Cave Springs Rapids

Cave Springs Rapid greeted us with a playful burst of whitewater tucked into a bend of the canyon that felt secluded and intimate. As we approached, the river curled gently to the right, where a clear spring trickled from the canyon wall and merged into the flow. The rapid itself formed a short but energetic wave train that bounced across the current with quick, choppy waves. The dory slipped smoothly into the run, lifting over the first set of waves before dropping neatly into the troughs, the hull flexing with each punch of water beneath us. A few crisp splashes broke over the bow, cool and refreshing in the morning light, as we kept the boat centered and let the current guide us through. The surrounding canyon walls rose steeply on both sides, their red and cream layers glowing under the soft sun and amplifying the sound of rushing water. It was a quick, lively stretch that gave just enough motion to keep us smiling, a small but memorable ripple in the day’s journey.