🚣 River
Westwater Canyon
About This Permit
Westwater Canyon carves a dramatic 17-mile Precambrian gorge through the oldest exposed rock in the Colorado Plateau, featuring Class IV–V rapids including Skull Rapid and the Room of Doom. Most groups do it in 1–2 days — making it one of the shortest but most intense permitted river runs in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a lottery for Westwater Canyon?
No lottery. Permits open on a rolling 2-month advance basis at 8 a.m. MT on recreation.gov. Spring (April–May) weekend dates fill within minutes of opening — set a calendar reminder for exactly 2 months out.
Is Westwater Canyon suitable for beginners?
No. Westwater is Class IV–V with serious consequences in spring high water. Skull Rapid and the Room of Doom series are not beginner whitewater. Experienced paddlers or a qualified guide are strongly recommended.
How long is a Westwater Canyon trip?
The canyon section is approximately 17 miles from Loma to the Westwater takeout, typically done as a 1-day or overnight trip. Most groups camp at one of the BLM sites mid-canyon.
What's the best way to get a last-minute Westwater permit?
Check recreation.gov for cancellations — they surface regularly. PermitAlert monitors every 60 seconds and will alert you the moment a date opens up.
Key Facts
- State
- UT
- Float Season
- Year-round; peak season April 1 – September 30
- Launch Quota
- 5 private permits/day (peak Apr 1–Sep 30); 7/day (off-season Oct–Mar)
- Put-in
- Loma Boat Launch (put-in)
- Take-out
- Loma Boat Ramp, Grand Junction, CO
- Difficulty to get permit
- 3/5(Competitive)
Get an SMS the moment a cancellation opens — we scan every 60 seconds.
Set an Alert for This Permit