This section of river is overload for the visual senses. In other words
it is a beautiful section of river. I have only run Lodore once. I believe
the flow was about 4,000 cfs, which is pretty good for Lodore. This section
is dam controlled, and flows are usually kept around 2,000-2,500 cfs. Hell's
half mile was definetely the one to watch out for but triplet was also a
good ride. The bottom part of Lodore(split mountain) has some great waves in
high water. Permits are available for one day trips on Split Mountain and much
easier to draw than Lodore or the Yampa. I have run split mountain three times
each time in high water.So I only know what it is like above 16,000 cfs.
At this water level most rapids were made up of big haystack waves.
The last rapid(Inglesby) had a giant hole/wave on river left that is very easy
to miss. However if your feeling up to it take the plunge. By the way don't
miss the hot springs in the middle of the run. Not the warmest river hot springs
but it provides a nice soak.
Jana and Dan, Angie and Kevin, entering the Gates of Lodore
