Music

Jammin’ in Lodore – 5 Days

Join OARS and professional musicians Joe Craven & members of Painted Mandoline for a musical journey through Dinosaur National Monument in Utah

Location

Utah & Colorado

Date

September 8, 2026 - September 12, 2026

From

$2149

Book Now

If you love the thrill of whitewater and the magic of live music in an unforgettable setting, then Jammin’ in Lodore is your perfect escape. Combining the Green’s splashy Class III rapids with towering canyon walls, incredible riverside camping, and nightly jam sessions led by talented musicians, this one-of-a-kind trip is an unforgettable blend of adventure and song.

Featuring

Photo of musicians Matt Hartle & Joe Craven — *Matt Hartle and Joe Craven of Painted Mandoline*

Creativity educator, record producer, former museum curator, actor/storyteller, event emcee, weekend poet, and fashion insultant, Joe Craven has played and recorded with many notable musicians. His collaborations include working with jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli, Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia, multi-whirled stringster David Lindley, harmonica wizard Howard Levy, 17 years with mandolinist David Grisman, and seven years with banjo fusionist Alison Brown. As an award-winning recipient of accolades such as the 2009 Folk Alliance Far-West Performer of the Year Award and the Swannanoa Gathering’s Master Music Maker Award, Joe is at home and loves every minute of his artful living, from busking at Cannery Row to playing at Carnegie Hall. Joe plays fiddle, mandolin, and percussion in the group Painted Mandolin.

About This Trip

The Essential Dinosaur National Monument & Green River Reading List — *Green River rafting through the Gates of Lodore*

Imagine a floating music festival where you’re both a student and a star, jamming alongside fellow travelers in one of the most beautiful river canyons in the West. Whether you’re a beginner, seasoned player, or simply a spectator, this trip is all about sharing acoustic roots music—from blues to bluegrass, Americana, and even a few Grateful Dead tunes. You’ll receive a digital songbook to keep, packed with folk classics to inspire you long after the trip. If you play, bring your favorite acoustic instrument—guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, ukulele—or add some rhythm with egg shakers or hand drums. Small accordions, harmonicas, and wind instruments are welcome, too! Interested in joining in on the fun but have never played before? No problem—we’ll help you borrow an instrument and get started. As Joe says, “Learn two chords, start strummin’… and you’re off & runnin’!”

A group of people in vibrant and silly costumes, some holding accoustic instruments, all smile for photos while at camp on an OARS river trip.

A group of four men play guitars in a chair circle on a sandy beach at camp on the river.

Green River through Gates of Lodore rafting.

A group of musicians play acoustic instruments on a rocky beach on the river at night while guests watch and three oars are set up with solar string lights.

Three teal ukeles propped up on a sleeping pad on a raft.

Two hikers walk along a flat trail carved into golden grasses and canyon walls rise in the distance.

Three people in vibrant and silly costumes smile for the camera while at camp on an OARS river trip.

A group of musicians play acoustic instruments on a rocky beach on the river.

A yellow raft on the river with the impressive and massive Steamboat Rock in the background.

Two men in vibrant and silly costumes smile for the camera while at camp on an OARS river trip.

Between jam sessions, we’ll raft the Green River through the heart of Dinosaur National Monument, navigating fun, splashy Class III rapids and drifting through towering redrock canyon walls sprinkled with deep green junipers. Each night, we’ll pull up to stunning riverside campsites, where guides will prepare incredible meals to fuel our days of music and adventure. Picture yourself playing under the stars, the sound of the river mingling with melodies, and waking up to fresh coffee and the sun rising over the canyon walls. With expert guides leading the way, delicious riverside dining, and the magic of music bringing it all together, this trip is the perfect blend of adventure, creativity, and wilderness renewal.