Big Ugly is a powerful and technical Class IV+ rapid characterized by a steep, boulder-strewn descent with multiple complex lines and a series of powerful hydraulics. Paddlers must carefully navigate a tight entrance between large rocks, then aggressively maneuver through a sequence of strong diagonal waves and potentially retentive holes that can quickly flip or trap boats. Precise route selection and strong paddling skills are critical, with the main channel offering the most direct but most challenging path through the rapid.