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Geology of the Yampa & Green River

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Geology of the Yampa & Green Rivers

The Yampa River is a tributary of the Green River located in the western United States. The Yampa River is famous for being the last wild free flowing tributary of the Colorado River system. The geology of the Yampa and Green River basins is primarily composed of layered sedimentary rocks such as sandstone, limestone, and shale, which were deposited during the Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras.
Geology of the Yampa and Green Rivers
The Yampa River originates in the Park Range of the Rocky Mountains outside of Steamboat Springs, Colorado and flows on a westward course through the Yampa River Canyon, which is cut into the sandstone and shale of the Mesa Verde Group. The Yampa River then turns north and flows through  Dinosaur National Monument, where it cuts an incredible canyon landscape composed of Weber Sandstone, Morgan Formation, Madison Limestone and several other geologic features.

The Green River, on the other hand, begins in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming and flows south through the Green River Basin. Along its course, the Green River cuts through the rock layers of the Uinta Mountains. The most prominent formation the Green River cuts through is the Uinta Mountain group primarily the intense red rock that makes up the Uinta Mountain Group and the Lodore Formation. These two layers of rock are the predominant geologic timeline of the Gates of Lodore Canyon. The Green River then turns west and flows into the Uinta Basin, where it cuts through the rock layers of the Wasatch Formation and the Mancos Shale.

The Yampa and Green River join forces just east of the Utah and Colorado border in one of the most striking landscapes in the western United States, a place called Echo Park. Echo Park is at the heart of Dinosaur National Monument and a wonderful section of incredible scenery, natural and human history.
Geology of the Yampa and Green Rivers
Both rivers are important for the ecosystem and human activities, The Yampa River is an important source of water for irrigation and recreation, and is home to a variety of fish and wildlife species. The Green River, on the other hand, is an important source of water for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and recreation, and is also home to a variety of fish and wildlife species.

Overall, the geology of the Yampa and Green River basins is characterized by layered sedimentary rocks that were deposited during the Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras, and both rivers have shaped the landscape through erosion and deposition. The Yampa River flows through a narrow, steep-sided canyon, while the Green River flows through a variety of wide, flat valleys and deep rugged canyons. A Utah or Colorado white water river rafting adventure is a perfect way to see some of the most iconic geologic wonders of the Colorado River system.

River Guiding In My Hometown

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Guiding in my Hometown

*Who am I?
I am a river lover! My name is Kassie Robbins, I am 38 years old. I am married and
have three young children. My two boys are ages 9 and 7, and my daughter is 4. I have
been a whitewater raft guide since I was about 20 years old. I started guiding in
southern Utah on the Colorado River and the Green River. My first experience with
seeing river guides was on the Green River Gates of Lodore at a very young age, maybe 11. We
were taking a private family river trip down that section of the Green River through the heart of Dinosaur National Monument. The Hatch
River Expeditions crew was camping at Jones Hole. I saw those boats and knew then
that I wanted to become a river guide. Coming from a family of river runners I had no
idea I would land here. I had intentions of making it into the Grand Canyon. However, I
find this place to be as serene and unique as any river I have traversed and that is why I
keep coming back.
*Why I choose to guide here?
I choose Dinosaur National Monument as a place to guide for several reasons. Not only is it one of the best places for white water rafting in Colorado or river rafting in Utah but it is my backyard. One of the biggest reasons of those being that I get to be home regularly with my kiddos. They get to see mom in
action which is really cool. I get to embrace the beauty that surrounds me year-round.
Being able to take advantage of the monument and the rivers flowing through it is such
a huge bonus to my work. Sharing my love for the area is something that is within me. I
grew up rafting these canyons from an early age. We would run through Split Mountain
(the last day of a multi-day for both the Yampa River and Gates of Lodore) camping at the takeout,
sitting around a campfire, laughing and roasting marshmallows and sleeping in a tent I
have fond memories of this place and I seriously love that I get to share it with so many
people, but especially MY little people.
*Why I love working for a locally owned company in my Hometown?
Can we all say the word connection? Relationships are built on connections. I build
relationships on my trips and some of them go on forever. I still connect with some
ladies I took down the river in my first few years of guiding. So, to say that building a
lasting relationship with the owners of Dinosaur River Expeditions is of value to me, is
an understatement. They are like family. They truly care about me, my family, the team
of guides that work for them. I have had many jobs and opportunities to work for
various employers and can honestly say that Jen and Tyler Callantine are literally some
of the best out there. They bring a level of professionalism and empathy to the
workplace. People work hard for people they respect. They have given me a gift of
being able to work part-time in between being a Mom. They understand the importance
of family! I also love the feeling of being able to give back to a small family owned and
operated company.
*What are some of the hidden gems of the area?
Being able to work in and around Vernal, UT, I have learned about many of the neat
places that exist. Some of the cool places to see are actually outside of the monument.
Being able to explore the area throughout the last 15 years and to find out I still have
more to see. It seems that if you are looking you can find a Gem just about anywhere if
you are willing to explore. Whether you like fishing, camping, hiking, sightseeing or
anything else that requires you to get outside, this place has a lot to offer an avid outdoors person. When you take the opportunity to come run a river trip with me and
the crew, we would love to share some of these places with you.

Conquering Your White Water Fears

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White Water River Rafting 

Brush Those Fears Away With a Few Great Tips

 

Preparing to go down the river for the very first time brings forth a range of emotions. Fear of the rapids, confusion of what to bring or wear, anxiety of a new experience, or just terrifying in general. Almost every person feels this way at the beginning, but their feelings quickly alter after being out on the water for just a day. What once was a fear becomes a craving for more of that thrill and excitement. Don’t let the fears behind white water rafting stop you from an amazing experience. Here are some tips and tricks to help wash those fears away.

  • Schedule that river trip!

Taking the chance to go out on that white water river trip is the first step. If you are hesitant about how you are going to go, don’t worry, no extra skills are needed for rafting. All you need to do is enjoy the ride. Day trips are a great start as well to get your feet a little wet. We have a spectacular one day Utah rafting trip on the Green River perfect for a first timer. Not so hesitant, check out our our phenomenal 4 and 5 day trips through Dinosaur National Monument. 

  • Just Breathe

Seeing a rapid coming your way could be quite the frightening view. Taking deep breaths and going to a “happy place” gets the nerves out quickly. Inhale the calming river vibes and exhaling the anxiety. After that first rapid gets you wet you will be ready and anticipating more.

  • Trust your guide.

Your river guide will do their best to navigate the swift river currents as safely as possible. These women and men are trained in both guiding, first aid and different swift water rescue procedures. The river can be unpredictable, your guides are ready for whatever the white water has to throw at them. You are in good hands.

  • Have some fun!

Have a water fight, make a joke, or sing a song. Getting into a good mood and having some fun will get your mind off of the negative thoughts. If you are planning on not getting wet, well that is inevitable, so get ready for some waves coming your way. Getting a little splashed only makes for a better ride and a lot more fun!

Conquering Your White Water Fears

  • Do some research.

The internet is full of great advice on all aspects of white water rafting. There are a lot of great blogs and websites that will help guide you in the right direction. Calling a rafting company and asking questions is also a great way to get good information. Try the locally owned outfitters first for the area you are thinking about trying out a river trip. They will have the best up to date first hand knowledge of the regions river and conditions. Dinosaur River Expeditions is Vernal, Utah’s only locally owned and operated rafting outfitter. Looking for a trip in this region we are the ones to call.

Getting several different perspectives helps ease some of the worries that are brought to new rafters. Feeling more prepared physically and mentally is a great way to make the fears go away. Before each trip a safety talk is also provided for the customers and crew. Listening and paying attention to that talk as well as any other instructions will keep you ready at all times. 

Conquer your white water rafting fears and go on that river rafting trip! The experience is beyond words and addicting. Once you get past those fears and negative thoughts, the beautiful canyon and river will become a sanctuary. It provides an outlet from the busy world and daily life stresses. Being disconnected from phones and electronics creates time to self reflect and grow closer to nature. Don’t let fear stop you from the experiences that white water rafting gives. It brings peace and happiness to all that come into contact go rafting and splash those fears away!

Utah Adventure’s

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Utah boasts the greatest snow on Earth, home to incredible national parks, amazing hiking, mountain biking and river rafting. For skiers the powder snow is light and airy, and the mountains have available terrain for skiers of all ability levels. Indeed, there’s good reason the winter games came to our humble little capital in 2002. Salt Lake City – or Small Lake City, as some call it – is within a 30 to 45 minute drive of eight mountain resorts, including Park City, Snowbasin which hosted the men and women’s downhill, and the famous (or infamous) Snowbird and Alta (skiers only). And it’s no secret. During the winter holidays rental shops and hotels are inundated with travelers from all over the county, even the world. But, in this writer’s opinion, they are missing some of the best Utah has to offer.

