Western Waters Canyon River
Welcome to the Westwater Canyon section of the Colorado River, one of the premier whitewater trips in the West. This 17-mile stretch of river includes 11 named rapids that range in difficulty from Class I to Class IV. The canyon can be traveled as a long day trip or as an overnight or two-day float ride. There are designated campsites available within the deep canyon that will be assigned by the ranger prior to launch. This section of the river is challenging in all water levels and is only recommended for experienced boaters.
The Westwater Canyon facility is located about 70 miles northeast of Moab, Utah, and 35 miles west of Grand Junction, Colorado. At the entrance is a ranger station and campground with 11 individual campsites on a first-come, first-served basis and one reservable group site. This inlet is also the outlet for the Ruby-Horsethief section of the Colorado River and can be very congested. The facility access road is paved from exit 227 to the Weswater Ranger Station and boat ramp. The closest services are in Mack, Colorado and Thompson Springs, Utah, both located along I-70.
To get to I-70 Westbound exit 214 and continue towards Cisco. Turn left through Cisco onto Cisco Pump House Road, over a cattle guard, then turn left at the next intersection, this road continues towards the Boat Launch. * Take the left fork to get to the takeout ramp and parking area. For eastbound I-70 traffic, use exit 204 and follow signs for Cisco. Turn right on Cisco, then follow signs to Cisco Boat/Take Ramp.
Due to high recreational demand and to protect Westwater Canyon's remote, primitive environment, permits are required year-round for private and commercial use.
For more information and updated conditions, call the Bureau of Land Management, Moab Field Office (435) 259-2100, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. m. and 4:30 p.m. m. MST.
For boaters looking to combine Westwater Canyon with Ruby Horsethief Canyon (upstream), please note that permits are also required for this stretch of the river. Permits can be reserved for Ruby Horsethief Canyonhere.
Information about permits and seasons
Permits are required year-round for all private and commercial uses in Westwater Canyon. A permit for Westwater Canyon allows one group launch, maximum 25 people, by the air date. Permit holders will have the option to choose between a day trip or an overnight trip. Only one night is allowed inside the canyon, it must be the night of the authorized launch, and campsites will be assigned by the ranger prior to the launch.
- Permits/reservations will be available two months before your desired release date at 8am. m., mountain standard time. Any available release date within the two-month window is also available for pre-order until 11:59 AM. m. the day of launch.
- An alternate trip leader must be entered at time of booking.This cannot be added or changed after booking..
- Permits are available to print starting 14 days before the release date.
- Once a permit is printed, no changes to the permit are allowed..
I need to know
Please note that Westwater Canyon is a challenging stretch of river at all water levels and is only recommended for experienced boaters. If you have any questions about Westwater Canyon, the difficulty of the rapids or the water levels, please speak to the rangers at the post or call the Moab field office at 435-259-2100.
Typically, the river peaks at around 20,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) in late May or early June. Water flows recede throughout the summer and typically reach flows of around 3000 (cfs) in the fall months. The character of the river changes with the river flows. Some rapids are more difficult at higher flows, while others become more difficult at lower flows. Please note that localized rain and thunderstorms can quickly change conditions in the canyon.
Overnight trips into the canyon are an option for all permit holders. Permit holders will be assigned an overnight campsite at the time of permit compliance registration by the rangers on duty.
Rules and regulations:
- An alternate trip leader must be entered at time of booking. This cannot be added or changed after booking.
- Review the Stipulations for Westwater Canyon Private Permitshere
- Fire restrictions may apply. Review information about fireshere.
- Permit reservations are for private, non-commercial use only.
- Business and organized groups (including universities, schools, and groups sponsored by other organizations) should contact the Bureau of Land Management, Moab Field Office for information on BLM Special Recreation Permit requirements.
- You must be 18 years of age or older to apply for or obtain a permit.
- The maximum group size is 25 (depending on the available quota).
- Dogs, cats and pets are not allowed in Westwater Canyon.
- A person can have up to three permissions at a time.
Your security:
- Bring all your drinking water. There are no sources of drinking water in Westwater Canyon. It is difficult to filter the water because the Colorado River tends to be silty and full of sediment. A minimum of one gallon per person, per day is recommended when traveling in the desert environment.
- There is no cell service or coverage in Westwater Canyon. An alternate form of communication is recommended.
