Clear Creek of Ark
EddyFlower - Kayaking information for the addicted.EddyFlower - Kayaking information for the addicted.
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Clear Creek of Ark   

Run Length 3.3 miles Average Gradient 163 fpm
Difficulty Class V- Recommended Flow 300-400 cfs optimal
River Clear Creek Arkansas Location Buena Vista, Colorado
Author Joshua Mack Current Level  
Drainage Arkansas Elevation 9620ft to 9035ft
 
Clear Creek of the Arck
End of first gorge at low flow.
Paddler:Josh Mack   Photographer:Cindy Kuznik
Clear Creek of the Ark is a great technical creek run in the Upper Arkansas Valley. The run is not very long, but it can easily be lapped or combined with Pine Creek and/or the Numbers for a great day of boating. The Creek is paralleled by the road but is obscured when the creek enters any of the three mini-gorges.

All three gorges can be pre-scouted. This is a good idea because it is a lot easier than scouting from river level. In addition, this creek tends to have wood hazards that move with changing flows so a quick scout for wood is a good idea every time you visit Clear Creek.

The first gorge comes quickly after the put-in. It is the toughest of the three. No single move is that tough but you will be glad you scouted. The second gorge is longer and consists of fast, fun class IV with a sweet class IV+ 6' ledge drop horizon line. The Third Gorge is less constricted and less steep than the first two. If the first two gorges were bony, I recommend taking out before the third gorge. It is bonier and often full of wood. Luckily, this gorge does not have vertical walls so if it starts to get not fun, you can just take out and hike you boat up the hill to the road.

Flow Information:
People have run this creek very low (about 60 cfs) but you need about 150 if you want you boat to float. More is better, but it will get burly at high water. The flow on Clear Creek of the Ark is entirely natural so it will not run until there are a few warm days in the Upper Ark Valley. This usually means mid-May. The flows may last into July.

PS- the Clear Creek Valley has some of the best free camping in Colorado- plenty of spots in a beautiful Valley between 14ers. Lets do our best to keep this area clean.
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