Something magical happens come March’s end. Slowly but surely the temperature begins to rise, and all that wonderful snow becomes something the desert West needs so desperately. Water. As spring progresses the snow recedes, a color change to give autumn a run for its money occurs. The foothills and mountains bloom into yellows, purples, and greens. In the lowlands incredible flowers start to bloom. The red Indian paintbrush makes an appearance alongside claret cup cactus and the state flower the brilliant white Sego lily making for a spectacular wildflower show. Starting in May before the heat takes hold, checkout Arches and Zion national parks. The smooth rock makes for easy hiking and incredibly mountain biking.

By June most of the mountain trails are dry. Grab a pair of hiking boots and a water bottle and you can easily enjoy the stunning vistas along the Wasatch. Around Salt Lake, there is easy access to any number of trails of differing difficulty. The Bonneville Shoreline trail – so named as it is the ancient shoreline of a great inland sea – is a mellow and planar trail that spans a great distance. As the summer heats up in July and August, head into the Uintas. Speckled with lakes and covered in pines, its a wonderful place to escape the heat. The lakes and creeks support trout, and the surrounding woodland are home to deer, elk, and moose.

The tried and true best way to beat the heat of summer is to grab a paddle and get wet. While your’e in the Uinta mountains, check out Dutch John, Utah and the Green River. Starting just below the Flaming Gorge dam is a gorgeous section of the Green River. This seven-mile section is perfect for the avid fisherman and those wanting to enjoy a scenic one day float trip. Those with a bigger adventure in mind should continue downstream to Lodore Canyon on the Green River through Dinosaur National Monument. Typically undertaken as a four day trip, this section is chock full of side hikes, beautiful sand beaches, and terrific whitewater. For a similar must do adventure, one should take the five day trip down Colorado’s Yampa River also flowing through Dinosaur National Monument. This beautiful sandstone canyon houses the last un-dammed tributary of the Colorado and Green river systems. Here you can see traces of the ancient peoples that once called this place home. There is abundant rock art, and sites that are still home to ancient granaries. As always there is stupendous white water. You’ll get wet, but you won’t get scared.

Whether you are looking for a quick weekend getaway for world class snow skiing or looking for a longer adventure Utah has something for everyone. Try a fully guided Colorado or Utah white water river rafting adventure today.

Almost everything you need to Know about the Yampa River

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Almost everything you need to Know about the Yampa River

To attempt to explain everything you need to know about the Yampa River through Dinosaur National Monument in one short blog is all but impossible but here are a few of the basics. The Yampa meanders from its headwaters near Steamboat, Colorado through town where teenagers float on tubes, into a narrow canyon with class V rapids where gripped kayakers test their skills, through flat desert until it reaches Deerlodge campground. This is the beginning of the Yampa Canyon and the start of 71 miles of some of the best white water rafting in the Western US. There are entire books written on the importance of the Yampa river to the environmental movement, natural history, and rafting community.

In the early 1900’s the dam craze took off across the United States. There was a belief vibrating through humanity that man could conquer nature, that enough technology had been developed power could be harnessed and controlled for the utility of human kind and there were very few movements to stop the development of public lands. It was in this mindset that the Echo Park Dam was proposed. If this dam would have been built it would have flooded the entire Yampa canyon we raft down today. The story is long, and best told through the misty eyes of a crusty river guide who sees their home flooding with the creation of the dam, but in short: an LA family came rafting down the Yampa and fell in love. They brought the story of the proposed Echo Park dam back to LA where David Brower and the Sierra Club learned of it. Through massive efforts people from a multitude of groups fought to save the Yampa. This became the first nationwide grass roots environmental movement. This makes the Yampa the last major undammed tributary of the Colorado river system. Today almost every soul who passes down the Yampa canyon expresses their gratitude for the Sierra Club helping to preserve the waterway.

Not only is the lack of dam on the Yampa historically significant, it creates an untampered environment for the creatures that call the eastern Utah desert home. Scientist study the animals, bugs, fish and plants in an attempt to see the effects that dams have on river ecosystems. In the 70’s scientist found that the Yampa Canyon was nesting some of north America’s last Paragon Falcons. They tagged and tracked the birds and helped ensure the young would hatch to help repopulate the endangered animals.  Today falcons can be seen throughout the river canyon in the summer months.

