Sockdolager Rapids

Grand Canyon National Park

 

My GPS log and the time stamp on this photo indicate that the picture was taken just past Sockdolager Rapids. The end of Sockdolager Rapids is in view in the center of photo. The highest point on the upper right of the picture is Hollenback Point.

 

In 1869 during the first Powell expedition, crewmembers could not find a way to portage or line their boats around this cataract, so they had to run it head on. Powell describes running the rapids through this area of the canyon: "We hear a great roar ahead, and approach it very cautiously."

 

During the second expedition in 1872, Powell’s crew decided to name the rapid “Sockdolager”, a slang term of the day meaning heavy or knockdown blow.

Done