Photo Journal: Colorado River Through Westwater Canyon

October 27, 2022

Westwater is known for unique features like black pre-Cambrian rock, the oldest exposed rock in Utah, and world-class whitewater. We took a trip down Westwater Canyon back in July and we’re now at the end of our 2022 season living vicariously through these fantastic photos from Sam Starr, a professional photographer based out of Colorado. Follow along on our Westwater journey!

Day 1

We got an early start at our headquarters in Green River, Utah. The boats got loaded up on trailers and we hit the road en route to Loma, Colorado for the boat ramp. After a 90-minute drive, the guides got the boats off the trailer and rigged to head out!

Once on the water, we enjoyed swimming and paddling inflatable kayaks in the beautiful weather

and floating through the calm water while settling into life on the river for the weekend.

Our first stop for lunch provided the perfect spot to wade in the water and cool off while waiting for the food to be prepared.

The guides made cous cous salad with veggies and hummus in pita pockets, a crowd favorite!

After a few more miles of calm water, we got to one of the black rock camps in Ruby Canyon. Guests found their ideal tent spot, while guides got the boats unloaded for the night and set up the kitchen.

It started to rain while our guides prepared the first night’s dinner…

So they got creative with umbrellas so the food didn’t get soggy! Talk about innovation!

Delicious Fajitas for dinner on night one, with a side of rice and beans. If you’ve never been on a trip with Holiday, let me be the first to tell you that the catered meals are HIGH quality!

The rain let up and the sky showed off a beautiful rainbow above the red rocks

We don’t bring a professional photographer on every trip, so it’s special when we are able to get photos like these! This photo was taken from the black rocks above camp.

Day 2

On the morning of day 2, we packed up camp and floated downstream toward the Westwater Ranger station where we claimed our second night’s camp!

Wildlife sightings are always a plus!

We knew our campsite for the second night was going to be rocky, so we pulled over at the day-use beach to lounge around and play games in the sand

Frisbee was one activity of choice, finding shade was another!

Guests gathered around in a chair circle with their drinks and got to know one another a little better. We love meeting new friends!

Our final dinner was so good, you would have thought it was catered by a 5-star restaurant

Day 3

What is better than sleeping under the stars, and waking up naturally from the light of day instead of an alarm?

and having coffee with friends while the guides cook up our last meal of the trip.

Once again, the food was just top-notch. Eggs made to order, toasted cinnamon raisin bread, bacon, AND fresh fruit.

It’s always a bummer when we come to our last day of a trip, but at the same time, it’s exciting while on Westwater particularly because that means it’s RAPID DAY!