Yampa

The last undammed and free flowing river on the Colorado Plateau offers thrilling high water during spring time runoff. Float passed sheer canyon walls that rise 2000 feet straight up from the river’s edge. Enjoy Native American rock, early pioneer history and slot canyon hiking in the heart of Dinosaur National Monument.

From the put in at Deer Lodge we will spend 46 miles of this 71 mile trip on the Yampa river before the confluence with the Green River at Echo Park. We will then make our way through two more tight gorges, Whirlpool Canyon and Split Mountain before the take out.

We will encounter ancient Native American dwellings and rock art, as well as a chance to see the plentiful wildlife that inhabit 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 River Runners Transport in Vernal, Utah. It is an hour and thirty minute drive to the put in at Deerlodge Park. The undammed and natural river flow of the Yampa quickly takes you to the canyon's gorge and into the natural beauty of Dinosaur National Monument.

Day 2: River side attractions are presented before you as you float the river past the Grand Overhang, Cleopatra's Couch and Tiger Wall. We encounter Warm Springs Rapid, the largest of the trip, a relatively new river formation created in 1965 by a flashflood.

Day 3: We 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 back into a tight gorge created by Whirlpool Canyon. The afternoon will be spent at Jones Hole Creek, with an optional hike to early Native American rock art panels and side canyon waterfalls.

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 8a.m. at River Runners Transport. River Runners Transport is Located at 417 East Main Street in Vernal Utah. Please be here by 8am to unsure you have time to pack your gear into the issued dry bags and purchase or rent any items that you do not have or may have forgotten. Note: Dry bags may or may not be totally dry (if you have items that must be kept dry i.e. cameras, medications, etc.) we do have limited space in dry boxes that are guaranteed to be dry.

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.