Uploaded April 2019 | Updated September 2026, 1 minute ago
5 Tips for Wettable Shoe River Hiking
What would it be like to use a flowing river as a trail?
In some areas of the American Southwest, a walk in and out of a flowing stream with wettable shoes is often easier than navigation on the river bank. That's why wettable shoe hiking is a common method of back country travel in and out of rivers on the Colorado Plateau and beyond. This style of adventure does involve a learning curve whether it be on a day trip with a light pack or a multi day trip with a heavier pack. Here are some tips for easier travel on river walks:
1) Wear Neoprene "river" sock inside of your footwear.
This type of breathable wetsuit material will be more durable, dry out faster and provide more comfort underfoot in constantly wet situations.
2) Walk through the river for easier travel provided that:
* No established onshore trail exists
* The water is not too deep
* The current is not too strong
This will save the struggle of battling up and down slippery river banks through thick and scratchy foliage while leaving less of a trace.
3) Bring two hiking poles with powder baskets.
Bringing two sticks will enable three points of contact for better balance. Powder baskets will guard against poles sinking too deep in to the soil. Poles also make for an easy probe to measure water depth and assess the feasibility of a particular line through the river.
4) Pay attention to how currents effect depth. River currents often dig out soil and create extra depth upstream from large rocks while leaving shallow or exposed sandbars on the down stream side.
5) If the ground or river bed starts sinking beneath your feet, keep moving. Yes quicksand is a thing!
#escalante #hikingrivercrossing #riverwalking
5 Tips for Wettable Shoe River Hiking
What would it be like to use a flowing river as a trail?
In some areas of the American Southwest, a walk in and out of a flowing stream with wettable shoes is often easier than navigation on the river bank. That's why wettable shoe hiking is a common method of back country travel in and out of rivers on the Colorado Plateau and beyond. This style of adventure does involve a learning curve whether it be on a day trip with a light pack or a multi day trip with a heavier pack. Here are some tips for easier travel on river walks:
1) Wear Neoprene "river" sock inside of your footwear.
This type of breathable wetsuit material will be more durable, dry out faster and provide more comfort underfoot in constantly wet situations.
2) Walk through the river for easier travel provided that:
* No established onshore trail exists
* The water is not too deep
* The current is not too strong
This will save the struggle of battling up and down slippery river banks through thick and scratchy foliage while leaving less of a trace.
3) Bring two hiking poles with powder baskets.
Bringing two sticks will enable three points of contact for better balance. Powder baskets will guard against poles sinking too deep in to the soil. Poles also make for an easy probe to measure water depth and assess the feasibility of a particular line through the river.
4) Pay attention to how currents effect depth. River currents often dig out soil and create extra depth upstream from large rocks while leaving shallow or exposed sandbars on the down stream side.
5) If the ground or river bed starts sinking beneath your feet, keep moving. Yes quicksand is a thing!
#escalante #hikingrivercrossing #riverwalking
