Yampa River Rafting Trips through Dinosaur National Monument.
Explore the free-flowing Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument
Class III-IV
The Yampa River is the last major free-flowing tributary of the Colorado River system and relies on the spring snow melt from the Colorado Rockies to be navigable. The serenity experienced on this Yampa River trip rivals that of the Grand Canyon. Be sure to book in advance as the Yampa River rafting season is short and space is limited.
Begin rafting the Yampa River in Colorado and end on the Green River in Utah
This five-day whitewater rafting trip meanders 72 miles through three beautiful canyons and two rivers in Dinosaur National Monument. It might feel like you are exploring another planet as you float down the Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument, because the breathtaking scenery is like nothing you have ever seen. Spend the first three days exploring Yampa Canyon on the Yampa River in Colorado. Then enter the Green River on day four and follow part of John Wesley Powell’s route through Whirlpool Canyon and Split Mountain Gorge.
Raft & camp on the Yampa River
Camping in the canyon is one of the highlights of any rafting trip and nowhere is that more true than on a Yampa River rafting trip through Dinosaur National Monument. Each afternoon your group will camp in a different riverside location allowing time for you to explore and hike. Enjoy learning about the unique geology, history, wildlife, Indian rock art and dwellings or just relax by the river. There are no set schedules so you get to create your own adventure.
This may be the last opportunity to explore the wild Yampa River through Dinosaur National Monument
There is a water diversion pipeline project being proposed. If this project is implemented, no one will ever have the opportunity to explore the mighty Yampa River through Dinosaur National Monument in its natural state again.
Raft the Yampa River the Adrift Adventures way
Adrift Adventures offers small, all inclusive and Leave No Trace rafting trips on the Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument. Your guides will navigate rapids, educate you about the Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument, set up camp and prepare exquisite meals. No experience is necessary and all rafting equipment is provided.
YAMPA RIVER RAFTING VACATION ITINERARY
Day Prior to Your Rafting Trip:
We encourage you to stop by the Adrift Adventures Rafting Center before 6pm so that you can pickup your waterproof gear bag and meet us. Your gear bag allows you to pack the night before the trip.
Yampa River Rafting Vacation.
Day 1:
8:00am – Meet at Adrift Adventures Rafting Center, 9 miles east of Vernal on US Hwy 40 in Jensen, Utah. Guests are on their own for breakfast prior to meeting Adrift guides. An earlier meeting time can be arranged if you flew into the area. Come with your dry bag packed. The shuttle to the put-in will depart from the Adrift Adventures Rafting Center. Upon your arrival at the river put-in your trip leader will provide a safety orientation before you start rafting through Yampa Canyon. Lunch and dinner is provided. Camp at a road-less wilderness site in the canyon.
Day 2:
Enjoy rafting on the Yampa River with optional short hikes to observe wildlife and canyon geology. Run Tepee and other rapids. Camp at a remote beach on the river and enjoy an optional hike up a narrow side canyon. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.
Day 3:
After breakfast we float and stop to explore a cave with Indian artifacts. Then we are off to run the biggest rapid of the trip – Warm Springs. Camp near Echo Park. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.
Day 4:
Coffee and breakfast is ready early and after a short float we enter the Green River and run the rapids of Whirlpool Canyon. At camp is one of the best hikes of the trip to a waterfall and Indian rock art. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.
Day 5:
We launch on the river and float out of Whirlpool Canyon into the exciting rapids of Split Mountain Gorge. You should arrive at the river trip takeout around 3pm where you will be shuttled back to your car at the Adrift Adventures Rafting Center arriving around 4pm. Breakfast and lunch provided.