River Rafting High Water – Dinosaur River Expeditions

First-Timer’s Guide: Choosing Your Perfect Dinosaur River Expedition

Posted on December 12, 2025 at 7:34 am.

Standing at the edge of the Green River for the first time, watching the water rush past towering red cliffs, most people ask the same question: “Which trip should I choose?” With options ranging from a single afternoon to five days in the wilderness, picking your first rafting adventure can feel overwhelming.

The good news? There’s no wrong choice. But there is a right choice for you, based on your comfort level, schedule, and what you want from the experience. Here’s how to decide.

Understanding the Options

Dinosaur River Expeditions offers four distinct experiences on Utah and Colorado rivers, each with its own character and intensity level.

One-Day Flaming Gorge Trip: The Perfect Introduction

If you’ve never been rafting or you’re testing the waters before committing to a longer trip, the one-day Flaming Gorge expedition is your answer. This seven-mile journey through crystal-clear water below Flaming Gorge Dam delivers exactly what first-timers need: exciting Class II rapids with names like Mother-in-Law and Bridge Rapid, without overwhelming intensity.

You’ll depart Vernal at 8:30 AM and return by 2:30-3:00 PM. The trip includes a riverside buffet lunch, all safety equipment, and experienced guides who excel at making nervous first-timers comfortable. Best of all, children as young as five can join, making this ideal for families.

Choose this if: You want to try rafting without a major time commitment, you’re bringing young children, or you prefer to sleep in a bed at night.

Three-Day Flaming Gorge Trip: Comfort Meets Adventure

Ready for a camping experience but not ready for extreme whitewater? The three-day Flaming Gorge trip offers the perfect middle ground. You’ll raft the same beautiful section with Class II rapids, but spread across three days with two nights of riverside camping.

This trip showcases some of the world’s finest trout fishing. The Green River’s cold, clear water flowing from the reservoir creates ideal conditions for rainbow and brown trout. Many guests bring fishing gear and spend quiet morning hours casting from shore before the day’s rafting begins.

The pace is leisurely. There’s time to swim in calm pools, explore side canyons, and enjoy camp life without feeling rushed. Guides prepare remarkable meals using Dutch ovens—think fresh vegetables, homemade peach cobbler, and hearty lasagna under the stars.

Choose this if: You want the full river experience with camping, you’re interested in fishing, or you prefer gentler rapids while still having a multi-day adventure.

Four-Day Gates of Lodore Trip: Classic Western Whitewater

Now we’re talking serious adventure. The Gates of Lodore—a 44-mile stretch through Dinosaur National Monument—features Class III and IV rapids including Disaster Falls and Hell’s Half Mile. This is the trip that legendary explorer John Wesley Powell documented in 1869.

Starting from historic Browns Park in Colorado (once home to outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid), you’ll enter Lodore Canyon and experience some of the finest whitewater in the western United States. The rapids are thrilling but manageable with modern equipment and expert guides.

Wildlife encounters are common. Bighorn sheep scale impossible cliffs while you drift past. Mule deer appear at campsites at dawn. The canyon walls rise hundreds of feet, creating a landscape that feels untouched by time.

Choose this if: You want exciting whitewater without extreme difficulty, you’re ready for four days in the wilderness, or you’re looking for the quintessential river trip that balances adventure with accessibility.

Four or Five-Day Yampa River Trip: The Ultimate Experience

The Yampa River is special. As the last undammed tributary of the Colorado River system, it flows wild and free for 72 miles through some of the most spectacular canyon country in North America. This is bucket-list rafting.

What makes the Yampa extraordinary isn’t just the whitewater (though it’s excellent). It’s everything else: 700-year-old petroglyphs etched into canyon walls, archaeological sites most people will never see, campsites so beautiful they seem unreal, and an ecosystem that exists nowhere else.

The Yampa also offers something rare in modern America: genuine wilderness. For four or five days, you’re completely disconnected from the outside world, living by the river’s rhythm. Guides lead hikes to ancient Native American sites. Evening camps feature storytelling, impromptu skits, and meals that rival many restaurants.

Choose this if: You want the most complete wilderness experience, you’re comfortable with several days of camping, or you’re seeking something truly unique that few people get to experience.

