Cisco to Dewey Bridge or Hittle Bottom
Floating the open lands on the Colorado River
~A serene, calm water float~
A great overnight trip for family and friend reunions, scout and school troops, couples, corporate retreats, nature lovers, and you name it, who don’t have time for an extended, multi-day trip!
As the Colorado River leaves the confines of Westwater Canyon and enters the muted shades of the Cisco Desert, he begins a series of broad meanders across a wide floodplain. His channel is shallow and braided with the sand and gravel bars created from the sediments picked up from the long journey across Colorado. Except for a brief stop to pick-up his younger sister, the Dolores River, where sharply tilted sandstone cliffs create a small ochre-walled canyon, the Colorado River here is a completely different river from the stretches downstream. Boaters are treated to broad and open views of the farmlands and fields lining the river – this feels more like cowboy country on the open range. Cottonwood groves provide cool shade on a hot summer day; in the spring, the trees are covered with new pale green leaves and in the fall they are golden and rustling with the breeze. This is one of the best sections along the Colorado River for bird watching. Migratory waterfowl use this part of the river as a wintering ground, whose milder temperatures and calmer weather are a refuge from the harsh climate further north. It is not uncommon to see Canadian geese, ducks, herons, and other waterfowl on a late fall float downstream. In spring, songbirds return to the river, and the banks and groves can be a symphony of bird calls.
Boaters put-in for this gentle stretch of river at the Cisco Boat Ramp. Twenty + miles of paddling calm water with a few riffles will find you at Dewey Bridge or Hittle Bottom take-out. A two or three day trip, with a night or two on the river, make this stretch a nice introduction to the Colorado River. This trip is appropriate for beginner to advanced canoeists.
THIS IS A SELF-GUIDED TRIP which means that this expedition is self-governing where you navigate and are responsible for all of the paperwork, planning, footwork, packing/unpacking, and knowledge of equipment/gear, the area, the river, weather conditions, and navigating the route yourself. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) can be a great place to start with providing suggestions, maps, instructions, directions, and items to see or do during self-guided tours.
Colorado River Trip Summary:
Class: I, no rapids- Location: Southeastern Utah
- Put-in: Cisco Boat Ramp
- Take-out: Dewey Bridge or Hittle Bottom
- Mileage: 19 or 24 miles
- Trip length: Overnight or 2 Nights
- Camping areas: All along the river
*We strongly advise against traveling to and from Moab on your put-in and take-out dates.
What you will need to bring:
- River map, River toilet system (mandatory/required by the Bureau of Land Management-BLM. YOU MUST BRING YOUR OWN TOILET PAPER), ROPE: 50+ ft. to tie up the canoe(s), camping equipment/kitchen commissary, staples, coolers, stove, tent, sleeping bag, sunblock, insect repellent, and meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day (Please visit our Packing List for a more extensive list.)
- Fresh drinking and cooking water must be carried in, not filtered – The BLM recommends 1 gallon per person per day, along with ½ to 1 gallon per meal for cooking. You may fill your water jugs at our location.
Consumables are not provided for Self-Guided Trips, i.e. ice, toilet paper, propane gas, food, etc.
Trip Planners & Considerations:
- On the morning of your Self-Guided Colorado River Canoe Trip, you will meet us at your pre-arranged reservation time at our shop in Moab, at 2480 S. Highway 191. At this time, we will process your bill and have you complete some paperwork. In addition, there will be a 10 minute briefing to go over river maps and possible camps and hikes, if you purchase a map from us. It is your responsibility to be prepared and ready to go when you arrive at our shop the day of your launch. It is about 1 hour and 45 minutes to the river from the shop. Your Shuttle Driver will not make any “pit stops” between our shop and the river.
- You will be going into and camping in the wilderness (you may get wet, sandy, and muddy) and you, as navigator, will have to pay attention to river mileage and your travel speeds. You are your own captain! Services are non-existent. With a Self-Guided Trip, it is up to you to know your own abilities. Regarding Mother Nature and the river, as much as you want (and ask), we cannot give you absolutes, especially in terms of the extreme desert conditions and variances that occur in our environment daily. This is why we speak in generalities and tell you to be well prepared for your trip! The desert is a lesson in extremes and unpredictability and can be very unforgiving (Please do blame us for weather or bugs!)! This is not Disneyland! YOU NEED TO BE PREPARED for rainstorms, wind, blazing sun, intense heat and cold, etc. If you have an issue with the sun, this is not the trip for you!
