Photo

Photo courtesy of American Whitewater

Description

Coal Canyon is a straightforward, fast-moving Class III with a series of large waves and a few mid-channel holes. It tends to be steep and splashy, but relatively forgiving. The challenge here lies in reading the water on the fly—there’s little time to line up between features. At high flows, the holes become bigger, but the rapid remains boatable for most groups with competent paddlers. Read-and-run, staying center or slightly left, and be prepared for sudden laterals. At low flows, more rocks begin to show, and some of the holes become tighter. Expect a steeper profile and more maneuvering through slots. Keep an eye out for “sneaker rocks” that can pin or wrap boats. The confluence of Coal Creek marks the end of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation and camping is available on river left from this point downstream.