Loma, CO to Cisco, UT on Colorado River Ruby-Horsethief Canyons section of the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area and Westwater Canyon Rapid Classification: I-IV Length: 42 miles Shuttle time from Fruita to Loma: 15 minutes Shuttle time from Cisco to Fruita: 1.5 hour When: May through October Price: $590 per person » What's Included? » Scholarship Application Trip Dates and Reservations

The first two days of the trip will take you through the dramatic scenery of the Ruby-Horsethief Canyons section (see Loma, CO to Westwater, UT trip). Located in west central Colorado and eastern Utah, this 25-mile, Class I-II float travels through the breathtaking scenery of the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (NCA). McInnis Canyons NCA is remarkable for its diverse landscape ranging from salt bush desert to the spectacular canyons of the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness. Although there are sections of easy rapids, for the most part this section of the Colorado River caters to those who are looking to enjoy lazy days and nights camped on sandy beaches under the big western sky.

We will camp along the broad, sandy beaches just down from the Black Rock Rapid. These popular beaches can accommodate several groups at once. After late breakfast, we'll go for a 1-2 hour hike high above the river bed or you can just relax on the beach. We'll head down the river after lunch to Westwater Ranger Station where we'll camp for the night.

The next morning we'll load up the rafts and motor to exhilarating rapids of the Westwater Canyon. Hidden away in western Colorado and eastern Utah is Westwater Canyon, which offers an exceptional whitewater rafting trip as the Colorado River begins the last leg of its journey through Colorado. The water current becomes notably swifter as it is forced into the descending and narrowing channel of Westwater Canyon. It is here that your trip offers the thrill and challenge of running some of the best white water Class III-IV rapids in the region. Colorful names and exciting stories accompany these rapids, especially "Little Dolores," "Funnel Falls," "Skull," and "Sock-it-to-Me."

Accessibility:


Facilities: Toilets at Loma boat launch. Toilets, tables and camping available at Westwater Ranger Station. Toilets at Cisco take out.

Trip Itinerary

DAY 1

7:30 am: volunteers meet at CDA's office in Fruita to load rafts and gear
9:00 am: participants arrive at CDA's office in Fruita
9:30 am: begin 10-minute travel to Loma boat ramp (river access), 6 miles
9:45 am: unloading at Loma boat ramp and setup
11 am: river portion of the trip begins
4-5 pm: arrive at the campsite at the Black Rock
5-6 pm: camp setup
6-7 pm: dinner

DAY 2

8-9 am: breakfast
9-12 pm: hiking, swimming, relaxing
12-1 pm: lunch
1-5 pm: river trip to Westwater Ranger Station
5-8 pm: camp setup and dinner

DAY 3

7-8 am: breakfast
9-11 am: motor-assist river trip to the rapids of the Westwater Canyon
11 am-3 pm: whitewater rafting and kayaking through Westwater Canyon
4-6 pm: travel back to Fruita

All times may slightly vary and trip leader may supersede this itinerary.

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How to get to our office in Fruita from Grand Junction:

• take I-70 West
• take Fruita exit
• turn left over the interstate
• drive about 1/4 mile
• turn right past McDonald's and pull into the Dinosaur Museum parking lot on the left
• we are in the green rail car at the end of the parking lot

Sources:

• Bureau of Land Management, Colorado.
• Colorado Discover Ability first-hand experiences.
• Photos: Colorado Discover Ability