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Run eleven rapids and float 17.6 miles down Westwater Canyon on a full-day Colorado River trip from Moab. Expect sustained Class III–IV whitewater, riverside lunch, and guided shuttles between Westwater Ranger Station and Cisco.
Run eleven rapids and float 17.6 miles down Westwater Canyon on a full-day Colorado River trip from Moab. Expect sustained Class III–IV whitewater, riverside lunch, and guided shuttles between Westwater Ranger Station and Cisco.
A cold Colorado River current nudges the bow as your guide calls commands, and the canyon walls close in — slabby sandstone streaked with gray and orange. Morning light slides down narrow chutes while the river alternates between long, glassy floats and a loud run of waves. Over 17.6 miles from Westwater Ranger Station to the Cisco take-out, you’ll hit eleven named rapids, including Little Dolores, Skull and Last Chance, and finish with a mellow float back to shore.
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Operated by Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours · Moab, Utah
A cold Colorado River current nudges the bow as your guide calls commands, and the canyon walls close in — slabby sandstone streaked with gray and orange. Morning light slides down narrow chutes while the river alternates between long, glassy floats and a loud run of waves. Over 17.6 miles from Westwater Ranger Station to the Cisco take-out, you’ll hit eleven named rapids, including Little Dolores, Skull and Last Chance, and finish with a mellow float back to shore.
This stretch of the Colorado cuts through layered Mesozoic rock; its cliffs record ancient rivers and deserts. The route sits on land long used by Ute and other Indigenous people; later, miners and railroad crews passed through on their way across the canyon. The trip’s mix of whitewater and calm pools makes it a classic day-run for rafters who want technical paddling without an overnight commitment.
Expect full-boat maneuvers: paddling in unison through class III–IV drops, brief swims in cold water for those who flip, and a riverside lunch between sets of rapids. Guides outfit guests with PFDs, helmets and dry bags and provide vehicle return to the take-out.
Practical notes: arrive hydrated and sun-protected, wear secure footwear that can get wet, and carry a lightweight layer — canyon wind can be sharp. The best windows are spring and early summer when flows are higher and rapids punchier; late summer offers warmer water but lower flows. This is a physically demanding, full-day river run that rewards good preparation and steady teamwork.
challenging.
6 hours.
Good cardiovascular fitness and upper-body strength recommended; ability to follow commands and swim in moving water expected
The trip includes sustained Class III–IV rapids—technical and punchy but run with guided boats; swimmers are possible, so be prepared to follow commands and assist if needed.
Yes — a riverside lunch is included in the trip price and served after the main rapids.
No formal experience required, but good fitness and comfort in moving water make the trip safer and more enjoyable; guides coach paddling technique throughout.
Guides provide transportation back to the put-in/parking area at the end of the trip; your confirmation contains shuttle details.
Westwater Canyon’s cliffs expose Triassic through Cretaceous sedimentary layers; the corridor later saw limited mining and railroad surveying in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
This is a high-use river corridor; stick to carry-in/carry-out rules, avoid disturbing nesting raptors, and use biodegradable sunscreen to minimize impacts.
Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A cold Colorado River current nudges the bow as your guide calls commands, and the canyon walls close in — slabby sandstone streaked with gray and orange. Morning light slides down narrow chutes while the river alternates between long, glassy floats and a loud run of waves. Over 17.6 miles from Westwater Ranger Station to the Cisco take-out, you’ll hit eleven named rapids, including Little Dolores, Skull and Last Chance, and finish with a mellow float back to shore.
A cold Colorado River current nudges the bow as your guide calls commands, and the canyon walls close in — slabby sandstone streaked with gray and orange. Morning light slides down narrow chutes while the river alternates between long, glassy floats and a loud run of waves. Over 17.6 miles from Westwater Ranger Station to the Cisco take-out, you’ll hit eleven named rapids, including Little Dolores, Skull and Last Chance, and finish with a mellow float back to shore.
This stretch of the Colorado cuts through layered Mesozoic rock; its cliffs record ancient rivers and deserts. The route sits on land long used by Ute and other Indigenous people; later, miners and railroad crews passed through on their way across the canyon. The trip’s mix of whitewater and calm pools makes it a classic day-run for rafters who want technical paddling without an overnight commitment.
Expect full-boat maneuvers: paddling in unison through class III–IV drops, brief swims in cold water for those who flip, and a riverside lunch between sets of rapids. Guides outfit guests with PFDs, helmets and dry bags and provide vehicle return to the take-out.
Practical notes: arrive hydrated and sun-protected, wear secure footwear that can get wet, and carry a lightweight layer — canyon wind can be sharp. The best windows are spring and early summer when flows are higher and rapids punchier; late summer offers warmer water but lower flows. This is a physically demanding, full-day river run that rewards good preparation and steady teamwork.