Anthracite
Creek
Difficulty:
600< II/II+
600-1,300 III
1,300-2,000 III/IV
2,000> IV
Craft:
Raft
Ducky
Kayak
SUP Board
Elevation:
Put in – 6,800ft
Takeout – 6,300ft
Length:
7 miles
Season:
Spring Runoff
Anthracite Creek has long been known for its gnarly class V+ mank on the Ruby Fork but it’s not all craziness. The first time I was ever invited to run the Lower Annie I said no because the only stories I had ever heard about Anthracite Creek were of mandatory portages from micro eddies on landslide terrain with fallen trees throughout. Turns out there’s a fun class III/IV at the tale end of the creek as it dumps into the North Fork putting in at the bottom of the mank where others were taking out.
This 7-mile run is not for beginners or those trying to push into class III. Like most spring runoff creeks there are log jams, fallen trees, and other debris in the river. This along with small to nonexistent eddies create must make moves bad enough to only suggest that it be run by boaters that are competent with their eddy turns, ferries, and have solid boat control on class III/IV water. Having a solid combat roll alone will not protect you on this run. That said if you have the skills this is a beautiful run through a scenic mountain landscape far away from any city but with traces of civilization still around. This is by no means a destination run, however, if you live on the Western Slope, or if you’re in the area, it’s worth keeping an eye on the flow and hitting it up when it has enough water.
Kebler Pass Road:
Part of the West Elk Loop, this road is Western Slope famous for its views during Color Sunday every fall. Hosting the second largest stand of aspen trees in the world and dotted with evergreens and mountain views this makes for a beautiful drive as the leaves change colors. Even besides the color change, this improved dirt road is an impressive drive with lots of trails, camping and other outdoor activity abound. Given the lack of 14ers, and major lakes, and its distance from the Front Range, the area is often less crowded than other mountain areas in Colorado. The road is closed during the winter months but it is the main passage to get from the North Fork Valley to Crested Butte and it is often driven by auto tourist out just enjoying the mountains from their cars.
Water sports are inherently dangerous sports in which severe injuries or death may occur.
Do not use this website or maps unless you are an expert, have sought out and obtained qualified professional instruction or guidance, are knowledgeable about the risks involved, and are willing to assume personal responsibility for the risks associated with these activities. If you have any doubts in your ability please stay off the water.
DO NOT USE THIS WEBSITE OR MAPS UNLESS YOU ARE WILLING TO ASSUME PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACTIVITIES DESCRIBED OR DEPICTED!!!