Clay Watkins, a 17 year old whose anger and sadness at the death of his father sends him into a downward spiral. Clay's grandfather presents him with a choice, navigate a 60 mile stretch of the rugged Pecos River or go to jail. The trip proves more than he bargained for when he encounters two outlaws in a dash for the Mexican border with a kidnapped girl. Through the hardship, danger and beauty of life on the river, Clay confronts his fear and grief and begins to learn what it means to be a good man.