rcwild
10-15-2009, 11:12 AM
A wild water descent through the incredible Crystal River Gorge culminating in multiple waterfalls with narrow passages, recirculating hydraulics and potentially dangerous swims.
Rating: 4CX III
Time Required: 6 to 8 hours.
Longest Rappel:
Permit Information
No special permits needed for technical canyoneering.
Camping/Lodging
There are National Forest Campgrounds located all along Colorado Hwy. 133. There is good primitive camping in the area as well. Numerous restaurants hotels and other lodging are available in Redstone and Carbondale.
Preferred Season
Late summer/early fall when dangerous water hopefully drops to manageable levels.
Water Concerns
Although there has been much scouting the Crystal River Gorge has yet to be found in suitable conditions for a canyoneering descent. Water levels for the Crystal River typically run 300 cfs and higher. The drought years of 2002, '03 allowed consideration in late summer/early fall however, conditions found (40 to 50 cfs) during these visits were considered to be unreasonable.
Special Challenges
Dangerous waterfalls with narrow passages, strong current and recirculating hydraulics make this canyon a drowning machine. Kayakers typically descend the gorge proper then pull out at the slabs avoiding the final five waterfalls.
As drought conditions continue this canyon may yet yield to determined canyoneers highly skilled in wild water techniques. As the drought abates it is likely conditions for a reasonable descent may never present themselves. Beware trespassing on private land. Marble locals are very sensitive to this issue. Approach and egress only via the route described here.
Equipment Suggestions
One 200' rope plus a river rescue throw bag, nylon webbing and rapid links to replace old slings, wet suit, PFD, standard wet canyon kit.
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5' topo Marble, Colo, USGS 1:100,000-scale metric Carbondale.
Directions to Trailhead
From the town of Carbondale Colorado head south on Colo. Hwy. 133 to Redstone. Continue south past Redstone heading toward McClure Pass. About four and one half miles south of Redstone take a left on FR 314 paralleling the Crystal River another five miles or so to the town of Marble.
Follow the signs through town toward Beaver Lake State Fishing Area. The road passes along the north side of Beaver Lake and continues in an easterly direction winding through a residential area where it finally makes a distinct left turn and begins a steep climb up Daniels Hill. The road here is marked 4WD only although it is passable by cars for a little longer. The trailhead starts at a small parking area on the right just as the road turns left and starts up Daniels Hill.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
Approach
From the small parking area head east on the trail to where it enters a small drainage that parallels the road up Daniels Hill. Turn right and descend this drainage to the Crystal River. Please avoid trespassing on private property. A short distance up the Crystal you will come to Millers Falls, the final problem in the Crystal River Gorge descent.
Cross to the south side of the Crystal River and climb the steep slope to the rim above the gorge. Good views of the final five waterfalls can be had from the rim. It is also possible to climb down into the gorge on steep slabs (fourth class) at the mouth of the Gorge proper to more closely examine conditions.
From the rim above these slabs continue east along an old mining track along the rim of the gorge to where you can scramble down a gully to the entrance of the Gorge proper just above the "Zute Chute" waterfall. Here is where the descent begins.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
Description: Standard Route
The Crystal River Gorge is a Grade VI kayak descent in late spring and early summer. There is little (if any) room for mistakes in this canyon. Canyoneering descents should not even be considered unless water levels are running at less than 50 cfs. Under 25 cfs would be even better.
Description:
Exit
After Millers Falls walk down the Crystal a short distance and catch the trail you came in on at Daniels Hill.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
Rating: 4CX III
Time Required: 6 to 8 hours.
Longest Rappel:
Permit Information
No special permits needed for technical canyoneering.
Camping/Lodging
There are National Forest Campgrounds located all along Colorado Hwy. 133. There is good primitive camping in the area as well. Numerous restaurants hotels and other lodging are available in Redstone and Carbondale.
Preferred Season
Late summer/early fall when dangerous water hopefully drops to manageable levels.
Water Concerns
Although there has been much scouting the Crystal River Gorge has yet to be found in suitable conditions for a canyoneering descent. Water levels for the Crystal River typically run 300 cfs and higher. The drought years of 2002, '03 allowed consideration in late summer/early fall however, conditions found (40 to 50 cfs) during these visits were considered to be unreasonable.
Special Challenges
Dangerous waterfalls with narrow passages, strong current and recirculating hydraulics make this canyon a drowning machine. Kayakers typically descend the gorge proper then pull out at the slabs avoiding the final five waterfalls.
As drought conditions continue this canyon may yet yield to determined canyoneers highly skilled in wild water techniques. As the drought abates it is likely conditions for a reasonable descent may never present themselves. Beware trespassing on private land. Marble locals are very sensitive to this issue. Approach and egress only via the route described here.
Equipment Suggestions
One 200' rope plus a river rescue throw bag, nylon webbing and rapid links to replace old slings, wet suit, PFD, standard wet canyon kit.
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5' topo Marble, Colo, USGS 1:100,000-scale metric Carbondale.
Directions to Trailhead
From the town of Carbondale Colorado head south on Colo. Hwy. 133 to Redstone. Continue south past Redstone heading toward McClure Pass. About four and one half miles south of Redstone take a left on FR 314 paralleling the Crystal River another five miles or so to the town of Marble.
Follow the signs through town toward Beaver Lake State Fishing Area. The road passes along the north side of Beaver Lake and continues in an easterly direction winding through a residential area where it finally makes a distinct left turn and begins a steep climb up Daniels Hill. The road here is marked 4WD only although it is passable by cars for a little longer. The trailhead starts at a small parking area on the right just as the road turns left and starts up Daniels Hill.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
Approach
From the small parking area head east on the trail to where it enters a small drainage that parallels the road up Daniels Hill. Turn right and descend this drainage to the Crystal River. Please avoid trespassing on private property. A short distance up the Crystal you will come to Millers Falls, the final problem in the Crystal River Gorge descent.
Cross to the south side of the Crystal River and climb the steep slope to the rim above the gorge. Good views of the final five waterfalls can be had from the rim. It is also possible to climb down into the gorge on steep slabs (fourth class) at the mouth of the Gorge proper to more closely examine conditions.
From the rim above these slabs continue east along an old mining track along the rim of the gorge to where you can scramble down a gully to the entrance of the Gorge proper just above the "Zute Chute" waterfall. Here is where the descent begins.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
Description: Standard Route
The Crystal River Gorge is a Grade VI kayak descent in late spring and early summer. There is little (if any) room for mistakes in this canyon. Canyoneering descents should not even be considered unless water levels are running at less than 50 cfs. Under 25 cfs would be even better.
Description:
Exit
After Millers Falls walk down the Crystal a short distance and catch the trail you came in on at Daniels Hill.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate