Westwater Group Site (Ranger Station)

OVERVIEW Welcome to the wild and remote canyons and rivers of Eastern Utah, where approximately 10,000 people float the Westwater Canyon section of the Colorado River each year. This 17-mile stretch of the Colorado River is surrounded by the Westwater Wilderness Study Area.  The Westwater Group Site is located near the ranger station and put-in. This site is ideal for large groups looking to camp along the river.  RECREATION The Colorado River is known world-wide for extraordinary whitewater trips from the Ruby-Horsethief section up river of Westwater Canyon to Cataract Canyon and the Grand Canyon downstream. Westwater Canyon offers boating excitement for experienced adventurers to test their skills navigating the 11 named rapids ranging in difficulty from class I to class IV.  While rafting down the canyon, the area offers views of incredible geology, hiking with glimpses of abandoned settler cabins and caves, as well as opportunities for camping. Just north of the site, many motorized and non-motorized trails can be found paralleling the rim of canyons and traversing technical slick rock.  Westwater Canyon employs a permit system to protect it from excessive human impacts. This area is extremely remote and rugged, and it's important to keep it this way. To help protect the purity of the area and as a part of the protection plan, we ask that you learn and practice "Leave No Trace" Ethics.  FACILITIES The group site includes a shade shelter with picnic tables and a fire ring where large groups of up to 30 people can gather. Parking spaces for up to 10 vehicles are provided as well as a vault toilet.  NATURAL FEATURES The site is adjacent to the Colorado River as it meanders through a valley. Views of Navajo Sandstone walls surrounding the valley can be seen from the site.  NEARBY ATTRACTIONS Moab, UT is located 70 miles southwest, where Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are nearby. Grand Junction, CO is located 35 miles east, where McInnis Canyon and Colorado National Monuments are nearby.