REGION: Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park TITLE: Black Canyon
NOTES: West of Gunnison and east of Montrose, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison River offers exciting kayaking opportunities. The rapids within the national park are considered Class V and some sections are unrunnable. This is a very technical paddle and includes numerous long, difficult and dangerous portages. Poison ivy is nearly impossible to avoid, and can be found growing 5 feet tall along the river.
Kayakers run the river at their own risk. The Gunnison River through the National Park has claimed the lives of even the most experienced, respected kayakers. The river's hydraulics can make self-rescue or rescue by others impossible.
The following are general water flow ratings:
750-950 cfs = minimal hydraulics
1200-1500 cfs = River is "pushy" with major hydraulics.
1500-3000 cfs = River is very "pushy" with extreme hydraulics.
Above 3000 cfs = Kayaking should not be attempted even by experts, portages disappear, death is probable.
FOR MORE
INFORMATION: BCNP (970) 249-1914 or (970) 641-2337; Gunnison Visitors (800) 274-7580; CO Visitors (800) COLORADO.
