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Description
A beautiful run through a basalt and sandstone gorge. The best way to start the run is from the rope swing in confluence park. There is a gate to the put in and if you go to red cliffs desert reserve and fill out the confluence park use form they will give you a code. Give them 48 hours. If you can't do that there are several ways to walk down there from La Verkin. All the entrances from Pah Tempe Hot Srpings have been closed by the water company.
The first (and largest) rapid lies immediately downstream of Pah Tempe Hot Springs as the river cuts through sandstone bluffs, volcanic cinder cones and basalt flows. However, there are many great rapids along the way and fun surf waves. The sweet spot in terms of volume to avoid rocks and still be fun and splashy without being pushy is around 800 CSF. The run can be done in as little as 1.5 hours when above 1500 but as long as 4 if its around 250.
Downstream, the river meanders around benches before encountering more basalt ledges at Berry Springs. One of the great side hikes is to Babylon arch.
There is a great take out at the entrance to Grandpa's pond park. Park on the side of the road but outside the gate to the quarry. They lock the gate in the early evening and don't unlock it till the morning.