- The Grand County Sheriff's Department has search and rescue jurisdiction on public lands and normally takes the lead in such operations. For emergencies, call 911.
Babies and young children:
If you answer no to any of the following questions, Westwater Canyon may not be appropriate for your child's safety.
- Can your child get on and off a boat without the help of others?
- Is your child strong enough to support himself while in a moving or bouncing boat without adult assistance?
- Does your child have the knowledge, strength, and skill to grab a bag or rope?
- Does your child have the knowledge, strength, and skill to survive swimming in cold, moving, or rapid water?
Fee policy
Permit fee: $10 per person, per trip.
Reservation Fee: There is a non-refundable reservation fee of $6.00 for all Westwater Canyon permit reservations.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation policy:
- Refunds will be issued for permits that are canceled or for a group size that is reduced prior to 14 days from the launch date (less the $6.00 non-refundable reservation fee).
- No refunds will be given for permits canceled or reduced group size within 14 days of the launch date.
Change Policy:
- Permit dates are not transferable.
- Group size can be reduced or increased up to the maximum group size of 25 (if quota is available).Reservations and changes can be made until 11:59 a.m. on the launch date.
- A permit can be exchanged for an overnight stay or for a day trip (if available).
- Permit changes are not permitted once the permit has been printed.
contact information
Shipping Address
Bureau of Land Management, Moab Field Office 82 East Dogwood Moab UT 84532
Hours of operation: 8:00 a.m. m. to 4:30 p.m. m.
Phone number
435-259-2100
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FAQs
Do you need a permit for Westwater Canyon? ›
Westwater Canyon requires obtaining a private or commercial permit. Private permits are available through Recreation.gov and will be available for advanced reservation two months ahead of the entry date at 8 a.m.MT/10 a.m. ET daily.
How do I get a Colorado River permit? ›- Create a user account (river profile).
- Login and create a lottery application.
- Finalize your lottery application.
- Pay lottery application cost.
- Login to your profile or check email after lottery is run.
Permit & Season Information
Reservations for Ruby-Horsethief camping permits can be made 2 months in advance on a daily rolling window. Reservations open at 8:00 am MDT. You can print your permit 7 days before your launch. Visitors can reserve multi-night trips within the open window.
You must have a river permit for all trips through Cataract Canyon. People interested in boating through Cataract Canyon should also read about the flatwater as these sections cannot be bypassed.
Do you need reservation to canyon land? ›Timed entry reservations are not required to enter Canyonlands National Park. The park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except in cases of severe weather.
Do I need a permit for Canyon Lake? ›Passes: America the Beautiful Passes are only accepted at the Picnicking Sites. For boating, a Tonto Daily Pass and Watercraft Sticker or Tonto Discovery Pass are required. Campground fees at various sites around Canyon Lake might be separate from the Tonto Daily and Discovery pass.
What are the odds of getting a Selway permit? ›The difficulty combined with its remote wilderness character makes the Selway a serious undertaking for all boaters. It's also a Four Rivers permit that allows only one group per day during the high-use season, which is May 15 through July 31. In 2020, only 1-in-122 who applied got one.
Do you need a permit for bathroom remodel Colorado? ›Simple renovations, such as moving walls around or changing room configurations without creating new rooms, likely only need to go to Building Safety for permit review and can skip the Planning & Zoning review. Renovations to create a new kitchen, bedrooms or bathrooms may require a Planning & Zoning review.
Can you fish in a river on private property in Colorado? ›Note, Colorado is drastically different than other states. Colorado allows private ownership of riverbeds while all other states treat rivers deemed “navigable” as public. For example, in Montana, as long as you enter the water of a navigable river on public land then you can fish, float, etc… that stretch of river.
How long is Grand canyon River permit? ›Permits for these trips are made available to the public through a weighted lottery. To apply for a 12 to 25 day noncommercial river permit: Read the general requirements listed below.
Do you need a permit to run the Snake River? ›
A permit is required to float the Wild and Scenic Snake River at any time of the year. In the primary season (Friday before Memorial Day through September 10*), you can apply for a permit through the "Four Rivers Lottery" permit process summarized below.
How long does it take to raft Ruby-Horsethief? ›Expect is to take 8-15 hours, depending on flows, wind, and your effort. There are several canyon systems along the float that make for very good side-adventures so be sure to look at a map and explore a bit.
