Westwater Canyon River Permits
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 may be run as a long day trip or as a one night/ two day float. There are designated campsites available within the deep canyon that will be assigned by the ranger prior to launch. This section of river is challenging at all water levels and is only recommended for experienced boaters.
The put-in for Westwater Canyon is located about 70 miles northeast of Moab, Utah and is 35 miles west of Grand Junction, Colorado. At the put-in there is a ranger station and campground with 11 first come first served individual camp sites and one reservable group site. This put-in is also the take-out for the Ruby-Horsethief section of the Colorado River and can be very congested. The access road to the put in 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 of which are located along I-70.
To reach the take-out use exit 214 from westbound I-70 and continue towards Cisco. Roll left through Cisco on the Cisco Pump House Road, over a cattle guard, then bear left at the next intersection, this road continues towards the Boat Launch. * Take the left fork to reach the take-out ramp and parking area. For eastbound I-70 traffic, use exit 204 and follow the signs to Cisco. Take a right at Cisco, then follow the signs to the Cisco take-out/boat ramp.
Due to heavy recreational demand and to protect the primitive and remote setting of Westwater Canyon, permits are required year-round for both private and commercial use.
For more information and up to date conditions, please call the Bureau of Land Management, Moab Field Office (435) 259-2100, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. MST.
For boaters looking to combine Westwater Canyon with Ruby Horsethief Canyon (upstream), please be aware that permits are also required for this stretch of river. Permits for Ruby Horsethief Canyon can be reserved here.
Permit & Season Information
Permits are required year-round for all private and commercial use in Westwater Canyon. A permit for Westwater Canyon allows for the launch of one group, maximum of 25 people, for the date issued. Permit holders will have the option to choose between a day trip or an overnight trip. Only one night is allowed within the canyon, it must be the night of the authorized launch, and the campsites will be assigned by the ranger prior to launch.
- Permits/reservations become available two months prior to the desired launch date at 8 a.m. Mountain Standard Time. Any available launch date within the two month window is also available for reservation up to 11:59 a.m. on the day of the launch.
- Alternate trip leader must be entered upon reservation. This cannot be added or changed after the reservation is made.
- Permits are available to print starting 14 days prior to the launch date.
- Once a permit is printed, no changes to the permit are allowed.
Need to Know
Please be advised, 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 rapids or water levels please talk with the rangers at the put in or call the Moab Field Office at 435-259-2100.
Typically the river peaks around 20,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) in late May or early June. Water flows recede throughout the summer and typically reach flows around 3,000 (cfs) in the fall months. The character of the river changes with river flows. Some rapids are most difficult at higher flows, while other become more difficult at lower flows. Be aware that localized rain and thunderstorms can quickly change conditions in the canyon.
Overnight trips within the canyon are an option for all permit holders. A campsite will be assigned to overnight permit holders at the time of the permit compliance check-in at the put-in by rangers on duty.
Rules and Regulations:
- Alternate trip leader must be entered upon reservation. This cannot be added or changed after the reservation is made.
- Review the Stipulations for Westwater Canyon private permits here
- Fire restrictions may be in place. Review fire information here .
- Permit reservations are for private, non-commercial use only.
- Commercial and organized groups (including universities, schools, and groups sponsored by other organizations) must 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.
- Maximum group size is 25 (depending on available quota).
- Dogs, cats and pets are not allowed in Westwater Canyon.
- One person may hold up to three permits at one time.
Your Safety:
- Bring all of your drinking water. There are no potable sources of drinking water in Westwater Canyon. Filtering water is difficult 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 Sherriff’s Department has search and rescue jurisdiction on public lands and normally takes the lead for such operations. For emergencies, call 911.
Infants and Small Children:
If you answer no to any of the following questions, then Westwater Canyon may not be appropriate for your child’s safety.
- Can your child climb in and out of a boat without the assistance of others?
- Is your child strong enough to hold on while in a moving or bouncing boat without being assisted by an adult?
- Does your child have the knowledge, strength and skill to grab a hold of a throw bag/rope?
- Does your child have the knowledge, strength and skill to survive a swim in cold, moving water or rapids?
Fee Policy
Permit Fee: $10 per person, per trip.
Reservation Fee: There is a non-refundable $6.00 reservation fee for all permit reservations for Westwater Canyon.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy:
- Refunds will be issued for permits that are cancelled or a group size that is decreased prior to 14 days of the launch date (less the $6.00 non-refundable reservation fee).
- No refunds will be given for permits cancelled or for decreased group size within 14 days of the launch date.
Change Policy:
- Permits dates are non-transferable.
- Group size can be reduced, or increased up to the group size maximum of 25 (if quota is available). Reservations and changes may be made up until 11:59 a.m. of the launch date.
- A permit may be changed to be overnight or day trip (if there is availability).
- No permit changes are allowed once the permit has been printed.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
Bureau of Land Management, Moab Field Office 82 East Dogwood Moab UT 84532
Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone Number
435-259-2100
