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Wonders of the Yampa River

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Exploring the Wonders of the Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument: 5 Fun Facts

Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Dinosaur National Monument, the Yampa River weaves its way through rugged canyons, offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. Beyond its stunning scenery, the Yampa River holds a treasure trove of interesting facts that make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. Let’s dive into five fun facts that make the Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument a remarkable natural wonder.

Last Wild River in the Colorado River System:

  • One of the most remarkable aspects of the Yampa River trip is that it remains the last major, free-flowing river in the Colorado River Basin Water System. Unlike many rivers in the region that have been dammed and regulated, the Yampa flows freely, maintaining its natural course. The wilderness not only preserves the river’s unique ecosystem but also provides an authentic and untamed experience for those who venture along its banks.

Wonders of the Yampa River

Riparian Wonderland:

  • The Yampa River corridor is a haven for diverse flora and fauna. The riparian habitat along the riverbanks supports a rich array of plant and animal life. Cottonwood and willow trees provide shade, while numerous bird species, including bald eagles and peregrine falcons, call the area home. The vibrant ecosystem along the Yampa makes it an ideal destination for birdwatchers, nature photographers, and anyone eager to witness the beauty of unspoiled wilderness.

history of the Yampa River

Petroglyphs and Pictographs on the Yampa River:

  • Dinosaur National Monument is renowned for its wealth of prehistoric treasures, and the Yampa River is no exception. Along its winding course, you can find ancient petroglyphs and pictographs created by Ancient Native American communities that once thrived in the region. These rock art sites offer a glimpse into the cultural history of the area, adding a layer of historical significance to the Yampa River’s already captivating scenery.  Deep in the Yampa River corridor is Mantle Cave, it’s set back from the river banks. There are granaries and other evidence of the Fremont culture, at one point a variety of items were found in this cave such as flake stone tools, ground stone, bone implements, bags made of hide and netting, coiled basketry, snares, cordage, matting, moccasins, headdresses, corn and more. There were approximately fifty storage pits of various kinds found.

custom trips river expeditions including the Yampa river

Yampa Whitewater Wonderland:

  • For adventure seekers, the Yampa River offers an exhilarating whitewater experience. The Yampa boasts thrilling rapids, making it a popular destination for rafting enthusiasts. The river’s rapids range in difficulty, providing options for both seasoned rafters and those new to the sport. The unique combination of adrenaline-pumping rapids and stunning canyon landscapes makes a Yampa River rafting trip an unforgettable adventure.  The whitewater can be thrilling all while you meander through the Weber Sandstone Canyon that brings the canyon to life.  

Dinosaur Fossils Along the Banks:

  • As the name suggests, Dinosaur National Monument is famous for its dinosaur fossils, and the Yampa River corridor is no exception. Fossilized remains of dinosaurs, including the Allosaurus and Stegosaurus, have been discovered in the rocks along the riverbanks. Hiking trails in the area provide opportunities for visitors to explore these fossil sites, connecting them with the ancient past and the incredible geological history of the region.

The Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument is a natural wonder that seamlessly blends adventure, history, and ecological diversity. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of whitewater rafting, exploring ancient rock art, or simply soaking in the scenic beauty, the Yampa River offers a myriad of experiences that make it a destination worth discovering. Dinosaur River Expeditions has experienced guides and the proper gear to provide many of these opportunities on our multi-day whitewater adventures. As you embark on your journey along the Yampa, let these fun facts serve as a guide to unraveling the wonders that make this river a true gem within the expansive landscapes of Dinosaur National Monument.

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Top 5 Reasons To Raft The Yampa and Green Rivers

The Yampa River and Green River Gates of Lodore are two of the most popular white water rafting destinations in the United States. Both rivers offer stunning scenery, challenging rapids, and a variety of wildlife. But what are the best reasons to take a guided rafting trip on these rivers through the heart of Dinosaur National Monument?

