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Dinosaur Whitewater Guide School

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Overview

Trip Snapshot

We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and flexible schedule. Every trip is different depending upon the group, other trips on the water, and sometimes the weather. Please refer to your confirmation letter for the exact dates of your trip.

MEETING PLACE:OARS Warehouse, 221 North 400 East, Vernal, Utah
MEETING TIME:5 PM, the evening before your trip
RETURN TIME:Approximately 6 PM
RIVER RATING:Class III
RIVER MILES:+/- 50
SECTIONS:Split Mountain & Flaming Gorge sections of the Green River
TRIP LENGTH:7 Days/6 nights
BOAT OPTIONS:Oar raft, paddle raft

Itinerary at a Glance

The Day Before Your Trip

We’ll meet at 5 PM at the OARS Warehouse in Vernal, Utah for a pre-course orientation. This is an opportunity to meet fellow participants and your guides and ask any last-minute questions. Your guides will also pass out your equipment, including a PFD (personal floatation device), helmet, wetsuit, splash jacket, and personal waterproof dry bags so that you can pack essential belongings for the following day.

Day-by-Day 

We will start each morning at 8 AM, organize and have a short class before heading out to the river for the day. We will have lunch on the river and another lesson or two before returning to the OARS Vernal Warehouse in the evening, typically wrapping up by 6 PM.

After a full day of instruction, you’ll have evenings off. This can be an opportunity to mingle with other Guide School participants or rest and recharge for the next day. Dinner and breakfasts are also on your own. 

You are welcome to camp on the OARS base but there are limited amenities. If you are looking for more comfortable sleeping arrangements, you are welcome to stay at any of the hotels or campgrounds in Vernal.

Refer to the trip page for a more detailed day-by-day itinerary and specific course topics that will be covered. 

Guide school concludes between 3-5 PM on Day 7, so you may wish to stay one last evening in Vernal before traveling home.

Included in Your Trip Cost

  • Skilled professional guide instructors
  • 6 nights camping at the OARS warehouse (limited amenities)
  • Lunch each day
  • A tent is available upon request
  • Dry bag for day use
  • High-quality inflatable rafts, and related river equipment including paddle, helmet, and personal flotation device
  • Wetsuit & splash jacket (does not include footwear of any kind, including wetsuit booties)
  • Swiftwater Rescue Training (SRT) certification
  • Transportation from the warehouse to the river and back

Not Included in Your Trip Cost

  • Transportation to and from Vernal
  • Pre- and post-trip accommodations, or accommodations during the week of the trip
  • Breakfast or dinner during guide school
  • Dinosaur National Monument Entrance Fee
  • Sleeping bag & a deluxe 3-inch thick air-filled sleeping pad (these items may be rented from OARS)
  • Insurance of any kind, including a travel protection plan
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Items of a personal nature (see suggested packing list below)
  • Dry suit (you are welcome to bring your own)

Available for Rent

Please indicate on your guest registration form whether you want to rent a sleep kit or if you prefer to bring your own.

  • Sleep Kit: Can be rented for $40 per person. Sleep kits consist of a sleeping bag with sheet liner, deluxe 3-inch thick air-filled sleeping pad, pillow, and pillowcase.
  • Sleeping Pad Only: The deluxe 3-inch thick air-filled pad only may be rented for $15.

Getting Ready

Pre-Trip Checklist

☐ Consider Purchasing Travel Protection: Learn more about the plan we highly recommend and get a quote.

☐ Trip Forms: Each participant will need to complete the required trip forms within two weeks of making a booking. Refer to your confirmation email for the link to the online forms. If you prefer to fill out paper forms, please let us know right away. If you are reserving within 60 days of departure, your forms must be completed immediately to ensure we can properly plan for your trip.

☐ Reserve flights, shuttles, and lodging: Verify with your adventure consultant that your trip has met minimum numbers prior to booking flights and/or reserving overnight lodging for the night before and after your trip, if applicable. It is important to make reservations early as rooms may be limited during peak travel periods.

☐ Whitewater Orientation: To increase your safety, we expect everyone to watch our Whitewater Orientation video before joining us. 

☐ Physical Requirements: Your outdoor adventure will be an active participatory trip. Please inform us of any physical limitations you may have as soon as possible. If you exceed 260 pounds, please give us a call. Make sure you are exercising frequently in the months leading up to your trip and can meet our Essential Eligibility Criteria. 

☐ Payments: Final payment is due in our office 60 days before your trip (refer to your invoice for final payment date). Please let us know if you would like us to automatically charge your credit card on file when final payment is due.