- Seasonal differences necessitate flexibility. Again, weather is unpredictable and can change in an instant in the high desert! You will have different concerns depending on the time of year you will be traveling. If you are waiting for the “perfect” weather, you may never take this trip! Temperatures range from 100+ degrees in the summer to sub-zero some winters. Day and night temperature differences can also be extreme. Thunderstorms can build quickly, bringing with them lightening and flash floods. The one predictable element you can rely on is the up-canyon winds. These can happen at any time of the day, as the weather is extremely unpredictable here. High, gale-like winds usually accompany storm fronts. Water levels fluctuate seasonally. Be aware that during high water, you will have powerful water, currents, and strong eddies, and your travel time can be much faster. When the river is low, you will be moving more slowly and need to paddle more…sandy beaches make for good rest stops. Boaters can paddle, enjoy a picnic lunch on a sandy beach, and go for a swim in the river during the warm months. Drink plenty of water along the way and put on that sunscreen and lip balm.
- Jumping ahead to the take-out, pick-up is at 4:00 pm, returning to our shop by approximately 5:15 pm (about 1 hour or so back to our shop, not including gear loading time).
All times are approximate, in the best of conditions. In the remote backcountry, forces beyond our control can happen.
Leave no trace of your stay. You must pack out everything you pack in! Visit: lnt.org
“Take only memories, leave only footprints.”
*By state law, all who go out on the river must be a minimum of 40 pounds in weight. Additionally, children 12 years and younger must always wear a PFD on all Utah State waters.
Self-Guided Prep-Work “Calculator Time”
Canoe Rental: What canoe do you want/need?
The Wenonah is a must have for the serious canoeist and one of the many reasons people seek out Moab Rafting and Canoe Company. We offer the best brand canoes and are the only company in town that rents these award-winning, high performance Wenonah Canoes! These are larger, yet lighter weight, more stable canoes, each individually handcrafted in the United States. Our Wenonah’s canoes are either made of Tuf-weave® (a composite material of interwoven fabric made of 50% polyester and 50% fiberglass that outperforms either material on its own) or Royalex® (a composite material, comprising an outer layer of vinyl and hard acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic (ABS) and an inner layer of ABS foam. The layers are bonded by heat treatment).
Our tandem canoes are 2-person riders ONLY. YOU MAY NOT SHUTTLE OUR CANOES.
Wenonah Cascade: 17 ½ feet $50 a day
Wenonah Champlain: 18 ½ feet $55 a day
Wenonah Spirit II: 17 feet $55 a day
Wenonah SOLO Wilderness: 15 ½ feet $45 a day
Osagian Classic Aluminum: 15 feet $45 a day
Wenonah Cascade
17 ½ feet $50 a day. A great general use, canoe camping, and family boat.
Dimensions
Overall Length: 17′ 6″ (533.4 cm)
Gunwale Width: 36″ (91.44 cm)
Maximum Width: 37″ (93.98 cm)
Waterline Width: 34.5″ (87.63 cm)
Stern Depth: 22″ (55.88 cm)
Center Depth: 13.5″ (34.29 cm)
Bow Depth: 22″ (55.88 cm)
Rocker: 2″ (5.08 cm)
Wenonah Champlain (Our largest canoe and usually the 1st to be rented out/reserved.)
18 ½ feet $55 a day. A versatile design with enhanced efficiency and seaworthiness. A larger, more stable version of our versatile Spirit II and our largest canoe available to rent, the Champlain has the efficiency and capacity to haul heavy loads long distances. Its length and profile give good speed and glide, which it retains very well with a load.
Dimensions
Overall Length: 18′ 6″ (563.88 cm)
Gunwale Width: 36.5″ (92.71 cm)
Maximum Width: 37″ (93.98 cm)
Waterline Width: 36.75″ (93.345 cm)
Stern Depth: 20″ (50.8 cm)
Center Depth: 14″ (35.56 cm)
Bow Depth: 22″ (55.88 cm)
Rocker: 1.5″ (3.81 cm)
Wenonah Spirit II
17 feet $55 a day. Like a Swiss Army Knife, the Spirit II does everything. As efficient as a long-hulled canoe and as maneuverable as a short one, the Spirit II strikes a balance between all good things. Roomy enough for Boundary Waters style trips, it’s even more stable when loaded.
Dimensions
Overall Length: 17′ 0″ (518.16 cm)
Gunwale Width: 35″ (88.9 cm)
Maximum Width: 36″ (91.44 cm)
Waterline Width: 35.5″ (90.17 cm)
Stern Depth: 19″ (48.26 cm)
Center Depth: 14″ (35.56 cm)
Bow Depth: 22″ (55.88 cm)
Rocker: 1.5″ (3.81 cm)
Wenonah SOLO Wilderness
15 ½ feet $45 a day. This is for a single boater with the seat in the middle. Its well-rounded stability and moderate rocker make it a great down-river boat, while inspiring confidence whether on a loaded tour or evening paddle.
Dimensions
Overall Length: 15′ 4″ (467.36 cm)
Gunwale Width: 27″ (68.58 cm)
Maximum Width: 30.5″ (77.47 cm)
Waterline Width: 29.75″ (75.565 cm)
Stern Depth: 17″ (43.18 cm)
Center Depth: 14″ (35.56 cm)
Bow Depth: 19″ (48.26 cm)
Rocker: 1.25″ (3.175 cm)
Osagian Classic Aluminum Canoe
15 feet $45 a day. The Canoe that made Osagian famous! It is the best all-around choice for entry and intermediate-level canoeists in a wide variety of applications. GREAT for school groups, Scout Troops, big groups, and the young, etc.
Dimensions
Overall Length: 15′ (466.36 cm)
Gunwale Width: 36″ (67.58 cm)
Maximum Width: 30.5″ (77.47 cm)
Waterline Width: 29.75″ (75.565 cm)
Stern Depth: 13″ (41.18 cm)
Center Depth: 14″ (35.56 cm)
Bow Depth: 19″ (48.26 cm)
Rocker: 1.25″ (3.175 cm)
WE DO NOT RENT RAFTS, KAYAKS, INFLATABLE KAYAKS, OR STAND UP PADDLEBOARDS.
1.) Round Trip Shuttle Cost for this Trip
| 1 – 2 people $265 | |
| 3+ $115 per person | $20 per dog |
# of people _____ x $115 = $____________
# of dogs _____ x $20 = dog shuttle fee $________
TOTAL SHUTTLE COST = $_____________
Shuttle prices are fixed per your specific group size reservation.
SHUTTLES ARE NOT PRIVATE! If you would like a private shuttle, you must pay for each seat in the 15 Passenger Van(s).
We are a small company that books up throughout the season because of our service, expertise, and dedication in offering our specialized trips. ALL PRICES ARE FIXED, SO PLEASE, NO DISCOUNTS OR HAGGLING.
MRCC is one of the few outfitters that allows your “best friend” to join you on your canoeing river trip! We can move dogs on shuttles, however, we ask for a $20 fee per dog. (Not all dogs like being in a canoe, so think this one through. Remember, this is a river, not a lake.)
2.) Canoe Rental Cost Per Trip
Which canoe?
- Osagian Classic Aluminum Canoe 15 ft. $45 a day How many ______x $45 = ________
- Wenonah Cascades 17 ½ ft. $50 a day How many ______x $50 = ________
- Wenonah Champlain 18 ½ ft. $55 a day How many ______x $55 = ________
- Wenonah Spirit II 17 ft. $55 a day How many ______x $55 = ________
- Wenonah Solo Wilderness 15 ½ ft. $45 a day How many ______x $45 = ________
Total Number of Canoes____ Daily Canoe Cost = $________
| Daily Canoe Cost= | $ | x # of Days | = | TOTAL SHUTTLE COST= | $ |
Equipment we INCLUDE, at no additional charge, with TANDEM (2 person) canoe rentals: PFDs (Personal Floatation Devices, a.k.a. Life Vests) (2), Paddles (3), Emergency Throwing Device (Type IV Throw Cushion), Bail Bucket, Whistle, and a Fire Pan
Equipment we INCLUDE, at no additional charge, with SOLO (1 person) canoe rentals: PFD (Personal Floatation Devices, a.k.a. Life Vests) (1), Paddles (2), Emergency Throwing Device (Type IV Throw Cushion), Bail Bucket, Whistle, and a Fire Pan
2.5) Personal Boat Transportation Rates
In addition to the shuttle charges for individuals and their gear, fees are charged for the handling and transport of each boat that is not rented from Moab Rafting and Canoe Company.
| Personal Boat Type | Price |
| Canoe ($45), Sea Kayak ($45), deflated Inflatable Kayak or SUP ($30) | How many ____ x $____ = $______ |
If you are not renting our vessels, it is your responsibility to make sure you have all necessary permits and required safety gear to legally be on Utah state riverways for your boats and with a BLM approved river toilet system.
MRCC Rental Equipment (See prices below. Pricing is per trip, not daily rates.): Due to the popularity of rentals, if you do not reserve Rental Gear ahead of time, we do not guarantee that it will be available the day of your launch.
