As a result of legislation passed by Congress in 1987, recreation use fees are being returned to the area where they were collected. Returned fees now fund a substantial portion of the Westwater management program. There are only 10 campsites in Westwater Canyon. Campsites are assigned at the ranger station at launch time with consideration given to group size. The character of the river varies with each change in river flow.
Some rapids are most challenging at high water, while others require a greater skill at low water.
Within Westwater Canyon, there are 11 rapids that range in difficulty from 1 to 9, on a scale where the most dangerous rapids have a rating of 10. Check at the ranger station for additional information. Wildlife Many species of wildlife inhabit the canyon. A small seasonal waterfall is located on the Little Dolores River about 200 yards upstream from its confluence with the Colorado River. Several small natural arches are located near the Little Dolores River and one large arch is located just below Star Canyon along the skyline.