Neon Canyon river run
Neon Canyon
The class rating of the run is a Class III, with several technical rapids and obstacles. The most notable rapids in Neon Canyon include the "Cave Rapid" and "Lil' Red Slot Rapid," which feature tight turns and steep drops. The canyon also includes several sections of narrow slot canyons that require maneuvering and portaging around obstacles.
The segment mileage for Neon Canyon is approximately 14 miles, with an estimated paddling time of 4-6 hours. It is important to note that this run requires a 6-mile hike to access the put-in, making it a somewhat strenuous and remote experience.
In terms of regulations, Neon Canyon is located within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and requires a permit for overnight camping. Additionally, visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles and avoid damaging the delicate ecosystem of the canyon.
Overall, Neon Canyon offers a unique and challenging river run for experienced paddlers seeking adventure in a remote and scenic location.
Plan your run down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram; rain ahead of a run typically lifts flows 12-48 hours later depending on the basin.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.
Regional streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Neon Canyon -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Escalante River Near Escalante | 0 cfs | → |
| Pine Creek Near Escalante | 1 cfs | → |
| Fremont River Near Bicknell | 53 cfs | → |
| Paria River Near Kanab | 0 cfs | → |
| Dirty Devil R Abv Poison Sp Wash Nr Hanksville | 39 cfs | → |
| Paria River At Lees Ferry | 4 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest boat launches, other paddle runs, and campgrounds so a day on the water can grow into a full weekend.
Campgrounds
Whitewater safety
- Check the flow before you run
- Use the linked-gauge card and Regional Flow panel above. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV+ at high water.
- Know your skill ceiling
- Pick runs comfortably below your ceiling. Cold-water and big-water runs raise the consequences of any mistake.
- Wear the right gear
- Helmet, PFD, drysuit / wetsuit when water is below 60°F. Throw bag, knife, and whistle on your person, not in the boat.
- Scout, set safety, and run with a team
- Scout new rapids on foot, set safety with throw bags above the consequence pool, and run with at least one other competent paddler.
- Respect the river
- Strainers, undercuts, low-head dams, and wood can kill at any class rating. When in doubt, portage.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Neon Canyon as a favorite, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me when flow hits 600 cfs"), and the iOS app pushes the moment the linked gauge crosses.
About Neon Canyon
What's the optimal flow for Neon Canyon?
The optimal flow depends on the section and the craft. Check the Run Details panel for the linked gauge and current status.
How fresh is the cfs reading on this page?
The linked USGS streamgauge reports continuously (every 15 minutes); Snoflo refreshes throughout the day. Hover the streamflow sparkline to read individual datapoints.
What's the whitewater class?
See the Run Details panel for the class rating Snoflo tracks for this run. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV in high water.
Where do I put in / take out?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions to the put-in. For shuttle planning, check the Nearby Boat Launches panel and the river run operator's site.
Can I get alerts when flows hit the optimal range?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this run, set a discharge threshold, and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.
Other runs near here
Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Neon Canyon.