When renting equipment, consumables are not included for Self-Guided Trips. Meaning, you need to purchase your own ice, propane gas, food, toilet paper, etc.
| 3.) Equipment Rental Cost Per Trip | |||||||||
| Item | Cost | Quantity | Total | Item | Cost | Quantity | Total | ||
| River toilet | $65 | $ | Trash bucket | $5 | $ | ||||
| 5 gal. H2O jug | $10 | $ | 2-Person tent | $35 | $ | ||||
| Dry bag: sm or med/lg/xl | $10 /$20/$25 | $ | Storage box: 8/24-gallon | $15/$25 | $ | ||||
| 70 qt. Cooler | $25 | $ | Premium Sleeping pad | $20 | $ | ||||
| Add’l PFD | $20 | $ | Camp chair | $15 | $ | ||||
| Add’l Paddle | $15 | $ | Roll-A-Table | $20 | $ | ||||
| Throw bag/cushion | $15 | $ | *Kitchen set | $175 | $ | ||||
| Add’l Fire pan | $10 | $ | River map (purchase) | $20 | $ | ||||
| Propane Stove (2 burner, you supply propane) | $25 | $ | EQUIPMENT TOTAL | = | $ | ||||
| Shuttle+Canoe(s)+Equipment Subtotal | = | $ | |||||||
| Canoe Catamaran | $65 | $ | UT Tax (8.75%) & Fees | = | $ | ||||
| Balance Due | = | $ | |||||||
We reserve the right at any time to change prices, products, policies, and services without prior notice.
The rental fee for our River Toilet System includes us disposing of the contents for you, no extra Dump Fee!
Due to customer inquiries, we are now offering for rent our Canoe Catamaran connecting system for Multi-Day Trips. This added configuration creates a craft that is more than twice as stable as a single canoe because it is actually two individual canoes braced together to form one catamaran for extra stability and support, great when paddling open stretches of water, especially in windy conditions.
IF arrangements are made ahead of time to pick-up rental gear (such as coolers, dry bags, etc.) the day before your trip, it will be available after 5:30 pm. Due to the popularity of our rentals, this may not always be a possibility.
We also have a bench seat for an additional “Child” Rider in a tandem canoe for $25 per trip.
*Full Kitchen set includes: plates, bowls, cups, knives, forks, spoons, cutting knives, can opener, salad bowl, fry pan, pot & strainer, pot holder, cutting board, dish soap, sponge, bleach, and washing bins inside a 24 gallon Action Packer storage box for transporting for a group up to 6 people ($20 per couple after 6)
Dry bags: Generally, the sizes are as follows: small is 10 liters, medium is 45 liters, large is 65 liters, and the x-large is 110 liters
Tents: Technically, they are 3-person tents, 7′ x 7′, but we list them as 2-person tents… you have room to be comfortable.
RESERVATIONS:
Feel free to call or email us for date availability. We will be more than happy to email a trip packet with more information and a worksheet for you to complete and submit. We will ask for credit card to process the reservation and rental gear. RESERVATIONS ARE NOT BOOKED UNLESS WE HAVE A VISA OR MASTERCARD ONLY ON FILE. We DO NOT ACCEPT CHECKS.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
A $100 non-refundable per person deposit is required to secure your trip date for Self-Guided Multi-Day Trips. Due to the extensive planning of Multi-Day Trips for customers, it is not likely that we will be able to rebook your reserved dates if you cancel. Also, we more than likely have had to turn others away for your booked dates. The full amount of your trip (including rental equipment) is due and will be charged to your Visa or Mastercard only given 30 days from the date of your trip. CANCELLATIONS WITHIN 30 DAYS OF YOUR RESERVATION WILL NOT RECEIVE A REFUND. Regarding the possibility of having to cancel, we strongly suggest you purchase Trip Cancellation Insurance to protect your vacation investment, as there are NO EXCEPTIONS OUTSIDE THE CANCELLATION POLICY. It is our policy to reserve the right to cancel any trip at the last minute for any reason. Should this occur, no money will be exchanged. If conditions allow, we will postpone for a few hours or to the next day.
- ALL TRIPS GO OUT in rain, snow, sleet, shine or extreme heat! We are in the high desert and our weather is extreme! The only time we may cancel a trip is for our Self-Guided Day or Overnight Canoe Trips due to extreme wind.
Again, over the years of booking trips, we have to say we know the river. But, every trip is different. The time of season, water levels, weather the day you have booked for, and much more make the river fun all of the time!
**MRCC’S Policy: BE NICE OR LEAVE…River trips are supposed to be fun, right?! We go out of our way to be exceedingly nice and, therefore, reserve the right to refuse service and trips (now AND in the future) to those who do not follow our policies and who are rude, disrespectful or abusive to our staff, company, and/or equipment.
Our customers are welcome to park their vehicle in our lot for the duration of their trip.
NO CAMPING OR SLEEPING IN VEHICLES ON THE PROPERTY!
Moab Rafting and Canoe Company is the only company in town that is a dog-friendly, river trip company!
Moab Rafting and Canoe Company is licensed in the State of Utah as a river outfitter and livery company.