Making Your Decision: Key Factors

Time Available

Be realistic. If you only have one day, the one-day trip delivers tremendous value. If you have a full week off, the Yampa might be your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Don’t shortchange yourself by picking a shorter trip when you could do a longer one—the memories last forever.

Physical Fitness

Here’s the truth: you don’t need to be an athlete for any of these trips. The guides do the rowing on paddle rafts, and you can choose how much you want to participate. However, multi-day trips do require hiking short distances from boats to campsites and some flexibility for getting in and out of rafts.

If you have mobility concerns, discuss them honestly with the office staff. They can recommend the trip that works best for your situation.

Group Composition

Traveling with young children? The one-day trip accepts kids as young as five. For longer trips, age requirements may vary based on water levels—typically six years old and up. Multi-generational groups often love the three-day Flaming Gorge trip because it offers adventure without being too intense for grandparents or too tame for teenagers.

Budget Considerations

Longer trips cost more, obviously. But they also deliver exponentially more value per dollar. The one-day trip is the most economical entry point. Multi-day trips include all meals, camping equipment rentals available, and experiences you simply can’t get anywhere else.

Season and Water Levels

The Yampa River is seasonal, with trips running primarily in late spring and early summer when flows are highest. Gates of Lodore runs throughout the summer. Flaming Gorge trips operate from late May through Labor Day weekend. Call the office to discuss current conditions and how they affect each trip.

What Everyone Should Know

Regardless of which trip you choose, certain things remain constant:

You don’t need experience. Every trip welcomes complete beginners. Guides provide safety briefings and teach you everything you need to know.

The guides make the difference. Dinosaur River Expeditions is locally owned and operated, and their guides are exceptional. They know the geology, history, and ecology of these rivers. They’re trained in wilderness first aid. And they genuinely love what they do, which transforms a good trip into an unforgettable one.

Preparation matters. Once you book, you’ll receive detailed packing lists. Follow them. Bring sun protection, quick-drying clothes, and sturdy water sandals. The office staff can answer any questions about gear.

Weather varies. Desert canyons can be blazing hot during the day and surprisingly cool at night. Layer your clothing and prepare for both extremes.

Ready to Choose?

The best way to decide is to call Dinosaur River Expeditions at 1-800-345-7238. Their staff has decades of experience matching people with the right trip. They’ll ask about your group, your goals, and your concerns, then provide honest recommendations.

Or use this simple rule: if you’re not sure you’ll like rafting, start with the one-day trip. If you know you want adventure but aren’t sure how much, choose the three-day Flaming Gorge. If you’re ready to commit to something bigger, pick Gates of Lodore. And if you want the absolute best experience regardless of challenge level, book the Yampa.

Whatever you choose, you’re making the right decision. These rivers have been carving canyons and creating memories for millions of years. Your adventure is waiting.

River Classifications: Understanding Whitewater Adventures

Posted on September 9, 2024 at 9:33 am.

Written by Neal Hopkin

If you’re planning a rafting trip, knowing about river classifications is important. These ratings help you understand what to expect on the water and how to prepare. Let’s look at the International Scale of River Difficulty and some examples from Utah’s Green and Yampa Rivers.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Aspect	Details
Classification Range	Class I (Easy) to Class VI (Extreme)
Beginner-Friendly	Class I and II rapids
Intermediate	Class III rapids
Advanced	Class IV and V rapids

Class 1 rapids on the Green River in Utah

The Basics of River Classifications

The International Scale of River Difficulty ranges from Class I (easy) to Class VI (extreme). This system helps rafters, kayakers, and river guides assess the challenges they might face on a particular stretch of water. The Green River in Utah is a great place to experience different classifications firsthand.