Beyond environmental history, astronomers study the night sky from Dinosaur National Monument as it is the darkest national monument in the country.  Its remote location protects it from the light and air pollution of human existence.

And Even before the River Rats and scientists called this place, home there are 500 years’ worth of Native Americans history, who thrived in the canyons, leaving us to marvel at what they left behind.

The Yampa River is one of the river most dynamic rivers in the country, changing with the natural flood stages of the Colorado snowpack eventually dwindling down to a mild stream as the snowpack disappears. This makes the river exciting to raft and different every time you launch rafts and boats from the put in.

Mantle’s Cave on Colorado’s Yampa River

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The Yampa River starts high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, with its headwater originating at roughly 11,000 feet the river snakes it way 250 miles across northwestern Colorado. The Yampa River watershed encompasses approximately 8,000 square miles in Colorado and Wyoming. The river eventually meets the border of Dinosaur National Monument and the Deer Lodge boat ramp where our 4 and 5-day Yampa River adventures begin.

A trip on the Yampa River has to many exciting things to see and do along the journey. One of the highlights of the trip is a great side hike to Mantles Cave. This cave is not only scenic but a very important part of early human history. Mantle’s Cave is a large rock shelter about 400 feet above the Yampa River in the Castle Park area, and a short hike from the rafts. The cave is named for Charles and Evelyn Mantle, who ranched in the area and discovered the cave and its archeological treasures sometime in the early 1900’s.

The cave is only accessible by a rafting trip down the Yampa River and is well protected within the boundaries of Dinosaur National Monument. The cave was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

In 1933 the first archaeological excavations of the cave occurred. The Penrose – Taylor Expeditions from Colorado College mapped the cave, uncovered basketry, corn, squash and pottery.

The University of Colorado Museum visited the cave in 1939 and 1940 where they performed extensive excavations. They uncovered storage pits and a wide variety of artifacts throughout the site.

The Fremont culture who used the area left artifacts typical of prehistoric sites found throughout the southwest. Items like stone tools, chipped stone flakes, Manos or a stone used for grinding and a small amount of grayware pottery.

Food items found in Mantles Cave included dried and pulverized insects, grass seeds, pinyon nuts, squash and pumpkin rinds, beans and corncobs. These items give archaeologists an indication that the Fremont both gathered and cultivated plant foods.

The Fremont also hunted and used a wide range of hunting techniques determined by the finds of fishhooks, arrow points and wooden arrow shafts along with snares and nets. This region of Colorado has a large population of elk, mule deer, small game and birds. Hunting would have been key to survival. The Yampa River itself is home to a large variety of fish species and the native people would have been skilled at catching these fish.

Clothing items found in the cave included buckskin sandals or moccasins, rabbit-fur cloth and a juniper-bark robe. The most incredible find was a bag of ceremonial items. A headdress made of flicker feathers, lined with ermine fur along with slate beads, a blade made of quartzite, feather bundles and a butterfly pendant.

Mantle’s Cave is very important in identifying the Fremont culture. Artifacts found within the cave have dates ranging from 500 AD to 1255 AD. In addition, artifacts from the late Archaic period is represented in the cave with dates ranging from 1770 to 1400 BC.

A trip on the Yampa River is a once in a lifetime experience and Mantles Cave is only one of many wonderful things to see and do along the journey.

River Rafting Safety Tips

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Whitewater Rafting Safety Tips:

For one day or five whitewater rafting is one of the best ways to cool off in the summer heat for people of all ages and experience levels.  That’s right, everyone! In the last 30 years, rafting has grown out of its wild and risky days into a family friendly activity. The invention of new safety gear and a better understanding of whitewater has helped the industry mitigate the risks of rafting. On a guided rafting trip the staff will orient you with a solid safety speech at the put in before launching on your one day or multi day river adventure. Whether it is a Utah one day raft trip on the Green River below Flaming Gorge or a 4 or 5 day white water adventure on the Green River or Yampa River through Dinosaur National Monument keep in mind you are potentially far from advanced help. Your guides are trained, certified and licensed but some injuries are beyond their medical training. Being mindful of your actions and thinking safe are key on a river rafting trip. Here are the basic measures you should take for every whitewater trip.

