Gates of Lodore, 2000 cfs

[Alex]

Dates: October 20-23, 2011
Where: Gates of Lodore canyon on Green River at Dinosaur National Monument
Who: My family (wife and kid) and a friend with 4 kids
How: Two 16' Maravia rafts
Flow: 1600-2300 cfs
Temp: 63 for the high, 36 for the low

We did a quick run down Lodore with the families. It was a bit nippy, but I ended up going through all the rapids in my cotton shorts and a t-shirts. My wife and kid were in wet or dry suits. In the shade it was definitely cold, but in the sun it was almost 85.

This was my first run down at this level and I found it to be a lot more technical than higher water. A lot more boulder dodging and watching out for sleepers.

I ended up hung up on a rock right below Hell's Half mile, but a bit of highsiding dragged us off. My friend lost an oar at the same spot, but retrieved it 2 hours later with a help of a kayak.

We stayed at Pot Creek #1, Limestone and Jones Hole #1. Great sites!!! We didn't do much hiking due to lack of sun light.

Kids had a riot playing in the water, making sand castles, making bows and having Robin Hood competitions.

If you ever get a chance, jump on this trip. It's breath taking especially in the fall!

Alex

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[Sombeech]

Wow, quite the different water level at launch. Looks like another awesome trip :cool2:

[Alex]

Ya the huge sandbar is about 200 feet away from the ramp. Do you remember how I couldn't drop the trailer down under water at put in? Now you know why it's a huge freaking sandbar under there.

[ststephen]

I bet the bugs were way down too! Looks beautiful in the fall.

[accadacca]

Wow! What a GREAT trip and excellent scenery. :cool2:

[Sombeech]

Nice Groover shot :mrgreen:

[Alex]

Justin, that's at Jones Hole #1 where we stayed the other time. I think someone was camped at that spot and we had to move the groover up the ledge.