Mile 7.5 - Badger Creek Rapid

During the monsoon season of late summer, and also during other times of heavy rain or snowmelt, side canyons often flood. Flash flooding results in mud, rock, and boulders being pushed into the river with great force. Rapids are created by debris in the river channel, constriction, and abrupt drops in elevation. The results of flooding side canyons are usually the reason for the existence of rapids in Grand Canyon. It becomes noticeable, even to novice river runners, that almost all of the significant rapids throughout the canyon are located directly below at least one prominent side canyon.

Jacob Hamblin »

The name Badger Creek originates from a story about Jacob Hamblin; Mormon missionary, accomplished outdoorsman, and prolific traveler of the Grand Canyon region. Hamblin shot a Badger somewhere in the side canyon on the right side of the river. He then gathered up the dead animal and proceeded downstream to the next large side canyon. With the water from the creek contained in that side canyon, he began to boil the Badger. During the process soap formed as the badger’s fat mixed with the alkalinity of the creek water.

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