Eagle River - Gilman Gorge

Description

Despite its lovely mountain location, this backyard run for Vail boaters is also a dumping ground for old mining operations.  Tucked away in a beautiful gorge hidden well below the highway, it still offers a nice respite from civilization.  Although not roadside, a railroad grade that runs the entire length offers easy egress from the canyon.  

Class V boaters will want to do the espresso start on Homestake Creek before entering Gilman Gorge proper.  The first mile or two offers some fun class III-IV boggie water until Fall Creek drops in from river left forming a glorious cascade.  Its namesake rapid looks intimidating but runs smoothly enough at low-medium water levels.  It's followed by a few more fun class IV rapids before an obvious tightening of the gorge signals Slurry Pipe, the signature class V rapid.  Scout it carefully because the riverbed is unfriendly.  The crux move seems to be getting through a hole midway down the rapid and then holding on for the junky ride below.  The takeout is immediately afterward in a lovely meadow.