Here are five of the best reasons to take a guided rafting trip on the Yampa River and Green River Gates of Lodore:

  1. Safety: A guided trip is one of the safest ways to enjoy white water rafting. The guides will have all the necessary safety equipment, training and will know how to handle any unexpected situations.
  2. Experience: A guided trip is the best way to experience white water rafting. The guide will be able to point out the different landmarks along the river and tell you about the history and geology of the area.. 
  3. Education: A guided trip is the best way to learn about the Yampa River and Green River Gates of Lodore. The guide will be able to answer all your questions and help you understand the natural wonders of the area. Interpretation is a key component of a guided trip whether it is rafting or some other guided experience
  4. Memories: A guided trip is the best way to create lasting memories with your family and friends. You’ll share an experience that you’ll all cherish for years to come. Whether you look back at the exciting rapids, beautiful hikes or just laughing around the campfire at night you will have long lasting memories for years to come. 
  5. Fun: A guided trip is simply a lot of fun. You’ll get to enjoy the thrill of white water rafting, the beauty of the scenery, and the company of your friends and family.

If you’re looking for a safe, fun, and educational experience, then a guided rafting trip on the Yampa River or Green River Gates of Lodore is the perfect choice for you.

Here are some additional tips for choosing a guided rafting trip:

  • Choose a reputable company.** There are many companies that offer guided rafting trips on the Yampa River and Green River Gates of Lodore. Do some research to make sure you choose a company that has a good reputation and a proven track record of safety. Dinosaur River Expeditions is Vernal, Utah’s only locally owned and operated river rafting outfitter. 
  • Pack appropriately, the outfitter will provide a suggested pack list for your trip. A reputable outfitter who has a long history of guiding on the Yampa River and Green River Gates of Lodore will have a suggested pack list according to the time of year and water flows to help you be prepared. They will also have a pre trip meeting to help you with any last minute questions prior to your trip’s departure. 
  • Find out what is included in the trip.** Not all guided rafting trips are created equal. Make sure you find out what is included in the trip, such as transportation, meals, and equipment. Many outfitters have equipment rental options such as sleep kits and tents if you do not own this equipment or do not want to travel with it. 
  • Get a sense of the atmosphere of the trip.** Some guided rafting trips are more relaxed and family-friendly, while others are more adventurous and challenging. Get a sense of the atmosphere of the trip so you can choose the one that is right for you. This can be dependent on the time of year, early season will have faster water with runoff and later season the river will slow down as run off as subsided. 

Taking a guided rafting trip on the Yampa River or Green River Gates of Lodore is a great way to experience the beauty and excitement of these rivers. With a little planning, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip that you’ll never forget.

Endangered Fish of the Colorado River System

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The Green and Yampa Rivers are home to many species of fish, but there are a few that are particularly endangered or at risk of becoming endangered. These species are facing a variety of threats, including habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing. Here is a closer look at some of the most endangered fish on the Green and Yampa Rivers:

  1. Colorado pikeminnow: This species of fish is native to the Colorado River system, which includes the Green and Yampa Rivers. It is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act and is considered one of the most endangered fish in North America. The Colorado pikeminnow is threatened by habitat loss and degradation, as well as non-native species that compete for resources.Green and Yampa Rivers
  2. Razorback sucker: The Razorback sucker is another species of fish native to the Colorado River system that is listed as endangered. It is a large, bottom-dwelling fish that is known for its distinctive, humped back. The razorback sucker is threatened by habitat loss and degradation, as well as the introduction of non-native species that compete for resources.
  3. humpback chub: The humpback chub is another endangered species of fish native to the Colorado River system. It is a small, sleek fish with a distinctive hump on its back. The humpback chub is threatened by habitat loss and degradation, as well as the introduction of non-native species that compete for resources.
  4. bonytail chub: The bonytail chub is another endangered species of fish native to the Colorado River system. It is a large, silvery fish with a distinctive bonytail. The bonytail chub is threatened by habitat loss and degradation, as well as the introduction of non-native species that compete for resources.

