Ruby Horse Thief

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Run Length

26 miles

Average Gradient

7 fpm

Difficulty

Class II

Recommended Flow

River

Colorado River

Location

Fruita, Colorado, United States

Author

Current Flow & Weather

2730 cfs

N/A

Drainage

Colorado

Elevation

Ruby Horse Thief is mild, relaxing float trip allowing for peaceful scenic enjoyment. Great for the whole family.

Horsethief Canyon is a spectacular display of mother nature's artistic carving of the earth. The Sandstone walls have arches, windows and holes carved by the wind and rain. Ruby Canyon has brillant red rocks and is now habitat for varied wildlife including the Great Blue Heron.

There is good camping at Cottonwood and Black Rock. Each area has multiple spots, sign in at the put in at Loma and see where others might be camping.

Ruby Horse Thief

www.merelyafleshwound.com

Paddler:Chris Tracy Photographer:Alex Henes

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	Put-In Loma: Exit I-70 at Loma and turn upstream on the frontage road. Out of town folks might find Colorado River State Park at Fruita a good place to camp and start a Ruby/Horsethief canyon river trip to Westwater, but be sure to stop at the Loma boat ramp to register, especially if you intend to camp in the canyon. Starting at Fruita State Park adds about 4 miles to the trip to Westwater. Exit I-70 at Fruita to go to the Fruita State Park. One big advantage of using the state park is that your car is much less likely to be broken into while on the river. Auto break ins have been a problem at Loma.
	Satan's sack Class II+ This 400 foot waterfall about six miles from put-in is commonly overlooked in the Ruby Horsethief run due to inebriation and 'geologic distractions'. Its an easy right hand boof, nothing but air all the way down.
	Death Fang Class III- Another oft overlooked rapid on this "easy" stretch of river: Death Fang comes up a mile or so past Satan's Sack. The river makes a sharp left-hand turn, and as the water is thrust against the looming wall, you will see the fang. Most people run fang on the right, but at certain levels a left move is possible. If you go left, be sure to avoid entrapment in "Mini-Room-of-Doom!"
	Devil's Jock Strap Class I the name says it all! Paddle really really hard. If something gets in your way TURN!
	Take-Out Take the Westwater exit off of I-70 and follow this road about 10 miles to the Westwater Ranger station.

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Trip Report

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	Uncharacteristically high, proceed with caution.
	Powerful, pushy and unforgiving.
	Ideal flow conditions.
	Boney with potential for boat abuse.
	Not enough water to float a boat.
	Please let us know.
	No gauge, visual required.