  • Wear a properly fitting PFD

PFD’s, or life jackets, are the most important piece of equipment in white water rafting. Yes, even more vital than the boat, paddles, or guide.  It is a hard rule: do not go on river without a PFD.  Unlike lakes or oceans, river water churns chaotically in rapids. Eddies form confusing whirlpools that suck straight down, diagonal waves kicking towards canyon walls, and holes circulate water on themselves creating stationary pockets of water within a system of movement.  Fortunately, a snug PFD will remove your need to navigate through this chaos, bringing you thoughtlessly to the surface

The vest should be tight against your chest and shoulders with all the buckles clipped. It shouldn’t come above your ears when you tug on the lapels. The jacket will loosen up over time and when its wet, so be sure to tug on your straps throughout the day and have a guide check that its fitted correctly.

  • Be mindful

The majority of river trip injuries happen on shore not on the river. Be aware of your movements getting on and off the boats and at camp, hiking stops or lunch. It’s easy to twist an ankle, accidentally slice your hand on a dinner knife, or get a burn from boiling water. Slow yourself down, the river isn’t a race. It will save a lot of havoc if you take a breath before swirling around with a knife in your hand.  Also, remember that drugs and alcohol decrease your body awareness and increase the potentially for a clumsy accident. The best way to combat shoreline injuries is simple, pay attention.

  • Dress to the day

Temperature injuries are some of the most common on the river. In the spring, cold air combined with cold water creates a very real hypothermia threat; and in the summer, the reflective water doubles your sun exposure, increasing the risk for heat stroke. Make sure you check the weather forecast for a general idea of what you should be prepared for going into your trip. If its spring, bring an extra fleece, rain jacket and pants to help fend off the splashing cold water.   In the summer, bring a brimmed hat, sunglasses, and even lightweight long sleeve shirts and pants for sun protection.  In both cases, make sure you are hydrated and well nourished, fulling your body properly helps give it the strength you need for thermoregulation.

  • Swim Properly

Similar to the proper use of a life jacket, swimming correctly in the river can help you conserve energy and avoid unnecessary risk. Use the defensive swimming position, floating on your back, looking downstream with your toes out of the water. Although it is an instinct to stop your motion by standing up, this is one of the more dangerous moves on the river.  The water is stronger than you, and stopping your momentum is unlikely. It’s best to swim actively towards a raft or use the “noes and toes” defensive swimming position. Remember not to panic, the rapid won’t go on forever.

  • Speak Up

Much of rafting safety is in your control. Guides are doing everything they can to keep you safe, but a large portion is in your hands.  If you are uncomfortable with going on a certain section of a hike or don’t want to take an inflatable kayak down a rapid, that’s okay! Just let a guide know that they will help you. The guides are there to keep you safe.  Even if you are cold, hot, thirsty or have a minor cut, let someone know. It’s much easier to combat many small problems than one big one.

 

Rafting safely is all about small actions that prevent large catastrophes. Don’t skimp on the easy stuff and have fun!

White Water Rafting Things To Consider Before Your Trip

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Whitewater Rafting Things to Consider Before You Go

Whitewater rafting in Utah and Colorado can be one of the most fulfilling and enjoyable summer activities; natural beauty, thrill, human connection and a quick way to cool off in the summer heat. But river rafting isn’t a carefully constructed Disneyland waterpark, rivers are subjects of nature. Here are some ways to help you prepare for the trip, whether it’s a Utah one-day river rafting trip on the Green River or a four to five-day raft trip through the heart of Dinosaur National Monument.

First things first. Always, always, always bring a rain coat. Yes, A rain coat. I know what you are thinking, my river trip is in the desert and I checked the forecast. No rain. Well trust me, river canyons tend to take on their own climate. The weather on the river can be vastly different from the nearest town or even 20 miles downstream. The storms in the desert also typically come in quickly and hard, sometimes for hours at time. I know its glamping, but you will still be outside for the duration of the storm so make sure you bring a raincoat that will keep you dry through the storm. Plus, we’re not backpacking, so you don’t have to carry your extra weight.  Just bring it. A good quality rain jacket is also a perfect layer for chilly mornings or evenings around the camp.

Along those lines, you will be outside for the whole time, so, if your trip is for a day or a week make sure you bring a good water bottle that can hook to the boat. Being on the water all day means you are getting double the sun, making it that much more important to stay hydrated.  Dehydration can lead to headaches, nausea, vomiting and general anger. Yep, drinking enough water will keep you happier making your vacation more enjoyable for everyone.

