Once again, the Rocky Mountain Canoe Club and the Missouri Whitewater Association have granted permission for me to conduct a joint Class II whitewater trip.
My plan is to follow the same template used last year. The trip will begin on or about August 16. My current plan is to paddle the Arkansas River first for three day camping at Turtle Mountain Campground north of Buena Vista. We will then travel over the Continental Divide to the Taylor River, camp at Lottis Creek Campground and paddle for two days on the Taylor River.
These are both group campgrounds and both campgrounds also have individual sites available. Turtle Mountain has pit toilets but no water or electricity. Lottis Creek has pit toilets, potable water, a large, covered picnic shelter and some spots with electricity. Both have spotty cell service.
At both of these venues there are class III runs easily available and all are welcome to attend but the focus will be on Class II stretches. On the Arkansas our choices will include the Milk Run, Stone Bridge to Big Bend or Salida and the Fractions. As I type today water levels on the Arkansas are uncertain so choices will be somewhat water dependent. I switched to the Arkansas first so we can take advantage of the last two days of artificial release. The Taylor is always runnable.
Last year, and on all other trips I have conducted, I valued the assistance of experienced paddler to lead the smaller groups we will break into, to provide safety and paddling tips to newer folks.
The focus of the trip is to provide an opportunity to safely paddle class II water in the beautiful Colorado mountains and to get to know other like minded paddlers. Canoes, kayaks and inflatables are all welcome.
Last year we had about 30 participants.
I have not yet made campground reservations because I want to get a sense of interest. I encourage last year’s participants to add their own comments.
Please let me know if you are interested. If anyone needs gear please let me know. I am sure we can accommodate any reasonable need. In terms of safety gear I expect everyone to have a Coast Guard approved PFD, a helmet and floatation bags in the boats. For those of you who know how to use it, other safety and first aid gear is very welcome. I am actually thinking of perhaps doing some short safety drills but only if people are amenable.
This is a club sponsored and American Canoe Association covered trip. All participants must be paid up members of either the Missouri Whitewater Association or the Rocky Mountain Canoe Club and have a valid ACA number.
I only have two rules. One, I will designate a starting time in the morning and expect everyone to be ready to depart then. Two, if I ask anyone to walk any rapid or reach I expect that to be complied with. On the river we will, of course, endeavor to paddle safely.
I really enjoyed last year’s trip.
Please let me know if you are interested. Last year I had wonderful help from members of both clubs and will need that again, especially in the area of lists and internet communication. I really need that help again. Please let me know if you are willing to help.
Chris Kelly
(573)489-0684