[restrac2000]

Hey Folks,

Need some advice on choosing between two runs we have never done. We are heading out for Labor Day weekend with some friends that want to see their first whitewater above Class II. So....

Shoshone/Colorado/Roaring Fork: About 5.5-6 hours away. Looks like Class II-III roadside runs. Camping looks like we would have to to find primitive sites or go commercial. Offers more variations than the Snake option.

Alpine Canyon/Snake: Further away at about 7.5 hours. Sounds like the whitewater might be a little better.

I assume both will be crowded for the 3 day weekend but we will make do. Any thoughts between the two options? Camping in the region that is recommended? Worth the drive? We don't have many other options in this region and I would love to get out.

Phillip

 

[melted_ice]

Wouldn't necessarily plan on being able to float the roaring fork. It'll be low. Shoshone is fun but very short.

 

[spthomson]

Snake/Alpine Canyon, without a doubt, not even close for that time of year.

Spend some time on the river, and then head up to GTNP and Yellowstone. Makes for a great weekend.

 

[streetdoctor]

wouldn't drive 7 hours to experience class 3 in alpine canyon. I paddled it last year around 7500 and I think it had a 100' section of big waves (lunch counter?) and the rest class I and II. Equally would not drive that far (hell it took me 3 years to do it and it's only 3 hours away) Shoshone because it's over in about 11 minutes.

 

[restrac2000]

wouldn't drive 7 hours to experience class 3 in alpine canyon. I paddled it last year around 7500 and I think it had a 100' section of big waves (lunch counter?) and the rest class I and II. Equally would not drive that far (hell it took me 3 years to do it and it's only 3 hours away) Shoshone because it's over in about 11 minutes.

We desperately need river time....not many other choices in our neck of the woods.

Phillip

 

[restrac2000]

Snake/Alpine Canyon, without a doubt, not even close for that time of year.

Spend some time on the river, and then head up to GTNP and Yellowstone. Makes for a great weekend.

Yeah, that is a huge draw to heading up there.

 

[mikesee]

Take 'em down the Gunny Gorge. Manageable, low volume class III in a stunning place.

Everything scoutable, 98% portage able (though unlikely you'll need to), and long pools to collect gear after flips/swims.

Plus closer than both of your other options.

Lots of great campsites, total cost for the float/camping is something like $15/person for 3 days/2 nights.

Great fishing too, though the fish be highly educated.

 

[Rich]

Cataract Canyon is a closer option for Class 3 WW.

 

[restrac2000]

Take 'em down the Gunny Gorge. Manageable, low volume class III in a stunning place.

Everything scoutable, 98% portage able (though unlikely you'll need to), and long pools to collect gear after flips/swims.

Plus closer than both of your other options.

Lots of great campsites, total cost for the float/camping is something like $15/person for 3 days/2 nights.

Great fishing too, though the fish be highly educated.

Yeah, might consider that option more closely. Have always wanted to row it and not to mention the desire to get put in my place by an animal with a brain the size of my pinky nail.

Phillip

 

[restrac2000]

Cataract Canyon is a closer option for Class 3 WW.

That needs a lot more than 3 days to complete and significantly more $$$ to pull off. Love Cat but it in no way meets my needs right now, not to mention preferring to have a second qualified rig when way in the backcountry.

Phillip

 

[Osseous]

No on Shoshone- too short of a run for that much drive time. Roaring Fork will be a boneyard by then.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Mountain Buzz mobile app

 

[FatmanZ]

The Snake River in Alpine canyon is a fun and scenic run. When I lived in SLC we'd head up there a few times a year and always over Labor day. I've driven over from Colorado to join friends/family three of the last five years and it's just over a 7 hour drive for me. Some nice campsites available and dispersed camping too. If I remember right only one campsite on the lower canyon section is first come/first serve, the rest are reserved well in advance online. Flows that time of year will probably be around 5K - a fun introduction to class III rapids and also some bigger water. My kids liked it because it was deep water, few places to worry about hitting rocks (when rolling in a kayak or swimming). As someone else mentioned you have GTNP and Yellowstone close by, good food in Jackson, etc.

 

[Ty Tanner]

shoshone vs snake

Have you done the stretch of Green starting below the dam at Flaming Gorge. Borderline class 3 in a couple of rapids. Great scenery and good camping, along with crystal clear, cold water. Should still have good releases around Labor Day.

 

[restrac2000]

Have you done the stretch of Green starting below the dam at Flaming Gorge. Borderline class 3 in a couple of rapids. Great scenery and good camping, along with crystal clear, cold water. Should still have good releases around Labor Day.

Its on the list as well.....with the added benefit that the friend wants to learn to raft and I want to catch trout ....

Phillip