Tapeats Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tapeats Creek |
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 Location of the mouth of Tapeats Creek in Arizona
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| Native name | Ta Pits |
| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Coconino |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Tapeats Spring Grand Canyon (North Rim) 36°26′06″N 112°20′39″W / 36.435°N 112.3443°W |
| River mouth | Colorado River Grand Canyon (Canyon Floor) 1,985 feet (605 m) 36°22′14″N 112°28′10″W / 36.3705°N 112.4694°W |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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Tapeats Creek is a beautiful creek found entirely inside Grand Canyon National Park. It starts near the North Rim of the canyon. From there, it flows southwest all the way down to the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon.
The creek got its name from the Second Powell Expedition. This happened in the winter of 1871–1872. They named it after a Southern Paiute Indian who said the stream belonged to his people. Tapeats Creek adds more water to the Colorado River than any other stream on the north side of the Grand Canyon.
Contents
Water Flow: Thunder River
Tapeats Creek has one main branch called Thunder River. This river is only about 0.5-mile (0.80 km) long. It begins where a natural spring, called Thunder Springs, comes out of the ground. This spring is at an elevation of 3,360 feet (1,020 m).
From its start, Thunder River drops very quickly, falling about 1,200 feet (370 m). It is one of the steepest and shortest rivers in the United States. Thunder River ends at the bottom of a waterfall, where its water joins Tapeats Creek.
Plants and Animals in the Creek
Many different plants and animals live along Tapeats Creek. Common trees you might see are tamarisk and willows. Along the banks, you can find plants like equisetum, mimulus, and cress. Most of the rocks in the creek are covered in algae.
The creek is home to many small water creatures, called aquatic invertebrates. These include mayflies, different kinds of caddisflies, flies, and riffle beetles. You might also spot Bladder snails, isopods, and damselflies.
Fishing for Trout
Tapeats Creek is known as one of Arizona's best places to catch wild trout. If you enjoy fishing, this creek is a great spot!
You can reach the creek by hiking the Thunder River Trail from the North Rim. However, this trail is only open from mid-May to late October. Another way to get there is by taking a raft trip on the Colorado River. Rainbow trout are very common in the creek. They usually measure around 12 inches (300 mm) long, but some can grow up to 20 inches (510 mm)!
Places Named After the Creek
Several natural features in the area are named after Tapeats Creek:
- The Tapeats Sandstone is a type of rock layer. You can see it exposed above the creek.
- The Tapeats Rapids are fast-moving sections of the Colorado River. They are located right where Tapeats Creek flows into the river.
- Tapeats Amphitheater is a large, bowl-shaped area. It is where the creek's headwaters (the very beginning of the creek) are found.
- Tapeats Terrace is a flat, wide area with low benches.
- Tapeats Spring is the natural spring that provides water for the creek.
