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Visit Dinosaurland and Vernal, Utah

Vernal, Utah, is a gateway to some of the most spectacular scenery in the American West. The town is located in northeastern Utah, and it is surrounded by towering mountains, deep canyons, and ancient dinosaur fossils.

If you’re looking for an adventure-filled summer vacation, Vernal is the perfect place for you. There are endless opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, rafting, and learning dinosaurs.

In this blog post, I’ll outline a 3-day itinerary for visiting Vernal that will take you to some of the best spots in the area.

Day 1: Dinosaur River Expeditions

Start your day with a Utah one day river rafting trip on the Green River with Dinosaur River Expeditions. This is a great way to experience the beauty of the canyons and get cooled off on a hot summer day.

Dinosaur River Expeditions single day river rafting trip takes you along the Green River from Flaming Gorge Dam to Little Hole. This scenic 7 mile section of the river takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery around, not to mention some fun class 2 white water action along the way.

Dinosaur River Expeditions

After your rafting trip, enjoy a delicious Dinner at the Vernal Brewing Company. This brewery is located in the heart of downtown Vernal, and it has a great selection of craft beers on tap. Vernal Brewing Company is locally owned and operated, brewing all of their beers in house. Their menu is top notch with a great selection of options for all visitors.

Day 2: Vernal Rodeo

If you visit Vernal, Utah during the first part of July a must do is the Vernal Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo. This rodeo is a great way to experience the cowboy culture of the Uintah Basin. You’ll see some of the top cowboys and cowgirls competing in events like bull riding, bronc riding, and barrel racing.

Tickets are affordable, so this is a great way to see some live entertainment in Vernal and experience rodeo action like nowhere else as the top cowboys and cowgirls compete for their chance at the National Finals Rodeo.

Vernal Rodeo

Day 3: Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

On your last day in Vernal, visit the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Not only a great place for single day river rafting trips,this recreation area is home to stunning scenery, including towering cliffs, deep canyons, and the Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

There are endless opportunities for outdoor recreation in the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. You can go hiking, camping, fishing and boating.

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, take a scenic drive on the Flaming Gorge National Scenic Byway. This byway winds its way through the Uinta Mountains and incredible canyons offering some incredible views of the reservoir.

Accommodations

There is a variety of accommodations to choose from in Vernal. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, consider staying at the Vernal KOA campground. This campground has RV sites, tent sites, and cabins.

If you’re looking for a hotel stay, consider booking a room at the Dinosaur Inn. This motel is in the heart of downtown Vernal, and it has a swimming pool, hot tub, great breakfast menu and is within walking distance of restaurants and several museums.

Logistics

The best time to visit Vernal is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. The nearest major airport is Salt Lake City International Airport, which is about a 3-hour drive from Vernal.

Budget

The cost of a trip to Vernal will vary depending on the length of your stay, your activities, and your accommodation. However, you can expect to spend around $1,000 for a 3-day trip.

Tips

  • Be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for your time in Vernal.
  • If you’re planning on doing any hiking or rafting, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
  • Bring a camera to capture all of your memories.
  • Be sure to book your accommodations and activities in advance, especially during the summer months.

 

Vernal, Utah is a great place to visit if you’re interested in dinosaurs, outdoor recreation, and a quiet small town with lots to offer.

Three Great River Adventures

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3 BEST Rafting Trips in Utah/Colorado Northern Border

Northeastern Utah and the Colorado border are full of wonders to explore. As John Wesley Powell says, “We have an unknown distance yet to run, an unknown river to explore. What falls there are, we know not; what rocks beset the channel, we know not; what walls ride over the river, we know not. Ah, well! we may conjecture many things.” 

  1. Gates of Lodore (Green River Section)

Time Commitment is typically 3-4 days

As you enter the narrow and dark maroon walls at the Gates; 4 days of changing scenery and geology are about to blow your mind. You are submitting yourself into the canyon that John Wesley Powell and his crew ventured into without knowing what was ahead.  As you traverse the thrilling rapids with a skilled guide you will get to experience whitewater that is full of splashing water and a unique epic experience.  

