The small, fast river that cut the gorge runs the full length of the valley with willows and poplars along its banks, the air noticeably cooler than the plateau above. Even in high summer the water is clear and cold, fed by snowmelt from the Melendiz mountains to the south.
Kingfishers, dippers, and grey herons are easy to spot. The path crosses several wooden bridges; on hot days you can step off the trail and dip your feet in the water at any of half a dozen pebble beaches.