The Ruby-Horsethief section of the Colorado River, from Loma, Colorado, to Westwater, Utah, is a 25-mile stretch of mostly flatwater with sections of class I and II. At high water there are some tricky mid-stream eddies in the Black Rocks section that have flipped many canoes. The Ruby-Horsethief section runs through beautiful red rock canyons and has many day hike opportunities offering both solitude and exploration. The Black Rock section is composed of rock known as Vishnu schist, thought by geologists to be around 1.7 billion years old. This is the same rock that geologists refer to as “an unconformity” and is exposed in certain sections of the Grand Canyon. There is an abundance of wildlife including great blue herons, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, mule deer, and desert bighorn sheep. Please note that during the eagle nesting season, humans are prohibited from approaching within ½ mile of nests or harassing the birds in any way. Look up in old cottonwoods trees and you are likely to spot the nests and eagles. Spring weather can be extremely variable with hot days followed by snow followed by high winds followed by cold rain. Fall is the most consistent weather with warm days, cool nights, and infrequent rain. Summer days can be very hot and buggy. There is little shade along the river. Rain storms are usually short but somewhat violent. Summer nights are usually comfortable. However, several days of long, cold, heavy, and steady rain can occur at any time. The key is being prepared for almost anything. Ruby-Horsethief is a remote section of river. Cell service is spotty to non-existent. Rescues are long and cumbersome. Once you start downriver you are committed to going all the way to Westwater. ELEVATION: 4400' (Loma boat launch) LOCATION: 12 miles west of Grand Junction on Interstate 70 LENGTH OF TRIP: 25 miles (Loma to Westwater) CLASS: I & II PERMIT: None required at this time, but all boaters must sign in at the Loma boat launch. APPROXIMATE TIME TO COMPLETE: 8 - 15 hours, depending of water levels and winds SHUTTLE TIME: 1.5 - 2 hours (local shuttle services) SEASON: Mid-March through October FACILITIES: Toilets at Loma boat launch. No camping allowed at the Loma boat launch or in the parking area. DRINKING WATER: None. Plan to pack in 1 gallon per person, per day. DIRECTIONS TO LOMA BOAT LAUNCH: From Grand Junction, take I-70 west to the Loma exit (Exit #15). Cross over the interstate to the south and turn left on gravel road, follow the road around the corner, parking area will be off to your left and the launch site is just down the hill.
DIRECTIONS TO WESTWATER RANGER STATION: From Grand Junction take I-70 west, 4.5 miles inside the Utah border, take the Westwater exit, at the off ramp go left (south) for 9 miles to the Westwater Ranger Station. STREAMFLOW: Along this section of river you will encounter Class I and II rapids. It is recommended you check the streamflow data when planning your trip, especially during spring runoff, which can vary greatly from year to year. CAUTION: We do not recommend floating the river in any type of watercraft, when the streamflow is over 30,000 CFS (cubic feet per second). Canoes are not recommended at all until the streamflow gets below 20,000 CFS, and between 10,000 and 20,000 CFS only highly experienced canoeists should attempt this section of river. Family raft trips are best done when the river gets down around 5,000 CFS. Spring runoff causes the river to become muddy with heavy debris.
RULES, REGULATIONS & REQUESTS: - Human waste containment and disposal systems are required to be carried and used on all overnight trips and disposed of in facilities designed for that purpose. Since the advent of this regulation, users have noted a significant increase in cleanliness along the river. This regulation is strictly enforced, but your understanding, respect, and compliance are your best tools for keeping the river corridor sanitary and free from human waste. Without this system, you will not be allowed to launch.
- Group Size: Limited to 25 people.
- Life jackets are required for all float participants.
- Pets and wildlife: It is not only poor user etiquette, but also illegal for your pets to harass wildlife. Pets must be on a leash or under strict verbal command at all times. Violations will be treated as harassment of wildlife.
- Pet waste: It is not a requirement, but it is certainly a request to pick up dog waste and dispose of it in your human waste containment system.
- Fires: Firepans are required for all open fires.
- Wood gathering is discouraged. The supply of dead wood is extremely limited and provides nutrition for the soil and habitat for wildlife. It is highly recommended that you buy and bring your own supply of firewood.
- Personal watercraft (jet-skis): The launching of PWC is prohibited.
WESTWATER PERMITS: To float below Westwater a permit is required. Permits may be obtained from Moab, Utah BLM office, 435-259-7012 between the hours of 8:00 - 12:00 noon, Monday - Friday.
FIRE REGULATIONS: Gas or propane stoves are strongly encouraged for camp cooking. Please be extra careful with fire in this area. Many fires have been started by careless visitors which have killed dozens of mature cottonwood trees. Firepans are required for all open fires of any material. Fire regulations are strictly enforced because human caused fires have been devastating along the river corridor to wildlife, native vegetation and especially the beautiful cottonwood galleries and the shade they once provided. However, respect for the inherent danger of fires and compliance are the best tools for maintaining the corridor’s beauty. Fire restrictions are usually in effect for most of the boating season. Monitor this site or call the Grand Junction Field Office for current fire information. Fire regulations can change between the time you leave home and the time you launch, so it is always best to be prepared to cook with a camp stove that can be turned on and off.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Call or stop by the BLM Grand Junction Field Office M-F @ 970-244-3000 for more information. |
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