Trip Report: Potash Daily

Put In: Gold Bar Camp
Take Out: Potash Boat Ramp
Colorado River (Moab, UT)
6 Miles / 2 Hours
3600-3800 CFS
October 2021

“I feel like I remember someone telling me this was muddy at low levels…”

Those were my famous last words as we carried our 3 SUP’s almost a 1/4 mile down the beach, through shin-deep mud that stank like dogshit. Someone did tell me it was muddy at low levels, but we got a late start waiting for it warm up and the locals lots were full. So, after about 10 minutes of fighting swamp, we made it out to the Colorado. As you can see from the photos below, we brought our skeleton companion in honor of the season!

Even at low flows, the current was moving and it was a stunning fall float day. Given the warm weather and slow flow, we decided to take our SUP’s instead of our packrafts (SUPs are also easier to toss in the truck). So, we made our way down the river, enjoying the blue heron fishing along the banks and warm, fall sun. In this area, the Colorado is full of silt that swirls below the surface like smoke. If you look down too long at the swirls, it’s easy to get off balance, so be careful as it mesmerizes you with its silent dance.

This is a quick float with little paddling; at these flows, it took about 2 hours. Boaters MUST exit the river at Potash Boat Ramp unless continuing to Canyonlands National Park (requires permits). Paddling this stretch as sunset is incredible, but remember to bring warm layers as the desert temperatures drop rapidly as the sun goes down.

We decided to spend actual Halloween Day in Arches National Park, exploring the Fiery Furnace dressed as 2 bananas and a Charmander!