August 24 & 25, 2024
By Karla Tanner
There were 8 of us boaters in all, 4 with RMCC (Karla Tanner, Jay Gingrich, Jane Lewis, & Brookie Gallagher) and 4 from Rocky Mountain Sea Kayak Club.
From beginning to end it was a trip of crazy strong wind & rain squalls – but only when we were off the river & in camp (where the shelter at our group campsite at Dewey Bridge Campground provided welcome protection from the worst of the rain). On-water time both Saturday & Sunday was sunny & mostly windless, making for a gorgeous weekend of desert paddling. Recent rainfall boosted the river flow to 4600 cfs both days.
Saturday’s 15-mile paddle from Cisco Landing to Dewey Bridge Campground lasted 4 hours with the river all to ourselves save for the numerous great blue herons along the way. Sunday’s 8-mile morning paddle from the campground to Lower Onion Creek included spectacular views of Fisher Towers, the LaSal Mountains and the cliffs of Arches National Park.
A most enjoyable weekend!