Colorado River › Ruby-Horsethief
Colorado RiverRuby-Horsethief Rafting
Twenty-five miles of the Colorado between Loma, Colorado and Westwater, Utah, mostly flatwater, a handful of Class I to II rapids, red rock canyon the whole way, and a permit you can get on a rolling 60-day window. If you own boats and have never organised your own overnight river trip, this is the one to start with.
Class I to II, 25 miles, usually two to three days. Overnight camping permits are required year-round and open 60 days ahead; no permit is needed for day use. Groups are capped at 25, and dogs count toward that. Below 5,000 CFS it's an excellent family raft trip.
At a glance
- River
- Colorado
- Difficulty
- Class I to II, mostly flatwater
- Length
- 25 miles, Loma (CO) to Westwater (UT)
- Trip length
- 2 to 3 days
- Group limit
- 25 including dogs (max 2 dogs)
- Motorised craft
- Permitted in Ruby Canyon
- Private permit
- Overnight only, 60-day window. None for day use.
- Gauge
- USGS 09163500
- Contact
- (970) 244-3000
What the Run Is Like
Ruby-Horsethief is a drifting trip. The current does most of the work, the rapids are minor, and the days are structured around camps and side hikes rather than around whitewater. There are numerous day-hike opportunities from the river, and the canyon offers real solitude despite being close to Grand Junction.
Camping is limited across the 25 miles, which is exactly why the permit system exists. Camps are reserved with your permit, so your itinerary is fixed before you launch, plan mileage accordingly.
Motorised craft are permitted in Ruby Canyon. You will likely share the water with powerboats as well as rafts and canoes. It's worth knowing in advance if you're picturing pure wilderness quiet.
Flows Decide What Boat You Should Bring
Class I to II makes this sound uniformly gentle, and at low water it is. Spring runoff is a different river, especially in an open boat. BLM publishes unusually specific guidance for this stretch:
| Flow (CFS) | BLM guidance |
|---|---|
| Above 30,000 | Extra care needed with any type of watercraft |
| 20,000 to 30,000 | Canoes not recommended at all |
| 10,000 to 20,000 | Highly experienced canoeists only |
| Below 5,000 | Best conditions for family raft trips |
Spring runoff also turns the water muddy and carries heavy debris. Check USGS gauge 09163500 before you decide what to bring.
BLM is blunt: cell service is spotty to non-existent, there are no take-outs between Loma and Westwater, and rescues are long and cumbersome. Easy water does not mean a forgiving situation if something goes wrong fifteen miles in. Carry what you'd need to look after yourselves overnight, unplanned.
Geology and Wildlife
The Black Rocks are the highlight. Vishnu schist dating back roughly 1.7 billion years, the same formation geologists call an unconformity where it is exposed in parts of the Grand Canyon. Here it sits at river level.
Wildlife is genuinely abundant: great blue herons, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, mule deer and desert bighorn sheep. Look up into the old cottonwoods and you will likely spot eagle nests.
Approaching within 0.5 miles of an eagle nest, or harassing the birds in any way, is prohibited. Enjoy them from the water.
Permits and Planning
Overnight camping permits are required year-round and become available 60 days before launch. No permit is required for day use. Group size is capped at 25, and BLM counts "heartbeats," meaning adults, children and dogs together. There is a maximum of two dogs, and all are charged the same. Full detail in our Ruby-Horsethief permit guide.
Note also that the take-out at Westwater is the put-in for Westwater Canyon, which is an entirely different proposition. Class III to IV and a separate permit. Do not drift past your take-out.
Common QuestionsRuby-Horsethief FAQ
How long is Ruby-Horsethief?
Twenty-five miles from Loma, Colorado to Westwater, Utah, usually run over two to three days depending on flow.
Is Ruby-Horsethief good for beginners?
It is one of the best beginner multi-day trips in the region, mostly flatwater, straightforward permitting, and good camps. You still need to be self-sufficient, since there are no take-outs along the way.
Can I canoe Ruby-Horsethief?
Below about 10,000 CFS, yes, with experience. BLM does not recommend canoes at all above 20,000 CFS and considers 10,000 to 20,000 suitable only for highly experienced canoeists.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, up to two, but they count toward your 25-person group limit and are charged the same as people.
Do I need a permit for a day trip?
No. Permits are only required for overnight camping.
Last reviewed: July 2026. River conditions, access and regulations change. Confirm current details with the managing agency before your trip, and if something here is wrong, tell us.