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Rapid NV Class III

Tapeats Rapid (5)

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
Tapeats Rapid (5)
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description

The rapid is a minor rapid, but the creek offers wonderful hiking. Two trails climb the cliffs on either side of the creek then traverse narrow ledges above the gorge.  Facing upstream at the mouth, the trail on the left is easier, while the trail on the right requires some scrambling. Tapeats Creek flows year round because it is fed by two major springs: Thunder River and Tapeats Spring. Thunder River is the closer of the two but still requires a couple hours of hiking. The trail past Thunder River, continues on to Surprise Valley and eventually to the north rim or over to Deer Creek.

 

Kayakers can carry boats up the trail so that they can paddle through the narrows. See Tapeats Creek— Thunder River to Colorado River.

 

Camping is no longer allowed at the mouth of Tapeats Creek. 

Location
Type
Rapid
Difficulty
Class III
Mile Marker
133.8 mi
Directions
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View Full Run
19. Lee's Ferry to Lake Mead
Colorado
III-IV 300.0 mi
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater