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Trips

Westwater Canyon

1 Day: Westwater Canyon Rafting

This proposed Wild and Scenic River is totally isolated from modern civilization: a canyon of serene solitude surrounded by red sandstone spires. National Geographic joined us in Westwater Canyon to photograph and write of the dramatic scenery and its unique wildlife habitat. The river cascades through the ever-deepening sandstone monuments and into the narrow Black Granite Gorge. Here the river meets opposition from the canyon walls, creating the fast and furious rapids that give Westwater its reputation: Funnel Falls, Last Chance, the Steps, and, of course, the infamous Skull Rapid.

 

This trip is designed for adventure seekers and canyon lovers, for those looking for great rapids on a remote and regulated river. The small number of people allowed in this canyon each day is strictly controlled. That means you will encounter almost no one else on the river during your trip. We use oarboats here, but paddleboats are available for the experienced by advance request. An oarboat is an 18 foot inflatable raft maneuvered by a guide with a set of oars secured in the middle of the raft. A paddleboat is a 16 foot inflatable raft manned by passengers and their paddles, with the guide navigating from the back of the raft.

 

There will be chance to swim and enjoy the river as you float out of Westwater Canyon. The ride back to Moab will be filled with stories of the hole in ‘Sock-It-To-Me’ and the beautiful sunset the night before. The van returns you to Moab around 5-5:30 PM (MDT)**.

Dates & Rates

2026 Dates
  • Trips Every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday
  • Other Dates Available. Charter Trips Available.
  • *High Water in Late May and June can negatively effect your whitewater experience. Please call our office for more information.
2026 Trip Rates

Adult………………..$235

Youth:………………$235

What This Rate Includes
More Information
    • Full Payment due at Reservation
    • Trip Cancellation Insurance
    • Minimum Age: 10 years old
What Is Not Included in Trip Fares
    • Guide Gratuities by no means required but always appreciated by our guides. We recommend 15-20% of the cost of the river portion of the trip.
    • Transportation to Moab Utah.
    • Lodging and meals prior to or following your expedition (except where noted.) Click to see list of quality places to stay in Moab Utah.
    • Government user fees and taxes (about 10% of trip cost.)

Itinerary

Day 1 - Westwater Canyon Rafting: Starting on the Colorado River

7:00 AM–Meet at Sheri Griffith Expeditions Office
7:15-7:20 AM–Depart for Westwater Canyon. There is a two hour drive from Moab to the Westwater Ranger Station, where we will start our river journey.
9:15-9:30–We will arrive at the Westwater Ranger Station, where we will put on and size the PFDs (Personal Floatation Devices). We will have a brief safety discussion and then board the boats and start our journey.
Mid-day–We will stop for a “Build Your Own” Sandwich Buffet lunch at one of the beaches along the river. After lunch, the guides will re-check the PFDs, and one guide will go over important safety details that will help keep everyone safe as we traverse the whitewater.
3:00 PM**–Arrive at the Cisco boat ramp. The guides begin to secure and load the rafts onto the trailers.
3:30 PM**–Depart Cisco as we return to Moab. The drive from Cisco to Moab takes approximately one and a half hours.
5:00 PM**–Arrive at the Sheri Griffith Expeditions office in Moab.

 

**The take-out and return times are approximate. Water Conditions, weather and other factors may lead to a later or earlier return time.

 

WHAT IS INCLUDED: 1) FULL DAY on the river, 2) RAFT and all rafting equipment, 3) BUFFET LUNCH, 4) EXPERIENCED, LICENSED GUIDES with Emergency Medical Response and CPR certification as well as river rescue training, 5) ICED COOLERS for additional beverages that you bring. We supply lemonade and water. Please bring a water bottle. 6) TRANSPORTATION to the river and back, from our river complex in Moab, Utah.

