Gauge Conditions
Runnable: 2,000.0 – 30,000.0 CFS
Optimal flow range (flows based on 2014 Colorado Basin Flow Study).
Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Photo
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description
Staircase Rapids presents a technical Class III challenge with a series of stepped drops and powerful hydraulics that demand precise maneuvering. Paddlers must navigate between rocky obstacles and negotiate tight channels, with the primary line requiring careful boat positioning to avoid potential keeper holes and recover quickly between successive drops. A strategic approach and strong paddle skills are essential to successfully run this dynamic section of Westwater Canyon.
Location
Other Rapids on This Run (20)
Rapid
N/A
Westwater Ranger Station (put-in)
Rapid
N/A
Miners camp
Rapid
II
Wild Horse Rapids
Rapid
N/A
Folley's camp
Rapid
N/A
Upper Cougar Bar camp
Rapid
N/A
Lower Cougar Bar camp
Rapid
N/A
Little Hole camp
Rapid
N/A
Upper Little Dolores camp
Rapid
II+
Little Dolores Rapids
Rapid
N/A
Lower Little Dolores camp
Rapid
N/A
Hades Bar camp
Rapid
III
Marble Canyon Rapids
Rapid
III
Big Hummer Rapids
Rapid
III
Funnel Falls
Rapid
III
Surprise Rapids
Rapid
IV
Skull Rapid
Rapid
III
Bowling Alley
Rapid
III
Sock It To Me
Rapid
III
Last Chance Rapid
Rapid
N/A
Big Hole
View Full Run
15. Westwater to Rose Ranch (Westwater Canyon)
Colorado
III-IV
17.6 mi
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
American Whitewater