We've finally felt our first 100-degree day here in the Valley this year.  It's been a wonderful spring and summer so far, but now that the water levels have come down, now is a wonderful time to float your boat!  Whether you’re looking for a wild whitewater ride, or a lazy float on calm waters, this area provides lots of opportunity.

One of the finest whitewater rides in North America takes rafters through Westwater Canyon on the Colorado River, about 40 miles west of Grand Junction. This 17-mile run just inside the Utah border is one of the most accessible stretches of Class III and IV rapids in the West.  You can shoot the Westwater rapids with a BLM-permitted outfitter on a great one or two-day trip, depending upon your time frame. 

         
Although Westwater Canyon is the region's most famous run, there are several other excellent rafting areas nearby. For example, just outside Fruita lies the Ruby-Horsethief Canyon section of the Colorado.  This stretch runs through the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area and features tame Class I and II rapids, amazing geology and interesting wildlife. In fact, it's home to three of the most endangered fish in the world - the Pikeminnow, which used to grow to lengths of up to five-feet, the razorback sucker and the humpback chub.  This stretch offers 25 different spots to camp and is great for float trips, canoeing and kayaking.

          
You could also travel about 45 miles southwest of Grand Junction to Gateway to reach the Dolores River, a rugged stretch of Class II to IV rapids. 

The easiest, by far, however, is to take a leisurely float through the Grand Valley itself. There are a number of put-in and take-out spots along the river from Palisade to Fruita.

No matter what kind of water, good gear is essential.  Even though the Colorado River looks gentle here in town, it's moving pretty rapidly, having already dropped in elevation from 14,000 feet along the Continental Divide, to about 4,800 feet here in the valley. 

Rental gear is available from Whitewater West (970-241-0441) and Rimrock Adventures (888-712-9555, www.rradventures.com). But whether you have your own gear or not, make sure to check with the Colorado Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Grand Junction Field Office (970-244-3000, www.blm.gov/co) for advice on where to raft and how swiftly the area's rivers are flowing.  (If you're heading to Westwater, you have to contact the Utah BLM at 435-259-7012, www.blm.gov/ut.)

Another local outfit, Adventure Bound River Expeditions (800-423-4668, www.adventureboundusa.com) offers trips throughout the area, including one- and two-day Westwater Canyon trips.

If you're planning your own rafting trip, not only is gear important, you need to go with someone who has experience negotiating these waters. Plan properly and follow local BLM regulations, and you're sure to beat the heat!

By the way, if you are not using an outfitter, a permit is still required on Westwater Canyon and on some sections of the Dolores. Also, these rivers are heavily used, especially on the weekends, so you might want to consider a mid-week trip.   Again, contact the BLM or one of the commercial outfits for more information.