Arroyo Hondo east of San Jose

Arroyo Hondo creates the deepest gorge in the bay area, a land feature that is dramatically visible from airplanes. Like many Arroyos, this one also has access problems. Dan Dunlap reports on his take-out reconnaissance:

We drove out there Saturday morning. The road above (Marsh Road) is locked. The police were nice enough to make it clear to us the reservoir was off limits. The local who leases land from SF Water to run cows made it quite clear that it was regularly patrolled and there were big fines for violators. (Exactly what is the rationale of keeping a reservoir closed to the public if you pasture cows along the banks?). You could paddle across the reservoir and meet a waiting car at late dusk, probably with aid of cellular phone, for a commando take-out. It seems unattractive for a “first” raft descent. We looked at some forest service topos. One part drops straight down. It could be interesting.

Although inflatables have not, kayakers have run Arroyo Hondo many times. It contains class V stuff with some heavy duty portages and a high (perhaps 60') waterfall that fortunately has an easy carry. The only take-out is across the reservoir. I got hassled big time by property owners while trying to ask politely why the county road was gated. It was there to keep out “people like me” they said. Apparently the county still maintains a road that approaches or even crosses this creek near the gauge that measures Arroyo Hondo flows. Taxpayer subsidies in action!

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