Colorado
14. Loma launch to Westwater launch(Ruby Horsethief Canyon)
| Difficulty | II |
| Length | 24.9 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 7 fpm |
| Permit | Overnight camping is available in any of the 34 designated campsites and requires a permit that can be reserved starting two months in advance. No permit is required for day use of the river. |
| Gauge | Colorado River Near Colorado-utah State Line |
| Flow Rate as of 58 minutes | 1940 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | January 13, 2026 |
River Description
Ruby and Horsethief Canyons provide a scenic float trip at moderate flows, suitable for novice boaters. There are a number of riffles and small rapids. When flows get very high, the river is much more serious and dangerous.
Put In: From Interstate 70 just west of Fruita, take exit 15 to Road 139 south. Turn left on Kokopelli Trail and follow it around towards the river. The road turns to gravel about 300 or 400 yards before reaching the river. Just past a dirt parking area, turn left down to a primitive boat ramp.
Take Out: From Interstate 70 take the Westwater exit. The ranger station and launch ramp is about 9 miles from the freeway.
Other Information Sources:
BLM, Grand Junction District, 2815 H Road, Grand Junction, CO 81501; 303-244-1480 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting303-244-1480end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting
BLM - Ruby/Horsethief information
BLM - Ruby/Horsethief boating rules
Colorado River Ruby-Horsethief Brochure pdf
Reaches of the Colorado River:
01. Hot Sulphur Springs to Hwy 40 bridge (Byers Canyon) (CO, IV)
02. Gore Canyon (CO, IV-V)
03. Pumphouse campground to Rancho Del Rio (Pumphouse) (CO, III)
...River Features
Put In
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportJacob Obrien
Jun 2, 2021
The permit system is now in place all days of the year, fees are only charged for camping in the summer. the reservations are on a two month rolling window.
