CISCO RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Westwater’s Long Run: A Full-Day Descent of Class III–IV Whitewater
A 17.6-mile, full-day run on the Colorado River through Westwater Canyon—this guide lays out what to expect from the rapids, route, and logistics.
Westwater’s Long Run: A Full-Day Descent of Class III–IV Whitewater.
A full-day outing on the Colorado River, the Westwater Canyon run covers 17.6 miles from the Westwater Ranger Station to the Cisco take‑out, alternating calm, view-filled floats with a long, consistent stretch of Class III–IV whitewater and 11 named rapids, finished with a riverside lunch and a calm float into Cisco.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A 17.6-mile canyon descent
The run spans 17.6 miles of the Colorado River, beginning at Westwater Ranger Station and ending at the Cisco take‑out, tracing canyon walls and changing river moods along the way.
Eleven Class III–IV rapids
Paddlers encounter 11 rapids—a sustained, action‑packed section of consistent Class III–IV whitewater that makes this a full‑day, adrenaline‑forward trip.
Calm stretches, riverside lunch, then a mellow finish
The day balances high-adrenaline rapids with quieter stretches to take in the canyon scenery, includes a riverside lunch, and closes with a calm float to the take‑out at Cisco.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Expect a varied whitewater day: push off and move through calm morning water that opens into a long, continuous corridor of Class III–IV rapids and eleven named drops, break for a riverside lunch, then relax into a steady float as the canyon eases toward the Cisco take‑out—an immersive full‑day run on the Colorado River.
THE ROUTE
A 17.6-mile canyon descent
The run spans 17.6 miles of the Colorado River, beginning at Westwater Ranger Station and ending at the Cisco take‑out, tracing canyon walls and changing river moods along the way.
THE RAPIDS
Eleven Class III–IV rapids
Paddlers encounter 11 rapids—a sustained, action‑packed section of consistent Class III–IV whitewater that makes this a full‑day, adrenaline‑forward trip.
THE RHYTHM
Calm stretches, riverside lunch, then a mellow finish
The day balances high-adrenaline rapids with quieter stretches to take in the canyon scenery, includes a riverside lunch, and closes with a calm float to the take‑out at Cisco.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits best—and who might look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The trip duration is 7.5 hours.
Meet at the pre‑designated location provided in your confirmation email; the operator lists a meeting address in Durango for pre‑trip check‑in.
The run covers 17.6 miles of the Colorado River from Westwater Ranger Station to the Cisco take‑out.
Consult your confirmation and operator guidance for specific gear recommendations and any equipment provided or required.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The trip duration is 7.5 hours.
How many miles of river does the trip cover?
The run covers 17.6 miles of the Colorado River from Westwater Ranger Station to the Cisco take‑out.
What class of rapids will we encounter?
The trip includes a long, consistent stretch of Class III–IV rapids.
How many rapids are on the run and are any named?
Paddlers run 11 rapids, including named features such as Little Dolores, Skull, and Last Chance.
Is there a lunch break?
Yes — the itinerary includes a riverside lunch during the full‑day trip.
Where is the take‑out?
The trip finishes at the Cisco take‑out.