Hazard Warning: Hazard information may be user-submitted and unverified. Conditions change frequently. Always scout rapids and obstacles yourself.
Hazard NV Class IV+

Crystal Rapid (9)

Colorado - 19. Lee's Ferry to Lake Mead (NV)

Monitor this Rapid
Gauge Conditions
Colorado River at Lees Ferry, AZ Upstream Primary
Runnable: 4,000.0 – 48,000.0 CFS
Colorado River near Grand Canyon, AZ Upstream Primary
Runnable: 4,000.0 – 48,000.0 CFS
Colorado Rvr above Diamond Creek near Peach Springs AZ Downstream Primary
Runnable: 4,000.0 – 48,000.0 CFS
Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Photo
Crystal Rapid (9)
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description

Crystal became the big one in 1966, after a big flash flood in Crystal Creek dumped big boulders in the river and constricted the main channel to the left. Crystal Hole dominated the center of the river and large diagonal waves surfed rafts towards it.

 

Over time high flows in the main river have gradually reduced the power of the central hole and made it easier to miss the hole. It still remains a serious rapid. Scout from river right either up high or down at river level.

 

A standard line is to run left of the main hole and navigate the waves and hydraulics in the main channel. A rock garden at the end of the rapid needs to be run to the left or right. If you take this route beware of the cliff walls on river left just below the main hole with some tricky hydraulics that can flip rafts. Another option is to hug the shore on river right and skirt the right side of the main hole. This moves gets tricker as flows drop.

Location
Type
Hazard
Difficulty
Class IV+
Mile Marker
98.6 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
19. Lee's Ferry to Lake Mead
Colorado
III-IV 300.0 mi
Hazard — Exercise extreme caution in this area.
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater