Image Alt

Trips

Westwater Canyon

3 Day: Westwater Canyon Rafting Trips

This proposed Wild and Scenic River is totally isolated from modern civilization. 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 two day river trip.

Dates & Rates

2026 Dates
  • April 1, 8, 15, 22
  • May 20, 27
  • June 3, 10, 17, 24
  • July 8, 15, 22, 29
  • August 12, 19, 26
  • September 9, 23, 30 Chartered Trips Available
2026 Trip Rates

Adult………………..$899

 

Youth………………..$699

What This Rate Includes
More Information
    • Trip Deposit: 20% deposit required upon reservation. Full balance due 45 days prior to departure.
    • 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 10-20% 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 9% of trip cost.)

Itinerary

Day 1 - Starting on the Colorado River

We meet early the morning of departure at the Sheri Griffith Expeditions office. We then drive two hours to Colorado to the launch site on the Colorado River, load the boats and head down stream. Once on the Colorado River, you will receive a river orientation and meet your other guides and fellow guests. The first part of this adventure places you in the midst of stark and dramatic desert landscapes.

 

Today is a lazy day on the river as you adjust to the relaxed pace. You’ll stop to hike as well as for lunch where you’ll create your own deli masterpiece.

 

You will reach camp by early evening and enjoy a generous, delicious dinner prepared fresh by your guides. The camps on this stretch are large and offer a variety of great hikes.

 

Potential Hiking Opportunities: Rattlesnake Canyon, Mee Canyon

 

Note: Meals are served from a set daily menu, but you are welcome to request, in advance, special dishes or tell us if there are particular things you would prefer not to have.

Day 2 - Hiking the Colorado River

Wake each morning to fresh brewed coffee and a hearty breakfast. Soon, you are back on the river for another day staring at the handiwork of nature. You can feel yourself relaxing and slipping into ‘river time.’

 

Early today you may get a chance to hike to Native American ruins hidden along the Colorado River. After stopping for lunch, and checking in with the Westwater Ranger, we head into the black granite gorge. Red sandstone cliffs change to shiny black granite walls. Here is where you start your whitewater experience. After running a few of the ‘warm up’ rapids we pull over for camp on a secluded beach.

 

This evening you will get to hear stories about the rapids you will challenge in the morning. After watching the sun slip over the canyon rims you will be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves downstream. Traditionally, the last night of the river trip is “Dress-up” night. Anything goes if you would like to participate. It is up to your imagination! This is a great way to celebrate the trip, the new friends you have made, and the near completion of your Mighty Colorado River adventure.

 

Potential Hiking Opportunities: Blackrocks, Knowles Canyon, McDonald Canyon, and Miners Cabin

Day 3 - Whitewater Day

You will wake with anticipation of the rapids downstream. After a healthy breakfast the guides take time to teach you how to enjoy the big rapids safely. Then the fun really begins. Here are the incredible rapids you have been waiting for: Little Hummer, Funnel Falls, Last Chance Rapid, and of course, the infamous Skull Rapid. Lunch is a fresh buffet on the riverbank.

 

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 6-6:30 PM (MDT).

 

Potential Hiking Opportunities: Little Dolores Creek, Little Hole Canyon, and Outlaw Cave

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 Boat Ramp
    • 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.

Links to Area Information

Moab Weather

Water Levels

How to get to Moab

Where to stay in Moab

What to do other than rafting

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? Should I bring my own drinks? 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 FAQs

"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: Classic Splashing Rapids, 1.7 Billion Old Rock, Colorado River Rapids, Wildly Fun Rapids, Great History
Adults: $899 (Does not include taxes and & government user fees)
Youth: $699 (Does not include taxes and & government user fees)
Trip Length: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Host City: Moab, Utah
Min. Age: 10 Years Old
Rapids: III-IV (Depending on Water Levels)
2026 Dates: Most Wednesdays I Chartered Trips Available (Minimum 10 Seats) Please call for availability
Boats: Paddleboat, Oarboats