San Juan River Paddle Report

Summary

The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 500-2000 cubic feet per second (cfs), which typically occurs from April to June. The river is classified as a class II-III, with occasional class IV rapids. The total segment mileage for the San Juan River is approximately 83 miles.

One of the main obstacles on the San Juan River is the notorious Government Rapids, which is a class IV rapid that requires experienced boaters to navigate safely. Other notable rapids on the river include Big Drop, House Rock Rapid, and Eight Foot Rapid.

Regulations for the San Juan River require all boaters to obtain a permit from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) prior to embarking on a river trip. A maximum group size of 25 people is enforced, and all waste must be carried out of the river corridor. Additionally, all boaters are required to follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize impact on the fragile desert ecosystem.

Overall, the San Juan River is a scenic and challenging river run that requires experience and caution. Boaters should be aware of the specific regulations and obstacles on this river before planning a trip.