Big Cottonwood Creek - Park and Ride to Old Mill Catch Pond

Utah-US  

Description

As the creek exits Big Cottonwood Canyon there is a short rompy run.  Start at the park and ride at the mouth of the canyon and run the creek to the catch pond below the Old Mill.  This has a short season runoff when the snow melts in the spring.  As a runoff it is fast and rocky.  Don't expect a lot of eddies.  If you go for a swim it will be a rough one. Wear appropriate clothing as the water is from snowmelt.

Most of the river can be scouted from the catch pond up to the Old Mill.  From above here it's hard to get a good look at the river (maybe from up on Wasatch Blvd looking down).  From the park and ride expect some big holes on the other side of the Wasatch Blvd bridge. 

Many consider this run in the III to V range.  Swimming should be considered a non-option that leans towards a more V rating.  However, the must make moves follow more of a IV rating.  Have a good brace and know what you are doing.  The run is shallow, rocky and raging.

Statistics

Class IV to V
Current Flow Visual or Unknown
Recommended Flow Minimum: 150.0
Average: 400.0
Maximum: 700.0
Typical Season Begins: April
Ends: June
Recommended Use Kayaking: Yes
Rafting: No
Canoeing: No
SUP: No
Packrafting: No
Fishing: No
Primary Gauge VISUAL
Length 1.25 Mile(s)
Gradient 167.0 FPM
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River at flood levels

06-18-2011 -