Westwater Canyon Whitewater Rafting

About This Adventure

Westwater Canyon cuts through Precambrian granite — some of the oldest exposed rock on the Colorado Plateau — and produces a series of Class III-IV rapids that earn their names. The put-in is thirty miles from Moab, and the canyon walls close in almost immediately, the river narrows, and the rapids begin. Your guide rows with the precision that Westwater demands, reading lines and setting up for the next drop while managing the current.

This is technical whitewater in a setting with essentially no development visible from the water — one of the best wilderness whitewater stretches in the Southwest. Age ten and up; full day.

Highlights

Before You Go

What's Included

• Raft & paddle
• Life jacket & helmet
• Wetsuit
• Professional guide
• Lunch
• Dry bag
• Complimentary pick up at Red Cliffs Lodge

What to Bring

• Swimwear
• Quick-dry clothes
• Sunscreen
• Extra water
• Secure footwear

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

• Free cancellation within 48 hours of booking, if your trip is at least 5 days away.
• More than 7 days before your trip: full refund less a $25 processing fee.
• 3–7 days before your trip: 50% refund.
• Less than 3 days before your trip, or a no-show: no refund.
• If the operator cancels (weather, safety, etc.): full refund or free reschedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is the Westwater Canyon rafting trip best suited for?+

  Westwater Canyon is designed for adventurous guests who are comfortable in moving water and ready for bigger rapids. The minimum age is 12, and participants should have a moderate fitness level to paddle and re-enter the raft if needed. This trip is more intense than our Colorado River family floats, making it ideal for thrill-seekers, teens, and adults looking for Class III–IV whitewater.

• What kind of rapids will I encounter on the Westwater trip?+

  You’ll raft through a series of legendary Class III–IV rapids including Skull, Funnel Falls, Sock-It-To-Me, and Surprise. These rapids feature fast-moving drops, large waves, and technical maneuvers. The rapids in Westwater Canyon occur in a short, narrow section of the canyon that you’ll encounter after lunch. Calmer stretches at the beginning and end of the canyon balance the day, but the core afternoon section of this trip is exciting, continuous whitewater action.

• How long is the Westwater Canyon rafting adventure?+

  This is a full-day adventure lasting about 10 hours including shuttles to and from the river. The drive to the BLM Westwater put in from Moab is approximately 90 minutes. The return from the takeout to Moab is about 60 minutes. With some time for orientation at the launch ramp and time for getting the boats out of the water at the end, the actual time on the river will be closer to 6-8 hours and will fluctuate based on water levels and speed of the water. Trips depart Moab Adventure Center at 7:30 AM and return in the late afternoon to early evening. On the water, you’ll cover 17 miles of the Colorado River, with time for both thrilling rapids and a riverside picnic lunch.

• What’s included with the Westwater rafting trip?+

  The trip includes professional guides, all rafting equipment (rafts, paddles, helmets, and Coast Guard–approved life jackets), a picnic-style riverside lunch, and round-trip transportation from Moab Adventure Center to the Westwater launch site. Just bring your personal items such as sun protection, water shoes, and quick-dry clothing.

• Do I need previous rafting experience to join Westwater Canyon?+

  No prior rafting experience is required, but guests should be prepared for Class III–IV rapids, which are more demanding than the family sections of the Colorado River. Guides provide a full safety orientation, and helmets are required. Guests should feel comfortable in water and able to follow paddling instructions in turbulent conditions.

• Will I have to paddle the whole time?+

  It depends on water levels and the type of raft you’re in. During higher flows, Westwater trips typically use oar-powered rafts, where your guide rows from the center to handle the stronger current. In more moderate water levels, paddle rafts are used, with the guide positioned at the back to steer and assist while guests paddle as a team through the calm water sections and rapids. Either way, your guide will let you know what to expect, and you can choose how active you’d like to be when booking, depending on availability.