 

PLEASE MEET us dressed for the river: in swimsuit, shorts, T-shirt, shoes that can get wet, hat or visor, sunglasses, etc. Please bring a water bottle. Bring a sweatshirt or sweater, rain gear, sunscreen, a change of dry clothes and any additional beverages that you want. (We’ll provide iced coolers for your aluminum cans and plastic bottles.) Any items that need to be kept dry, like a camera, film, prescriptions and such will be put in a watertight bag or box at the launch site. ADVANCE RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED.

Maps

Maps of Westwater Canyon Rafting

Westwater Canyon lies between Grand Junction, Colorado and Moab, Utah on the Colorado River. This canyon has become one of the most popular whitewater destinations in the American West.

 

National Geographic called it “the best short whitewater trip in the west.” Westwater Canyon has a colorful history of miners, outlaws, cowboys, engineers, and river enthusiasts. Westwater’s unique geology creates awe inspiring vistas and exciting whitewater.

Westwater Canyon Information
    • River: The Colorado River
    • Rapid Rating: Class III-IV(Depending on Water Levels)
    • Put in: Loma or Westwater Ranger Station
    • Take-out location: Cisco
    • River Miles: 17 or 31
    • Number of rapids 16
    • First to run Westwater Canyon: Bert Loper and Ellsworth Kolb in 1916

Resources

Required Forms

Please print, sign and return the required forms (for each person in your party) to our office by email, fax or mail at least 45 days prior to your trip.

 

Trip Document in PDF's
Helpful Links

Canyonlands National Park: Canyonlands National Park preserves a colorful landscape of sedimentary sandstones eroded into countless canyons, mesas and buttes by the Colorado River and its tributaries.

 

Arches National Park: Arches National Park preserves over two thousand natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch, in addition to a variety of unique geological resources and formations.

 

Moab Travel Council: A great resource on Moab area trails, hotels, and other great things to do in Moab.

 

River rafting is a lot of fun, but like most outdoor adventure activities, there are also potential hazards. Click here for more information about possible hazards you might experience while whitewater rafting in our beautiful canyons.

Questions About the Trip
If I need to cancel my trip, is there a way to get my money back?

Sheri Griffith Expeditions maintains a no‑refund policy. Because each trip has a limited number of seats, your reservation holds space that cannot easily be filled by another guest. For this reason, all payments are non‑refundable, and this applies in every circumstance.

 

To protect your travel investment, we strongly recommend purchasing Travel Insurance. For more information about Travel Insurance, click here.

 

If you are unable to participate in your scheduled trip but would like to transfer your reservation to the following year, you may do so for a $300 per‑participant transfer fee, provided the change is made at least three weeks prior to your departure date.

How do I book a trip?

Booking your adventure is simple. The quickest way is to click the “book online” button on your trip page or at the top of our website. If you prefer personal assistance, our team is always happy to help, just give us a call at 800‑332‑2439.

How much money do I have to put down to secure my seat? What is the payment policy?

For 1‑day trips, full payment is required at the time of booking.

For multiday trips, a non‑refundable 20% deposit is due when you make your reservation, with the remaining balance due 45 days before departure.

 

After your reservation is confirmed, you’ll receive a reservation packet that includes your packing list, travel tips, travel insurance information, a beverage request form, and a guest registration form. Please complete the guest registration form and return it promptly so we can prepare for your trip.

Is it possible for my trip to be changed or canceled?

We make every effort to operate each trip as planned. However, we reserve the right to adjust the itinerary or cancel a trip if necessary due to circumstances beyond our control, including weather conditions, water levels, insufficient reservations, changes in international relations, or other unforeseen factors.

 

If a cancellation becomes necessary, all payments you have made will be refunded. Our financial liability is limited to the amount you have paid to Sheri Griffith Expeditions and does not extend to additional expenses incurred by trip participants.

Do I have to go to the River Trip Orientation? When and where will it be held?

On the evening before your trip, we meet at our office (2231 South Highway 191) at 5 pm (MDT) in Moab for a brief pre‑trip orientation. During this meeting, you’ll learn what to expect on your adventure, receive your dry bags, complete the required Assumption of Risk forms, and have an opportunity to ask any final questions.