There are many efforts underway to protect and preserve these endangered species of fish on the Green and Yampa Rivers. These efforts include habitat restoration projects, the introduction of non-native species that are less damaging to native fish populations, and the implementation of regulations to limit overfishing. It is important that we take action to protect these species, as they are an integral part of the ecosystem and play a vital role in the health and well-being of the Green and Yampa Rivers.Green and Yampa Rivers

There are several reasons why this information is important to river users. First, it is important to be aware of the species that are present in the rivers and their conservation status because it can impact the types of activities that are allowed or restricted in certain areas. For example, if a certain species of fish is endangered, there may be regulations in place to protect that species, such as catch limits or restrictions on boating or fishing in certain areas.

Second, it is important for river users to be aware of the endangered species present in the rivers because these species play important roles in the ecosystem. For example, the Colorado pikeminnow is a top predator in the Colorado River system and plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. The loss of this species could have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem.

Third, protecting endangered species can help to preserve the biodiversity of the Green and Yampa Rivers. Biodiversity is important because it helps to ensure the health and resilience of the ecosystem. A diverse range of species can help to protect against the impacts of environmental changes, such as drought or pollution.

Finally, protecting endangered species can have economic benefits as well. Many people rely on the rivers for recreation, such as fishing, boating, and rafting, and the presence of endangered species can attract tourists and support local economies.Endangered Fish 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.

Water Is Life

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WATER IS LIFE

By: Kassie Robbins

My Water Story

My name is Kassie Robbins, I am 37 years old. My life has been filled with water adventures from a young age, particularly river adventures. My mother and father met in Salt Lake City at the University of Utah in some round about way this meeting and their eventual marriage has led to my love of rivers and river rafting.  

Water Is Life

 Parents

My mother was born in the heart of the river loving community of Vernal, Utah.  She grew up in the Vernal with the Hatch Family.  Her family rafted through the canyons close by. Her older brother Lory guided for Western River Expeditions for a couple summers. My father was thrown on a 28-foot pontoon boat and learned to row by fire on the Gates of Lodore with his new family.

My dad grew up in Ogden, Utah and is a rock guy. He studied geophysics in school. This landed him a job working with some cool folks, one of those being Robert Tubbs.  Robert and my father both decided to buy brand new orange Rogue bucket boats in the early 80’s.  It was an easy sell for both my parents.   Afterwards, my dad took his first trip down the Grand Canyon.  He was enamored by the gorgeous geology and became highly fascinated by the corridors of rivers throughout the world.  

Childhood

Fast forward to my parent’s union with the new raft and young family we were towed along for the ride.  My first river trip was at the age of 3 still wearing diapers. My parents were troopers with 4 kids ranging from 9 to infant.    My life has been nothing short of an adventure full of rivers and excitement.  My soul was called to the rivers.  

I feel so blessed to have had the experience of riding the waves of the Colorado River System.  I have had an opportunity to love nature in a very personal way.  My soul was drawn in and at 16 years old my dream of becoming a river guide was created after seeing a guided river trip on the Green River in Whirlpool Canyon.  The boats were lined up at Jones Hole river camp 1.  It was Don Hatch River Expeditions.  I thought to myself I want to do that for a job.  It has since been one of my greatest legacies I get to carry on to my children.  

River Guide

At 19 years old, I drove my little orange CJ7 Jeep to Moab, Utah in the summer of 2003 with hopes of figuring out housing or not and beginning my life as a guide.  I had no plan other than working at Adrift Adventures and hoping to see as much river time as possible. 

For two summers I ran through Westwater Canyon, Desolation-Gray Canyon, and Cataract Canyon, as well as the Moab Daily Section.  This is where I wanted to be!  This was the life!  I was boating, listening to good music, eating good food, and meeting some cool people. 

This opportunity helped me to understand the water issue and the drought of the desert and water scarcity and limitations.  I remember more seasoned guides talking about the low water we were experiencing and wondering what that meant to me and what I could do.  I figured that I needed to learn more.  

