Spring Colors Trip
March 30, 2026 - April 2, 2026
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Details
Details
This spring trip is our kickoff into the rafting season and 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.
To ensure everyone fits comfortably at our sites, we are limiting this trip to 16 participants and a maximum of 10 rafts. We strongly encourage members to share rafts where possible. Once we reach the 10-raft limit, registration for larger boats will close, though we may still be able to accommodate smaller craft like duckies.
⚠️ We have reached our capacity limit for rafts. If you would like to register as a passenger, or bring a smaller boat like an IK or kayak, feel free to continue with the registration process. Members can click here to view the current regsitered individuals.
Please register by Sunday, March 22, 2026.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Monday, 3/30/26 (Launch day): Start from James M. Robb State Park in Fruita and camp at Cottonwood 5 (10.7 miles).
Tuesday, 3/31/26: Start from Cottonwood 5 to Knowles (11.7 miles).
Wednesday, 4/1/26: Start from Knowles, 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.
Thursday, 4/2/26: 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.
Costs
Costs
Cost is $8 per person (covers the permit only). Paid during the registration.
Additional trip expenses, including food and equipment costs, will be settled after the trip.
Camping, Rigging, and Shuttle
Camping, Rigging, and Shuttle
We recommend camping and getting rigged on Sunday, 3/29/26 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 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.
Shuttle arrangement will be handled individually. Feel free to schedule your own shuttle, or coordinate with other members. The shuttle company, Rimrock Adventures, is a short drive from the put-in.
Food & Gear
Food & Gear
All meals (breakfasts and dinners) are shared by the group. After you have registered, use the button below to sign up for group gear and meals.
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.
⚠️ We have reached our capacity limit for rafts. If you would like to register as a passenger, or bring a smaller boat like an IK or kayak, feel free to continue with the registration process. Members can click here to view the current regsitered individuals.
If prompted, sign in using your HCRR-registered email address.
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