Hazard Warning: Hazard information may be user-submitted and unverified. Conditions change frequently. Always scout rapids and obstacles yourself.
Hazard NV Class IV+

Lava Falls (9)

Colorado - 19. Lee's Ferry to Lake Mead (NV)

Monitor this Rapid
Gauge Conditions
Colorado River at Lees Ferry, AZ Upstream Primary
Runnable: 4,000.0 – 48,000.0 CFS
Colorado River near Grand Canyon, AZ Upstream Primary
Runnable: 4,000.0 – 48,000.0 CFS
Colorado Rvr above Diamond Creek near Peach Springs AZ Downstream Primary
Runnable: 4,000.0 – 48,000.0 CFS
Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Photo
Lava Falls (9)
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description

Lava rapid (mile 179) is the most intimidating rapid in the Grand Canyon. Because of another flash flood in Prospect Canyon, the left side of the rapid (which is considered by some to be a sneak) is cluttered with boulders, and more popular with rafters at higher flows (at least 15,000). Center at the top of the rapid is one of the biggest pourover holes you'll ever see, yet you will not be the first to throw some ends there if you try. You can scout from either side, but the impressive scout is to follow a small trail on river right up to an outcrop of lava where you can overlook the maelstrom. It doesn't look good, but you can't see while you're in it. The standard line is to start center right. Rafts commonly punch through the maw of the V-wave, but kayakers can bust through the lateral that feeds it from the left and smooth out their ride.

Location
Type
Hazard
Difficulty
Class IV+
Mile Marker
179.3 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
19. Lee's Ferry to Lake Mead
Colorado
III-IV 300.0 mi
Hazard — Exercise extreme caution in this area.
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater