Class V–VI Rapid · Grand Canyon
Lava Falls
Also known as: Vulcan Rapid
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 by a lava flow debris fan that constricts the river into a short, violent drop. Class X on the old Grand Canyon scale — Class V–VI on standard scale — at high water.