Here’s a quick rundown of what each class means:

Class	Difficulty	Description	Example	Status
I	Easy	Smooth water with few obstacles	Green River – Flaming Gorge	Beginner
II	Novice	Simple rapids with clear channels	Green Riiver – Flaming Gorge	Beginner
III	Intermediate	Rapids with moderate waves and obstacles	Yampa River	Skilled
IV	Advanced	Intense rapids requiring precise maneuvering	Yampa & Gates of Lodore	Expert
V	Expert	Extremely difficult rapids with high risks	–	Pro
VI	Extreme	Often unrunnable, only for experts	–	Elite

Class I and II: Perfect for Beginners

class 1 rapids green river Utah — Class 1 rapids on the Green River in Utah

Class I and II rivers are great for first-timers and families. The water is mostly calm, with small waves and easy-to-spot obstacles. On the Green River, you’ll find stretches like this in Labyrinth Canyon or on our Flaming Gorge daily rafting trip. It’s a good place to learn basic paddling skills and get comfortable on the water.

Class II rapids might have some small drops or rocks to navigate around, but they’re still pretty straightforward. These sections are fun without being too scary, making them ideal for novice rafters. The gentle flow allows beginners to practice reading the river and understanding basic water dynamics.

On these easier sections, you’ll have time to take in the scenery and wildlife along the riverbanks. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn about river ecology and the importance of water conservation. Many guided trips on Class I and II sections include educational components about the local environment.

Class III: Stepping Up the Excitement

Class 2-3 rapids on the Green River in Utah

Class III rapids kick things up a notch. You’ll see bigger waves, stronger currents, and more obstacles to dodge. The Green River’s Split Mountain Canyon has some great Class III rapids that’ll get your heart pumping.

These rapids need teamwork and good paddling skills. You might hit some waves that splash into the raft, but that’s part of the fun! The Utah and Colorado 5 offer plenty of Class III thrills.

Class III rapids often feature technical maneuvers around rocks or through narrow passages. This is where you’ll start to appreciate the importance of reading the river and anticipating obstacles. Guides will often provide more detailed instructions on how to approach each rapid, helping you understand the strategy behind navigating whitewater.

Class IV: Advanced Whitewater Action

Now we’re talking serious whitewater! Class IV rapids are intense, with powerful waves, drops, and tricky currents. You need to be in good shape and have solid rafting experience for these.

The Yampa River in Utah has some awesome Class IV rapids, especially in Warm Springs. These rapids demand quick thinking and strong paddling skills. It’s a rush, but safety is super important here.

Class IV rapids often require precise boat positioning and coordinated team efforts. You might encounter features like hydraulics, large waves, and steep drops. These sections of river test your physical abilities, mental focus, and decision-making skills under pressure. Join us on our guided Yampa rafting trip in Dinosaur National Monument.

Class V and VI: Expert Territory

Class V rapids are for experts only. They’re extremely difficult and dangerous, with big drops, huge waves, and complex maneuvering. You need top-notch skills and experience to tackle these safely.

Class VI? That’s the limit of what’s possible in a raft or kayak. These rapids are often considered too risky to run. You won’t find many of these on commercial trips because they’re just too dangerous.

Class V and VI rapids require extensive scouting before attempting. Rafters and kayakers at this level need to be prepared for potential rescue situations and deeply understand river hydraulics. These sections often involve long, continuous rapids with little opportunity for rest or recovery.

Choosing Your Adventure

When picking a river trip, match the classification to your skill level and comfort zone. If you’re new to rafting, start with Class I or II. As you gain experience, you can work your way up to more challenging waters.

The best rivers for rafting offer a mix of classifications, letting you enjoy calm stretches and exciting rapids in one trip. This variety keeps the experience interesting and allows you to progressively challenge yourself as you build confidence.

Consider factors like the length of the trip, the season, and water levels when choosing your adventure. Spring runoff can increase difficulty levels, while late summer might see easier conditions on some rivers. Always check with local outfitters for the most up-to-date information on river conditions.

Safety First: Be Prepared

No matter the river classification, safety should always be your top priority. Here are some key points to remember:

Safety First: Be Prepared

Always wear a life jacket
Listen to your guide’s instructions
Know your limits and don’t push them
Be aware of changing water levels and weather
Bring appropriate gear for the conditions

Guided rafting trips are a great way to experience different river classifications safely. Professional guides know the river well and can help you navigate challenging sections.

It’s crucial to understand and follow river etiquette and Leave No Trace principles. This includes respecting wildlife, properly disposing of waste, and being courteous to other river users. Many rivers flow through sensitive ecosystems, and it’s our responsibility to preserve these natural environments for future generations.