At one point I was running through Cataract Canyon and the walls of sediment we were traversing through were once under Lake Powell.  These embankments were being cut through with real time erosion as the river was making its way down the canyon.  The embankments were sediment deposits from the drying up low lake levels.  This was the first time I had seen this problem in real life.  The river was not putting in as much as we were using out of the Glen Canyon Dam.  It has only gotten worse since 2004. 


Water and Utah

Water shapes Utah and the geologic uplift creates the perfect opportunity for mountains and plateaus to be eroded.  I have spent the last 14 years guiding and personally rafting in Dinosaur National Monument.  I have worked with various companies and have found my home with Dinosaur River Expeditions. 

During this time, I have learned about the dams and the good and bad those bring.  Dams generate power and supply cities with drinking water, grow our food and factories make goods all while overuse and pollution of water by the same ones receiving it.  20% of the world’s electric power is generated by dams.  

I also wouldn’t have a job that gives me the most amazing office-space for the whole summer season without a dam.  It also breaks my heart to know we have covered so many amazing things, from ancient Indian dwellings and burials to beautiful canyons never to be explored in its natural state again, to collect water in these reservoirs.   

We can learn from our past and try to move forward being aware of the future Water needs.  Water conservation is a topic that many want to skirt around because of the political ramifications that come with it.  Water shortages are real and happening right before our eyes.  Utah is in the desert.  Less than half of Utah’s small amount 13 inches of annual precipitation falls as rain.  

“There are two ways to die in the desert – thirst and drowning.”

-Craig Childs – Author

 

In Utah, 82% of water goes to crops for agriculture and livestock, 8% to commercial use, 6% to residential outdoor use, and 4% to indoor residential use.  This means most of the water in Utah is for farming.  The first step in gaining understanding is finding a way to become aware of the water issues.  Then you can make good decisions on what you can do in your corner.  Utah is not the only place dealing with water issues and what to do.  

What Can We do?

If you are in Vernal, Utah before July 31, 2021, take a trip to the Uintah County Heritage Museum and go check out the FREE H20 Today Exhibit on loan from the Smithsonian.  There is a lot of great information where you can learn how water is tied into almost everything we do.  Did you know it takes 600 gallons of water to make 1 pound of cheese?

Water Is Life

I love highwater as a river runner for a couple reasons, one of those being big fun splashy rapids, and another because I know we have more water coming into the reservoirs because we are running on low low low levels for the needs of our growing populations and communities.  Let’s do our part and become educated and do our part to help conserve.  

 

My soul is at peace when I am on the river.  What kind of water story are you living and how has it influenced your life?

Nature Inspires Creativity

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Rhythm of the Wild

There’s a debate among linguists and musicians as to which came first: language or music. Without a time machine, it’s a hard problem to solve. But I side with the musicians. Any given day has a rhythm. To hear the music all you need to do is step outside. It is no wonder then that some of our best creative thinking comes from being outside. Often times this creativity blossoms on rafting trip, backpacking adventure, car camping in the southern Utah desert or a neighborhood evening walk.

The day has multiple rhythms, and the year has its own as well, they’re called seasons. But the rhythm I’m talking about has a decidedly musical quality. Birds call it out in the cool morning of day. Insect cries fill the heady heat of the afternoon. Crickets serenade the evening, and owls add their cry. In some places, the calls of animals are so consistent you can set your watch to them. See what I mean by rhythm?

It makes perfect sense then that before we could communicate a complex thought we could recognize the music of our world and riff on it. Of course this is all conjecture. But what’s more than conjecture is how beneficial getting outside is to creative thinking. Our cognitive ability is boosted in manifold ways when we get outside. In the most general sense, we get away from the noise of cities – the traffic, construction, and technological trappings. Once away from these distractions our minds can relax. As we relax we can notice the patterns around us; the fractal nature of leaves, the murmur of running water, how colors change in the Fall. To take it a step further (literally) taking a hike gets our blood circulating, stimulating our minds as well as our muscles. Indeed, studies have shown the benefits of cognizance that exercise has. It’s no wonder then that skiing, riding, or walking in the backcountry clear the mind. Not only that, but having an activity allows us to focus, on the thing we’re doing specifically, which is an important distinction than the many tasks that vie for our attention at home or in the office. Shedding distractions and focusing on one thing is good brain training, and can carry over to the problem solving practices we use in our everyday lives.

