1-800-346-6277Yampa River Rafting
5 Days: June 28; July 5, 10
5 Day Geology Trips with a professional geologist: May 12, 22 (9 Day Combo Yampa/Lodore); June 5
(Additional 4-and 5-day dates available upon request)
4 Days: $728
5 Days: $865
9 Days: $1953
Geology trips: $1025 (see below for details)
Deposit: $250
Additional Costs:
$5 National Park Service entrance fee, optional $84 per person transportation package (Vernal to launch point and return to Vernal)
Sleep Kit/Tent: $40/$30
River Rating  | Minimum Age |
|---|---|
| Class III - IV | 7 Yrs (12 during high water) |
Geology Trips
Enjoy interpretive discussions on the fascinating rock formations that surround the Yampa River with a professional geologist
- 5-Day Geology Trips: May 12, 22; June 5
View more information on Geology trips >>
- Legend
- Directions
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Yampa River Rafting in Dinosaur National Monument - Overview
O.A.R.S. Yampa River rafting trip is an unforgettable Colorado rafting adventure for kids, teens and ever-inquisitive travelers alike. The Yampa River is the one major tributary in the Colorado River system that runs wild and free, straight to the heart of Dinosaur National Monument. For three months a year (May-July), the Yampa River flows free with fresh, surging run-off from miles above — waters originating from the melting snows and glaciers of the world-famous Colorado Rockies. Easily manageable Class III and IV whitewater rafting flows carry paddlers through colorful canyons of red, yellow and orange and on into Dinosaur National Monument. A billion years are captured in these canyon walls, along with the remnants of various life forms that existed long before humans. Our pathway through time showcases some of the oldest exposed rocks in the world, ones that have been folded, lifted and split by eons of geological forces.
Yampa River Rafting - Itinerary at a Glance
- Scenic ride from Vernal, Utah to our put-in at Deerlodge Park
- The whitewater intensifies as we enter the Yampa River Canyon and stunning rock walls rise 1000 feet above the river
- Hike to Stubs Cabin, an old cattle rustler homestead
- Visit the Fremont Indian granaries
- The fascinating geology of this canyon reaches its apex as we float past some of the most astounding rock marvels of all: Grand Overhang, Cleopatra’s Couch, and Tiger Wall
- Raft the exciting Class III-IV Warm Springs Rapid
- Confluence with the Green River: the whitewater intensifies
- Round Steamboat Rock, Echo Park and Fremont rock art
- Hike to Whispering Cave and Whirlpool Canyon
- We pick up speed as we enter Split Mountain Canyon and the river’s gradient becomes considerably steeper. Four or five major rapids deliver plenty of whitewater excitement during our last day on the river
- Shuttle from Split Mountain to Vernal
AllSteamboat.com offers travel information for Steamboat Springs, and AllAspen.com provides vacation planning for Aspen, Colorado.
OARS Canyonlands, Inc. is an authorized concessioner of Dinosaur National Monument.
Trip costs include an optional $84/person transportation package (can be deleted if you prefer another option ) and National Park Service entrance fee. For the Geology trips, the optional extra cost is $234.
- Testimonials
- Reviews
- Write a Review
“Help, you've created a monster!!!!!!!! Someone at O.A.R.S. told me we would become river junkies if we took an O.A.R.S. trip, well I just returned from a week on the Yampa River with my boyfriend and teenage son and we are hooked. Our guides made the whole experience absolutely brilliant....they were outstanding to be on the river with, each had their own great energy and knowledge. Even my 13 year old son was eager to hike and explore and listen to the history of the canyons we hiked. And even though none of us had any prior rafting experience, our guides made such a great team when helping us negotiate the rapids in kayakes and making us feel safe. Ok, ok i could go on and on, just so you know, we are planning our next trip, requesting our favorite guides and looking forward to the "crack of dawn" coffee call. Until next time... ”
Susan Devall, Rick Skolnik and Chase Penn ~ Los Angeles, CA
“Everything was outstanding. This was my 27th raft trip, (started in 1981 on an 18-day dory trip with Grand Canyon Dories) and this trip was as good as any of them. From pretrip info to all the guides on this trip it was top notch all the way. I honestly can't think of anything I would change.”
Wayne Schwartz ~ Los Angeles, CA (Yampa Geology Trip)
“O.A.R.S. is consistent in providing a professional and casual experience. The guides for each trip have been cordial, fun, and attentive to the guests' needs. As for this trip, I enjoyed having 23 members of my family together for a great vacation...In most trips, the guests need to adapt to the guides' attitudes and personality. In this trip, it was the guides that adapted to our group's personality and they were fantastic at it. Yet, they were able to take control when it was crucial.”
Greg Smith ~ El Cajon, CA
“The combination of education, excitement, true experience in the outdoors, meeting good people wrapped up in a vacation of a lifetime that left me very sad when leaving, yet excited that I knew for certain that I would be on another O.A.R.S. trip in the future...The food was all around fantastic. I am still shocked at the quality of the food and the fact that much of it was cooked in a dutch oven. My 11 year old son not only ate salmon for the first time...he said he loved it. He is normally a very narrow minded eater, but tried such a wide variety of foods and it was worth it just seeing him explore different things. Also...I would love the recipe for the salmon as well as Mike's Guacamole...PLEASE!!!!”