River Runners’ Responsibility Code

1. Read the pre-trip literature and arrive at the meeting place on time.

2. Understand the risks: your safety is ultimately your responsibility.

3. Treat your fellow guests and guides with respect and courtesy; harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.

4. Wear clothing and personal protective equipment suitable for the current conditions.

5. Listen to and follow the guides’ instructions.

6. Abide by the managing agency’s rules.

7. No drugs or alcohol prior to, or during, your trip.; alcohol is allowed in moderation in camp on overnight trips.

8. Minimize your impact on the environment.

9. Wear the OARS-issued and properly–fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times when in the boats or swimming. Wear a helmet when required.

10. Your children are your responsibility!

Travel Arrangements

GETTING TO VERNAL, UT

By Air

Commercial flights are available into Salt Lake City, Utah and Denver or Grand Junction, Colorado. 

Contour Airlines offers flights from Phoenix, AZ directly to Vernal, UT. Redtail Air offers flights between Salt Lake City and Vernal on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please call Redtail for more information: (800) 842-9251.

If you plan to fly directly to Vernal and do not have a vehicle, there are several local taxi services that can be contacted for your transportation needs.

By Car

It is often most convenient to rent a car from the Salt Lake City or Grand Junction airports and return it after your trip. This allows you the flexibility to visit surrounding areas and sometimes is more economical than renting a vehicle one way.

RVs & Trailers: There is enough space at our base to park all kinds of vehicles, including RVs and trailers, for the duration of the course. However, please be aware there is very little shade and no water, sewer, or electricity available. 

If you will be bringing a large recreational vehicle, please let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly. Once you arrive, our staff will let you know where to park to prevent your vehicle from being blocked in by cars of guests that are on other trips (cars that potentially won’t be moved for days).

Pre- and Post-Trip Accommodations

All guide school participants are welcome to camp at the OARS Warehouse in Vernal for the duration of your course, as well as one night before and after. If you prefer alternative lodging accommodations, we recommend that you make reservations well in advance in order to guarantee lodging. (Pre- and post-trip lodging is not included in the trip cost).

*Mention you are an OARS guest to receive a special discounted room rate.

Useful Information

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS

Beyond our standard menu, we can provide options for vegetarian, vegan, and many allergy-restricted diets without applying a fee. However, we cannot always provide the same diversity or sophistication for restricted diets as we do for our regular menu. Similarly, certain allergen-free snack foods are difficult or impossible to source in our locations, so feel free to bring your own favorite snacks to supplement our provisions. Please let your Adventure Consultant know if you intend to do so.

BEVERAGES/WATER

We provide fresh water and lemonade, during guide school hours. Commercial outfitters may not provide any type of alcohol for their guests. You may bring your own supply of beer, wine, or liquor for outside of class/trip hours. Wine and liquor can be purchased at the Utah State Liquor Store. The hours are 11 AM to 7 PM Monday – Saturday. They are closed on Sundays and holidays, including Pioneer Day (June 24).

BATHING

You will have the opportunity to utilize the showers at our warehouse.

WILDFIRES & SMOKE

Fire activity can impact the air quality on our trips, and occasionally wildfires may be present in the immediate vicinity of where we’re traveling. In general, we will not cancel a trip on account of smoky conditions, except in cases of clear danger to life or property. 
Learn more about rafting during wildfire season with OARS, including info about some of our protocols and travel protection recommendations.

Click on the links below for additional information on the following topics:

Weather

We recommend checking for an up-to-date weather forecast for Vernal, UT one week before your trip. Being properly prepared for weather variations is an important factor in fully enjoying your trip.

Average Air & Water Temperatures

 Air (Day)°FAir (Night)°FWater Temp °F
May744048-52

Packing for Your Trip

For more helpful information about what to wear and how to pack for a river expedition or to view our packing video, please visit our packing essentials page.

We want you to be prepared and comfortable for your trip. Below you’ll find some general tips for how to dress and what to pack and a comprehensive packing checklist. The need for warm weather or cold weather items should be based on a reliable weather forecast leading up to your trip.

Clothing

During the day—We suggest a layering system using base layers, insulation, and an outer shell. We will be in the water every day. Dress to swim in cold water.

At base—When the weather is warm, lightweight cotton pants/skirts or shorts and a shirt are ideal. Anytime the forecast calls for cool evenings and cold nights, a dry set of long underwear is the perfect base layer under long pants and a fleece sweater.

