"Upper Taylor" a/k/a Taylor Canyon a/k/a New Gen to South Bank
Located in a beautiful mountain canyon that slowly transitions from high alpine to high mountain desert, the Taylor River is a hidden gem among Colorado's rivers. Because of the irrigation water stored in Taylor Reservoir upstream, the canyon itself sees controlled but sustained water releases throughout the summer, ensuring a boating season that usually extends into mid August but can go as late as September. Throw in some nice rounded granite boulders and a decent but not overwhelming amount of gradient and the result is a beautiful (if short) section of river that is a heaven on Earth for whitewater enthusiasts.
Putting on at South Bank is recommended due to unfriendly landowners and less than quality boating in the miles above. The first mile and a half is the most heads up and the most difficult. Two chunky but not overly difficult rapids, Holy Mirolli and Suicide Rock, start the run off, which very quickly leads into Tod's Slot. This drop, sometimes referred to as simply "The Slot", is probably the most intimidating on the whole stretch. A zig-zagging line between large boulders leads to many swims. Stay on top of your crap too, because just around the corner is Initiation, which is probably the biggest drop of the run, and also where the commercial trips put on. This is a long minefield of holes and rocks, and while it is very straightforward and easy, there are some strong currents in here to trip up the unwary.
Below here is a chain of rapids that follow in fairly close succession over the next half mile. While none of them are difficult by themselves, there isn't too many breaks between them, and private land covers the whole left bank. Immediately below Initiation is Trainwreck, which is quickly followed by Vito's Spin Move, the Squeeze, and Phil's Flume. First Left Hand is right below this, and also the end of "meat gorge", or the first block of rapids. This is also where the private property ends. You don't need to worry about that for the remainder of the run.
Below here is a chain of rapids that follow in fairly close succession over the next half mile. While none of them are difficult by themselves, there isn't too many breaks between them, and private land covers the whole left bank. Immediately below Initiation is Trainwreck, which is quickly followed by Vito's Spin Move, the Squeeze, and Phil's Flume. First Left Hand is right below this, and also the end of "meat gorge", or the first block of rapids. This is also where the private property ends. You don't need to worry about that for the remainder of the run.
Paul in the Slot from Whorefish Productions on Vimeo.
Below First Left there is a real short break, and then the river gets right back into it with The Narrows, an easy but fun rapid, and this leads right into Tombstone, another continuous section. Try not to get hung up on the Toilet Bowl, as you need to go left or right of No Parking, through the Goalposts, past Tombstone Rock and through the Domers below. A bad line will make people grumpy, but cleaning the whole section is a really great feeling too. There is a really nice boof most of the time on the right hand side of Tombstone.
In the next section below Tombstone the rapids stay continuous and fun, as well as straightforward. The next notable landmark is what's called "Ranger Station", which is a large eddy that offers a good chance to re-group and catch a breather. From here there is some more continuous action, in which there are a half-dozen notable (but easy) drops, including Pinball, Gunther's Launch Pad, the 3 Sisters, and Rosy Lane. There is one last solid drop near the end called Deadman's Alley or One Mile Rapids (depending who you ask) that is worth paying attention to. It has several parts and will trip up the unwary. One last rapid, Last Chance, and then it is all over.
All photos copyright Kit Davidson unless otherwise noted.