III wave train that, as its name implies, catches some groups off guard right before they reach the crux of Westwater. Short and relatively clean at most flows…

Class III+–Vwestwater canyonMile 10.2

Skull Rapid is the most consequential rapid in Westwater Canyon and the crux of the run. A large boulder in the center of the channel splits the river; the preferred line runs to the right of the rock. The real hazard is…

Class III–III+westwater canyonMile 10.4

Bowling Alley sits immediately below Skull Rapid, in the decompression zone where groups are still processing the main crux. A technical Class III line threads through the boulder garden — groups that flipped in Skull ca…

Class III–IV-westwater canyonMile 10.6

Sock-It-To-Me is one of Westwater Canyon's most significant rapids — a classic Colorado River pool-drop where the canyon narrows dramatically through ancient Precambrian basement rock. The rapid features a powerful entry…

High swim consequence

Class III-–IIIwestwater canyonMile 10.8

Last Chance is the final named rapid of Westwater — a large rock splits the channel, and boaters pick a side for the run. Below Last Chance, the river opens into ~5 miles of riffles to the Cisco take-out.

Class II–IIIwhirlpool canyonMile

Greasy Pliers is the signature named rapid of Whirlpool Canyon — a splashy Class II–III read-and-run between Echo Park and Rainbow Park / Island Park. The rapid is the main whitewater between the Yampa confluence (Echo P…

Class III–IVyampa canyonMile 15

Tepee Rapid is one of the significant early drops in Yampa Canyon — named for the distinctive tepee-shaped rock formations visible from the river. It provides the first real technical challenge of the Yampa trip and esta…

Class IV–Vyampa canyonMile 42

Warm Springs Rapid is the defining challenge of Yampa Canyon and one of the most flow-sensitive and consequential rapids in the entire Colorado Plateau river system. The rapid was created by a 1965 rockslide from Warm Sp…

High swim consequence

Class II+grand canyonMile 101.1

Agate Rapid at mile 101.1, first of the six “Gem Rapids” (Agate, Sapphire, Turquoise, Emerald, Ruby, Serpentine) — a sequence of Class II–IV rapids named after semi-precious stones in mile order 101–107.

Class II–III-desolation canyonMile

Belknap Falls is a named rapid in upper-middle Desolation Canyon, likely named for the Belknap family — authors of the canonical Westwater Books river guide series. Class II+ at most flows.

Class II–II+desolation canyonMile

Calf Canyon Rapid is a Class II drop in upper Desolation Canyon, named for the Calf Canyon side drainage. Read-and-run at most flows.

Class II–IIIdesolation canyonMile 68.6

Class II–III-lower san juanMile 17

Eight-Foot Rapid at mile 17 of the San Juan from Sand Island — the most technical of the upper-reach Class II rapids on the Sand Island to Mexican Hat run. Scout from the left at higher flows.

Class II+grand canyonMile 104.5

Emerald Rapid at mile 104.5, fourth of the Gem Rapids. Class II+.

Class II–II+lower san juanMile 11.5

Four-Foot Rapid at mile 11.5 of the San Juan from Sand Island — one of the first two named Class II rapids of the Sand Island to Mexican Hat run. Scout from the right at higher flows; the drop is a named marker as much a…

Class II–IIIwhirlpool canyonMile

Greasy Pliers is the signature named rapid of Whirlpool Canyon — a splashy Class II–III read-and-run between Echo Park and Rainbow Park / Island Park. The rapid is the main whitewater between the Yampa confluence (Echo P…

Class II–II+lower san juanMile 27.98

Gypsum Creek Rapid at mile 27.98 of the San Juan — just downstream of Mexican Hat. Class II, named for the Gypsum Creek side drainage.

Class II+grand canyonMile 157.3

Havasu Creek Rapid at mile 157.3, at the famous Havasu Creek confluence. Class II+. The rapid is minor; the stop is one of the iconic beach-days of any Grand Canyon trip — turquoise water, cascades, and access to Havasu …

Class IIdesolation canyonMile 18

Jack Creek Rapid is an early Class II drop in upper Desolation Canyon, formed where Jack Creek enters the Green River. A straightforward rapid that introduces the canyon's whitewater character.