Between all the fun whitewater and chilling on the raft observing big horn sheep and other animals in nature. You can pull over and tie off the boat.  Rippling Brook hike takes you to a small waterfall and then on the way back you can venture to the edge of a cliff where you can view the river looking upstream and downstream.  The view is spectacular and will be something you won’t forget. This isn’t the only opportunity for side excursions. Your guides will help you explore the many intricate beauties of Lodore Canyon and all she has to offer.   

  1. Yampa River (Designated Wild and Scenic)

Time Commitment is typically 4-5 days

As you leave the meanders of Deerlodge Park, the put-in for the Yampa River and enter the vast canyon of the wild and scenic chocolate river, you will find the magic and wonder of the place many guides call their summer office. The canyon walls will quickly bombard your mind with amazement. While every essence of your being is siphoned into the flow of the river moving forward in a constant swirling progression. The river will suck your soul in and the journey of how you fall in love with this sacred place has been set in motion. The desert daytime sun will be countered with coolish nights soaking in the cool breeze coming off the fresh runoff water from the Rocky Mountains. After day one you feel like maybe you know what to expect until you hit the long stretch of calm water and the Grand Overhang. Now it’s game on, where does all this slow moving water lead us…in no hurry at all? 

The water all funnels into this narrow opening at the top of a rapid and not just any rapid. But THE rapid, that was formed by a landslide in ’65 and changed this canyon forever, Warm Springs! The rush of water gushing and gurgling as it bellows over the rock we call Maytag makes our experienced stomachs start to churn. The excitement and adrenaline pulse through our bodies and we wave to those left at the rivers’ edge waiting their turn. Double checking all the gear and reminding all to hang on, we slowly enter the tongue and then we are off and before we know it, we are screaming, cheering and maybe even cursing but we are making our way digging our oars in with every ounce of strength we can muster.  Phew we made it and we throw our hands in the air and let out an elated, HELL YEAH!  

And that’s not all. Don’t leave out all the cool stops to the Ancient Indigenous Artwork and granaries from the Fremont Culture. Taking this exhilarating ride will provide you with great food, entertainment, culture and all the natural wonder you could want in a 4-5 day trip. 

The Gates of Lodore and the Yampa River are two escapes from the fast paced world that start and end near Vernal, UT and actually takes you through the heart of Dinosaur National Monument.  Now that’s a place many don’t get to see!  

  1. Green River A,B,C Section (Below Flaming Gorge Dam)

Time commitment is typically 1-3 days (or more if your heart desires)

These pieced out sections can be several one day trips or turned into a 2 night, 3 day excursion. This is hands down one of the most beautiful one day stretches around. Located below the Flaming Gorge dam, you put-in and can go. This is a great place to tackle some world class trout fishing and have some fun on a mellow low-key whitewater river. This scenic float along the Green River has some fun class 2 rapids perfect for an introduction to river rafting. Almost all ages can come and enjoy a day on the water. A picnic included can provide a chance to explore some of the small beaches and play in the cold water on a hot summer day. 

The world class fishing alone brings thousands of people to visit and explore this section of the Green River every summer. A Utah one day river rafting trip is a great way to get out and adventure with the family if you aren’t quite committed to the high adventure of a longer 4 or 5 day trip. There are takeout’s between each section making it easy to lengthen or shorten your trip based on your needs.

I encourage those seeking a great thrill to consider these three options. It could be a time to escape the chaos of the world noise and enter the magic of nature through the veins and arteries that give the earth life and may be a renewal to yours. 

-Kassie Robbins

White Water Rafting Myths

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10 Common Whitewater Myths

  1. It’s only for athletic outdoor enthusiasts.

Think again! You don’t have to be in the best shape of your life or be completely in love with the outdoors. Being willing to try something new with a good attitude is much of what is required when taking a trip down a river. 

