EXPEDITIONS

Colorado and Utah Whitewater Rafting Trips

You’ve reserved your Utah whitewater rafting trip with Dinosaur River Expeditions — now what? We’ve taken every measure to assure that you have an excellent river trip. We’re based in Vernal, Utah near Dinosaur National Monument and Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

Try to arrive early — the day before your trip departs. Stop in and meet the river rafting guides, see the area attractions, and get a good night’s rest. Whether you’re out for a daily trip or a five-day vacation, we’ll guide you every step of the way to make your river trip fantastic.

Our trip is all-inclusive. We provide the river trip gear, delicious food, all the camp amenities, and transportation to and from the river. All you need to bring is your personal clothing, sleeping gear, and personal beverages (soda, alcohol, wine, beer, etc). We’ll have plenty of cooler space for these items. We provide a small dry bag for daytime items and a large dry bag for your personal and camp gear prior to departure. The small bag is 8” in diameter by 20” tall perfect for sunscreen, rain gear, hat, camera — daytime items. The large bag is 16” in diameter by 2′ tall perfect for sleeping gear, clothing, and items not essential during the day. We also have a separate bag for tents and dry boxes for beverages. Keep your gear to approximately 20 pounds per person — this is a good estimate for planning.

"The striking beauty and jagged skyline of Lodore on the Green River will inspire my family for years to come. At family get togethers; the conversation always talks about the rafting trip in Dinosaur National Monument. Truly one of the best times our family has ever shared. I would recommend this trip to all who cherish family, fun, and nature."

Rich Thomason,
Mountain Green, UT

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Rafting Equipment

Modern river-running got its roots more than 100 years ago. Those early pioneers used handmade wooden boats — and sometimes the boats didn't survive the journey! Not to worry — we have a fleet of the most modern, top-of-the line river gear available. When talking with us about your trip, let us know which paddling options you would like to try. We will try to accommodate you.

oar boat

The oar boat is a rubberized raft that you'll find on all of our overnight trips. This type of raft is the workhorse of the river trip. It's built with a metal frame to haul all the necessary camp gear. The incredible capacity of the oar boat ensures that your camp experience has all the little touches that make it special.

inflatable kayak

The inflatable kayak is for those seeking a little added adventure. We have one- and two-person inflatable kayaks that you can paddle down most of the river. With some detailed paddling instruction and some strict safety guidelines from our guides, you'll be on your way to navigating rapids on your own.

paddle boat

The paddle boat is a form of rubberized raft where passenger participation is part of the fun. The guide sits in the back, steering and leading the raft down river. The guide will give commands to the paddling crew to confidently negotiate the whitewater. A paddling crew of at least four adults is required for this option.

Stand Up Paddle (SUP)

Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boards are all the rage these days. We take SUP’s whenever the water levels allow for fun paddling and a good group experience. In calmer water sections this option is fun for everyone. In whitewater, SUPs are for thrill-seekers only — there are very good odds you will take a short swim.

EXPEDITIONS

Camping & Food

One thing no one ever said after a Dinosaur River Expeditions trip is that they went hungry. We take great pride in preparing amazing meals that are nutritious and delicious. From the gourmet lunch on the first day to hot homemade dinners and breakfasts — you will be satisfied. Our guides are proud of their excellent cooking skills.

Each meal has been meticulously planned to account for all tastes and most dietary needs. We love to keep it healthy with plenty of fresh produce and locally raised meats. When the time is right, vegetables and fruit will come straight from the garden to your river trip.

If you have any special dietary needs or food requests, please let us know. We will do our best to accommodate you.

We provide many beverages, such as ice water, lemonade, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and hot tea. Each raft carries an iced cooler for any canned beverages that you bring. Please, no glass bottles — they are difficult to handle in the river environment. Ask for beverage recommendations before your trip departs. Your guides will have excellent advice on quantities and how to pack your beverage of choice.

EXPEDITIONS

Camping in Dinosaur National Monument

Your guides love to make camp as inviting and comfortable as possible. While your guides set up the kitchen area, you’ll have time to find the perfect tent site, go for a swim, or explore the surrounding area. You won’t believe how much gear the guides hide away on the rafts. Tall comfortable camp chairs, a fire pan for nighttime storytelling, the kitchen (including the kitchen sink), and everyone’s favorite the camp bathroom. No detail has been forgotten to make the camp experience perfect.

know what to expect

Sample Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to provide you with some idea of what to expect while rafting Colorado and Utah’s amazing rivers. This itinerary is designed around a Dinosaur National Monument Yampa River or Green River trip. Upon reserving your vacation, you'll receive details pertaining to the exact trip you're going on.

Day before departure

Meet at our Vernal office- 2279 North Vernal Ave, at 5:00 PM for pre-trip orientation. At this time, your guides will provide you with dry bags, last minute packing suggestions, answer any questions you may have, and help with the final details of the trip before departure. We've found this orientation to be very helpful in making each trip a successful experience. If you cannot make the meeting please let us know in advance so we can prepare before your arrival.

Day 1 trip departure

Meet at the location provided in pre-trip the evening at 7:00 AM to depart for the river approximately 8:00 AM. Depending on your trip, it will be a one-hour to two-and-a-half-hour bus ride. At the river, your guides will be prepared to load the final pieces of equipment and start your vacation. Your day will encompass whitewater, hikes, and a delicious river-side lunch. When you arrive at your first camp, the guides will make it a comfortable outdoor experience while you explore.

Day 2 and 3 on the river

Start the morning with hot coffee, a wonderful breakfast, and a beautiful sunrise. This will be followed by taking down camp and packing for a day of adventure — with hikes, whitewater, lunch, and a lot of fun. You'll end the day with a relaxing camp-time experience. Take the time to try some fishing, exploring, playing a game, or just leaving all your cares behind.

Day 4 final day of the trip

Last day on the river; a peaceful morning float through Rainbow Park and Island Park followed by an afternoon filled with exciting whitewater through Split Mountain Canyon. This section of river has some of the Green River's most exciting rapids. A lunch stop on a wonderful sandy beach puts you a few river miles away from the take out, where you will take a 30-minute shuttle ride back to Vernal, Utah, returning to our office approximately 3:00-4:00 PM.

EXPEDITIONS

Colorado and Utah Whitewater Rafting Trips

Rafting Equipment

oar boat

inflatable kayak

paddle boat

Stand Up Paddle (SUP)

EXPEDITIONS

Camping & Food

EXPEDITIONS

Camping in Dinosaur National Monument

know what to expect

Sample Itinerary

Day before departure

Day 1 trip departure

Day 2 and 3 on the river

Day 4 final day of the trip

SO MANY WAYS TO ENJOY

One Incredible Landscape

Green River – Gates of Lodore

Green River – Flaming Gorge

Daily Trips

Custom Trips

Green River

Yampa River