Colorado Through Westwater Canyon

Location: Eastern Utah (about 200 miles west of Denver).

Length of trips: 17 miles in one or two days.

Season: April through October. The water flow usually peaks in late May or early June.

Weather: In March and April expect cool days (50° to 70°F) and cold nights (20° to 40°). May and June bring pleasant daytime temperatures (70° to 80°) and cool nights (40° to 50°), while July and August see hot days (90° to 100°) and warm nights (70° to 80°). Temperatures taper off in September and October (70° to 80° during the day, 40° to 50° at night). It seldom rains in Westwater, but when it does, it can cool temperatures considerably. Bring insect repellent from late June to mid-August.

Lodging: Limited number of campsites on sandy beaches and in side-canyon coves.

Boats: Kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts.

Rapids: Class III and IV. The silty water averages in the 40s in March and April and the 60s in July and August.

Special features:

  • The only wilderness section of the Colorado River that offers world-class white water and can be run in just a few days.
  • Steep, rugged canyon walls backdropped by mountains create some of the finest scenery on the Colorado; often called the Little Grand Canyon.
  • Colorful wildflowers in May.
  • Swimming in calm sections in summer.
  • Interesting walks to an old miner’s cabin and a cave where robbers once hid out.
  • Mule deer, beavers, ducks, Canada geese, great blue herons, golden eagles, bald eagles, songbirds.
  • Wilderness solitude.
  • Suitable for intermediate and experienced river runners, seniors in good physical condition, and families. Check with your outfitter about age limits for children.

Nearby excursions:

  • Canyonlands National Park.
  • Arches National Park.
  • Dead Horse Point State Park.
  • La Sal Mountains.
  • Colorado National Monument.

For a list of outfitters and more information:

  • Grand County Travel Council, P.O. Box 550, Moab, Utah 84532; +1 801 259 1370 or 800 635 6622, fax +1 801 259 1376. Try to book at least three to four months in advance. Weekends sell out quickly.

For more information:

  • Utah Travel Council, Council Hall/Capitol Hill, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114; +1 801 538 1030 or +1 800 200 1160, fax +1 801 538 1399. Ask for the “Raft Utah” guide and the vacation kit.
  • <Canyonlands National Park, 2282 South West Resources Boulevard, Moab, Utah 84532; +1 801 259 7164, fax +1 801 259 8628.
  • Canyonlands National Park story in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER, Autumn 1988.
  • Arches National Park story in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER, November/December 1992. To order a copy, please click here.

 
 
River Finder - Western U.S.

 
 
 
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