Whitewater Basic Itinerary

Day One

Begins with a mile hike down a steep, but well maintained trail at Arsenic Springs.  You’ll raft from the foot of the Class VI Little Arsenic Springs rapid through the long boulder-ridden La Junta Rapid.  Camping at Mamby Hot Springs the first night will require a one mile walk to the top of the mesa where you’ll spend the evening in the shadow of the Sangre de Cristo mountains while a wonderful meal is prepared for you.

Day Two

After a full breakfast you’ll cover 15 miles and 15 named rapids.  Beginning at the precipitous Powerline Falls, you’ll descend at an average gradient of 55 feet per mile through drops with names like Rockgarden, Screaming Left Hand Turn, Enema and finishing at Sunset where your run is captured on film by the folks at Southern Exposure.  The second night is spent along the river at the Orillia Verde Recreation area.

Day Three

Is a 12 mile day with Class III rapids including Big Rock, Sleeping Beauty and Souse Hole on the Pillar Racecourse section of the Rio Grande.  Trip length varies with water flows.  When the water is higher, it’s going to move you faster down the river.  You will get back to your car typically around 1:30 pm to 3 pm.