Class II–II+lower san juanMile 19.88

Ledge Rapid at mile 19.88 of the San Juan from Sand Island is one of the first significant rapids on the commonly-run Sand Island to Mexican Hat float. A big shelf on river-left is often too shallow for rafts, forcing bo…

Class II–II+westwater canyonMile 3.6

Little Wild Horse is the warm-up rapid of Westwater Canyon — a Class II riffle in the upper flatwater above the main gorge. It establishes the pattern of the trip and is generally run on sight.

Class IIgrand canyonMile 148.4

Matkatamiba Rapid at mile 148.4 — a minor riffle but a major stop. Matkatamiba Canyon is one of the most beloved slot-canyon hikes in the Grand Canyon; the rapid itself is Class II.

Class I–IIupper san juanMile 12

Montezuma Creek Rapid is a notable riffle near the confluence of Montezuma Creek with the San Juan River — the largest natural tributary of the San Juan in the lower canyon. The rapid is Class I–II and named for the anci…

Class II–II+grand canyonMile 52.4

Nankoweap Rapid at mile 52.4 — a mild Class II–II+ rapid just above the famous Nankoweap camp and granary site. The rapid itself is minor; the location is iconic.

Class IIgrand canyonMile 167

National Rapid at mile 167.0, at the National Canyon confluence. Class II. A minor rapid; the side canyon is a classic layover hike.

Class II–IIIgray canyon

Class II–IIIcataract canyonMile

Rapid 2 is an unnamed upper Cataract rapid between Brown Betty (Rapid 1) and Rapid 3. A minor read-and-run drop at moderate flows that blends into the building upper-canyon wave train at higher water. The upper Cataract …

Class II–II+gray canyonMile

Rattlesnake Rapid is a named Class II rapid in Gray Canyon, below the Desolation/Gray transition. Read-and-run at most flows.

Class II–II+lower san juanMile 52.6

Ross Rapid at mile 52.6 of the San Juan (mile 25.7 from Mexican Hat). The river curves right around a sandy bottom; watch for the big pile of rocks at the bottom. Class II+.

Class II–IIIlower san juanMile 48.5

Slickhorn Rapid is located at the mouth of Slickhorn Canyon — one of the most spectacular side canyons accessible from the San Juan River. The rapid is formed by debris washed in from the canyon drainage and delivers the…

Class II+grand canyonMile 102.6

Turquoise Rapid at mile 102.6, third of the Gem Rapids. Class II+.

Class II+grand canyonMile 188.3

Whitmore Rapid at mile 188.3, Class II+. Below Lava Falls in the lower canyon. The Whitmore Wash side canyon has helicopter exchange access for trip swap-outs.

Class II–II+desolation canyonMile

Wild Horse Rapid is one of the first named rapids below Sand Wash — a Class II drop that introduces the Desolation rapid sequence. Most trips run on sight.

Class III-–IIIyampa canyonMile

Anderson Hole is a named rapid on the Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument. The hole feature can be scouted from river-right. Minor compared to Warm Springs but named on most published river guides.

Class III–IVgrand canyonMile 7.9

Badger Creek Rapid at mile 7.9 is the first named rapid below Lees Ferry — the opening act of Marble Canyon and most Grand Canyon trips. The rapid is formed by debris fans from Badger Creek on river-left. Class III at mo…

Class III–IVcataract canyonMile 11.8

Ben Hurt Rapid (Rapid 20) is the final warm-up before the Big Drops sequence. The river splits around an island here, and the rapid establishes the tone for what is coming downstream. Class III+ at moderate flows, pushie…

Class III–III+westwater canyonMile 9.2

Big Hummer delivers a wild splash and a substantial hole that guides must maneuver through or around. One of the compressed main-gorge rapids just above Funnel Falls.

Class III–IVyampa canyonMile 20.5

Big Joe is the second-most significant rapid in Yampa Canyon, positioned approximately halfway through the section and downstream of Tepee. Named for the massive boulder that defines the left side of the channel, Big Joe…

High swim consequence

Class III+grand canyonMile 97.1

Boucher Rapid at mile 97.1, between Hermit and Crystal. Class III+/IV. Named for Louis Boucher, a 19th-century hermit who built trails and a homestead in the side canyon. A brief decompression between two Class V rapids.

Class III–III+westwater canyonMile 10.4

Bowling Alley sits immediately below Skull Rapid, in the decompression zone where groups are still processing the main crux. A technical Class III line threads through the boulder garden — groups that flipped in Skull ca…

Class III–III+cataract canyonMile 2.7

Brown Betty (Rapid 1) is the first named rapid of Cataract Canyon, marking the transition from the flatwater of Meander Canyon through the Confluence into the whitewater corridor. A solid Class III drop at most flows. Be…

Class III–III+cataract canyonMile 11

Capsize Rapid (Rapid 15) is one of the signature rapids within the Mile Long Rapid sequence (Rapids 13–19). It is the most technical of the Mile Long rapids and typically requires scouting. A common scouting eddy exists …

Class II+–IIIdesolation canyonMile

Chandler Falls is a Class III- rapid in middle Desolation Canyon, named for the Chandler family who homesteaded in the area in the early 20th century.

Class III–IV-desolation canyonMile 54.3

Joe Hutch / Cow Swim Rapid at mile 54.3 is one of the biggest rapids in Desolation Canyon. A 2008 debris slide from Joe Hutch Canyon on river-right dramatically changed the rapid character — what had been a moderate Clas…

Class II+–IIIyampa canyonMile

Five Springs Rapid is named for the springs that emerge from the canyon walls here. A Class III- rapid typically run on Day 2 of a Yampa trip, between Big Joe and Warm Springs.

Class II–IIIgray canyonMile 10

Florence Creek Rapid is an early Class II-III drop in Gray Canyon, formed where Florence Creek enters the Green River. The side canyon deposits boulders into the channel, creating a rocky but readable rapid.

Class III-–III+lower san juanMile 63.7

Government Rapid at mile 63.7 of the San Juan (mile 36.8 from Mexican Hat) — the most technical rapid of the Lower San Juan run. The rapid is littered with boulders requiring careful navigation. Class III. Camping below …

Class II–IVcataract canyonMile 19.1

Gypsum Canyon Rapid sits at the confluence of Gypsum Canyon with the Colorado, traditionally one of the last consequential rapids of Cataract before the river entered historical Glen Canyon (now Lake Powell). The rapid w…

Class III–IV-cataract canyonMile 14.8

Imperial (Rapid 27 per Webb/Belnap/Weisheit numbering; historically called Rapid 25 in older guides) is the largest rapid below the Big Drops sequence — a long rapid with a sustained wave train. Often overlooked by trips…

Class III-–III+split mountainMile 7

Inglesby Rapid is the fourth and final major rapid of Split Mountain Canyon, typically encountered after lunch on a day trip. Class III- to III+.

Class IIIgrand canyonMile 144

Kanab Rapid at mile 144.0, at the Kanab Creek confluence. Class III. Named for the Kanab Creek side canyon — a major drainage from southern Utah with significant flash-flood potential.

Class III-–IIIwestwater canyonMile 10.8

Last Chance is the final named rapid of Westwater — a large rock splits the channel, and boaters pick a side for the run. Below Last Chance, the river opens into ~5 miles of riffles to the Cisco take-out.

Class III-–IIIwestwater canyonMile 7.3

Little Dolores Rapid at mile 7.8 is a two-part rapid with a center-right hole that marks the approach to the main Westwater gorge. Not a major hazard but a clear indication that the character of the canyon is about to sh…

Class II+–IIIyampa canyonMile 20

Little Joe is a Class III- rapid on the Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument, typically run before Big Joe on Day 2 of most trips. Often paired with Five Springs for the day’s warm-up whitewater.

Class III-–IIIwestwater canyonMile 8.4

Marble Canyon Rapid at mile 8.9 delivers a fun wave train down the right side and marks the entry into the deep gorge. The last read-and-run rapid before the core sequence of Staircase, Big Hummer, Funnel Falls, Surprise…

Class III–IVsplit mountainMile 4

Moonshine Rapid is one of the two primary whitewater challenges in Split Mountain Canyon — a compact but significant Class III–IV drop with a powerful wave train and limited scouting real estate.

Class III–IVgrand canyonMile 75.8

Nevills Rapid at mile 75.8, named for Norman Nevills — founder of the first commercial Grand Canyon river company in 1938. Class III–IV. Immediately upstream of Hance.

