Vallecito Creek has long been my training ground for class V creeking, especially in packrafts. This was my first time getting to take the new Alpacka Valkyrie down the Colorado classic with Jeffrey Creamer and it was absolutely blissful. Complete edge control, responsiveness, stability, and confidence.
Trash can, the second rapid, changed in 2020 and didn't have an attractive line at low water. We opted for a somewhat long and technical portage out of the gorge and back down. Fifteen pound boats made it quite easy. What a fun and fabulous wilderness creek to have for some after work paddle strokes!
Music: Scissor Sisters, Filthy/Gorgeous
Flow: 170 cfs (low end of good in squishy boats)