Dive Site Access
40.909675953782354, -109.43553572862922
Shore or boat access. Shore diving is available if you’re willing to do a little bit of “bouldering” in scuba gear if the water is lower, or carry your gear down in phases, setting up at the water’s edge. The pathway starts out easy, but gets steep and rocky down from the parking lot. Parking is available on the north west side of the bridge, but watch for loose dogs, traffic, paddleboarders and fishermen.
Features of the Dive Site
Wall dive! Swimming along the west shore of the Cart Creek finger upstream provides a nice wall dive where you can pick your depth. If you dare to go below the thermocline, the water gets dark fast, nearly blackout at 90′. Remember you are diving at altitude if you choose to go deep, so plan accordingly. Most of the sights are in the first 40 feet: curious small mouth bass hang in the first 10-30 feet of the dive. If you keep your hands quiet and breath controlled, many fish will swim right up to you. The wall is covered in silt, so avoid finning too close to the the bottom and cliffs to avoid a silt-out.
Diver Cautions
There is a bit of boat traffic in the summer and fishermen along the sides, so bring a buoy, cutting tool and realize the risks associated with surfacing. There are also cliff jumpers right under the bridge, watch your ascent. A little bit of current may exist, check conditions before you go in and start upstream as with any current dive. The thermocline can be jarring, dress accordingly if you plan to go deep, and bring a torch – you will need it.
Save your energy for getting back up the hill to your car. If you are cold, warm up before heading up the hill as falling with gear can result in a very rapid slide down the loose rocks, into boulders or the water.
Plan your dive, dive your plan.
What to Bring
Dive buoy, reel, cutting tool, good booties with slip protection. Dress for the weather and the thermocline.