Class III–III+grand canyonMile 20.7

North Canyon Rapid at mile 20.7 is the first Class III–III+ rapid of Marble Canyon after the Redwall limestone begins. Named for the North Canyon side drainage on river-right.

Class III–IV-cataract canyonMile 7

North Sea is the lower section of Rapid 7 in Cataract Canyon — the part of the rapid that rolls out through the Toreva Block boulder field below the main drop. Webb/Belnap/Weisheit identify 'North Sea' (singular) as this…

Class II+–IIIcataract canyonMile

Powell's Pocket Watch (Rapid 24) is the first rapid below the Big Drops sequence — the first recovery-zone rapid after Satan's Gut. Named in reference to an incident during John Wesley Powell's 1869 expedition in which a…

Class IIIgrand canyonMile 44

President Harding Rapid at mile 44.0, named after news of President Harding’s 1923 death reached a USGS survey party camped here. Class III. A mid-Marble Canyon landmark.

Class II+–III+cataract canyonMile

Rapid 10 is an unnamed upper Cataract rapid in the Tilted Park reach. A wave-train drop with a downstream hole that can surprise paddlers who drift too far river-right at certain flows. The surrounding off-horizontal bed…

Class II+–IIIcataract canyonMile 9.4

Rapid 11 is an unnamed upper Cataract rapid immediately above Rapid 12. The two rapids are separated by only 0.1 mile and effectively run together at any meaningful flow. Class III- at moderate flows. Runs into Rapid 12 …

Class II+–IIIcataract canyonMile 9.5

Rapid 12 is the last named rapid before the Mile Long sequence begins at Rapid 13 (Range Canyon debris flow). Rapids 11 and 12 run together at most flows, and together they mark the end of the 'upper rapids' section of C…

Class III–IV-cataract canyonMile

Rapid 13 is the upstream end of the Mile Long sequence — the rapid created by the Range Canyon debris-flow outwash entering the Colorado on river-right. The character of the rapid is directly shaped by boulders delivered…

Class III-–III+cataract canyonMile

Rapid 14 is the second rapid within the Mile Long sequence — the last drop before Capsize (Rapid 15). At moderate flows there is a commonly-used scouting eddy between Rapid 14 and Capsize where groups can land to look at…

Class III–IV-cataract canyonMile

Rapid 16 is the first rapid within the South Seas core of Mile Long. At moderate flows it runs as a distinct wave-train drop after Capsize; at high water it becomes the upstream end of the continuous South Seas sequence …

Class III–IV-cataract canyonMile

Rapid 17 is the second rapid within the South Seas core, sitting immediately above Button Hole (Rapid 18). At high water it is part of the continuous South Seas wave train. Middle of the South Seas core. Limited downstre…

Class III–IV-cataract canyonMile

Rapid 19 is the lower end of the South Seas core and the final rapid of the Mile Long sequence at moderate flows. At lower water, Mile Long ends here and Ben Hurt (Rapid 20) stands as a distinct rapid below. At high wate…

Class II+–III+cataract canyonMile 4.1

Rapid 3 is an unnamed upper Cataract rapid — a fast-moving wave-train drop in the early rapid corridor. Read-and-run Class III at moderate flows. Often used by trips to calibrate crew timing and rigging before reaching t…

Class II+–III+cataract canyonMile 5.7

Rapid 4 is an unnamed upper Cataract rapid immediately above Rapid 5 (mile 210.7). The rapid sits in the upper-canyon rapid corridor and runs as a read-and-run Class III drop at most flows. At high water Rapids 4 and 5 m…

Class III–III+cataract canyonMile 5.8

Rapid 5 is an unnamed upper Cataract rapid that sits 0.1 mile below Rapid 4. A large beach below the rapid is commonly used by trips pausing before the Rapid 6/7 sequence. Class III at most flows with a defined wave trai…

Class II+–III+cataract canyonMile 6.7

Rapid 6 is one of the upper Cataract rapids, sitting between Rapid 5 (mile 210.7 upstream from Lees Ferry) and Rapid 7 / North Sea (mile 209.5). At moderate flows it is a read-and-run Class III drop; at high water it fee…

Class II+–IIIcataract canyonMile

Rapid 8 is an unnamed upper Cataract rapid between the Toreva Block boulder field of Rapid 7 / North Sea and Rapid 9. A short read-and-run drop that provides a brief recovery zone between the North Sea and the Tilted Par…

