westwater canyon overnight boating/climbing/canyoneering trip - June 30, 2026
This is your personal invitation to participate in a 17 mile Class IV Westwater Canyon overnight boating/climbing/canyoneering trip.
The trip will launch from the Westwater Ranger station and will take out at the Cisco boat ramp. Launch days are 30 June and/or 1 July 2026. Launch days and duration will be delineated by participants availability and permit requirements.
Climbers interested in participating in this endeavor need to be able to lead 5.9 - 5.10 utilizing natural protection on Vishnu Schist, Zoroaster Granite, Wingate or Chinle Sandstone. Climbing on day two will involve an early morning start, the climbing will be free and or mixed free and aid. There is the potential to do multiple first ascents.
Canyoneering will be of moderate difficulty in dry conditions. One of the canyoneering routes has the potential for a short section of 5.8 climbing. This route will take us to the lip of the outer rim. This route has severely overhung edge rappel start conditions e.g. starting the rap via etriers.
Participants need to have solid Class III to Class IV boating experience. The estimated flow will be approximately 1200 CFS. Recommended boat length at this flow is 14 foot and below unless you are very experienced and comfortable, running somewhat technical rapids. Participants need to be able to carry all their own gear on their respective watercraft. The style will be lightweight, backpack style versus traditional rafting style due to the low water conditions. Pack rafters are welcome. Oar rigs that are not interested in climbing or canyoneering are also welcome if they feel comfortable hanging out on the side of the river or in camp under the comfort of their own umbrella during the day reading a book, hiking, exploring or enjoying their favorite beverage.
Those interested in participating may contact Chris via phone at 801-776-1031, this is a landline. If you're unable to reach me, please leave a message with your name, phone number, type of boat and type of experience. Please do not respond to this invitation via email as it has proven to be ineffectual at best due to intermittent Century Link cabling deficiencies.
Please inquire if you are committed to doing this Classic Southwestern river trip and have the requisite skill sets.
Looking forward to seeing you on the river!
| Level: | Class IV- |
| Miles: | 17.0 |
| Vertical Drop: | 21' |
| Organizer: | Chris Owin |
| Date: | Tue Jun 30 2026 — Thu Jul 2 2026 |
| Meeting Place: | Register with the Organizer |
