Destination: Utah
Activity: White-Water Rafting, Archaeology
Approximate time to explore: 4 days
When? :May-June

The Yampa River, in Dinosaur National Monument, is the last undammed river in the Colorado River system.

Through the years, the Yampa has defied many political and natural attempts to dam its free flow. In 1965, a flash flood carried tons of rock down Warm Springs, creating a natural dam on the Yampa. Within 24 hours, the Yampa took aim and breached the dam, leaving in its wake Warm Springs Rapid, rated among the 10 biggest drops in the country.

This river cranks with full-bodied waves, but it also has a serene side with whispering caves, waterfalls, prehistoric rock art and spectacular scenery.

Trips are four or five days, according to the season. You spend 46 of the trip’s 71 miles (113.6 km) on the Yampa before merging with the Green River and riding through Whirlpool Canyon and Split Mountain Gorge.

Tour plan:

Day 1: Meet party at headquarters in Vernal, Utah before transport to put-in at Deerlodge Park in Colorado. The Yampa’s speedy flow takes you over many miles and abundant rapids.

Day 2: Visit pre-Columbian ruins, before the Yampa meanders past such attractions as The Grand Overhang, Cleopatra’s Couch and Tiger Wall. A heavy flash flood in 1965 down Warm Springs Draw choked the Yampa with boulders forming the river’s largest rapid.

Day 3: The Yampa joins the Green River at Echo Park where the canyon widens before the river circles Steamboat Rock. Here the river enters Whirlpool Canyon. The afternoon may be spent at Jones Hole Creek – a blue-ribbon trout stream with side canyon petroglyphs and waterfalls.

Day 4: Peaceful morning in Rainbow and Island Park areas before entering another massive gorge. The Green’s powerful forces cut laterally through Split Mountain’s uplifted and colorful core. Rapids abound before take out and a 35-minute ride back to Vernal.

Dates and itineraries are subject to change. We will verify availability and itinerary upon your request.

Archaeology, Arts & Culture
north america, Raft the Wild, Yampa River