Crystal Creek Rapid, Grand Canyon Colorado River

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Crystal Creek Rapid

Crystal Rapid is whitewater at the bottom of Grand Canyon, with dangerous holes and a rock garden making this run both adventurous and fun for rafters on the Colorado River. Read More

  • Crystal Rapid is at the bottom of the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River
  • If rafting down the river, you’ll find this rapid at mile 98.2
  • Find dangerous holes and a rock garden to navigate
  • Floods through the years have changed the characteristics of this rapid

What is Crystal Rapid?

Crystal Rapid lies along the Colorado River as it flows through the bottom of the Grand Canyon. This Class 7 to10 whitewater provides some real thrills to those who are taking a long rafting trip through the canyon.

At Crystal Rapid, there are a number of extremely large holes and a dangerous rock garden along on the left. This rapid was made more severe in 1966 when a huge storm dumped many inches of rain on the canyon, washing in debris, constricting the river and increasing the drop.

Other floods that have changed the character of this rapid have been in the following years:

  • 1884 (300,000 cubic feet per second)
  • 1921 (220,000 cfs)
  • 1983 (70,000 cfs)
  • 1996 (controlled flooding)

Where is Crystal Rapid?

Crystal Rapid lies at mile 98.2 on the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

Who can I call if I have more questions?

To find out more about river rafting down the Colorado River, you should contact one of the nearby river-rafting outfitters. Also, if you have questions or need more information, you can call Grand Canyon National Park’s visitor information phone at (928) 638-7888.