Fall Colors Trip
August 28 - September 1, 2026
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Details
Details
As the rafting season in Colorado gradually comes to a close, the weather cools, and the trees start to change colors we invite you to join us on the Fall Colors Trip. This is a multi-day trip on the Colorado River, covering the Ruby Horsethief and Westwater canyon sections. High Country River Rafters members have the option to sign up for the Ruby Horsethief and Westwater canyon sections independently, OR combine them together.
The permit can accommodate a maximum of 25 people. Once this capacity has been reached, registration will automatically close.
Register no later than July 31st to secure your spot.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Thursday, Aug. 27th | Arrival & Rigging: Camp and meet at James Robb state park in Fruita. We will begin inflating rafts and get rigged in preparation for the next day's launch. This evening we will hold a safety briefing and orientation talk.
Friday, Aug. 28th | Launch day: Float from James Robb State Park in Fruita and float to Beaver Tail 2.
Saturday, Aug 29th: Float from Beaver Tail 2 to Cottonwood 5.
Sunday, Aug 30th: Float from Cottonwood 5 to Knowles.
Monday, Aug 31st: Start from Knowles and check in at Westwater ranger station. After checking in with the ranger, our goal is to camp upstream of the rapids. However, this depends on whether the ranger grants us our desired camp. Members wanting to take out or put in here can be picked up and dropped off at the Westwater boat ramp. For those meeting us, we anticipate being at the Westwater boat ramp around 11 am or 12 pm, but please keep in mind this is an approximation.
Tuesday, Sept 1st: Provided we are assigned a camp above the rapids, this day we will run Westwater Canyon rapids, then float to the Cisco Landing takeout. Drive home.
If you would like to organize an extended trip past Cisco Landing feel free to coordinate among the group.
Cost
Cost
Trip expenses, including food, propane, and permit costs, will be settled after the trip.
Camping, Rigging, and Shuttle
Camping, Rigging, and Shuttle
We recommend camping and getting rigged on Thursday, Aug 27th at James M. Robb State Park in Fruita. This is the day before we launch. Sites are booking fast so be sure to reserve a site early. If this location is full you will need to find other arrangements for camping and be rigged and ready at the time of launch.
Click here to reserve a site at James M. Robb State Park in Fruita.
Shuttle arrangement will be coordinated once we determine how many participants we have. The shuttle company, Rimrock Adventures, is a short drive from the put-in.
Food & Gear
Food & Gear
Depending on how many members sign up, this will either be a do-your-own cooking trip OR group meals.
After you have registered, use the button below to see who's joining and sign up for group gear & meals on the spreadsheet's tabs.
Rules & Regulations
Rules & Regulations
Disclaimer
Disclaimer
⚠️ The Westwater canyon is a technical section and has several class III & IV rapids, compounded with potentially cold conditions. If you do not feel comfortable in your whitewater rafting skills, please reach out to other members to see if they can take you on as a passenger, or make other arrangements.
Registration
Registration
Participants must register in advance and be current HCRR members. Additionally, each participant must register individually.
If prompted, sign in using your HCRR-registered email address.
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