La Verkin Creek Paddle Report

Summary

The ideal streamflow range for this river run is between 100 and 500 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is typically during the spring months when the snow is melting. The class rating for this whitewater river run is Class II-III, with some sections reaching Class IV. The segment mileage of the La Verkin Creek is approximately 12 miles, with the run taking around 4-5 hours to complete.

There are several notable rapids and obstacles along the La Verkin Creek, including Hurricane Falls, Double Drop, and the Pinball Rapids. Hurricane Falls is a Class IV rapid with a steep drop and a hydraulic at the bottom, while Double Drop is a Class III rapid with two consecutive drops. The Pinball Rapids consist of several large boulders in the river that create a challenging obstacle course for boaters.

In terms of regulations, the La Verkin Creek is located within the Zion National Park, and all boaters are required to obtain a backcountry permit before embarking on the river run. Additionally, there are strict regulations regarding camping, as camping is only allowed at designated backcountry campsites. Overall, the La Verkin Creek offers a thrilling whitewater experience for experienced boaters during the ideal streamflow range, but caution should always be exercised due to the challenging rapids and obstacles.