Gates of Lodore

The “Gates” of Lodore are two massive 1,000 foot high buttresses that mark the beginning of the Colorado Plateau which cuts the High Uinta Range. The river soon enters between these formations after a few miles from the put in at the end of Brown’s Park National Wildlife Refuge. This was the first major canyon that John Wesley Powell’s historic expedition encountered and part of the last unmapped area in the Continental United States. Visit early Native American rock art panels, side canyon waterfalls and amazing whitewater in this 44 mile rafting adventure down the Green River.

Plentiful wildlife inhabits the river corridor including Big Horn Sheep, Deer, Beaver and Great Blue Herons, but keep a look out above to spot Eagles, Hawks, Vultures and Prerirgron Falcons.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Meet at 7a.m. at River Runners Transport in Vernal, Utah. There will be a three hour bus ride to the put in from Vernal. The day starts of with a peaceful float towards the "Gates" which can be seen for miles from the put in and as we make our down river. Once we enter the "Gates" the pace of the river picks up and we run Upper and Lower Disaster Falls.

Day 2: The canyon continues to narrow as we make our way through the beginning of the Colorado Plateau. We will run several more rapids including: Harp Falls, Triplet Falls, and Hell's Half Mile.We will camp and hike at Powell's Rippling Brook and Falls.

Day 3: We will float to the confluence of the Green and Yampa rivers where the canyon opens up as we make a three mile loop around Steamboat rock before diving into the tight gorge that is created by Whirlpool Canyon. The afternoon may be spent at Jones Hole Creek, a blue ribbon trout stream with side canyon petroglyphs and waterfalls, with a good chance of spotting large groups of Big Horn Sheep.

Day 4: Another peaceful morning float though Rainbow and Island Park before entering Split Mountain, one of Mother Nature's most impressive geologic formations. One last afternoon of fun filled rapids, including Moon Shine, SOB, Schoolboy and Inglesby rapids, before the take out at the end of Split Mountain and a 30 minute drive back to Vernal.

Pre-Trip Info

We will meet at 7a.m. at River Runners Transport located on Main Street in Vernal the morning of your trip.

After the takeout we depart from the trip at the end of Split Mountain in Dinosaur National Monument, where your vehicles have been shuttled by River Runners Transport. $25 fee, unless other arrangements have been made. There is a $5 per person entrance fee that must be paid to the NPS when leaving Dinosaur National Monument.

Dinosaur Weather

Dinosaur National Monument is located in the high desert region of the Colorado Plateau and the Uinta Range, and averages moderate temperate changes from day to night. Summer temperatures average close to 90 degree highs and mid 60 degree lows. Early and late season trips average 70+ degree highs and mid 50 degree lows.

Beverages

Beverages not provided by Canyon Adventures. i.e. alcoholic, protein, energy, etc. We will provide water and Gatorade throughout the day, as well as some soft drinks and drinks with dinner. Coffee, orange juice and apple juice in the morning.

If you plan to bring more than a case of any drink, please contact us within two weeks of your trip to make arrangement of transporting your items before the trip. DO NOT bring drinks in glass bottles. Boxed wine is a great solution.

Saftey on the River

Canyon River Adventures has the highest standards and most qualified guides in river rescue of any company. All lead guides are wilderness first responders, while all other staff are trained and certified in first aid and CPR. Our multi-day trips are true wilderness experiences, something that in todays world is not found in many places.

NOTE: It is the responsibility of the individual to enter all pertaining information on registration forms and to notify guides of medical issues, i.e. diabetes, allergic reactions, etc. Medical care on the river may be quicker if guides are aware of possible issues.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made before 90 of the trip date will be charged a $50 service fee and refunded the remaining deposit. Cancellations made within 90 days to 60 days will be charged a $100 service fee per person and refunded the remaining trip expense. Cancellations made within 60 to 45 days will be charged a $150 service fee per person and refunded remaining trip expense. Cancellations made within 45 days of the trip date are non refundable, transfers to another trip date are possible if space is available. Cancellations due to unexpected conditions are extremely rare, but if such circumstances occur a full refund will be issued.

Other Attractions In the Area

Dinosaur Natural History Museum in Vernal (open 8:00 a.m. 9:00 p.m.) www.dinoland.com, Dinosaur National Monument's Quarry Visitor Center and the Harper Corner Overlook. Also, nearby are the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, Jones Hole Federal Fish Hatchery, Ouray National Waterfowl Refuge, Uinta Mountains, and many others.