Footwear

During the day—The best choice is an amphibious shoe that drains water, protects your toes, and won’t come off in swirling currents. A retired pair of athletic shoes can work well, too. Find professional-grade options made by Chaco®, the official footwear sponsor of OARS guides.

At base—We recommend wearing shoes at all times due to the risk of foot injuries. Some people like to put on dry socks and shoes after a day on the water. Flip=flops or slip-on sandals are OK to wear after course hours at base and around town.

If you buy new shoes or sandals for the trip, make sure you break them in first!

Headwear

Ball caps and synthetic, non-cotton beanies are useful since they fit under helmets, which are required attire for guide school and are the perfect remedy for bed-head in the early mornings.

To Avoid Being Cold

We will provide wetsuits for this course. If you have your own wetsuit, splash gear, or even a drysuit, you are welcome to bring it.

Synthetic or Merino wool long underwear is a must-have on river trips. It can be worn under shorts, rain gear, T-shirts, etc., then stripped off when the chill of the morning has worn off. It keeps you warm even if it’s wet (which can happen easily), dries quickly, and it’s compact enough to be stuffed into your small waterproof bag or daypack after you take it off. It can be layered under your waterproof rain jacket and pants. In cooler weather a rain jacket and pants work better than a wetsuit because the jacket and pants can be put on when it’s cold, or when you’re going through whitewater, then easily taken off when the sun comes out and it’s hot. Be aware that cotton items, once wet, do not insulate; only synthetic and wool materials will keep you warm during cool, wet weather.

Something warm for your top & bottom: You need to be prepared for inclement weather. Bring a good fleece or wool top and bottom, along with a warm hat and gloves. You’ll want to double up on your base layers so that you’ll have a set to wear in the boat and a set of warm, dry clothes for camp.

May trips: This is surely one of the most beautiful months to be on the Green River, but it can also produce some surprisingly chilly times. During the spring, the sun is not far enough North in the sky for its warming rays to reach down into the river canyon for as many hours a day as it does in the summer. This means more shady areas, fewer sunny ones. Therefore, when you are splashed (drenched) going through the rapids and you’re in a shady area, you will get very cold unless you are prepared.

Rain Gear

Rain gear protects you from rain, wind, and the splash of the rapids. It is one of the essential items that all guests should have regardless of the weather forecast, or what time of year you are traveling. Look for a jacket and pants that are 100% waterproof, not just water resistant. A hooded jacket is recommended as well as good secure closures around your head, neck, wrists, and ankles. Do not bring a rain poncho as it cannot be worn under your PFD.

Sun Protection

Protecting yourself from the sun should be taken very seriously! In many cases, a long-sleeve shirt is the best method for preventing sunburn on your upper body. Lightweight long pants may also be appropriate to protect your legs. A hat, sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses are also a must.

Bugs & Mosquitoes

Bugs and mosquitoes vary depending on location and time of year. It’s a good idea to come prepared with insect repellent. Long-sleeved shirts and pants may be desirable at times. Often yellow jackets and wasps can be a nuisance. We recommend a eucalyptus and lemongrass repellent.  If you are allergic, please bring two epi-pens.

MENSTRUAL CYCLE

Even if you aren’t anticipating your menstrual period, come prepared for it. We recommend you bring some sandwich-size Zip-close bags. These bags can store products during the day while you are on the river. Used pads or tampons can be disposed of in the trash at lunch or at camp. We provide some menstrual products on most trips for emergencies.

Sleeping Gear

You have the option to bring your own sleeping bag, pad, and pillow. Or you can rent our sleep kit. If you are purchasing your own bag for the trip, keep in mind that a synthetic-fill bag rated to 20°F (the normal range for an all-around, “three-season” bag) is recommended for early and late season trips.

Packing List

Equipment and Personal Items

☐ Sleeping bag, pad, sheet liner, and small pillow. Sleep kits including these items may be rented for $40. (For trips in May and early June we suggest a synthetic-fill bag rated to 20°F.)
☐ Two 1-liter water bottles: durable and reusable; insulated bottles recommended for trips in hot climates to prevent water from becoming too hot to drink
☐ Headlamp or flashlight (consider bringing extra batteries)
☐ Polarized sunglasses with securing strap (consider bringing a spare)
☐ Quick-drying towel (such as those made by Rumpl)
☐ Hand sanitizer
☐ Toiletries
☐ Sunscreen and lip protection: waterproof & SPF 30 or higher (aerosol sprays not recommended)
☐ Moisturizing lotion or cream
☐ Insect repellent
☐ Personal first-aid kit (band-aids, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen, moleskin, eye drops, etc.)
☐ Spare pair of glasses and/or contacts
☐ Cash for gratuities