2. Being an excellent swimmer is required.

Being able to swim is not imperative, we wear personal floatation devices that will create buoyancy. It’s not even required to go swimming. There is definitely a great possibility to go swimming if you want to.  In some cases, there may be more time in the water but that’s something you should check on with the company you sign up for.

3. All we do is paddle.

Well, that’s funny! You would think that is all we do after all we are going rafting. The different rivers run by Dinosaur River Expeditions have various opportunities for paddling but equally offer time to sit back and relax and let the guides do the work. We offer oar rafts where the guides do the work, paddle rafts where you participate and inflatable kayaks and SUP’s (stand up paddle boards) where appropriate. There are also incredible side hikes, chances to relax in the shade and enjoy the solitude and just all around unplug.

4. It’s too dangerous.

There is absolutely a level of danger rafting through the canyons of Dinosaur National Monument or Flaming Gorge. With that said, our trained guides do all they can to mitigate the dangers involved. 

5. It’s the same on every river.

No river is created the same. Our two favorite river sections happen to found in the heart of Dinosaur National Monument. The Green River Gates of Lodore is painted with red walls, narrow canyons, and sporty rapids. While the Yampa River is molded with tall walls of layered sandstone and wide river passages, slow meanders and splashy rapids. You will find that all rivers have something majestic to offer.  

6.You have to camp.

While overnight rafting opportunities with beautiful campsites near the rivers edge are available, you can find serene day stretches that literally require you to show up and go. The Green River section below the Flaming Gorge Dam is one of the most peaceful and beautiful day stretches with world class trout fishing. This is one of Utah’s most popular one day river rafting trips perfect for just about anybody looking for a scenic river adventure. 

7. Camp food; hot dogs on a stick is all we get.

I can assure you that river menus are nothing short of exquisite. You will likely not eat this good again in the outdoors. We provide gourmet meals such as BBQ chicken with all the trimmings followed up with yummy desserts like pineapple upside down cake. A dinner on the shore of the river will leave you with a full belly and happy memories. Its hard to believe we can haul all the goods for a classy meal on the beach. However, it’s true we do!    

8. The guide will make or break your trip.

The guides do provide opportunities for good experiences. If the guide is all you are betting on for a good experience, that may leave you disappointed because having a good experience is also the responsibility of the person. The guides try to put on a good time but even they can’t control all the components of the wilderness. One’s attitude can make or break an experience. Have a positive great attitude and understand you are going out into the wilderness. Bring an expedition mindset, ask questions in advance and have the time of your life.   

9. I have to use the bathroom, it’s weird.

Different for sure, weird nah! You just have to have an open mind. We are in the wilderness. We make the bathroom experience on the river as pleasurable as we can.  In fact, on overnight trips we have beautiful scenery for a relaxing moment away from the rest of camp to reflect and do you know what.  There is always an explanation to help those who are anxious and often a guide will be more than happy to ease some of that stress by talking in confidence about your concerns.  

10. All companies are created equal.

Each company provides a special and unique wilderness experience. Different companies may run different rivers and sections and use a variety of watercrafts from a big pontoon motorized boat, rubber raft to a fiberglass dory. Some companies are locally owned and operated while others are more global or commercially operated. Though this may be the case, finding a good feel for your personal experience and what you are desiring is important. Research the areas you are thinking about rafting, find out what other opportunities are in the area, read reviews and book your adventure of a lifetime.  

5 Great Podcasts For Outdoor Enthusiasts

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5 Great Podcasts for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Eddy Out with Natali Zollinger

Natali Zollinger does an amazing job of bringing the river community together. From rafting, kayaking, swift water safety, stand up paddle boarding, gear and more she captures stories of old-time legends and folks who love the river and community that surrounds the magic of the river. This is a great way to feel like you are having a real down to earth chat with someone on the beach at camp, paddling downstream or sitting around the campfire. Natali has worked on many of the rivers in the west including several sections of the Colorado River and our favorites the Green River Gates of Lodore and Yampa River near Vernal, Utah.  Her ability to connect with the river community comes from a deep love and appreciation for the experiences that happen while moving downstream.