Ready to Hit the Rapids?

Understanding river classifications helps you choose the right trip and prepare for the adventure ahead. Whether you’re looking for a calm float or an exciting ride, there’s a river out there for you.

The Green and Yampa Rivers in Utah offer a fantastic range of experiences for all skill levels. From peaceful Class I sections to thrilling Class IV rapids, these rivers showcase the diversity of whitewater rafting. Each classification provides a unique perspective on the river environment and challenges you in different ways.

Remember, river conditions can change based on water levels and weather, so always check current conditions before your trip. With the right preparation and respect for the river, you’re set for an unforgettable rafting experience.

Ready to plan your next river adventure? Explore your rafting options and find the perfect trip for your skill level and interests. The rivers are waiting for you!

Whether you want a peaceful float through scenic canyons or an exciting journey through challenging rapids, river rafting has something for everyone. By understanding river classifications, you can choose an adventure that matches your skills and interests, ensuring a safe and fun experience on the water. So grab your paddle, put on your life jacket, and get ready to make great memories on some of Utah’s most beautiful rivers!

What Are The Best Rivers Across The Nation For River Rafting and Why?

Posted on August 12, 2019 at 4:35 pm.

Written by Dinosaur River Expeditions

This country is criss-crossed by a network of beautiful rivers, some of which are just perfect for rafting adventures. We asked professionals and outdoor enthusiasts who share a love of rafting to weigh in on their favorite river rafting destinations in the U.S. Here’s what they had to say:

Andy Demetriou

Founder

Andy is a rafting expert who has voyaged every route in every raft down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. He founded Advantage Grand Canyon with the goal of matching travelers with the best possible trip for an unparalleled rafting experience by utilizing free trip finder services.

Colorado River, Grand Canyon Arizona. The Colorado River is huge with different classes of rapids across the Grand Canyon. This allows people from all experience levels to enjoy river rafting, including kids and families with elderly members. Besides rafting, some trips include hiking and camping with breathtaking Grand Canyon scenes. You can also go fishing depending on the season (license is required for anyone over 14 years old). July/August is the best time for “big whitewater.” Quick tip: a 6-8 day, full-canyon motor trip is the most popular rafting trip on the Colorado River.
Salmon River, Idaho. The Salmon River in Idaho is not only gorgeous but also a heaven for adrenaline junkies with its crazy rapids. The Salmon River is divided into 3 sections (Main, Middle Fork, and Lower Salmon) and each section offers something unique. Additionally, it is surrounded by massive wildlife and forests providing additional activities and things to do or see.

Amy McLaughlin

Owner, Lafayette Flats Boutique Vacation Rentals

Amy and her husband own Lafayette Flats Boutique Vacation Rentals, the hottest place to stay in the coolest small town of Fayetteville, West Virginia. When Amy’s not busy welcoming guests to the New River Gorge, you will find her deep in the forest hiking and hunting for mushrooms.

Without a doubt, the best whitewater rafting can be done on two rivers deep in the heart of Southern West Virginia: the New River and the Gauley River. Both are managed by the National Park Service as part of the New River Gorge National River.

Several outfitters run the New River from late April to late October, offering multiple trip options on different segments of the river. Class 1-4 rapids pull your attention away from the lush, untouched forest scenery, but it’s the sight of the New River Gorge Bridge towering 800 feet overhead that really takes your breath away.

Running the Gauley River is possible for six weeks in the late fall when the Army Corps of Engineers opens the dam and releases massive amounts of water from the swelling Summersville Lake. The Gauley River lures experienced rafters from all over the world with the thrill of running 100 raging rapids on 25 miles of steep, rugged terrain.

Tyler Callantine

Tyler and his wife Jennifer are the owners of Dinosaur River Expeditions, a river rafting company based in Vernal, Utah. They share a passion for the outdoors and for whitewater rafting. Together, they have more than 25 years of river guide and rafting experience from all over the western United States.