Footwear

☐ River shoes or sandals with a heel strap (such as those made by Chaco®); “Aqua socks” strongly discouraged
☐ Athletic shoes or light hikers
☐ Hiking socks

Clothing

☐ Long-sleeved shirts: lightweight and light color for sun protection (old dress shirts work well)
☐ Long pants: lightweight and light color for sun protection
☐ Shade hat or visor with securing strap – flexible enough to fit under your helmet
☐ Rain jacket & pants: waterproof (not water resistant) A hooded jacket with secure closures is recommended
☐ Swimwear: tankinis and board shorts are a great option
☐ Underwear
☐ Shorts: 1-2 pair
☐ T-shirts/tops: 1-2
☐ Synthetic or Merino wool long underwear: 1 set top & bottom (light-, mid-, or expedition-weight depending on the time of year)
☐ Jacket: fleece or down/synthetic fill puffy (depending on the time of year, weather, and location)
☐ Additional clothes that are comfortable and appropriate for the season for “after hours.”

Additional Essentials

☐ Wetsuit booties and/or neoprene, synthetic or wool socks (for wearing inside your river shoes)
☐ Fleece top & bottom
☐ Warm hat and gloves: synthetic or wool
☐ Extra set of synthetic or Merino wool long underwear top and bottom
☐ Neoprene paddling gloves

Optional Items

☐ Small bags: stuff sacks, zip-close bags, or similar for organizing items in your dry bag
☐ Large empty bag: laundry bag, pillow case, or similar for putting clothes into after your trip
☐ Earplugs
☐ Splash jacket and pants
☐ Lightweight cord and clothespins for drying clothes
☐ Sketchbook, notebook and pen, paperback book
☐ Bandana
☐ Stand-up urination device

Valuables

We advise that you leave your valuables at home, or in your private vehicle, and take on the river only what’s absolutely necessary.

  • Visit our Trip Resources page for more info on the use of drones, electronics, cannabis, CPAP Machines, firearms, and more.
  • Find all the gear you need for your trip online in the OARStore and 15% of your purchase helps provide under-resourced youth with outdoor adventure experiences.

Reminders

GRATUITIES

Tipping is appreciated by our staff. If you are wondering how much to tip, you may consider that we operate in a service industry with a host of behind-the-scenes contributors in addition to the guides on your trip. In general, we suggest a gratuity based on 10 – 15% of the trip cost. It is customary on OARS trips for gratuities to be given to the Trip Leader, in the form of cash or a personal check, who will then distribute appropriately amongst all the guides and support staff.

SOMETHING VOLUNTARY

In reviewing your statement, you’ll note a $1/person/day donation to the Yampa River Awareness Project of the Friends of the Yampa, a non-profit conservation organization that strives to protect and enhance the environmental and recreational integrity of the Yampa River, its basin, and its tributaries through stewardship, advocacy, partnerships, and education. The mission of the Yampa River Awareness Project is to educate the public about the Yampa River, its special attributes, and current water projects and proposals for this river and its surrounding area. One hundred percent of these funds go directly to the Yampa River Awareness Project and your contribution is tax-deductible. This donation is voluntary and may be removed from your invoice if you choose not to participate. Please notify our office if you would prefer to delete the donation from your balance.

Terms & Conditions

Reservations and Payments

A $400/person deposit is required at the time of booking with final payment due 60 days before departure. Accounts on which final payment has not been received 50 days before the departure date will be canceled.

Payments can be made by check, money order, eCheck, wire transfer, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. Prices are in US Dollars, and all payments must be made in US Dollars. Payment of the deposit establishes your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions. Individual departures and trip capacity are strictly limited by the managing agency. Your payment is fully refundable for 7 days, less a 3% processing fee, after making a reservation when you reserve a trip 7 days or more prior to the final payment due date.

Cancellations and Refunds

Canceling your trip after your deposit is processed will incur cancellation fees because OARS has absorbed costs on your behalf and will turn others away who would like to book the spaces we’re holding for you. If you must cancel your reservation after the rescission period described above, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the schedule below.

We regret that we cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including foul weather, poor air quality, wildfire activity, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, or personal emergencies. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to consider purchasing a travel protection plan.

DATE OF CANCELLATIONCANCELLATION FEE
180 or more days before your trip$50/person
179 – 90 days before your trip$100/person
89 – 60 days before your trip$200/person. The remainder of your payment can be transferred to another trip within the same year (or to a credit account for the following year). No refund.
59 days or less before your tripFull fare

Please note that different deposit/cancellation policies may apply for charter groups. Refer to the group organizer’s confirmation email for details.

