rcwild
10-15-2009, 11:19 AM
A fun - albeit short - beginner wet canyon near Loveland Pass.
Rating: 3C I
Time Required: One to two hours.
Longest Rappel: 50 ft.
[B]Permit Information
No permits required
Camping/Lodging
Lodging at Keystone. National Forest campgrounds and primitive camping in the area. Hotels and restaurants in nearby Dillon.
Preferred Season
July/August, depending on water levels and runoff
Water Concerns
Slick rocks and potentially dangerous current. This description of the canyon assumes the stream flow is roughly 6 cfs. To find an estimate of the stream flow, go to:
http://water.usgs.gov/co/nwis/current?type=flow&group_key=NONE&search_site_no_station_nm=
Search for the Snake River Near Montezuma, CO. Divide the streamflow value by 14, and you'll have an estimate of the stream flow at Snake River Falls. Six cfs is ideal for beginner and intermediate canyoners, though expert canyoners might want a little higher flow.
Special Challenges
Equipment Suggestions
One 50m rope, 10' webbing, quicklink, full wetsuit.
Topographic Maps
USGS Loveland Pass quad
Directions to Trailhead
Take I-70 from Denver, heading west. Before the Eisenhower Tunnel, exit on Highway 6, marked Loveland Pass. Drive up and over the pass, then down the other side to the Arapaho Basin ski area. Park on a pullout on the left (south) side of the road, just past the ski area, and just before a yellow sign that says "Runaway Truck Ramp 2.5 Miles". Make sure you're not parked by a no parking sign - the pullout is the first spot past the ski area where parking is allowed along the road.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
Approach
From the pullout, hike down the embankment about 100 ft., and enter the water. The narrows begin just downstream. It takes only a minute from your car to reach the stream.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
Description: Standard Route
Two waterfalls. One is short and a pinch can be used for an anchor (or trees upstream). Second drop is Snake River Falls, which has bolts on CR.
Description:
Exit
After Snake River Falls, the canyon widens. Hike up one of many social trails on the north side of the canyon back to the highway and your car (5 minutes).
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
Rating: 3C I
Time Required: One to two hours.
Longest Rappel: 50 ft.
[B]Permit Information
No permits required
Camping/Lodging
Lodging at Keystone. National Forest campgrounds and primitive camping in the area. Hotels and restaurants in nearby Dillon.
Preferred Season
July/August, depending on water levels and runoff
Water Concerns
Slick rocks and potentially dangerous current. This description of the canyon assumes the stream flow is roughly 6 cfs. To find an estimate of the stream flow, go to:
http://water.usgs.gov/co/nwis/current?type=flow&group_key=NONE&search_site_no_station_nm=
Search for the Snake River Near Montezuma, CO. Divide the streamflow value by 14, and you'll have an estimate of the stream flow at Snake River Falls. Six cfs is ideal for beginner and intermediate canyoners, though expert canyoners might want a little higher flow.
Special Challenges
Equipment Suggestions
One 50m rope, 10' webbing, quicklink, full wetsuit.
Topographic Maps
USGS Loveland Pass quad
Directions to Trailhead
Take I-70 from Denver, heading west. Before the Eisenhower Tunnel, exit on Highway 6, marked Loveland Pass. Drive up and over the pass, then down the other side to the Arapaho Basin ski area. Park on a pullout on the left (south) side of the road, just past the ski area, and just before a yellow sign that says "Runaway Truck Ramp 2.5 Miles". Make sure you're not parked by a no parking sign - the pullout is the first spot past the ski area where parking is allowed along the road.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
Approach
From the pullout, hike down the embankment about 100 ft., and enter the water. The narrows begin just downstream. It takes only a minute from your car to reach the stream.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
Description: Standard Route
Two waterfalls. One is short and a pinch can be used for an anchor (or trees upstream). Second drop is Snake River Falls, which has bolts on CR.
Description:
Exit
After Snake River Falls, the canyon widens. Hike up one of many social trails on the north side of the canyon back to the highway and your car (5 minutes).
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate