Ruby Canyon facts for kids
Ruby Canyon is a beautiful canyon about 25 miles (40 km) long. It's located right on the border between the states of Colorado and Utah in the western United States. This amazing place is famous for its bright red rock walls and is a super popular spot for rafting adventures on the Colorado River.
Exploring Ruby Canyon
Ruby Canyon gets its name from the stunning red sandstone cliffs that line its walls. When the sun shines on them, they glow with a deep, ruby-like color! It's like nature's own gemstone.
How to Visit
There are two main ways to experience the beauty of Ruby Canyon. You can either float through it on a raft or take a special train journey.
Train Journeys
The only way to see the canyon without being on the river is by train. The Union Pacific Railroad tracks run right through Ruby Canyon. This railway used to be known as the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad.
A famous passenger train called the California Zephyr also travels through this canyon. It's operated by Amtrak. This scenic train ride goes between Grand Junction, Colorado, and Thompson Springs, Utah.
One cool thing you'll see on the train ride is a special spot where the words "Utah | Colorado" are painted right on the canyon wall. This marks the exact border between the two states! It's a popular photo spot for travelers.
Rafting Adventures
Rafting is a fantastic way to explore Ruby Canyon up close. You can float down the Colorado River and see the towering red cliffs from a different perspective. It's an exciting way to enjoy nature and see the canyon's unique features.
Where is Ruby Canyon?
Ruby Canyon is located in the western part of the United States. It stretches across the border, with parts in both Colorado and Utah. The canyon starts near Mack, Colorado, and extends towards Westwater, Utah.
