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

The Narrows

Arkansas - 10. Parkdale Launch to Canon City (Royal Gorge) (CO)

Monitor this Rapid
Gauge Conditions
Arkansas River at Parkdale, Co. Upstream Primary
Runnable: 300.0 – 3,200.0 CFS

Low-moderate to high-moderate flows.

Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Photo
The Narrows
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description

The Narrows are the thinnest and tallest section of the gorge. At its thinest point the river is around 30 to 40 ft wide underneath the hanging bridge which was considered a modern marvel when it was constructed in 1879 . Originally, the entire weight of the bridge was supported by three steel A-frames, but it was later fortified by rock and concrete when the train upgraded from narrow gauge to dual gauge in 1890.

(Info from 2200) The Narrows is broken up into 4 drops. If you swim in the narrows swiming to shore is not a great idea. 

First drop also known as Welcome mat is a fun hit if you have a strong crew or in a kayak. 1.5 drop shows its self at higher water levels and are some strong left to right laterals where the farther right you go the bigger the hits are.

Second drop also known as squeeze box can be run left or right, right line gives the name squeeze box due to riding the right wall to skirt past the second drop hole in the center of the river. Running left can be more conservative but do everything you can to not get pushed left due to the metal and rebar from the train.

Third and forth drop are blended together at 2k stay center and have some fun, if in a raft be ready to get bounced around some if you end up center right. 

Location
Type
Rapid
Difficulty
Class IV
Mile Marker
4.2 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
10. Parkdale Launch to Canon City (Royal Gorge)
Arkansas
III-IV(V) 10.0 mi
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater