Colorado whitewater boaters will know what I'm talking about when i say "The Bailey Section." Actually, they often just call it "Bailey's" as in "hey, you wanna run Bailey's today?" The real name of this river is North Fork of the South Platte River at Bailey(town in Colorado). At any rate, this is one river you'll have to check out. That is, as long as it's running of course. Optimal conditions for this one occur anywhere from 160 - 600 cfs. It's currently running at a less than impressive 60 cfs. But keep your eye out because when this one gets going, you won't want to miss it.

Highlights include drops, boofs, waterfalls, and over a mile of "boogie water." If you don't know what "boogie water" is you will after you kayak this nonstop continuous stretch of endless boulders and holes that'll keep you be-boppin' all the way down. I recently wrote a full Bailey's Section Scouting Report and published a Photo Gallery for some of the class v rapids. Be sure to check them out!

Photo © by George E. Sayour, licensed to About.com