Class II+–III+cataract canyonMile 7.8

Rapid 9 is an unnamed upper Cataract rapid in the Tilted Park section of the canyon. The surrounding geology — sedimentary beds dipping visibly off-horizontal from Paradox-era salt tectonics — is the canyon's most readab…

Class II+–IIIcataract canyonMile

Repeat (Rapid 25) is the middle of a three-rapid recovery sequence (Powell's Pocket Watch → Repeat → Rerun) below the Big Drops. The name pairs with downstream Rerun and reflects the character of the two rapids running t…

Class II+–IIIcataract canyonMile

Rerun (Rapid 26) is the lower of the Repeat/Rerun pairing — the second of two similar wave-train drops below Powell's Pocket Watch. Downstream of Rerun is Ten Cent Camp on river-left, and below that the river enters the …

Class III-–III+split mountainMile 5.5

Schoolboy Rapid is the third major rapid in Split Mountain Canyon, between SOB and Inglesby. Class III- to III+ depending on flow.

Class II+–IIIcataract canyonMile 16.5

Short Rapid (Rapid 28) is one of the re-emerged lower Cataract rapids — a drop that has returned to visibility as Lake Powell reservoir levels have dropped. Documented by the Returning Rapids Project after the 2002-2003 …

Class III–IVgrand canyonMile 11.2

Soap Creek Rapid at mile 11.2 is the second significant rapid of Marble Canyon — often the first full-on wave-train experience of a Grand Canyon trip. Debris from Soap Creek on river-right narrows the channel and builds …

Class III–IVsplit mountainMile 6.5

SOB Rapid (also known as Sobe) is the second significant whitewater feature in Split Mountain Canyon, coming near the lower section of the canyon. It provides the closing challenge before the takeout and shares the techn…

Class III–IV-westwater canyonMile 10.6

Sock-It-To-Me is one of Westwater Canyon's most significant rapids — a classic Colorado River pool-drop where the canyon narrows dramatically through ancient Precambrian basement rock. The rapid features a powerful entry…

High swim consequence

Class III-–IIIwestwater canyonMile 8.7

Staircase is a series of deep, trough-like waves — a stepped progression that gives the rapid its name. Part of the compressed main-gorge sequence of rapids that occur in quick succession within ~2 miles.

Class II–IIIdesolation canyonMile 38.5

Steer Ridge Rapid is a mid-canyon Class II-III drop in Desolation Canyon. Named for the prominent ridge formation above, the rapid features a boulder-strewn channel with straightforward lines at most flows.

Class III-–IIIwestwater canyonMile 9.8

Surprise Rapid sits between Funnel Falls and Skull — a Class III wave train that, as its name implies, catches some groups off guard right before they reach the crux of Westwater. Short and relatively clean at most flows…

Class IIIgray canyonMile 30

Swasey's Rapid is the signature whitewater of Gray Canyon, a Class III drop near the take-out at Swasey's Beach. It is the last significant rapid before the river flattens approaching the town of Green River, Utah.

Class IIIgrand canyonMile 69

Tanner Rapid at mile 69.0 marks the beginning of the Upper Granite Gorge approach. Class III. Named for Seth Tanner, a 19th-century Mormon pioneer who established trails into the canyon here.

Class III+grand canyonMile 134.3

Tapeats Rapid at mile 134.3, named for Tapeats Creek side drainage — the access for the Thunder River and Deer Creek hikes. Class III+. A clean wave train.

Class III–IVyampa canyonMile 15

Tepee Rapid is one of the significant early drops in Yampa Canyon — named for the distinctive tepee-shaped rock formations visible from the river. It provides the first real technical challenge of the Yampa trip and esta…

Class III–IVcataract canyonMile

The Chute (Rapid 29) is one of the significant re-emerged rapids in lower Cataract Canyon. The Returning Rapids Project characterizes it as 'the Hermit of Cataract' at high water — a reference to Hermit Rapid in the Gran…

Class III–III+desolation canyonMile 60

Three Fords Rapid is one of the biggest whitewater features of Desolation Canyon — a Class III near the lower end of the canyon that takes its name from three distinct rocky drops historically forded on foot at low water…

Class II+–III+cataract canyonMile 17.5

Waterhole Canyon Rapid (Rapid 30) is a re-emerged rapid at the mouth of Waterhole Canyon on river-right in lower Cataract. Documented by the Returning Rapids Project; photographed at 6,500 cfs. Character is shaped by the…

Class II+–IIIdesolation canyonMile

Wire Fence Rapid sits in middle-to-lower Desolation Canyon, downstream of Joe Hutch / Cow Swim. Takes its name from the Wire Fence Canyon side drainage. Class III-.

