Upper Uncompahgre

Location

Ouray, Colorado

Group Size

Max 8 people

Duration

5 hours

COVID-19 policy

OVERVIEW

Upper Uncompahgre River is our wettest canyon. The canyon begins with a 12ft jump and features natural rock slides, walking, scrambling across rock, swimming and rappelling; this variety makes it a canyon that stands out in Ouray. This is Ouray’s only canyon with slides and jumps, while this isn’t what makes a canyon, it does add to the fun factor!

ITINERARY DESCRIPTION

Oak Creek is broken down into three sections: lower, middle and upper. You will encounter the lower section, which is in fact the most fun and challenging of all three!

The tour begins right in town walking to the canyon from one of the local trails. The hike will take up to 60 minutes with gear in tow. We always take a comfortable pace, which is key to enjoying your time outdoors! As you reach greater elevation you will enjoy views of Yankee Boy Basin and Camp Bird in the distance, an old mining town which fetched a sizable amount of gold and silver in its day.

As always, each rappel will present different challenges; you will soon see why previous experience rappelling is a must – it enables you to focus on getting the job done!

The biggest waterfall that you encounter is almost entirely in the flow. Here you will feel its power as it cascades down into a pool of water. Another rappel is mostly overhanging, meaning you have little to no contact with the rock edge once you set off.

We’ve only touched on two of seven waterfalls you will encounter, so what are you waiting for? Come back and see us in Ouray, and take your experience to the next level.

PRE-REQUISITES

• Previous Canyoning / Canyoneering Experience or Relevant Experience
• Excellent Physical Fitness
• Swimming experience is necessary so that you are prepared for waterfalls in the canyon
• 18 years old, or older!
• Two people must book on for a confirmed trip

At Canyoning Colorado we consider previous experience and lifestyle as to whether you are suited to an intermediate canyon. If you do not have canyoning/canyoneering experience but you live a highly active lifestyle, climb regularly (lead, top rope), are an avid whitewater paddler, have experience working with ropes or at height, then you might be suited to intermediate/advanced canyons.

INCLUSIONS

• Complete canyoning equipment
• Insurance
• Photos of your experience
• Snacks