 

Outside Podcast – 

This Fun and upbeat podcast is sponsored by Outdoor Magazine and PRX. There are interesting interviews and information about innovations like the sports bra. They share some historical and scientific news from Outside magazine with an intriguing vocal component. There is exciting survival stories shared about cold weather conditions, lightning strikes, and finding bodies in the desert from dehydration. This podcast series will keep you captivated episode after episode.

Dirtbag Diaries – 

Adventures of the dreamers, athletes, and wanderers are shared in this fun and spunky podcast. The stories relate to many of the challenges of the outdoors in a way that go deeper. Giving you a glimpse into ways the outdoors connect with your everyday life. The Dirtbag’s storytelling is a way for them to share real life-inspired adventures that bring people closer to the outdoors. We are all between Dirtbag adventures and scheming about how to get to the next expedition!

Outside Voices –

This podcast honors stories and gives a voice to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, folks with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ and any others that may be changing the way the world views diversity and the outdoors. It is a great podcast to help with a culture of inclusion and equity giving the listeners an opportunity to feel the importance of shedding what we think we know and becoming more open-minded and aware of those around us while spending time in the outdoors.

She Explores –

I have spent many of my 15 years as a female whitewater raft guide in Dinosaur National Monument running the majestic Gates of Lodore and wild Yampa River as well in southern Utah on the Colorado River. These years of experience have given me much time to reflect on what keeps me coming back. Connecting my body and soul with the outdoors has given me the freedom that is desired in our ever so tied down world. The love that comes from the magic of the river continues to bring me the peace I seek in life. This podcast brings many women of diverse backgrounds, ages, and races together, all while discovering our love of nature. As a mother of 3 young children I get excited when I hear of other women living their outdoor dreams. This podcast will not disappoint the eager outdoor enthusiast who enjoys celebrating women connected to the earth.  

Enjoy these podcasts and dream of your next outdoor adventure. Whether that is a daily rafting in Utah on the Green River or mountain biking fast single track in the Vernal, Utah desert we hope you find inspiration in the great stories shared on these podcasts.   

Rafting Adventures Rock!

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5 Reasons Green River Gates of Lodore and Yampa River Rafting Adventures Rock

 

  1. QUIET

We live in a world full of noise! That noise comes from all around us, our family schedules, our jobs, societal issues good and bad, worldly news and anything else that adds to the noise in our life. I love my time on the Green and Yampa Rivers. Rafting these canyons of Dinosaur National Monument gives me a chance to sit in a quiet and serene wildness. In a world where we carry one of the noisiest things with us at all times, we get to put the cell phone down and leave the video games at home when we traverse and raft these wild river canyons in Colorado and Utah.  

These two rivers in particular have given me the special time to mediate. I particularly find myself in a rhythm on the raft listening to nature and the repetitive movement of dipping and pulling of the oars. It allows me to be completely present. Being present in this life can be hard with all the daily distractions. Giving myself this space of quiet is a beautiful and very unique experience which I treasure.

  1. UNCROWDED

Wow! This world is becoming ever so crowded, and as good and great as many of those opportunities are in the busyness, the crowds are a major turn off for me. Waiting in the grocery store line or a traffic jam is not a fun and stress-free way to spend time.  

Though we see other folks and groups along these rivers, it is not crowded like the big city. Adventures to our national parks and monuments can be varied depending on the time of year and activities you are seeking out. Springtime in the desert of Utah is a prime example of everyone getting rid of cabin fever and bounding out to see the state’s incredible national parks. The beauty of a river rafting trip through Dinosaur Monument is it is a permitted rafting section with a select number of people allowed to go each day. Alas no crowds!