For generations, my family has been exploring the rivers and land in and around Uintah County in Northeastern, Utah, and I believe this area offers some of the best river rafting in the country. I am partial to the Yampa River, which is the last free-flowing tributary of the Colorado River system. I like it because it is so versatile. Depending on the snowpack, you can get a nice, family-friendly rafting excursion or a high-adventure, thrilling ride with plenty of stomach-dropping ups and downs. If you’re a thrill-seeker, one of the best parts of rafting the Yampa is Warm Springs Rapids, which is one of the top 10 big drops in North America.

There are beautiful views of sandstone cliffs and western canyons along the Yampa. You’ll also be in the heart of Dinosaur National Monument, which offers one of the biggest repositories of dinosaur bones on Earth as well as Native American sites with 700-year-old petroglyphs.

Becky Beach

Lifestyle Blogger

Becky is a mom-preneur. Her goal with Mom Beach is to help moms work from home so they can stay home with their kids. When you work a 9 to 5 corporate job, you miss out on important milestones such as first steps and first words.

The Colorado River is the best when it comes to river rafting. There are streams for beginners and experts alike. I’m an avid river rafter and enjoy the Colorado River the most. It’s so beautiful as well with so much gorgeous scenery along the way. It’s truly relaxing and adventurous! I highly recommend this river to beginners and experts.

Carlyn Topkin

Carlyn Topkin is a Vice President of Lou Hammond Group.

Russian River, California
For over 130 years, travelers around the U.S. have sought out the Russian River in Sonoma County as a prime rafting destination. The gentle current provides the perfect occasion for those seeking a serene and peaceful rafting experience. Rafters can appreciate the scenic views of the beautiful wineries as they bask in the shade of giant redwood trees, just a short distance from the river’s edge. Natural swimming holes are scattered throughout and serve as the perfect opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the calm and cool waters. A variety of wildlife can be found throughout this tranquil river journey, in the water, and on land.The wildlife includes a variety of beautiful birds, fish, turtles, and sea otters. The neon-tinted dragonflies and tiny, green tree frogs reveal a pristine aesthetic against the bright blue and crystal-clear waters. Rafting stands out here because the river itself is one of the best assets in California wine country. After a day of rafting, its ideal to pop into one of the popular tasting rooms in the region.Delaware River, New Jersey
For true adventure seekers, the Delaware River provides a one-of-a-kind rafting experience. Located in Central New Jersey and easily accessible for those living in Pennsylvania and New York, this river is a prime destination for rafters. Depending on preference, rafters can enjoy a 2 to 4-hour experience, whether it be calmly floating on a gentle current in certain areas or an exciting trip through the white-water rapids in others.

Families can explore the several small islands distributed throughout, which are great for family picnics. Halfway down the river, all are welcome to stop in at the world-famous “River Hot Dog Man” for delicious BBQ. While rafting, bald eagles and Red-tailed Hawks can be seen soaring above with Great Blue Herons down below. Large Sycamore trees line the river, and waterfalls running directly into the river make for a unique and beautiful sight.

Craziest white water river rafting destinations and why?

Posted on June 21, 2019 at 6:01 am.

Written by Dinosaur River Expeditions

If you’re an adventure seeker, few things offer as many thrills as a white water rafting trip. But not all rapids are created equal. Some will lilt you along for an entertaining but tame ride—others will turn your stomach in knots and have you flirting with danger at every turn.

We asked outdoor enthusiasts to weigh in on the most thrilling rafting spots. If you’re looking to crank up the excitement in your life, read on for their suggestions.

Paul Ronto

Chief Marketing Officer & Director of Digital Content at RunRepeat

Paul Ronto is an outdoor and rafting enthusiast. He’s guided for over a decade down some of Colorado’s most challenging rivers and has been traveling the world in search of white water since he was in his teens.

