This cruise will be held on Apple Valley II+ near Lyons with an option for more experienced boaters to run Shelly's Cottages III+/IV- just above the Apple Valley section. Contact the trip leader,
Scott Winkleman for more information. If you plan to attend, be sure to contact the trip leader. Don't just show up.
Description of Apple Valley: (From American Whitewater) :
"Apple Valley," is Class II, which is about 3 miles long and starts at the wooden arched Apple Valley bridge (3 miles away from Lyons). About 1/4 mile downstream is a rock structure with the line on the river right side. Afterwards is Class II water that flows through a cool valley with great scenery and even passes by Planet Bluegrass. Watch for some wood on this run, since many old trees fall into the water, but most can easily be navigated. The river flows without any flatwater and is a great beginner run. The run ends at the Lyons Whitewater Park which has 9 drops to play in. The run can be extended to the Black Bear Hole 1 mile further. An old small ledge drop in this section has been fixed and is now a fun drop to run. Minimum flows are about 160 cfs for the Apple Valley run and about 80 cfs for just the Lyons Whitewater Park
Description of Shelly's Cottages: (From American Whitewater) :
The first section "Shelly's Cottages" starts after the Middle North Saint Vrain and is a Class III+ creek run with one Class IV drop that has a lateral wave . The first rapid III+ is hard to enter since the No Trespassing signs start in the middle of the rapid. About 1 /2 mile below is a fun boulder garden rapid with Class III+ moves. From there is boogy water for another 1/2 mile to the Class IV lateral wave drop. Afterwards is Class III water that has some play. The takeout is at the wooden arched Apple Valley Bridge, which is about 1/2 mile downstream of the water diversion dam which has boat ramp on the right side. Minimum levels are about 200 cfs.
Important CW Cruise Information:
Please remember you are responsible for yourself on the river. You are also responsible to the group. Boat within your ability. Don't take unnecessary risks. Don't participate in a rescue if you are likely to become another victim. Cruise Coordinators have the right to deny inclusion on a trip for any reason and they also have the right to request a participant to leave the river for any reason. Conditions change drastically with water level.
Do not show up to a cruise unannounced. You must contact the cruise leader in advance as trips have participant limits and ability requirements. If you are not going to make a scheduled event, you MUST let the leader know. No-shows are inconsiderate.
Cruises and River Weekends are not instructional events. You should have the skills necessary to safely navigate the section of river to be run. Only current CW members are allowed to participate in CW events. Please bring your completed liability waiver to give to the leader for each event. Click here to download the waiver.
Some cruises may be above the ability level for some members and varying water levels can have an impact on the difficulty of the run. Please research the water level and run you are interested in doing. You can find some of this information at the River Levels webpage on our website. Published resources include Colorado Rivers & Creeks 2 and Whitewater of the Southern Rockies. Unfortunately both of these are now out of print but many members have copies until new versions are available. Refer to Riverbrain and AW for additional information. If you are unsure if your ability matches the run at the predicted flow, discuss your boating resume with the trip leader.