Class IV–Vgrand canyonMile 131.1

Bedrock Rapid at mile 131.1 — Class IV/V with the signature hazard of a midstream bedrock island splitting the channel. The left channel is the preferred line; the right channel leads to a dangerous undercut. One of the …

Class IV–Vcataract canyonMile 14

Big Drop 1 is the first of Cataract Canyon’s three marquee rapids. It marks the transition from consequential warm-up rapids into the main big-water corridor and is commonly scouted by private groups, especially during s…

High swim consequence

Class IV–Vcataract canyonMile 14.15

Big Drop 2 is one of Cataract Canyon’s most consequential rapids and is frequently the crux for raft crews. It is known for large breaking features, fast recovery demands, and the potential to flush mistakes into Big Dro…

High swim consequence

Class IV–Vcataract canyon

The three-rapid sequence — Big Drop 1, Big Drop 2 (Little Niagara), and Big Drop 3 (with Satan's Gut as the river-left pourover feature inside it) — that defines Cataract Canyon. Consecutive, scoutable, and the focal poi…

Class III–IV+cataract canyonMile 12.5

Button Hole (Rapid 18) is the signature feature within the South Seas core of the Mile Long sequence. The name refers to a large lateral hole on river-right that forms at moderate-to-high flows and catches craft that dri…

Class IV–Vgrand canyonMile 132.3

Deubendorff Rapid at mile 132.3, named for Seymour Deubendorff of the 1909 Stone expedition who flipped here. Class IV/V. Large breaking waves with strong laterals.

Class III–IVlodore canyonMile 6.5

Disaster Falls is one of the early significant challenges in Lodore Canyon, encountered within the first few miles of entering the Gates of Lodore. The rapid is divided into upper and lower drops separated by a pool, all…

Class III+–IV+grand canyonMile 24.4

Georgie’s Rapid at mile 24.4, named for Georgie White Clark — the pioneering female river guide who ran Grand Canyon commercial trips starting in the 1950s. Class III+ to V depending on flow. Part of the 24-26 Mile rapid…

Class IV–IV+grand canyonMile 82.1

Grapevine Rapid at mile 82.1, the third and final major rapid before Phantom Ranch. Class IV/V. Large breaking waves with a strong hole at some flows. A final test before the psychological rest of Bright Angel.

Class III+–IVgrand canyonMile 25.1

Hansbrough-Richards Rapid at mile 25.1, named for Peter Hansbrough and Henry Richards of the 1889 Stanton survey expedition who drowned here. Class III+/IV. A sobering historical marker within Marble Canyon.

Class IV–Vlodore canyonMile 11.5

Hell's Half Mile is the crux rapid of Lodore Canyon and one of the most significant challenges in the entire Dinosaur National Monument river system. The rapid extends through a long boulder-choked corridor with multiple…

Class IV–Vgrand canyonMile 95

Hermit Rapid offers one of the most spectacular wave trains in the entire Grand Canyon — nine massive standing waves in a straight corridor that make it the paradigmatic Grand Canyon big-water thrill. Unlike some Inner G…

Class III–IVgrand canyonMile 17

House Rock Rapid at mile 17 is an early and important psychological marker for Grand Canyon groups — the first significant Class IV of the trip, arriving just as teams are settling into canyon life. The rapid's name come…

Class III+–IVgrand canyonMile 56.3

Kwagunt Rapid at mile 56.3, one of the larger rapids in the Marble Canyon reach before the Little Colorado confluence. Class III+/IV, named for the Kwagunt Creek side drainage.

Class III–IV+cataract canyonMile

Mile Long is one continuous rapid that starts from debris-flow outwash at Range Canyon (Rapid 13) and extends down to the island at Rapid 20 (Ben Hurt). At high water it behaves as a single, sustained pulse of whitewater…

Class IVgrand canyonMile 105.2

Ruby Rapid at mile 105.2, fifth of the Gem Rapids. Class IV with strong hydraulics.

