Haven’t done it yet this year and can’t speak to any new strainers, but it’s all read-and-run below the town run, even at these flows. Above the town run is a different story. There is only one spot to stop for lunch on river left (you’ll see it). Everything else is private. Beautiful through there in Mesa canyon with the Ponderosa Trees coming right down to the river. Very similar to Ponderosa Canyon on the Dolores in terms of scenery without the poison ivy. That’s my hometown run. Enjoy!
Pagosa springs below town
Some friends and I are talking about doing the san juan through pagosa springs and taking out at trujillo rd. Ive only done this section once and it was flowing at just about 1000 cfs. looks like this weekend it will be around 2500-3000 maybe even more. All the beta I can find on this section is pretty old. Anyone have any tips? we will have 3 boats a 16ft cat, 14 ft oar rig and a 10.5 rigged with oars.
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did this a couple weeks ago around 1500. nothing to worry about on stainers or anything. hug the left line on Llama. a couple of the pour overs towards the end of the town section can be pushy so definitely punch em....I lazily hit the bigger one right after yamaguchi backwards and got spun and dumped
The only sketchy part of this run ( I‘ve been spanked right in front of the hot springs as well) is the left hand turn by the dump. It’s very deceiving especially late in the day when the sun is low. Looks good to go anywhere until it doesn’t. Stay river left and all is good.
It’s a very “busy” run. If you are on the sticks there is no time to have a beer.
Heads up on Dead Llama... On Sunday(May 28th) There was a good size tree in the river essentially blocking the sneak on the left. I suppose there is a chance higher water levels might push it but it looks unlikely. This does make running left incredibly challenging. Likely you will have to send in and drop the falls (3ish feet). The advice I got was best to do this as close to a small bunch of willows just left of river center.
Just to the right of the little bunch of willows is very doableHeads up on Dead Llama... On Sunday(May 28th) There was a good size tree in the river essentially blocking the sneak on the left. I suppose there is a chance higher water levels might push it but it looks unlikely. This does make running left incredibly challenging. Likely you will have to send in and drop the falls (3ish feet). The advice I got was best to do this as close to a small bunch of willows just left of river center.
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