Do you need a permit for Bright Angel Trail? ›During the winter season a backcountry permit is required for overnight use of the North Rim from the park's northern boundary to Bright Angel Point on the canyon rim. Winter access is by hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing only. A permit can be obtained in advance at the Backcountry Information Center.
Do you need a permit to drive through the Grand Canyon? ›To use the road to drive to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, you will need permits, as the road sits on tribal land which is home to the Hualapai tribe. Getting a permit is easy and you can do it online. Also, you will need a well-balanced vehicle for this type of trip, ideally a high-clearance 4x4.
Do you need a permit to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon? ›A permit is not required for day hiking or day horseback riding in the canyon.
Which national parks require timed entry 2023? ›As of January 2023, only Arches, Glacier, Haleakala, and Rocky Mountain National Parks require timed-entry permits to access any part of the park during peak hours. However, many parks are increasingly requiring reservations and permits to access some of the most popular trailheads, scenic roads, and activities.
When can I make reservations for Yellowstone 2023? ›Advance Reservations
On May 5, 2023, guests will be able to make reservations for May 1 through May 31, 2024, and so on. On the 5th of each month guests will be able to reserve the applicable future periods online beginning at midnight (12:00 a.m.) Mountain time or over the phone beginning at 7:00 a.m.
Standard Entrance Pass
No cash is accepted; credit/debit card only. No refunds are given due to inclement weather. Grand Canyon Annual Passes and America the Beautiful passes are available at all three of Grand Canyon National Park's entrance stations.
From April 1 to October 1, a parking permit purchased and printed in advance is required to park in the Fossil Creek area. Permit reservations can be made at Recreation.gov during the Spring-Summer season starting March 1.
Is Canyon Lake free? ›Welcome to Joint Base San Antonio Recreation Park at Canyon Lake; turn right to check in. Facilities: Day Use - OPEN TO ALL FOR HIKING AND FISHING! Useage of Guadalupe Park is free of charge.
Do you need a permit for Dream Lake? ›
A timed entry permit is also required to do the Dream Lake Trail. This one is a bit annoying, but it's intended to manage crowds at RMNP. There are some exceptions to this rule if you arrive very early in the morning, or very late in the afternoon.
What class is the Selway River? ›The Selway has the best of everything: fun, technically challenging class IV whitewater, spectacular Idaho wilderness scenery, beautiful campsites, and best of all, almost no people.
Do I need a permit to kayak the Salt River? ›Recreation Permits are required to utilize the Tribal lands and waters of those portions of the Salt River Canyon which are within the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. These permits are required 365 days a year.
How to apply for a permit in Portland? ›- Step 1: Gather application materials. ...
- Step 2: Check if you can apply for your permit online. ...
- Step 3: Apply online or in person. ...
- Step 4: Respond to any feedback. ...
- Step 5: Pay for permits. ...
- Step 6: Plan Review Begins. ...
- Step 7: Check the status of your permit.
As with re-fitting kitchens, there's normally no need for planning permission unless the building is listed. Building Regulations are only likely to apply where you decide to add a new bathroom, for example in a former bedroom or storage area. This may include some or all of the following: New drainage.
How much does it cost to remodel a bathroom? ›For a half bath or powder room, a modest remodel can cost as low as $1,500. The higher range can exceed $20,000 for spacious build-outs that entail installing new plumbing, tiling, and room additions. On average, homeowners should expect to pay around $11,750 for a bathroom remodel, roughly the national average.
Do I need a permit to finish my basement in Colorado? ›A separate remodel permit is required for any structural changes proposed for a basement finish.
Are creeks private property in Colorado? ›Yes and no. Though all natural rivers in Colorado are considered public, according to the state's constitution, riverbeds can still be considered privately owned.
Do you need a fishing license to fish on your own property in Colorado? ›All anglers age 16 and older must have a license. A $10.59 Habitat Stamp is also required for both residents and nonresidents with the purchase of the first fishing license of the season for any anglers from 18 to 64 years old. Disabled people do not need a Habitat Stamp.
