Ruby Horsethief Multi-Day river trip
3-Day SUP, Kayak, or Raft
Difficulty: Beginner
Duration: 3 days/2 nights
Length: 25 miles
Included: Guides, transportation, all equipment, no additional rental fees.
Requirements: Age 10+ to SUP or kayak, 6+ to raft. Paddle boarders must be able to stand or kneel for 2 hours. Expect to spend 2-4 hours each day on the water.
Choose your boat: Choose to SUP, kayak, or raft
Transportation: We can pick up and drop off at any Grand Junction hotel. Or meet us at the put-in the day of the trip.
Season: April-October (SUP and kayak options not available during peak runoff Mid-May through June)
Minimum Trip Size: 6 participants
Price
$650 Adults
$575 Groups of 10+
All-inclusive multi-day river trip
At the western edge of Colorado, the Colorado River leaves civilization, and cuts a deep canyon oasis through the desert. Ruby and Horsethief Canyons feature towering red sandstone walls, ancient metamorphic Black Rocks, shady Cottonwood groves, and sandy beaches. On this 25-mile journey life slows to the pace of the river. We spend our days floating the river, relaxing at camp, hiking colorful side canyons, and of course, learning the art of river SUP.
This section of river is suited to beginner and experienced paddlers alike. The character of the river through Ruby Canyon is calm, flat and slow moving. We recommend this trip to any first-time stand up paddler.
All of your needs will be taken care of by our professional, licensed guides, who provide high-quality stand up paddle instruction, camp set up, and delicious meals. Our Wine and Dine option includes locally sourced organic meals, and daily wine tastings featuring the best Western Slope Vintages.
All SUP and camping equipment is provided. All gear is ferried to our riverside camp daily by support raft. All you have to do is stand up, paddle, and enjoy the warm Colorado sunshine.
Thanks to WSSUP for a wonderful trip
“Our family of 11 people across three generations had an outstanding overnight Ruby Horsethief trip. We were catered to in grand style at every time of the day and free to simply relax and enjoy. The team was professional, efficient, and made us incredible meals. From waking up to coffee already made at dawn until we capped off the evening drinking local wines paired with local organic cuisine and then eating delicious seasonal fruit desserts, the food was superb. Our teens enjoyed swimming and jumping from the rocks at Black Rocks and everyone, including our older generation, enjoyed the SUPs.”
slb342020, Trip Advisor
2025 overnight river trip dates
We offer multi-day SUP, kayak, and Raft trips in Ruby Horsethief April-October*. We always offer custom dates for groups of 6 or more when availability allows. Custom dates can only be guaranteed when booked a minimum of 60 days in advance, however we are sometimes able to accommodate custom requests up to 2 weeks in advance. Please call for more information (970) 872-2352
*SUP and Kayak options are not available during peak run-off which is expected annually mid May though late June. Every season is different so please call for current conditions
Booking policy
A $100 per-person non-refundable down payment is due at time of booking. Full payment is due 60 days prior to your trip’s launch date.
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cancellations made 28 days or more before your trip launch date receive a full refund minus down payment.
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Cancellations made 15-27 from trip launch date receive a trip credit good for 1 year, minus down payment.
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No refund or credit will be given for cancellations made within 14 days of your trip launch date
Sample Itinerary
Day 2: Awake to the singing of migrating birds, and the aroma of fresh coffee. After a farm fresh breakfast, we will begin a full day of river fun. Today we leave the golden walls of Horsethief Canyon behind, and enter the vivid red and purple world of Ruby Canyon. After 2 hours on the water, we stop on a mid-stream island to break for lunch, and admire the breathtaking scenery. In the afternoon, we pass between the 2 billion year old Black Rocks formation. Through your instruction and experience, you will now be ready to conquer the small river waves that they create. We will set up camp on a sandy beach amid the mighty Black Rocks. The remainder of the day is spent cliff jumping, hiking, relaxing on the beach, and learning to surf small river waves.
Day 3: Today we float the final section or Ruby Canyon, which features dramatic side canyons, including McDonald Canyon, where we stop to view 1,000-year-old Fremont rock art. We will view more ancient archaeology as we float past an ancient “ladder” of foot holds carved into the canyon walls by its original inhabitants. By the time we cross the Utah state line, you will have forgotten the world we left behind days earlier. Our trip ends at Westwater Ranger Station, 25 river miles from where we began. Refreshments will be available as we reminisce about the experiences we have had together. Your guides will load the van and trailer which takes about an hour. We will share a van ride back to Grand Junction, Colorado, and drop you off at your hotel between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm.
Sample menu
standard menu
Breakfast
Hearty Country Scramble served with sausage links, English muffins, Coffee, tea, and orange juice.
Lunch
Southwestern burrito bowl featuring fresh cilantro, lime, corn, black beans, and fresh veggies, all on a warm flour tortilla. Chips and salsa served on the side.
Dinner
Fire-grilled burgers, complete with all the fixin's. Served with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, and chips.
Dessert
Strawberry shortcake
What We Provide
All equipment included, no additional rental fees
- SUP board, paddle, and PFD (extra stable river specific stand up paddle board)
- Spacious 3-person tent (sleeps 2 people)
- Clean sleeping bag
- Luxurious 3” thick sleeping pad (AIRE Landing Pad)
- Pillow and laundered pillow case
- Camp chair
- Portable toilet system with privacy tent
- 110 liter personal dry bag
- All meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 3, ice water, and lemonade
- Organic, farm fresh meals locally sourced from the North Fork Valley (Wine and Dine option)
- Daily happy hour wine tasting, and wine with dinner. We select only the finest North Fork Valley wines (Wine and Dine option)
- Full kitchen, all utensils
- Comprehensive first aid kit
- 2-3 expert stand up paddle guides
- Transportation to and from Grand Junction, Colorado
What you should bring
Personal clothing
- Swimsuit
- Quick-dry shorts + shirts (long sleeves and pants recommended for sun protection)
- Water sandals with heel strap
- Hiking boots
- Long underwear
- Sweater or jacket
- Sun hat
- Rain gear
Personal items
- Water bottle with clip
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Sunglasses with strap
- Bandana/Buff
- Insect repellent
- Small towel and toiletries
- Medication
- Large zip lock bags for wet gear
- Sunscreen/lip balm
- Moisturizer/skin lotion
- Biodegradable camp soap
Optional Gear
- Waterproof camera
- Small day pack
- Book/Journal
FAQ
Short Answer: Ages 12+ to SUP, 6+ to raft
We will be on the river up to 4 hours each day. Young children may have trouble handling the physical and mental demands of paddling their own craft. We find most children ages 12 and up are able to handle these demands. We are able to accommodate children as young as 6 years old in rafts.
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