Two miles downstream from Mexican Hat, the river cuts into the Cedar Mesa Anticline and remains in a narrow canyon until Clay Hills Crossing. The river meanders through a series of deep meanders including the 3 mile long gooseneck at the heart of Goosenecks State Park. Here the river canyon is very remote and 1200 feet deep.
Farther downstream several canyons join the San Juan creating rapids from years of flash flooding. Class III Government Rapid near mile 64, is the most difficult in this section. Just downstream, Slickhorn Canyon is well known for slickrock pools of water a short distance up from the river.
Near mile 70, Grand Gulch opens up on river right. Here the river widens and the current slows. Downstream the river becomes shallow and at low water can be difficult to navigate with rafts.
Clay Hills crossing is on river right at near mile 83. This is the take-out. It's not recommended to proceed below Clay Hills Crossing. Depending on the level of Lake Powell, river current may continue for a few more miles. However, the next access point is Bull Frog Marina on Lake Powell. |
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