Canceled Trips

OARS reserves the right to cancel any trip due to insufficient registration or other factors that make the trip impractical to operate. In such instances, we will inform you at least 45 days prior to departure. Do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until you have verified with OARS that your trip is confirmed. 

If a trip must be canceled or postponed due to force majeure (factors outside the control of OARS), OARS will provide full credit for payments made toward future travel, or a refund less the initial deposit amount and any non-refundable payments made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers. OARS will make good faith efforts to recover deposits made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers; however, we cannot guarantee recovery of any or all of the advance payments made. OARS is not responsible for expenses incurred by participants in preparation for a canceled trip.

Transfers

If you need to move your reservation to a different trip during the same season, or to a credit account for the following year, there is a $25/person fee up until 90 days before departure for a one-time transfer of your payment. Transfer requests made 89 days or less before departure will be treated like a cancellation according to the schedule above.

Medical

Under most circumstances, if you are of an adventurous spirit and in reasonably good health, you should have no problem enjoying an OARS trip. People with medical conditions, including pregnancy, should have a physician’s approval before taking an adventure travel trip.

Travel Protection

Because there are costs that you will incur if you cancel the spaces on this trip that we’re now holding for you, or in the event you need to be evacuated during the trip due to an unforeseen illness or injury, we strongly encourage our guests to purchase an optional travel protection plan. A travel protection plan may help reimburse the cost of your pre-paid, non-refundable payments in the event you are prevented from taking your trip for a covered reason. Trip participants must understand that in the event of an illness or injury on a wilderness trip, evacuation can be prolonged, difficult, and expensive. Learn more about the plan we recommend.

Please note: To be eligible for coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, you must purchase the plan within 21 days of your initial trip payment and you must be medically fit to travel at the time you pay for the plan.

Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage can be purchased as stand-alone coverage, independent of a comprehensive travel protection plan. You can get a quote for this type of policy by entering a Trip Cost amount of $0 when getting a quote.

Please note: By entering a Trip Cost amount of $0, the plan will not include Trip Cancellation coverage and you may not be eligible for Emergency Medical Expense benefits relating to any pre-existing conditions.

Liability Release / Assumption of Risk

Everyone is required to sign a standard liability release / assumption of risk form before the trip, confirming awareness that there are inherent risks associated with the trip. Due to the nature of the activities, a condition of your participation is that you will sign this form and return it to our office before the trip begins. Anyone who refuses to sign the form will not be allowed to participate, and consistent with OARS cancellation policy, there will be no refund of the trip fees at that time.

Responsibility – An Important Notice

O.A.R.S. Canyonlands, Inc. and cooperating agencies act only in the capacity of agent for the participants in all matters relating to transportation and/or all other related travel services and assume no responsibility however caused for injury, loss, or damage to person or property in connection with any service, including but not limited to that resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays and expenses arising from quarantine, pandemics, strikes, theft, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or change in transit over which it has no control. Reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and wellbeing of the participants, including cancellation due to water fluctuation, insufficient bookings (this trip requires a minimum of 4 guests), and other factors. There is risk in whitewater rafting, particularly during high-water conditions. Rafts, dories, and kayaks do capsize. You could be swept overboard. Your guide will make every attempt to assist, but you must be strong and agile enough to “self-help” and “float-it-out” without further endangering yourself or others. We reserve the right not to accept guests weighing more than 260 pounds or with a waist/chest size exceeding 56 inches. We may decide, at any time, to exclude any person or group for any reason we feel is related to the safety of our trips. We are experienced at accommodating people with various disabilities. Please give us an opportunity to make you feel welcome. We need to discuss any special requirements ahead of time.

OARS trips occur in areas where unpredictable environmental conditions are to be expected. To moderate dangerous situations for our guests and guides, all travelers must obey the rules and regulations as determined by the managing agencies and the Trip Leader and demonstrate reasonable consideration for other guests and OARS employees. We reserve the right to remove any guest from a trip if, in our opinion, that guest’s actions or behaviors pose a threat to the safety of her/himself or others, or if those actions or behaviors compromise the enjoyment of the trip for others. Should a guest be asked to leave a trip, there will be no refund for the unused portion, nor will OARS be responsible for additional expenses incurred by the guest for accommodations, return transport, change fees, etc. Prices subject to change without notice. Upon advancement of deposit, the depositor agrees to be bound by the above-recited terms and conditions. OARS is an equal opportunity provider.

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