Kim Corwin ~ Nashville, TN
“The entire trip was FABULOUS! The food was amazing and the guides were so friendly and knowledgeable; I learned a lot because of their enthusiasm to inform.”
Kim Corwin ~ Nashville, TN
“The guides are fabulous. This is our fourth trip with O.A.R.S. and we've met so many great people. Also...the food was Yummy.”
Susan Finch ~ Nashville, TN
- Weather
- Packing List
- Trip Planner
- Recommended Reads
| Average Temperatures | ||
| Month | High | Low |
| April | 65° | 33° |
| May | 76° | 41° |
| June | 87° | 48° |
| July | 94° | 55° |
| August | 92° | 53° |
| September | 81° | 44° |
| Water Temperatures | ||
| May | 50° | |
| June | 55° - 65° | |
| July | 65° - 70° | |
Current Conditions
What to bring on the Yampa River Rafting trip
This is a sample list. Please refer to your trip planner for a detailed list for your particular trip. If you do not already own any of the items on the suggested packing list feel free to call our office for suggestions. However, many of the items listed are available for purchase online in the OARStore. Please be mindful of the natural environment when purchasing items for your trip. Whenever possible, consider recyclable containers, rechargeable batteries, natural (non-toxic) sunscreens, lotions, biodegradable soaps, and so on.
Since 1998 the General Store has been the perfect place to purchase any of those last minute items you need, or forgot to bring, for your river trip. It is also a great place to visit after your trip to buy a commemorative souvenir of your experience in Dinosaur National Monument. Conveniently located right on the O.A.R.S. / Don Hatch River Expeditions property, we offer stylish t-shirts, waterproof cameras, a wide selection of sunglass securing straps, bottled beverages, an interesting selection of books about the area, waterproof sunscreen, all-natural bug sprays and more.
Equipment:
- Duffel bag
- Compact tent with rain fly
- Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, ground cloth, sheet, and small pillow – (early and late season trips require a synthetic-fill bag rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Backpack/Daypack for day hikes. It should be large enough to carry water, lunch and camera, as well as a warm layer of clothing for spring & fall trips (750 – 2000 cu. in)
- Water bottles: 2 heavy-duty and minimum 1-liter capacity each with a carabiner to attach it to the boat. For day hikes, hydration systems like a CamelBak® are great, but you will still want 1 water bottle while in the boat
- Headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries and bulb
- Plastic bags: large trash bags and zip-loc bags to separate clean and dry clothes from wet and dirty
- Camera and accessories
Personal Items:
- Sunglasses with securing strap and a spare
- Towel: small, quick drying, and washcloth
- Toiletries including biodegradable soap and shampoo with moisturizer (Nature's Gate is recommended by our guides)
- Sunscreen: waterproof and SPF 30 or higher
- Lip protection: SPF 30 or higher
- Moisturizing lotion or cream: 1 bottle (Skin tends to get REALLY DRY – this is a VERY important item!)
- Insect repellent (with DEET)
- Personal first aid kit (Band-aids, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen, moleskin, eye drops, etc.)
- Spare pair of glasses and/or contacts (Blowing sand can cause problems for contact wearers)
- Cash for gratuities and goodies
Clothing:
- Long-sleeved shirt: 2-3 lightweight and light color for sun protection (UPF rated shirts are great)
- Long pants: lightweight and light color for sun protection (No jeans while on the river)
- Shade hat or visor with securing strap and a spare
- Bandana
- Rain jacket & pants: waterproof (not water resistant) to protect you from the wind and splash from rapids, as well as rain. A hooded jacket is recommended as well as good secure closures around your head, neck, wrists, and ankles to prevent water from seeping in
- Swimsuits: 2 (two-piece suits recommended for women). Tankinis are a great option
- Underwear: quick drying
- Shorts: 2 pair lightweight, and quick drying
- Hiking shorts: 2 pair (some people prefer different shorts for the river and hiking)
- T-shirts or lightweight quick-drying tops: 3-4
- River sandals: 1 pair to wear in the boat and for short wet hikes (such as Teva)
- Athletic shoes or lightweight hiking boots: 1 pair, comfortable and with good tread
- Hiking socks: 3-4 pair mid-weight
- Synthetic long underwear top & bottom: 1 set light to mid-weight
- Fleece top & bottom: 1 set light to mid-weight
Optional Items:
- Sarong: also useful as a cover-up from the sun, when bathing or to discreetly change clothes
- Solar shower: small “solo” showers heat up faster and are easier to use
- Bathing towels/wipes: pre-moistened disposable wipes such as Coleman Swash Cloths
- Binoculars: small
- Whiskbroom: small (no long handle). To sweep wet sand off of tent and ground cloth
- Paddling gloves
- Splash jacket and pants
- Lightweight cord and clothespins for drying clothes in camp
- Notebook and pen
Download our travel planner here:
Green-Yampa_Rivers_Trip_Planner.pdf
Trip planner is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader.