Class IVgrand canyonMile 101.8

Sapphire Rapid at mile 101.8, the largest of the Gem Rapids. Class IV. Substantial wave train.

Class IV–IV+grand canyonMile 106.5

Serpentine Rapid at mile 106.5, last and one of the largest Gem Rapids. Class IV/V with long, winding wave trains.

Class III+–Vwestwater canyonMile 10.2

Skull Rapid is the most consequential rapid in Westwater Canyon and the crux of the run. A large boulder in the center of the channel splits the river; the preferred line runs to the right of the rock. The real hazard is…

Class IV–IV+grand canyonMile 79.1

Sockdolager Rapid at mile 79.1, the second major rapid of the Upper Granite Gorge after Hance. Class IV/V. The name is 19th-century slang for a decisive blow — the rapid delivers one. Large wave train with potentially fl…

Class III–IV+cataract canyonMile

South Seas refers to the core of the Mile Long sequence — specifically Rapids 16 through 19 — which become one continuous, choppy wave train at high water. The name echoes the ocean-swell character of the waves through t…

Class III+–IVlodore canyonMile 10.8

Triplet Falls at mile 10.8 is one of the three Class IV rapids of Lodore (alongside Upper Disaster Falls and Hell’s Half Mile). The rapid is a long left-handed turn ending with a large set of waves and holes on river-lef…

Class IVgrand canyonMile 99.7

Tuna Creek Rapid at mile 99.7, immediately downstream of Crystal. Class IV. Often overlooked in the trip-planning psychology because of Crystal’s dominance, but a substantial rapid in its own right.

Class III–IVgrand canyonMile 72.6

Unkar Rapid at mile 72.6 is the opening rapid of the Upper Granite Gorge whitewater sequence and the entry point into Grand Canyon's big-water character. Built by debris from Unkar Creek on river-left, the rapid features…

High swim consequence

Class III+–IVgrand canyonMile 112.8

Walthenberg Rapid at mile 112.8, a significant mid-canyon Class III+/IV between Shinumo and Forster. Named for the Walthenberg Canyon side drainage.

Class IV–Vcataract canyonMile 14.45

Big Drop 3 is Cataract Canyon’s signature rapid and the most commonly cited psychological centerpiece of the canyon. The hydraulic known as Satan's Gut is the defining hazard at many medium and high flows.

Class IV–Vgrand canyonMile 98.5

Crystal Rapid is one of the Grand Canyon's most consequential Class V rapids — created largely by a massive 1966 debris flow from Crystal Creek that deposited enormous boulders into the Colorado. The rapid fundamentally …

High swim consequence

Class IV+–V+grand canyonMile 93.9

Granite Rapid at mile 93.9, the first of the three famous Upper Granite Gorge Class V rapids (Granite–Hermit–Crystal). Named for the Granite Narrows where the canyon constricts. Very large wave train, strong laterals, co…

Class IV–Vgrand canyonMile 76.5

Hance Rapid at mile 76.5 marks the transition from Marble Canyon into the Inner Gorge — the most technical and consequential whitewater zone in the Grand Canyon. One of the longest and most complex rapids in the canyon, …

High swim consequence

Class IV–Vgrand canyonMile 90.5

Horn Creek Rapid is one of the Inner Gorge's most feared rapids — a short, explosive Class V where the consequences of an error are among the most severe in the canyon. The rapid is compact but extremely powerful, with a…

High swim consequence

Class V–VIgrand canyonMile 179.5

Lava Falls is the most famous and most feared rapid in the Grand Canyon — one of the most powerful commercially run rapids in the world. At mile 179.5, it is the climactic challenge of any Grand Canyon descent. Created b…

Class IV+–Vgrand canyonMile 150.2

Upset Rapid at mile 150.2, Class IV/V — the major rapid of the middle Grand Canyon. Named because several early survey parties flipped here. A steep drop with a large hole at the bottom. Often scouted.

Class IV–Vyampa canyonMile 42

Warm Springs Rapid is the defining challenge of Yampa Canyon and one of the most flow-sensitive and consequential rapids in the entire Colorado Plateau river system. The rapid was created by a 1965 rockslide from Warm Sp…

High swim consequence