Grape Creek

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Run Length

15 miles

Average Gradient

97 fpm

Difficulty

Class V-

Recommended Flow

>300 cfs

River

Grape Creek

Location

Canon City, Colorado, United States

Author

Current Flow & Weather

6 cfs

N/A

Drainage

Arkansas

Elevation

6795ft to 5335ft

Grape Creek is one of the elusive steep creeks of Colorado. Grape Creek is very seasonal, and depends upon a weather phenomenon of a heavy snowpack in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, a reservoir at or above its conservation level and local rainfall to trigger a few short weeks of navigability in late May to early June.

This run starts out with 5 miles of Class III to IV rapids, then quickly constricts and the drops become more challenging. Scout horizon lines. Keep an eye out for at least two waterfalls. Its gradient varies greatly from a shallow 35 feet per mile to a very steep 215 feet per mile. Grape Creek drops some 1,460 feet in just 15 miles. It flows down a desert canyon floor with rocky banks lined with cacti and other arid-growing vegetation. Its big drops, rocky channel and constriction present significant hazards, even to experienced boaters. Scouts and portages are easy.

Season
If Grape Creek runs, it typically runs in April and May.

WARNING
Keep a heads up for river wide barded wire fences. The first is located approximately 1/2 mile from the put-in. The second is located about 1/2 mile before the Temple Canyon bridge.

‘Tights’ of Grape Creek

www.merelyafleshwound.com

Paddler:Gary Edgeworth Photographer:Alex Henes

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	Put-In The put-in is by leaving the park on Griffin, turning right on 4th st., bearing left where it turns into Elm and then taking an immediate right onto Oak Creek Grade. Follow this 13.3 miles south till you ocme to an intersection marked by a sign reading "Grape Creek Access". Turn right. Continue 4.5 miles to the creek. 4X4 rig recommended.
	Take-Out Follow Highway 50 into Canon City, turn south on Fourth Street, cross the river, turn right into Centennial park. This is the same take-out for the Royal Gorge. Consider Also taking at Temple Canyon, saving you from floating down to the Arkansas. Good camping along Grape at temple.

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Trip Report

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	Uncharacteristically high, proceed with caution.
	Powerful, pushy and unforgiving.
	Ideal flow conditions.
	Boney with potential for boat abuse.
	Not enough water to float a boat.
	Please let us know.
	No gauge, visual required.