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2 Other geologic aspects of this part of the Black Canyon that are special include (1) "drape" folding in relation to faul ting, (2) unconformities and ancient fossil soils at the contact between the Precaobrian and the younger rocks, (3) exposures of varied metamorphic features, and (4) exposures of plutonic igneous features. None of these are unique to the lower Black Canyon in any strict sense, but they are graphically exposed and can be readily examined close up from foot trails or river-rafting trips. To the extent that comparable features are seen in the national monument and elsewhere, they are generally less accessible or less well-exposed. In the years since my 1967 article appeared, rafting has become a <<rowing recreational activity on the river downstream from Chuk~ Canyon, but, as you know, recreational rafting is unfeasible in the national monuoent, owing to difficult access, hazardous rock conditions and falls of various sorts between Pulpit Rock and Painted Wall. The river is floatable in the monument below Red Rock Canyon, but poor access to Red Rock and the difficulty of manhauling rafts down Red Rock Canyon preclude recreational' - use. The only good rafting, therefore, is downstream from the monucent. Rafting downstream, moreover, is a memorable experience, and as seen from the river, the canyon is very scenic and surely is of national significance. From the mouth of Crystal Creek to Smith Fork the gradient of the river is about 35 feet per mile, averaged out between short, steep, splashy pitches and broad still pools of exceptional beauty beneath towering cliffs. The trip, therefore, can be swift and exciting or leisurely and contemplative, depending on the stage of the river. About 600-800 cfs is optimal. The geology en route is varied and interesting, both from the raft and from short walks away from the river. Rafting and enjoying the scenery are ends in theoselves to oany visitors, but many fishermen are attracted to the river also, and the trout fishing is outstanding. The habitat seem to be especially well suited to the propagation and growth of trout, and trout productivity of the river is reported to be exceptionally high. Last Year (1988) Former President Jimmy Carter, who is widely known 8S an expert trout fisherman and is a published author on the subject, floated and fished that reach of river in an unheralded and unpublicized visit. According to the attending boatmen, he regarded the Black Canyon as having the best trout fishing he had ever experienced in the conterminous USA. Ready access to the canyon via easy hiking trails, moreover, provides safe approaches to the river for fishing and scenery enjoyment alike, without recourse to rafting. The river is much more accessible here than in the monument. In brief, I feel that the lower reach of t~e Black Canyon has enormous recreational potential for hiking, back packing, and coomuning with nature in a wilderness setting, both along existing trails and along undeveloped routes. 40