Westwater Canyon Rafting

Sample Itinerary

3-DAY WESTWATER/RUBY CANYON RAFTING TRIP

Day 1:

Meet at our headquarters in Green River, Utah at 8:00 a.m., Mountain Time. We’ll issue your waterproof bags and give you time to pack them. You can buy any last minute items from our warehouse store at this time (see our packing checklist for a list of items we stock). Next we’ll load up into our vans for the two hour ride east to the put-in at Loma, Colorado. This is Ruby Canyon, characterized by smooth sandstone walls and unique pillars. The water is calm at first, with a few small rapids, perfect for playing around with inflatable kayaks or stand-up paddle boards. A side hike up Rattlesnake Canyon reveals a variety of desert plants and wildlife. Camp at Black Rocks, where 1.7 billion-year-old black schist provides a stunning background setting. Consider hiking up to the rim, or playing in the water from camp.

Day 2:

Enjoy a peaceful morning of floating before reaching the Westwater Ranger Station. From there, the river enters the narrow, black rock canyon of Westwater itself. Rapids begin to get bigger, which means more fun in the inflatable kayaks! Camp just upstream of the biggest rapids, deep within Westwater canyon, and savor a steak dinner while watching the stars come out.

Day 3:

Gear up for rapids! One right after another: Big Hummer, Funnel Falls, Surprise, and the narrowest point of the Colorado River, Skull Rapid. Once we’ve made it through the rapids, sit back and look for bald eagles, great blue herons, and even an occasional big horn sheep before stopping for one last lunch on the river. We aim to be at the Cisco boat ramp by 2:00. After loading boats and gear, we’ll make the 45-minute drive back to Green River. We typically return between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m.

2-DAY WESTWATER/GRANITE CANYON RAFTING TRIP

Day 1:

We’ll start at our Green River, Utah headquarters at 8:00 a.m., Mountain Time. You’ll get your river bags and have time to pack and pick up last minute items from our on-site store (see our store supplies page for a list of items we stock). Next, we hop in the vans and ride for approximately one hour east to the Westwater Ranger Station. It’s a relaxing float at first, with a possible hike to Little Hole Canyon’s natural amphitheater where Native American rock art can be seen. Camp near Little Dolores canyon, where you can take a short hike up the side canyon to discover a beautiful desert waterfall and swimming hole. Or, stay near the river and cool-off with some swimming before dinner. Enjoy a gourmet river-side dinner before some evening stargazing.

Day 2:

Wake up to sun hitting the canyon walls and fresh coffee with a leisurely breakfast before rigging for the rapids of Westwater! The waves come fast and furious and in quick succession, including Skull Rapid, one of Colorado’s fiercest drops and the narrowest part of the river. After running Skull rapid, there’s still more – Bowling Alley, Sock-it-to-me, and Last Chance all give you the thrills and splashes of big whitewater. After the rapids, watch the canyon walls open up and the water slow down. Bask in the sun, or take a swim break off the rafts before lunch. Vans will return you to our headquarters in Green River between 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

As mentioned earlier, this is a sample itinerary and should not be thought of as the exact trip you will experience. It is intended to give an idea of what the trip will be like, and could also be exactly what you do. Keep an open mind, be flexible, go with the flow, and enjoy!