It’s nice to feel the vitamin D sink into your skin for a few hours at a time, but again, you are talking about exposure from sun up to sun down out on the river. Sunscreen and sun protection is very important. Nothing ruins a great vacation like a sunburn. Bring a high-quality sunscreen that you apply often throughout the day. Clothing is also great sun protection. A long-sleeved sun shirt, hat with a brim, sunglasses are all helpful for tackling the summer sun.

Now that you are protected from the elements, remember that people are operating these rafts.  There are no tracks to keep them in exactly the right place in the water, no seatbelts, and no airbags.  While being connected to the earth is part of the beauty of rafting, it also comes with an inherent risk. Don’t worry too much, your guides are trained in not only how to operate the raft, but in wilderness medicine and swift water rescue. The thing you should remember is that they are doing their absolute best and they are trained for an incident if it occurs. Pay close attention to the guides safety speech, listen to their directions and you will have a fabulous trip.

Lastly, remember there might be more to your trip than just the river. Many river trips have beautiful side canyons, archeology, and hiking to explore while you are not on the boats. This can be some of the most memorable experiences and often people leave saying it was their favorite part. Come prepared with good shoes, substantial water bottle, sun protection and be open to your trip evolving into the unexpected. The best trip of your life might not be what you were expecting. Be open to trying new things and connecting with the other passengers.

Now that you’ve got all the details! Let’s go boating!

Colorado’s Yampa River Archaeology

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Yampa River and its Archaeology: Atlantis of the Desert

Travel back 1400 years when taking a Yampa River raft trip and seeing its amazing archaeology. Imagine that you are walking up and down a river bed gathering food, storing it in a shady cave along with sacred necklaces made from feathers of birds collected thousands of miles from where you are now. You carefully place your fortune of corn, beans and collected berries in a rock box knowing that you will return to this place, turn the corn into flour and retrieve the necklace.

This is a real place, as are its people the Fremont culture.  It’s called Mantle cave and is located about a half mile from the banks of the Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument. The cave is enormous, 25 yards deep and 300 yards long, shaded almost year-round making it the perfect place for food storage and escaping the weather extremes of Northwest Colorado’s summer heat, spring and fall’s cold. When archaeologist’s first excavated the cave, they found granaries (food storage boxes) full of corn, grinding stones, headdresses and necklaces made from bird feathers founds in South America, beaded shoes and much more.

Mantles Cave is a popular stop along the Yampa River, other stops will lead you to petroglyphs and pictographs, rock art left behind from the early cultures that inhabited the Yampa River Canyon. The Native American rock artwork is identified by it simple boxy shapes. Human figures drawn from tetrahedral bodies, swirls, etchings of big horns sheep, fishing nets, and many more representations of the prehistoric life in the canyon decorate the creamy sandstone walls, beautiful in its simplicity.

Though there is no certainty with the Fremont, theories exist regarding the artwork: that some works are more significant than others, that only elders were permitted to paint the canyon, the painting could have been some kind of ceremony asking for good fortune or advice from ancestors or gods. Or simply entertainment for children, though this last theory, seems unlikely.  The panels throughout the canyon appear to be aimed towards purposes.   Simple sketches of sheep and fish may indicate good food sources.  Another, more intricate panel, nicknamed the wedding panel, is six human height figures holding hands which could have been used for a bonding ceremony. Another, appears to be 20 warriors preparing for battle created from tiny dots, archaeologist believe this panel was likely made by elders asking for blessings or help from gods.

Whatever the Fremont tribe intended with the art work and the way they lived, the mystery is captivating and beautiful.  The tribe prospered in this seemingly harsh environment for almost 700 years and then suddenly gone. The remains of the desert Atlantis is worth seeing for yourself.

It’s natural to wonder what the drawings mean: Is the artwork religious, entertainment, markings to remember the way back? Why spend the time to create a paint that would last thousands of years? Why paint the figures they did?  The answer: no idea.

Suddenly, 700 years ago, all evidence of the Fremont culture disappears. Many things could have wiped out the community: flood, famine, drought, or competition from another tribe, all theories that circulate among archaeologists today.  However, the facts remain a mystery, as no currently living tribe claims the Fremont as their ancestors. Archaeologist’s infer certain things about the way their cultures lived based on the artifacts they left behind, that they were semi-nomadic farmers. Based on the presence of corn in the granaries, the tribe farmed and the tribe moved with the seasons, based on the spread of their artwork throughout the South West, and the feathers integrated into their clothing from South American birds.