How many fish can you legally catch in Colorado? ›TYPE OF FISH | DAILY BAG LIMIT | POSSESSION LIMIT |
---|---|---|
CATFISH: CHANNEL, FLATHEAD, BLUE in aggregate* | 10 | 10 |
CRAPPIE: WHITE, BLACK in aggregate* | 20 | 20 |
BLUEGILL, HYBRID BLUEGILL, GREEN SUNFISH, REDEARSUN- FISH, PUMPKINSEED SUNFISH in aggregate* | 20 | 20 |
YELLOW PERCH West of Continental Divide | unlimited | unlimited |
How much money does it cost to go to the Grand Canyon? ›
National Park (North and South rims) entrance fees - $30 per vehicle. West Rim entrance package - $46.65 per person. Helicopter tours - South Rim - $199 per person. Helicopter tours - West Rim - $299 per person.
How long would it take to fill the Grand Canyon with water? ›The canyon is 446 kilometres long by an average of 16 kilometres wide and 1.6 kilometres deep, which gives a volume of about 10 million billion (1016) litres. So by simple division Daisy would take about 1.8 million million (1.8 × 1012) years to fill the canyon.
How deep is the Colorado River canyon? ›The river is about 50 feet wide for the first 50 miles; at Grand Junction, Colo., it is 200 feet wide. The river is about 30 feet deep in lower reaches of the Grand Canyon; it is not more than 10 feet in the upper reaches above the Grand Junction, Colo.
Do I need a permit to raft in Colorado? ›Permits are not required for the river in the state of Colorado, but you are required to register your trip at access points. Within Utah, Gateway to Dewey section, permits are required. Call (435) 259-7012 for the permit.
Do you need a permit to go down the Colorado River? ›A river permit is required for noncommercial river travel on the Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park. It is the responsibility of the permittee and each trip participant to know and obey all the regulations listed in this document and abide by all other applicable Federal, state, local, and tribal laws.
What river is Hells Canyon on? ›Carved by the great Snake River, Hells Canyon plunges more than a mile below Oregon's west rim, and 8,000 feet below snowcapped He Devil Peak of Idaho's Seven Devils Mountains.
How long does a 5 mile river float take? ›This 5 mile float takes an average 3-4 hours, dependent on water levels as well as the pace of each individual paddler.
How hard is Royal Gorge rafting? ›The Royal Gorge of the Arkansas River in Colorado, at class IV-V is considered an advanced whitewater run. During the spring run-off when the water is big the Royal Gorge is recommended for experienced rafters only and you can expect huge boat crushing waves!
How difficult is rafting the Rogue River? ›The Rogue River attracts many beginners because of its easier Class II-III rapids. Grave Creek Bridge is a recommended drop-in location, and if you float under the bridge, look for nests created by the swallows. Grave Creek is also the start of the Rogue River Trail.
Do you need a permit to do rim to rim Grand Canyon? ›If you are an individual or a group of friends/family hiking rim to rim, you need only to pay your entrance fee (recently raised to $30 per car) and start hiking! Alternatively, if you are spending the night anywhere along the trail, whether at Phantom Ranch or in a campground, you do not need a rim to rim permit.
How hard is it to get a permit to hike Grand Canyon? ›
And you learn how difficult it can be to get a permit for backpacking there. In fact, so many people apply for Grand Canyon backcountry permits that high percentages of them get denied every year—including up to 75 percent of applications for the three most popular trails, the Bright Angel and South and North Kaibab.
Can you do the Bright Angel Trail in one day? ›Yes, you can hike the entire Bright Angel Trail to Phantom Ranch in one day, but it is only advised for very strong hikers and only when hiking on cool or cold days in late Fall, Winter or early Spring.
How much does it cost to ride a helicopter in the Grand Canyon? ›TOUR | PRICE | DURATION |
---|---|---|
4. North Canyon Tour | $229+ | 25-30 mins |
5. Imperial with EcoStar | $339+ | 40-50 mins |
6. South Rim Grand Canyon Airplane Tour | $169+ | 40-45 mins |
7. GC West Helicopter Landing w/ Park Entry | $294+ | 15 mins |
Though you can't actually drive through the Grand Canyon as each part of the structure has to be conserved, you can drive to and around the region, as well as to the entrances to the North and South Rims.
Can I see Grand Canyon for free? ›DO I HAVE TO PURCHASE A GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET? Every visitor to Grand Canyon West is required to purchase a General Admission ticket. Optional activities, such as Skywalk, helicopter, boat tours and zipline tours can be purchased at an additional cost.
