Proposed Wild and Scenic River & Wilderness Area

Trip Description:

Westwater Canyon River Rafting

Westwater Canyon for three days is an ideal balance of mellow bird watching, exhilarating whitewater rafting and perfect camping. Part of the time you will drift leisurely at the river's pace; at night you will relax at beautiful camp sites near the Colorado River. The rest of the time you will enjoy extremely fun rapids as the Colorado River forces its way into the narrow Black Granite Gorge forming renowned rapids like Sock-it-to-me, Funnel Falls, Last Chance and the infamous Skull Rapid. The first part of this adventure places you in the midst of dazzling and dramatic desert landscapes. The first two days are usually filled with leisure and relaxation. Lunch will be on the riverbank where you assemble your deli masterpiece. As we proceed downstream, the imposing red sandstone cliffs become the backdrop to shiny black granite walls as the Colorado River descends into the Black Granite Gorge. As early evening approaches the guides pull to the river’s edge to set-up a charming campsite. After camp is set, you can participate in a guided hike or relax in camp.

This stretch of the Colorado River is wild and free flowing, resulting in a variety of water levels throughout the rafting season as the snows melt and run off from the Colorado Rockies. Each water level produces different whitewater challenges. Three-day trips allow for more hiking and a better sense of a comfortable “wilderness” experience.

Westwater Canyon was first run by famous river pioneers Bert Loper and Ellsworth Kolb in 1919. Few white men settled here, and fewer wrote about it. There are many legends leaving questions about the facts. Your guides will share stories of the gold miner's cabin, the outlaw cave and the secret grave a half-mile from the cave. The Old West comes alive as you walk through these sites and contemplate the legends. Click to see the full Westwater Canyon history.

Westwater has all the components of a classic river trip: great whitewater, wonderful camp sites, lots of good hikes, remote wilderness canyon, excellent opportunities for mud baths and water fights, flat water to practice inflatable kayak skills and more. This river trip leaves you wishing for more. The awesome landscape and exhilarating rapids motivate you to release your busy life and embrace an adventurous positive outlook.

2007 Available Dates:

3/9, 3/23, 4/9, 4/23, 5/5, 5/17, 5/24, 5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 6/20

Price:

Adults: $515
Kids(10-16): $465
(Does not include tax and government fees.)

Rapids:

II - IV (depending on water levels)

Trip Length:

3 days/ 2 nights

Ages:

10 years and up

More Information:

To get more detailed information you may download the trip details PDF below: