Lower Rio Grande a/k/a Palisade Canyon
Although this run is far up in the early course of the Rio Grande River, it was the "lower" of the two runs that early Colorado whitewater pioneers first put down on the River Big. As the name "Lower Rio Grande" is kind of a bad title, it's better to think of this canyon as "Palisade Canyon", named in honor of the rock formation known as "The Palisades" that rise on the river left canyon wall.
The river is quite fun, offering a slightly more exciting start that quickly settles into a fun class II stretch with the occasional big rock or hole to splash through, and easy logistics. The put in is about a mile above Wagon Wheel Gap resort, nestled at the mouth of the Gap itself. There is a brief warmup for about a half of a mile as it wanders and floats through a ranch at the mouth of Goose Creek, and then the walls rise and the river drops into a really short mini-canyon that is probably the best part of the whole run. |
The "best" part is found where a steep flank of mountain reaches all the way to the river, and the road that is perched on the side of it further squeezes the river closer to the opposite wall. A number of good blast rocks have fallen into the river, and the result is a nice squeeze rapid, with some fun holes to crash through. When the water gets high, the whole section blends into one long section of easy big water, with plenty of rolling water and awkward currents. It is really easy no matter what flow, and most people should emerge upright and in good shape.
Just below these rapids you pass through the Wagon Wheel Gap Resort. In here there is a good island in the middle of the flow that makes a great place to regroup and catch up. Though it technically is private property, there is no bridge from it to the mainland, so you can pretty easily hang out and do your thing in full view of the Wagon Wheel Resort and it's guests and not worry about trespassing. Be respectful and choose to do what you do in moderation or in good taste. |
After the resort, the walls stay uniform for the rest of the run, and the river settles into a nice rhythym of class II rapids with flatwater between, all set underneath beautiful pine tree covered canyon walls. The Palisades, a formation of the old lava flows that make up the canyon walls, provides beautiful scenery along river left for a few miles. This is a good section for booze cruising, as there are ample flatwater sections to relax and chill out on, and enough small riffles and holes to prevent it from being boring.