This one is obvious–it needs to be the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. The rapids are huge. They are nerve wracking and rated on a 1-10 scale, making even seasoned rafters feel small as they bob through these true giants in jumbo 18” rafts and 30” motor rigs. The rapids are not the only wild part of adventuring down the Grand Canyon. The hikes are wild, up aqua blue streams and to ancient cliff dwellings, the camps are outstanding with soft sand, epic bocci, and endless star gazing, and the sheer length of the trip, at 280 miles, makes it a crazy experience that can last up to 4 weeks. There’s little to no contact with the outside world. Where else can you have that kind of forced unplugging?
This one is not as obvious, and many may have never heard of this destination. It is the Cache La Poudre River in Fort Collins, CO. This small river becomes a mighty torrent in June when waters are high. What makes this river unique is that it’s Colorado’s only Wild and Scenic River, and it boasts over 60+ miles of runnable whitewater, including everything from class 1 floats to crazy class V+ waterfalls. There are commercial outfitters on the river running daily and at high flows (above 5 feet on the hand-painted rock gauge). You are in for a wild class IV/V ride. Into kayaking? The river has some of the state’s best creeking as well from Joe Wright Creek to The Big South Fork of the Poudre, as well as the Class V+ roadside section The Narrows, which is home to a BoaterCross style Class V shootout race every summer. What makes this destination even better is the historic city of Fort Collins, home of New Belgium Brewing, Colorado State University and Old Town Fort Collins (which Disney’s Main Street USA was modeled after). After a day charging down the Poudre, enjoy a cold beer, live music, and fresh tacos in Old Town Square.
Head north to the panhandle of Idaho and experience true mountain solitude on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. This 100 mile stretch of pristine class III and IV water is deep within the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and gets whitewater enthusiasts excited thanks to its steep gradient, challenging rapids, beautiful camps, and riverside hot springs. You heard correct, there are a handful of natural hot springs along this float to soak in and warm your bones after relentless drenching from the spring runoff. There’s even a hot waterfall to meander under. Disappearing into the Idaho woods is a true treat, one only lucky rafters really get to enjoy as there are no road crossings for the 100 miles of river you’ll float down.

Tyler Callantine

It’s hard to beat the Yampa River. A few key points about the Yampa. It is the last free flowing tributary of the Colorado River System. Because of this wild nature, the Yampa River can have really high, fast water or lower, family-friendly flows, depending on the Colorado mountain snow pack.

The river, because of its natural flows, has a relatively intact natural river environment with a huge variety of native species of plants, fish, insects and animals. The Yampa River is also host to one of the most famous rapids on the Colorado River system: Warm Springs.

Warm Springs rapid formed just a little over 50 years ago during a really heavy series of rain storms that sent a flood of debris into the Yampa River creating Warm Springs rapid. At the location of the rapid had historically been a mild little series of riffles. Now, it is one of the top 10 big drops in North America.

Whether the Yampa River is high water or low water, it is one of the most popular rafting trips in North America with a waiting list for people to get on this river trip. It also goes through the heart of Dinosaur National Monument and this is the only way to see a huge portion of the monument. Another plus is all of the Native American archaeology along the river—places like Mantles Cave and Echo Park.

Daniel Masiko

Daniel Masiko is a Ugandan software engineer whose passion for traveling has taken him to see most of Uganda’s major attractions. Daniel is currently the web strategist for Exclusive African Safaris, a Ugandan Tour Operator in Kampala.

Over the last few years, white water rafting has become a major attraction for Uganda’s tourism industry.

Initially, Visiting the Nile was about seeing the source of the world’s longest river that fascinated the old Egyptians for centuries. White water rafting has changed the narrative by adding a lot more adventure into visiting this legendary river. This has turned Jinja into the true adventure capital of East Africa because rafting is enjoyed by both foreign visitors and local adventure seekers.

River Nile has all the rafting grades (classes) from 1 to 5. This means that even those who want a calmer rafting experience get to enjoy it while those going for the adrenaline pump of grade 5 rapids enjoy their fun as well.

The presence of calm stretches of the river allows the rafters to catch their breath before going back to the fantastic action of battling it out with the Nile.

To ensure safety, all rafters are briefed before they start off and fully equipped with safety gear such as a life jacket and helmet. As the rafting proceeds, a rescue team follows along in kayaks to help those who fall out of the raft during the big waves.

Since Uganda has a tropical climate, rafting can happen all year round – come rain or sunshine. When it is raining, rafting can still be done since tropical rains don’t last so long. Tougher storms, however, lead to stopping of the activities until the skies turn friendly again.

Most people who have rafted the Nile admit to having a fantastic time – and falling out more than they thought they would, which added to the whole experience.

