No free launch
Thinking of heading off for an impromptu overnighter on Ruby Horsethief this weekend? Think again.

One of the region’s last, great spontaneous river trips has fallen victim to the regulatory process. Starting last May, Westwater’s kinder, gentler upstream sibling –the quintessential training-wheel, break-in trip for newbies – began requiring permits.

“We’ve had tremendous growth in the use of this stretch of river in the past 10 years,” said Katie Stevens, of the BLM’s McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, which manages the section of the Colorado River. The permit system is meant to alleviate frantic 11th hour campsite brawls as well as environmental damage from too much free-form camping. According to the BLM, more than 9,500 visitors registered at the Loma boat launch, camping for an average of two nights in 2010.

Although there are unlimited permits at the Loma put-in for people wanting to breeze through the 25-mile stretch in a day, anyone planning to camp overnight in the canyon during the prime boating season of May 1 - Sept. 30 will need to take part in the time-honored Monday Morning Madness dialing ritual.

Early-bird campers can start calling the Grand Junction Field Office (970-244-3000) the Monday 60 days prior to the weekend of use (a veritable eternity in river time) to try to snag their favorite campsite. Permits will be issued Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - noon but will be doled out on a first-come, first-served basis to a trip leader and an alternate trip leader.

“We worked closely with private boaters and outfitters over several years to develop this permit system,” said Stevens. In anticipation of the changeover, the BLM added seven new sites. There are now 29 sites available for private groups and six available for commercial trips. One silver lining: dogs are still allowed on Ruby Horsethief, up to 2 per trip, although they are counted toward the total trip capacity of 25.

For the 2012 season, the permits will be issued with no fee. Beginning in 2013, a fee likely based on group size, will be charged for the camping permits.
 “We may develop an on-line permit system for future seasons,” Stevens said. For now, look to the BLM’s website for permitting information and a permit availability calendar.

Camping permits for Sunday-Thursday nights are still self-service at the Loma boat launch.

The unrestricted, free day-use permits are being used by the BLM to track use of the area and will not incur a fee in 2013.
 For more details go to http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/gjfo.html.