The ability to visit these cultural sites along the Yampa River and Green River through Dinosaur National Monument is just one of the fabulous experiences you will have on a multi-day rafting trip when visiting this area of Utah and Colorado. These sites are very important and deserve the up most respect and protection. White water river rafting on the Yampa River may have been your initial reason for booking this adventure. When your trip ends the memories of the incredible archaeology, great times around the evenings campfire, the new friends you have made will forever be etched in your mind.

Yampa River Rafting Dinosaur National Monument

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The Yampa River

The Yampa River through the heart of Dinosaur National Monument is one of the most prized stretches of river in the American West. The Yampa River received its name from the Snake Indians word for the Perideridia plant “Yampah”. The plant was found abundant in the watershed. The headwaters of the Yampa River are located in the Park Range of Colorado near the town of Steamboat Springs. From its starting point the Yampa River takes a westward course towards Dinosaur National Monument stretching an approximate 250 miles till it joins the Green River in Echo Park. The Yampa drains 7,660 square miles of area in northwestern Colorado and a small area in Wyoming. The river is mostly fed from snow melt and has a small window of time when it is a navigable river way for recreation. It is one of the last free flowing rivers that has only a few small diversions and dams along its course and tributaries. Because of its natural free flowing characteristic people boat many different sections of the Yampa but the most popular is through Dinosaur National Monument. The put in point is at Deer Lodge, Colorado to the take out point 72 miles downstream at Split Mountain, Utah. Taking 4 to 6 days in length to raft, camp, hike and explore this incredible section of wild river.

Yampa River Map Dinosaur National Monument
Yampa River Map Dinosaur National Monument

 

Through Dinosaur National Monument the river flows through a productive riparian zone supporting a variety of plant and animal life. The rivers natural state makes it an ideal habitat for many of the Colorado river systems native fish. Some of the fish are endangered and rely heavily on the Yampa River for spawning and habitat. The primary native fish that rely on the river is the Colorado Pike-minnow which uses the gravel bars for spawning in the late spring and early summer months.

The area has a rich human history archaeological studies conducted in the area reveal evidence of human habitation up to 7000 B.C. The Fremont culture inhabited the Yampa River area starting about 800 A.D. but disappeared for unknown reasons during the 1400’s. There are many cultural sites that can be visited along the river where you will see petroglyphs and other important archaeological evidence of the areas early human inhabitants.

Through erosion 23 unique rock layers have been exposed in Dinosaur National Monument. These geologic features create a landscape that is unbelievable in its scenic beauty. The Green River flowing through the Gates of Lodore and the Yampa River through steady down cutting have revealed rock formations that have been twisted, folded and formed during the past 2 billion years. These rock layers are the remnants of extinct ecosystems spanning 1.2 billion years from ancient seas, the time of the dinosaurs to a Sahara like desert. These rock layers make up one of the most complete stratigraphic columns exposed within a National Park.

 

 

The white water rapids on the Yampa River range from small splashy waves to one of the biggest rapids in the Colorado River system Warm Springs Rapid. The rapids are thrilling and fun for everyone on a raft trip, guides are highly skilled and well trained to navigate the many drops encountered along the way. The most noted rapid on the Yampa River is Warm Springs. Before 1965 it was nothing but a ripple, an unimportant spot that had little significance other than beautiful scenery. This all changed overnight on June 10th, 1965 when a major thunderstorm came through northeastern Utah and northwestern Colorado. This storm caused major flash floods filling the river bed with boulders and debris that changed a once tepid riffle into one of the most talked about drops on the Colorado river system. Warm Springs rapid with all the lore and hype is a highlight on the Yampa River and a rapid that you will talk about for years after going through it on a raft.

 

Steamboat Rock Echo Park the confluence of the Yampa River and Green River.
Steamboat Rock Echo Park the confluence of the Yampa River and Green River.

 

Camping on the Yampa River is phenomenal with spectacular views and beautiful shorelines for relaxing. Camp is set up and taken care of by the expert guide staff who will prepare delicious meals and cater to most of your camping needs.

The Yampa River has a limited availability and trips fill up quickly. This adventure is great for families, groups or individuals and has something to suit everyone from exciting white water to stunning scenery. This is a vacation to add to your bucket list and see at least once in your lifetime. Choose Dinosaur River Expeditions Vernal, Utah’s only locally owned and operated river raft trip outfitter.

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