Destination: Utah
Activity: Nature Observation, Kayaking, White-Water Rafting
Duration: 2 days
When? May-September

Often called a miniature Grand Canyon this segment of the Colorado River is the answer for the person who only has three days but wants it all — world-class white water and a wilderness canyon so stunningly beautiful you have no choice but to leave the world behind.

A century ago pioneer river explorers Thane Galloway and John Wesley Powell developed two distinctive rowing styles. Your guides will employ both to meet the challenge of Westwater’s rapids.

Galloway’s forward-facing style will be used in most of the rapids that demand precise boat placement, including Funnel Falls and Sock-it-to-me. Powell’s reverse style is used for Skull rapid where a powerful thrust is required to break through a diagonal wave feeding right into Skull Hole.

The minimum age ranges from 8 to 16, depending on seasonal fluctuations in the volume of white water.

Tour Plan

Late Season Itinerary (July – September)

Day 1: Meet at headquarters, in Green River, Utah before two hour ride to the put-in at Loma. Float leisurely through the desert scenery of Ruby Canyon. For those interested, inflatable kayaks provide the opportunity to experience the river on a solo basis. A side hike up Rattlesnake Canyon reveals a variety of desert plants and wildlife. Camp at Black Rocks where thousand year old ebony colored schist provides the background setting.

Day 2: Peaceful floating and more time in the inflatable kayaks before reaching Westwater Ranger Station. The river enters the narrow anyons that give Westwater the nickname, “the Little Grand.” Small rapids begin to materialize along the otherwise peaceful stretches of the Colorado. Camp at one of the many beaches within Westwater Canyon.

Day 3: Encounter rapids of Westwater — one right after another — Hunter’s, Funnel Falls, Surprise and — THE BIG ONE: Skull Rapid. Observe bald eagle, great blue heron and snowy egret habitats. Short trip back to Green River.

Kayaking, Paddling
Colorado, Kayaking, Nature Observation, Raft, Utah, Westwater Canyon, White-Water Rafting