Exit Rapid (Class III) - Royal Gorge

Exit Rapid is considered by most guides as the last rapid within the confines of the steep and deep Royal Gorge. Once you emerge from Exit Rapid the gorge begins to widen and it’s clear you’re on your way towards smoother waters.

Exit Rapid kicks off soon after Lion’s Head Rapid. The river takes a quick right turn past an old bridge abutment in the middle of the river, and the rapid continues right after that. It begins with a series of waves that are runnable at all water flows, followed by a brief break. Then the action picks up again as the river tumbles over a number of rocks and boulders creating chaotic waves and hydraulics until you reach one good-sized boulder bottom center. At lower flows you must move to the right of the boulder, while at higher flows you can hit the hydraulic the rock forms for a last big hit.