 

If you are unable to attend the orientation, please let us know in advance so we can make alternate arrangements.

What do we drink on our trip? What beverages are allowed on the river?

If you’d like to bring personal beverages, such as soda, beer, wine, or other favorites, you’re welcome to bring them on the morning of departure. We’ll store them in our iced coolers for you.

 

During the trip, we provide a selection of beverages including sodas, water, lemonade and Gatorade mixes, as well as tea, juice, and coffee each morning.

Should I tip my guides?

Guests often ask about gratuities and what amount is appropriate. If you feel your guides have provided an exceptional experience, you are welcome to leave a gratuity with the Trip Leader, who will distribute it among the crew. While completely optional, a general guideline is 15%–20% of the trip cost.

 

If you plan to tip, please bring cash, a personal check, or ask your Trip Leader for Venmo information—ATMs are hard to find in the backcountry! Checks should be made out directly to the Trip Leader, not to Sheri Griffith Expeditions. 

 

Please note: We are unable to accept credit card gratuities while on the river. If you would like to tip using a credit card, please call our office to complete your transaction.

What physical condition do I need to be in for this trip?

If you’re in reasonably good health and have an adventurous spirit, you should have no trouble enjoying our trips. You don’t need to be an athlete to participate in a river expedition, but please be aware that we are several hours from the nearest medical facility while on the river.

 

If you take medication, please bring an adequate supply and inform your guide about what you’re taking. When you meet your guide, discreetly share any medical conditions or concerns, including allergies such as bee stings.

 

Each guide carries a first‑aid kit and may need to know if certain medications require special storage. Understanding any health considerations also helps us plan daily activities appropriately.

 

Pregnant guests and anyone with heart conditions should obtain their physician’s approval before joining a river trip.

What risks am I facing when I go on my trip?

Sheri Griffith Expeditions has maintained an excellent safety record since 1971. However, participation in any outdoor adventure involves inherent risks, and guests should understand that accidents or illnesses may occur. While our guides are trained professionals and we take all reasonable precautions, we cannot guarantee your safety. Each participant is responsible for exercising sound judgment and remaining attentive during all activities.

 

Environmental conditions, including water levels, weather, and other natural elements, are determined by forces beyond our control and contribute to the risks associated with rafting and camping. Prior to departure, all guests will be required to sign an Assumption of Risk and Release Form acknowledging these conditions. Sheri Griffith Expeditions assumes no responsibility for injuries, loss of personal belongings, or additional time or expenses incurred by trip members.

 

We strongly recommend purchasing Travel Insurance, which can help protect your travel investment, provide coverage for unexpected medical situations, and offer reimbursement should you need to cancel your trip.

 

I’m unsure of what to do with my vehicle, and I don’t want to lose my keys and other valuables on the river, what can I do?

You are welcome to leave your vehicle parked at our office during your trip. We have a gated parking area, as well as a safe room for luggage and valuables while you are on the river.

 

More FAQ’s

"We were in Eric's boat and found him to be courteous and knowledgeable, always on the lookout for points of interest, and he got us through the rapids in a way that was fun and exciting but safe too. We really enjoyed our time with him; he's an asset to your company. The meals were outstanding, all the guides very polite and accommodating to all, knowledge of area history, geology and water use issues was very interesting, great job on keeping everyone safe."

David and Kathy Fine, El Cahone CA

Location: Colorado River, UT
Highlights: Best 1 Day Near Moab, 1.7 Billion Old Rock, Colorado River Rapids, Wildly Fun Rapids, Paddleboat Action
Rate: $235 (Does not include taxes & government user fees)
Trip Length: 1 Full Day
Host City: Moab, Utah
Min. Age: 10 Years Old
Rapids: III-IV (Depending on Water Levels)
2026 Dates: Trips Every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday | Other Dates Available. Charter Trips Available. | *High Water in May and June, please call our office for more information.
Boats: Paddleboat, Oarboats