photos by David Halterman

In 1916, Bert Loper and Ellsworth Kolb earned bragging rights as the first people to run a section of the Colorado River now known as Westwater Canyon. Nearly a century later, this 17-mile stretch of humbling whitewater and scenic flat water has become one of the most popular sections of river in Utah. The fall Westwater trip has become a tradition among Durangoans looking for one last river fix before the snow flies.

A perfect example of getting together and going nowhere: the time-honored, post-rapids party barge. Ben Lehman behind the oars somewhere near the Utah state line. Stacy Falk paddles through the Black Granite Gorge, home to the oldest exposed rock formation in Utah, dating back an estimated 1.75 billion years.

 

In this week's issue...

January 25, 2024
Bagging it

State plastic bag ban is in full effect, but enforcement varies

January 26, 2024
Paper chase

The Sneer is back – and no we’re not talking about Billy Idol’s comeback tour.

January 11, 2024
High and dry

New state climate report projects continued warming, declining streamflows