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Adventure Bound River Expeditions Adventure Bound USA
Rapids Ratings
 
800-423-4668
970-245-5428

Adventure Bound
2392 H Road
Grand Junction, CO 81505

970-241-5633 Fax

Whitewater rapids Canyon towers
Understanding Rapids Ratings and Classifications

Whitewater Rapids Ratings

Whitewater rafting rivers are classified in the following terms for comparison of ease or difficulty of passage through the rapids at various water levels throughout the year.

I — Easy

Small waves, clear passages

II — Medium

Clear passages, irregular waves

III — Difficult

Numerous waves, rocks, eddies and narrow passages

IV — Very Difficult

Powerful waves, numerous rocks, difficult passages, precise maneuvering required

V — Extremely Difficult

Long and violent rapids in quick succession, violent currents, steep gradients

VI — Un-runnable

Not attempted by commercial outfitters

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Westwater Canyon
Colorado River
[Colorado and Utah]
Rapid Classification: Class III-IV
divider
Lodore Canyon
Green River
[Colorado and Utah]
Dinosaur National Monument
Rapid Classification: Class II-III
divider
Yampa
Yampa and Green Rivers [Colorado and Utah]
Dinosaur National Monument
Rapid Classification: Class III-IV May-June: IV-V
divider
Cataract Canyon
Colorado River [Utah]
Canyonlands National Park
Rapid Classification: Class III-IV May-June: IV-V
divider
Desolation Canyon
Green River [Utah]
Rapid Classification: Class II-III