California Map

Request Free Visitor Guides

American River North Fork - Giant Gap

Contact Info
Bureau of Land Management
63 Natoma Street
Folsom, CA 95630

Phone:
916-985-4474
Basics
Location:
Sierra Nevada Mountains
River:
American River
Class:
Class III - V
River Length
15 miles
Time:
Full Day
Season:
April to June

Description

The famous Giant Gap 14-mile run of the even more famous North Fork American River is one of California's top whitewater challenges, for experts only. Cliffs tower 2,000 feet above the river. Parts of this Class V run are so rough that you might end up believing that some of those 2'000 foot cliffs are under the water.

Heaps of mine tailings and old cabin ruins border this roller-coaster ride through the historic Mother Lode. Stop to catch your breath at the Lover's Leap picnic area, which features California's most venerable black oak, estimated to be 350-450 years old.

Rafting

Some rivers are wild and some are gentle and some are an exciting hybrid of both. The American River is a hybrid. Although never so gentle as to be a float trip, a beginning rafter won't be intimidated away. Conversely, the most experienced of experienced rafters won't be disappointed.

River Details

Setting:
Mountains
Class:
Class III - V
River Length
15 miles
Time
Full Day
Season:
April to June
Nearest Town
Grass Valley
Guides Available?
Yes
Camping Info
Several Campgrounds Available

Map + Directions

Basic Directions

Take U.S. 50 to the town of Placerville, then follow Hwy 49 to Hwy. 193 to the Chili BarReservoir. Highway 49 also runs through Coloma for river access at the state historic park.

Customizable Directions


Copyright © 1997 - 2024 The Go Travel Sites. All Rights Reserved and.

Email Page Link

Complete the form below to email this page to a friend or family member's email. You can send yourself an email as well. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. See our full Privacy Policy for details.
:
:
:
 
 
 
:
Copy Yourself on the Email Yes No
:
:

1

Select a Free Visitor Guide below

2

Complete the form to receive your guides by mail

Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Sacramento. More Visitor Guides are available in California. Click here to view them all!

Maverick Helicopters Maverick Helicopters Maverick Helicopters
Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and CaliforniaUnforgettable Tours Offered in Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and California.
Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested! You're all set! Complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.