Colorado River
Ruby-Horsethief Canyon River Guide
A scenic desert canyon stretch of the Colorado River featuring mellow whitewater, towering red rock walls, and popular riverside camps. This section is ideal for beginner-friendly rafting and overnight trips near the Colorado–Utah border.
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Weather Forecast
What's the daily forecast at the put-in for Ruby-Horsethief Canyon?
Current River Conditions
What's the current CFS for Ruby-Horsethief Canyon based on the nearest USGS gauge?
Current Water Level
2,800CFS
Updated May 15, 9:30 AM
Ideal Water Level
2,500–50,000CFS
Flow Trend
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Flow & Gauge Data
Agency Resources
Road Conditions
Common Questions
What paddlers most often want to know about Ruby-Horsethief Canyon.
Do I need a permit to float Ruby-Horsethief Canyon on the Colorado River?
Yes — a camping permit from Recreation.gov is required for overnight trips through Ruby-Horsethief Canyon. Reservations open on a 2-month rolling window at 8:00 AM MDT, giving paddlers a predictable window to secure their preferred launch date.
What class of rapids does Ruby-Horsethief Canyon have?
Ruby-Horsethief Canyon is a Class I–II float, making it one of the most beginner-accessible multi-day river trips in the Colorado River system. The mellow water allows paddlers to focus on the spectacular red rock canyon scenery near the Colorado-Utah border.
How long is the Ruby-Horsethief Canyon float?
Ruby-Horsethief Canyon covers approximately 25 miles from the put-in at Loma, Colorado to the take-out at Westwater, Utah, typically completed as a 2–3 day overnight trip with designated riverfront camps.
Is Ruby-Horsethief Canyon suitable for beginners and families?
Yes — Ruby-Horsethief Canyon is one of the best beginner and family multi-day river trips in the Colorado River system. The Class I–II water is safe for paddlers with minimal experience, and the dramatic red rock walls and sandy campsites make for an unforgettable overnight adventure.
When is the best time to float Ruby-Horsethief Canyon?
Ruby-Horsethief Canyon can be floated spring through fall. Spring (April–May) offers the most water and lush desert vegetation; fall (September–October) brings cooler temperatures and stunning canyon light. Summer is the most popular season but comes with hot daytime temperatures.
Outfitters & Guides
Rimrock Adventures provides guided rafting, horseback riding, equipment rentals, shuttle service, groover rentals, and offers a private boat launch for their customers.
Calendar
Here are some key dates to remember for Ruby-Horsethief Canyon.
Release Windows & Cancellations
Jan 1 @ 1AM MST – Dec 31 @ 1AM MST
Reservations can be made 2 months in advance on daily rolling window. Reservations open at 8:00 am MDT.
Permit System
Recreation.gov
Notes
Reservations for Ruby-Horsethief camping permits can be made 2 months in advance on a daily rolling window. Reservations open at 8:00 am MDT.
Permit cancellations on Ruby-Horsethief Canyon are claimed fast — often within minutes. Sign in to see real-time availability and get notified the moment a permit opens.