If you’re wondering if there are still new rivers out there
waiting to be discovered, consider the fact that paddlers only started
exploring sections of the Rio Jalacingo in 2008 and a full top to bottom
descent wasn’t done until 2010. This is
even more telling when you consider that the Jalacingo flows into the popular
Pezma Section of the Rio Alseseca, a short distance upstream of the famous Cascada
Tomata. Despite the Rio Jalacingo hiding
in plain site, like a lot of runs in Mexico Mexico
Blow: Matt Beauchamp boofing into the heart of the canyon,
photo by Adam Goshorn
By the time we had a chance to run it in late 2012 the
necessary access points were all known… just not by us. Once again Julian was the only one in our
group who had done the run before, but only once and he had ridden there with
others and wasn’t entirely sure of the route.
Never the less, he figured out the logistics with a combination of what
he remembered, a few notes from Vicente at Aventurec, and asking a few helpful
locals along the way. As is typical in Mexico
Blow: Matt Beauchamp on the entrance slide into the last
drop, photos by Adam Goshorn
At the put-in, the Upper Rio Jalacingo is a small creek that
is about 20 feet wide and looks way to low to possibly be a quality kayaking
run. Throughout the day this would prove
to be the nature of some sections of the creek.
The width of the creek varies greatly and in wider spots paddlers are
scooting over almost dry rocks, while in other places very narrow basalt
canyons channelize the water so well that there are actually a number of strong
holes to watch out for. We all agreed that
if the water was high enough that the widest spots had a nice boatable flow,
the canyon sections would be out of control.
The canyon sections were the main attraction of the run anyway, so
wheelchairing through the wider spots is simply the price of admission to the
magical basalt underworld that is the Upper Rio Jalacingo.
Below: Deep in the Upper Jalacingo ,
photo by Matt Beauchamp
In addition to the awesome canyon sections and wider
sections that require a bit of wheelchairing, there are also a number of
mandatory portages, some of which would be disastrous to accidently
attempt. Impressively, Julian remembered
all of the portages and made sure we all caught the right eddies for the appropriate
exit points above each. Other highlights
of the run include a sweet 20-footer into a box canyon. It probably already has a name, but we
jokingly referred to it as Little Silenco, due to its similarities to the much
larger and much more dangerous drop on the nearby Rio Alseseca.
Below: Julian running the 20-footer, photo by Matt Beauchamp
Below: Christine running the 20-footer, photo by Adam
Goshorn
The last drop of the run was a huge, twisting slide sequence
into a 20-footer. Most of the group gave
it a go, but a couple of us decided to bypass it and begin the hike out. It is probably the only drop of the whole
trip I regret not running. At the time I
was tired from a long day and just didn’t feel like taking the possible hit
from going oververt and landing on my head.
However, sitting back at home, I find myself thinking a lot about that
final drop. It is certainly one of the
most unique and awesome sequences I’ve seen anywhere. Sitting here, I do feel the twinge of regret
in not giving it a go, but that is the great thing about paddling. There is always next time and that drop will
be there waiting.
Below: Ben entering the final sequence, photo by Matt
Beauchamp
Below: Wade on the final sequence, photo by Adam Goshorn
Below: Mikkel finishing the final sequence, photo by Matt
Beauchamp
In retrospect, the Upper Rio Jalacingo turned out to be my favorite
day of the entire trip. It was simply
such an exceptional run, with unique drops, and a distinctive character that is
all its own. I can’t think of another
run that is very much like it and I think it is that uniqueness is what made it
feel so fresh and new to me. It is certainly
what some would describe as a “work run” and that can be a turnoff for some
people. Those who prefer bombing down
roadside runs without having to scout or portage should probally just stick to
the Roadside Alseseca. However, those
who are willing to work are rewarded with passage through some of the most
impressive basalt canyons anywhere.
Until Next Time,
-adam
If you missed the other installments of this trip report,
you can find Part I HERE, Part II HERE, and Part III HERE.
Below: Adam in the early stuff, photo by Matt Beauchamp
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