Westwater Canyon

Matt surfing Little Dolores at 4,400 cfs

Westwater Canyon of the Colorado is a stretch of river that is dear to the hearts of all Telluride Kayak School instructors. This is the place where many class III paddlers first sink their teeth into class IV whitewater. Westwater Canyon is unique in the sense that access is relatively easy yet the canyon’s feel is remote and the geologic landscape stunning. The first day is a peaceful float through cottonwoods and tall wind-gate sandstone canyon walls with intermittent class II rapids and the occasional surf wave. This first stretch of river provides plenty of opportunity to get warmed up for the heart of the canyon. Day 2 starts off with a bang as the river drops into a dramatic Precambrian gneiss gorge. This is some of the oldest exposed rock formations on earth! The canyon contains 10 rapids culminating at “Skull,” which is the most difficult. Though the rapids come in succession, their character is “pool drop.”