Westwater Canyon River

About Westwater Canyon River

Attention: Beginning in January 2020, permits for Westwater Canyon will be available via recreation.gov. Westwater Canyon is the first whitewater stretch on the Colorado River in Utah. The canyon is 17 miles long and includes Class IV rapids, is challenging at all water levels, and is only recommended for experienced boaters. As with any remote river section, Westwater can be a very humbling and dangerous place if not treated with proper respect and ability. Due to heavy recreational demand and to protect the primitive nature of the Canyon, permits are required year-round for private and commercial use. Between April 1st and September 30th, private use is limited to five permits or 75 people (whichever occurs first) per day; commercial use is limited to 75 passengers per day. From October 1st through March 31st, use is limited to seven permits or 150 people per day. Permit fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.

How to Get There

Westwater Ranger Station (the put-in): From Interstate 70, take exit 227. Turn south at the stop sign and proceed for nine miles to the Ranger Station. Alternate Route: From I-70, take exit 221. Turn north at the stop sign. Turn right onto the road paralleling I-70. Turn left shortly after passing over Westwater Creek. Follow this road for 4.5 miles to the Ranger Station. Do not attempt this route during or shortly after inclement weather. The section of the road under the Interstate becomes impassable when wet.

Plan Your Visit to Westwater Canyon River

Heading to Westwater Canyon River? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)