Rio de Flag #2 ~The Narrows~ Traditional Cache

Despite its artificial appearance in the city and nasty reputation as a dusty ditch prone to destructive floods, the Rio de Flag is a natural force and ecological wonder.

The Rio de Flag originates in several springs on the south slope of the San Francisco Peaks: Little Leroux Spring, Big Leroux Spring, Taylor Spring, and Chimney Spring. The amount of water from these sources is not enough to fill the channel. Since most of the south slope of the mountain drains into the Rio de Flag, heavy thunderstorms and snow melt produce water that flows all the way through town. A heavy snow pack and cool temperatures can result in continual flow well into April.

Free-flowing waterways are rare in the Southwest, and the Rio de Flag's persistent flows at 7,000 feet among the porous cinder soils and rocks of Flagstaff amaze scientists.

Old-timers recall the fun they had floating around downtown on sections of wooden sidewalks as children, but the damage caused by the Rio overflowing its banks to homes, roads and businesses was significant in November 1888, April 1903, February 1920 and March 1938.

The stream continues to flood, with a notable event in late February of 1993 when a culvert on the eastside couldn't handle the flow from melting snow and rain and flooded a large section of Country Club Drive.

No matter what steps are taken to control the Rio, the seasonal stream will continue to play a significant role in Flagstaff's future as it has in its past.

Besides providing critical habitat for an astonishing variety of plants, mammals, birds and reptiles, stretches of the Rio de Flag in the Narrow's area have attracted human admirers.

Some people visit to find solitude, wildlife and exercise among the Narrow's basalt canyons, while others choose to live as close as possible to this natural attraction.