Landia Davies

African Budget Safaris Content Creator

Landia Davies , an adventure-loving native South African, Landia likes to step off the beaten path and escape the crowds in nature.

The Zambezi River for sure. Conquer 19 grade 4 and 5 rapids over 23kms in Africa.

It’s the only place where you can start rafting from the base of the largest sheet of falling water in the world, Victoria Falls. From Boiling Point, the starting point, you then raft your heart out through the 650-ft deep Batoka Gorge. With about 625 million litres of water crashing over Vic Falls per minute (in the high season), the mighty Zambezi River has plenty of power to drive its epic rapids and send your heart rate soaring.

The Zambezi is one of craziest white water river rafting destinations in the world – packing in adrenalin highs in a stunning setting.

Tabbi Burwell

Tabbi Burwell is a Senior Manager of Destination Communications

Oklahoma City offers a very unique opportunity with a man-made urban whitewater rafting experience just along the Oklahoma River – aka North Canadian River in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City. OKC’s $45.2 million whitewater rafting center serves as a training site for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes from around the world. These class II-IV rapids are unlike any others in the world, allowing you to go down the Olympic channel and the recreational channel, where six pumps push out 492,000 gallons of water per minute. Definitely a bucket list must-do!

Pros and cons of guided versus non-guided river rafting adventures?

Posted on June 10, 2019 at 10:00 am.

Written by Dinosaur River Expeditions

Are you the adventurous type that likes to hit the rapids on your own? Or do you prefer to take in the scenery while learning from the wisdom of a guide? No matter your preference there is one thing for sure, river rafting is awesome. And here is what five outdoor goers have to say.

Jan Wojtasinski

VP Marketing at Nantahala Outdoor Center

Jan has worked in the adventure travel and tourism space for the last decade as a guide, instructor and consultant.

When it comes to a guided vs. non-guided river experience, it is all about what you are willing to put in and what you expect to get out. Personally – I love the planning, preparing, and adventure of a non-guided experience. Whether that is a 20+ day trip down the Grand Canyon, exploring half day runs in rural Ecuador, or just going out for an afternoon paddle – for me it’s worth the work and time spent on training and preparation.

When I speak to Nantahala Outdoor Center guests, most times I hear and see the opposite. Our guests value their time spent with family and friends on the river – not the logistics that get them there. They overwhelmingly rate their guide as one of the best portions of their experience. From a focus on risk management, to local knowledge and fun facts about the natural components of the river, their guides deliver above and beyond what just the river can provide. It’s the personal connection, and professionalism, that consistently rank our guided trips with higher satisfaction ratings than their non-guided counterparts.

Lauren Wood

Director for Holiday River Expeditions

1. Un-guided trips leave you missing some of the best hidden treasures of the river canyon. Going with guides who have the knowledge and interpretation skills can leave you with a far greater appreciation for the river you are floating [on] and allow you to peek into all the best side-canyons and hiking highlights. Guides can also point out the safest ascents over a side canyon waterfall, the location of hidden pictographs, the geologic history of a canyon wall and other nature interpretation you’d need many years to amass (or one darn good guidebook)!

Un-guided trips can be exhausting! Having to row yourself in the energy-draining sun all day and then once you hit camp sometime in the afternoon be expected to not only set up your camp but cook and clean up everything? Why not let guides do it?! They are trained and typically, being so used to life in the canyon, will not only have the stamina but efficiency to make all the hard-labor much lighter work, leaving everyone having a more relaxing vacation.

Zachary Collier

Owner of Northwest Rafting Company, Zach Collier combines international guiding experience in places like Siberia, Bhutan, and Chile with a natural business acumen for systems and logistics.

There are some distinct advantages to non-guided rafting trips. When you’re on your own, you can choose your own schedule and exactly who you are rafting with. It also costs quite a bit less if you have the skills and equipment to go rafting on your own.

When you go on a guided trip you lose some flexibility, and the cost will typically be much higher. You do get a lot in return. First of all guided trips have detailed emergency and evacuation plans as well as insurance. Guides are typically highly trained in safety, first aid, and swift water rescue. If safety is important to you then a guided trip is probably the way to go.