Our friends at the Freeflow Institute organize incredible multi-day rafting trips where like minded writers converge and build off of each other in a magnificent outdoor setting. Freeflow Institute is just one of many organized opportunities to get outside and build upon your artistic processes. It is fun to  seek out friends or a group that shares similar interests for your outdoor creative ventures. 

Looking for a great way to journal your outdoor creative experiences the great folks at REI have shared an excellent video on making your own journal. https://www.rei.com/blog/social/diy-how-to-make-an-adventure-journal

So I encourage you to get outside. And if you can get out for a long day. Are there some trees turning colors earlier than others? Take note of what you see: what kind of plant is growing by the creek? How do you imagine it’s different than others that grow further up the bank? Get out there. See if you can hear the rhythm. 

High Water River Rafting

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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.

History of Warm Springs Rapid

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Einstein discovered that water on a perfectly flat plane won’t trickle in a straight line, but rather snake its way down in a series of S turns. It’s something I always tell guests as you come into the goose necks on the Yampa River as we float through the heart of Dinosaur National Monument. For the next 20 miles until the confluence with the Green River, the Yampa is mostly flat water. As you wind your way downstream the water becomes tranquil. It’s an easy float under the grand overhangs the river has carved into the sandstone. It’s a peaceful change from the whitewater of Teepee rapid and Big Joe. The slow water gives way to flood plains like Laddies Park and Mantle’s Cave. These self same spits of tillable land played host to archaic peoples, Utes, pioneers, outlaws and boatman. The river here was easy to divert for irrigation; warm and calmer still in summer months. You may find yourself thinking – looking out at the calm clay water slipping by – that it’s truly smooth sailing through calm seas. Why then do the boatman seem tense? It must be that the canyon closes in once more, reasserting its undeniable presence. That must be it. Eventually though, the flat water is a sign of something else. It is the calm before the storm. A storm that has its roots in the summer of 1965.

On June 10, 1965 a storm that can aptly be described as biblical built in the northern sky. It ballooned over Starvation Canyon which empties into Warm Springs draw. The storm spilled its considerable guts on the draw. George Wendt, camped at Warm Springs on that day, took shelter in an outhouse as the earth around him turned into a raging slime, laden with boulders and the broken bones of trees. The storm moved 33 million pounds of debris into the Yampa river, damming it. When the river broke through, Warm Springs, once a minor wave train, was now one of the biggest pieces of white water in the West. At the time of its formation, Al Holland and Les Oldham were upstream guiding a group of boy scouts down river. Coming from Mantle cave, the river was even stiller than it is today. Les had taken off his life vest, for he knew the river well, and knew it was calm water until the confluence and Whirlpool canyon. But the lack of current must have seemed odd to someone who knew it so well. Les was sitting on his vest as they came to Warm Springs. Sadly, it would be his undoing. He was thrown overboard in the now turbulent rapid. Holland saw the passengers safely through but couldn’t find Les in the tumultuous water. His body was recovered 17 days later. News quickly went out to boaters, on and off the river, of the new rapid and the danger it presented. By the next year, the young rapid had shifted once again, this time into something far more manageable.

Warm Springs remains a major rapid today one of Colorado white water raftings top drops. However, the rapid that Al Holland encountered in the summer of 1965 has matured over the past 50 years. In that time, rocks from the cliff face on river left have fallen in and settled in various places within the rapid. While the rapid still has features capable of overturning boats, by now boatmen know the line through. Each summer hundreds of boaters successfully navigate this rapid. And for good reason. The Yampa River through Dinosaur National Monument has so much to offer. It is the last undammed tributary of the Green River and Colorado river systems. It is a crucial link to the ecological health of the native species that call these water ways home. The river and its canyons have sustained hunter-gatherers over 8,000 years. And, of course, the Yampa offers thrill seekers adventures on and off the water.

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.

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