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.
Snapshot
Important information for this section of river
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Current Availability
The following dates have one or more sites available
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Water Level
FAQ: What's the current water level for Ruby-Horsethief Canyon?
2,370 CFS
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FAQ: What's the ideal range for this section of river?
2,500 – 50,000 CFS
Rapids
1 loggedCommunity-contributed. Conditions change with flow. Scout everything.
- Black Rocks RapidClass II
At lower levels, a large boulder is exposed at the entrance to Black Rocks on river right. Above 20,000 CFS, big eddies, strong whirlpools, and massive boils can exist and cause unusual currents and tricky maneuvers.
Boat Launches
6 loggedCommunity-contributed. Conditions change with flow. Scout everything.
- Loma Boat Launch
- James M. Robb State Park Fruita Boat Launch
- Westwater Boat Launch
- Rimrock Boat Launch
- Walter Walker Boat Launch
Camps
34 loggedCommunity-contributed. Conditions change with flow. Scout everything.
- RattlesnakeMile 3.2
3.2 river miles from Loma Clay/rock landing Has shade Maximum group size: 14 Located on river left
- Beaver Tail 1Mile 3.5
3.5 river miles from Loma Cobblestone landing No shade Maximum group size: 25 Located on river right
- Beaver Tail 2Mile 3.6
3.6 River Miles from Loma Grass landing Has shade Maximum group size: 25 Located on river right
- Bull DrawMile 3.7
3.7 river miles from Loma Clay/rock landing No shade Maximum group size: 25 Located on river left
- Banjo CampMile 5.6
5.6 river miles from Loma Grass landing Has shade Maximum group size: 25 Located on river left
Outfitters
2 loggedCommunity-contributed. Conditions change with flow. Scout everything.
- Rimrock Adventures4.8
Rimrock Adventures provides guided rafting, horseback riding, equipment rentals, shuttle service, groover rentals, and offers a private boat launch for their customers.
Gear SupplyGuided TripsIceShuttle Service
Key Dates
Here are some key dates to remember for Ruby-Horsethief Canyon.
Apr 1 – Oct 31
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 Details
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.
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.
Weather Forecast
What's the daily forecast at the put-in for Ruby-Horsethief Canyon?