Beyond safety, when you go on a guided trip they provide all the necessary equipment and transportation. If you don’t already have these things, renting can be expensive and time consuming. Some rivers require permits that can be quite challenging to obtain, and guided trips have already obtained the required permits. Finally, leadership is an important consideration. If you have a hard time organizing your friends then going on a professionally guided trip is a great way to work with experienced leaders that can organize everyone efficiently and set important safety boundaries.

David Rack

David Rack has dedicated his life to bringing awareness to the importance of the swamps, rivers and bayous using eco-tourism and his enjoyment of entrepreneurship.

The con of a non-guided kayak trip in a bayou (a marshy outlet of a lake or river) is that you might get lost. There are so many pathways, it is quite easy to forget which way you were going or coming from. With no cell reception, your Google maps won’t work, and you would have to rely on your internal navigational compass.

With a guided kayak tour, your guide has paddled that area hundreds if not thousands of times and could probably get back with a blindfold, so there is a good chance you won’t be getting lost.

Mike Sheety

Director at thatshirt.com

When it comes to rafting adventures, I prefer guided tours. With non-guided rafts, you could miss details that the guide would point out to make it more in-depth. When I do get the opportunity for this adventure, I like to learn as much as I can and having a guide can really point out some amazing things. Not only that but if something does happen to go wrong, you have the safety net of your guide being there to assist you.

High Water River Rafting

Posted on April 13, 2019 at 7:07 am.

Written by Dinosaur River Expeditions

If you live anywhere around the mountain west, or you have been following the news then you’ve probably had your eye on the weather forecast this winter. Jackson Hole broke records this year for snowfall in February, Utah is breaking snowfall records in April. Ski enthusiast or not, the snowfall this year has been exciting. It’s some much needed drought relief for one and for those who aren’t the biggest fans of winter, it means a green spring and summer. Lots of snow becomes lots of water flow. Creeks will be swollen to bank full, rare stretches of river – like the Dolores – will have enough water to float down.

A big snow pack means a great rafting season. High water, depending on the stretch of river means big hits in big waves. Current will be strong as long as cfs (cubic feet per second) remain high. So how do you define “high” water? That’s entirely dependent on the stretch of river you’re looking at. Let’s take a look at the Yampa. The Yampa River is a good gauge of what high water looks like for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it is un-dammed. It’s not something we think of often, as most of the major dam building projects in this country happened in the 1950’s. However, there are some rivers that still flow wild and free. No dam means no one has their hand on the faucet, so to speak. This means spring runoff and snow melt run down the head waters and through the river unchecked by reservoirs. Typical high-water season on the Yampa River occurs mid-May to early June and is anywhere from 12,000 – 16,000 cfs through Dinosaur National Monument. After the spring peak, the flows steadily decrease until they hover anywhere from 600 to 12 cfs – too low to raft. This year the river basin that feeds the Yampa is reporting 119% of a thirty-year median. So, what does this mean? Typically, depending on how quickly things warm up as we move into spring and summer, the spring peak will come later and will be more sustained. A more sustained peak means a longer running season generally.

So why all the buzz? Other than the big hits in big white water, the additional water for irrigation and storage in the reservoirs downstream, it’s a huge boon for the environment at large. The native species of the Yampa and by extension the Green and Colorado rivers are dependent on high seasonal floods for spawning purposes. More water brings more nutrient and more sediment downstream, restoring the beaches we love to camp along and feeding the animals we love observing. And while the Yampa may be emblematic of what high water looks like, it is by no means the only river where the water will rage this summer. All across the west snow pack’s are well above their average. Even with dams, side creeks will swell and fill their mother rivers. And reservoirs can only get so full and that water must go somewhere and that somewhere is downstream.

Excited? Good, you should be. I would be remiss in my duties as a whitewater enthusiast if I didn’t urge a touch of caution. When looking to get on the water this year prepare yourself appropriately. This means selecting river runs that are suitable for your ability. Like checking the avalanche forecast, check flows before you go and what they are forecast to do. Make sure you and your team have the necessary equipment to enjoy the whitewater safely. And for any stretches you feel you can’t do on your own, there are experienced and reliable outfitters who are there to ferry you safe and sound down the river. Stay safe and stay excited! It’s our collective passion for these places that keeps them pristine for generations to come.