South Platte River - Lower Cheesman Canyon

Description

This is the Lower Cheesman Canyon run that is below Cheesman Res Dam. Do not mistake this run for the more extreme Cheesman Canyon run AKA Wildcat Canyon Class V+ which is above Cheesman Res.

After you put on travel downstream 150 yards and go through a cave. The river pools up and sieves out. Portage on the right and seal launch off of the boulder into the pool below. Meander downstream through awesome fishing waters and easy boulder gardens until you reach an section that looks like it sieves out. This rapid is Class IV in nature. Scout/portage on the right. About a mile downstream is your take out. Hike up and out to your car.

This run is not really worth the effort in a kayak. Although, it would be awesome in a pack raft with a fishing pole, or for those looking for a very scenic adventure that consists of mostly Class II+ with the exception of a seal launch and Class IV rapid. Keep in mind though, that there are plenty of sieves on this section of river.

Put In: Park at Cheesman Res Parking lot through the enterance gate and half way down the hill. Bathroom located there also. Hike up the fishermans trail to below the Dam aprox 1.5 miles. Put in at the bottom of the trail.

Take Out: Where the river gets shallow at a meadow. Hike up the high trail aprox 1 mile to your shuttle car that is parked at the Cheesman Canyon Trailhead off of 126.