Click here to see the trip pictures after the trip outlined below

KAYAK TRIP ON THE LOWER COLORADO APRIL 16, 17, 18, 2003
Rick Swallow

Please allow me to uninvite you right up front if you feel you need to bring  any type of radio, CD player, or other soundproducing device.  The breeze, the river, the call of the birds and perhaps the cry of a lonesome coyote will be our music, and none is more beautiful.

*    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *
Getting equipment to the river will not be a problem.  We can work out the pick-up and transportation of kayaks and gear and maybe do some carpooling but you'll have to arrange that with other participants. You are responsible for getting your body there...along with a cheerful outlook!

1. We'll rendezvous for take off at the school parking lot at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16.
    and depending on your transportation arrangements, back home by 6-7 Friday evening.
2. Tandem (Malibu II) kayaks (2-person) are same rental price as the Scrambler, but trust me, not
    as much fun as being captain of your own ship! (Click on Cost link below)
3. If  you have your own gear or can borrow it, then your trip is free...and isn't that nice!
4. We'll communicate by email for other particulars, if any crop up. Click the email link below.

Cost
What to pack
What to pack for food
What to wear

Below I've included the sections of a  California Boating and Waterways map of that portion of the Lower Colorado River that we will navigate!

The river has many interesting islands, sandbars, and side areas to explore,  is all flatwater (not a rapid to be had, sorry) and safe enough even to bring granny or even Baby Sue.

It will be a full moon on the 16th, the water will be a comfortable temperature for swimming, the weather should be in the 80s during the day and 60's at night--comfortable for sleeping.

The Colorado River (Yuma) is approximately 178 miles from Chula Vista.  At Yuma we will turn north on Arizona 95 for about 31 miles to Fisher's Landing.

     FIRST AN OVERVIEW OF THE ENTIRE STRETCH OF THE LOWER COLORDO FLATWATER SECTION FROM BLYTHE TO YUMA

NOTE ON THE MAP SECTIONS BELOW THAT MILEAGE IS DETERMINED FROM THE BLYTHE (NORTH) END.   OUR KAYAK TRIP WILL BE FROM WALTER'S CAMP, WHICH IS FROM THE 35 MILE MARKER ON THE MAP TO FISHER'S LANDING, WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY AT THE 69 -1/2 MILE RIVER MILE MARKER.  THIS MAKES OUR TRIP APPROXIMATELY 34 MILES.  FISHER'S LANDING HAS A STORE AT WHICH WE MAY PURCHASE SUPPLIES, IF NEEDED, AND A RESTAURANT/BAR.

After leaving one or more shuttle vehicles at Fisher's Landing (RV hookups available) we will recross the river and head up to Walter's Camp where we will spend the first night.


Walter's Camp Phone  769-854-3322
Store Closed Tuesday, Wednesday (except for emergency supplies)
Campground still open

AS SOON AS WE BREAK CAMP IN THE MORNING, WE WILL HEAD DOWNRIVER FOR A FIRST DAY PADDLE OF ALMOST 16 MILES TO MILE MARKER 51 (CARRIZO WASH BOAT-IN CAMP INSIDE THE PICACHO STATE RECREATION AREA).  THE RIVER FLOWS AT BETWEEN 3-1/2 TO 5 MILES PER HOUR SO THERE'S NOT MUCH WORK INVOLVED, BUT WE HAVE TO GET THAT FAR TO LEGALLY CAMP ON THE RIVER.  THERE IS NO CAMPING ON THE ARIZONA SIDE OF THE RIVER IN THIS AREA.


NOTE CARRIZO WASH BOAT-IN CAMP JUST BEYOND MILE MARKER 51 IN THE PICACHO STATE RECREATION AREA.
(SEE MAP SECTION 7 BELOW.)

Note that in this area we are moving northward and eastward!

 

I've included Map 11 so you can have a rough idea of the added possibilities of a trip such as this.