How many hours does it take to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon? ›in general, a trip to the river from the South Rim will take about 5 hours down, and about 15 hours back up. However, a descent from the North Rim will take close closer to 8 hours to the river, and may take 20+ hours back to the rim depending on fitness.
Can you hike the Grand Canyon without a tour guide? ›You don't need to take a tour. When you enter the park you get a park newspaper with all the ncessary information. There's also a tourist center, and there are rangers along the rim who'll provide information and answer questions. Grand Canyon National Park South Rim is a “Do it Yourself” place for visitors.
How many mile hike is it to the bottom of the Grand Canyon? ›This hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon combines two trails: the South Kaibab Trail and Bright Angel Trail, for a total distance of 17 miles and 4800 feet of elevation gain, making it a very strenuous day hike.
Do you need a permit for a pool in AZ? ›Operating permits are required for public and semi-public pools, wading pools or special use pools, spas and artificial bathing lakes. Operating permits are not required for private residential pools and spas.
Do you need a permit to hike Marble Canyon? ›According to the Bureau of Land Management, you must be within the following areas to apply for a daily permit on the app: In Arizona: Page, Greenhaven, Marble Canyon, Vermilion Cliffs, Jacob Lake, White Sage, Fredonia, Moccasin and the Kaibab Paiute Indian Reservation.
Do you need a permit to float the Grand canyon? ›
A river permit is required for noncommercial river travel on the Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park. It is the responsibility of the permittee and each trip participant to know and obey all the regulations listed in this document and abide by all other applicable Federal, state, local, and tribal laws.
How do I get a permit to visit Antelope canyon? ›1. Apply in advance for the online Paria Canyon permit lottery through Recreation.gov website. Forty-eight (48) spots per day are given out in this manner. You can – and should – apply up to four (4) months in advance for your desired date.
How deep can your pool be in Arizona? ›Under state law, a swimming pool (or other contained body of water intended for swimming that is 18 inches deep and wider than eight feet) must be entirely enclosed by at least a five-foot wall, fence or other barrier. The enclosure requirement applies to below-ground and above-ground pools alike.
Do I need a fence around my pool if my yard is fenced in? ›Swimming pools do not necessarily need a barrier close to the water. If your pool is located in a fenced backyard, or other large fenced area, and that fence meets the legal requirements, you might not need an additional barrier closer to the pool.
How long does it take to get a pool permit in Arizona? ›Overall, homeowners should expect the design and permitting process to take anywhere from three to six weeks. Once the design process is finished and the permits are obtained, the construction process can begin in earnest.
Can anyone go see The Wave in Arizona? ›You must have a permit to visit Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) and Coyote Buttes South. Permits are available for day use only. There is a daily limit on permits. Permits for Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) are offered through a lottery.
Is it illegal to take rocks from the Grand Canyon? ›9. Souvenirs may be bought but not taken. Grand Canyon National Park -- a World Heritage Site -- belongs to everyone. Rocks, plants, wood and artifacts must be left where you found them so others can enjoy them in the future.
How hard is it to get The Wave permit? ›What are The Wave Lottery Odds? There's good news and bad news when it comes to The Wave lottery odds. According to BLM data, your chances of winning a permit online are between 4-8% on average. A couple thousand people typically apply on any given day throughout the year.
Do you need a permit for Grand Falls? ›Need a permit? Unlike other places located on reservations, here you do not need to obtain a permit to visit the falls. Admission is free. The area is remote: you won't find gas stations or places to get water, so, make sure you bring enough.
Can you just go to Antelope Canyon without a tour? ›CAN I GO TO ANTELOPE CANYON BY MYSELF? No, the Antelope Canyon is protected by the Navajo Parks and Recreation and only authorized tour companies can take visitors to the canyon. Safety and preventing vandalism are the main reasons why everyone needs a guided tour; the canyon became unavailable to the public in 1997.
What is the best month to visit Antelope Canyon? ›
The best time to visit Antelope Canyon is between the end of March and the beginning of October. In terms of the best time of day to visit the canyon, going between 11 am and 1:30 pm will give you the highest chance of seeing Antelope Canyon light beams in the Upper section of Antelope Canyon.
Can you tour Antelope Canyon without a tour guide? ›All areas of the Antelope Canyon are only accessible via Guided Tour. Tour Guides are mandatory.