When I launch on my boat into the vast canyons of The Gates of Lodore or the Yampa River Canyon I know it is going to be my boat, the people I left with and an occasional run in with some other river loving, serenity seeking folks. Avoiding crowds isn’t a problem because just by going on the river the crowds are left behind!

  1. WILD

The Green River and Yampa have some hidden gems that give me moments to experience the wild it has to offer. The very definition of the noun “wild” is a natural state or uncultivated or uninhabited region. I believe these rivers tucked in the deep canyons is the very essence of WILD. The rivers offer wildlife like Big Horn Sheep, Deer, Moose, River Otters, Beavers, Endangered and Unendangered Fish Species, and one of my personal favorites is the birds of prey like Bald and Golden Eagles. I have yet to experience a River trip down these corridors without seeing something wild.  

The Rapids are created by natural causes of rocks moving into the river through states of weathering and erosion.  This has created the exhilarating whitewater that pumps my adrenaline and gives me a feeling of accomplishment when I arrive at the bottom. The Green River has some really fascinating river history involving the infamous John Wesley Powell and other early explorers. Their perspective can really give insight to how WILD it really can be!

Another magnificent way to experience the WILD is hiking off the river to places like waterfalls such as Butt Damn Falls (Ely Creek) or Rippling Brook Falls.

Dinosaur National Monument was established in 1915 by Woodrow Wilson and only had about 80 acres encompassing the Fossil Quarry. In 1938 President Franklin D. Roosevelt enlarged the monument to over 210,000 acres mainly to include the two river corridors. Most of the Monument is actually the Rivers and the surrounding canyons. The majority of which cannot be accessed by car.  Now that’s wild AND ROCKS if I must say so myself.

  1. SCENIC

Fascinating geology means old rocks and ancient rock art both of which are two really amazing reasons to explore these places.  There are over 23 rock layers that can be seen in Dinosaur National Monument.  Many of those layers are exclusively seen by river because they are exposed in those regions.  These layers are from the Precambrian era (1,100 Million Years ago) to the Miocene Era (25-10 Million Years ago.) These layers are part of 1.2 billion years of extinct ecosystems and is one of the most complete stratigraphic displays in one place. Now that’s cool!  

The sunsets and sunrises over the canyons are exemplary.  

The ancient rock art comes from the Ancient Fremont Culture from around 700-1400 A.D.  They were nomadic people and moved around. They had specific places they would return to at different times of the year. The rock art is a bonus to those places and often gives me perspective to what my life is like and what the people of those days experienced. 

  1. UNIQUE  To give some perspective. These rivers are an unique opportunity for folks who are willing to make it a priority and put it on their bucket list of experiences. Why is it unique? For one, these rivers are on a lottery system and only a small number of people with the proper experience and gear are going to be able to traverse these river canyons every summer if they are lucky to draw one of the coveted permits for the Yampa River of Gates of Lodore Green River canyons. The other unique opportunity is the concessionaire system where people without or with experience can hire a professional outfitter to guide them on their adventure.

The chances are limited for folks to be able to make it down there without some help.  

Commercial river companies like Vernal, Utah’s Dinosaur River Expeditions have something for everyone by giving them the chance to experience the world class Wild and Scenic Rivers and their surrounding canyons with lots of kid and adult friendly activities and great food!  The company provides amazing all-inclusive bucket list vacations that will rock your world. I’m IN!

Outdoor Recreation Classes Through Schools

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Why Schools Should Include Adventure Sports Activities In Their Curriculum

Sir John Lubbock once stated, “Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books.” This statement is more true now than ever.  Today’s society has lost this form of education through time and often only relies on a curriculum based in a classroom setting. The lack of these learning adventures is limiting the growth and knowledge that is only experienced through experiences in nature. Many educators are unaware of the numerous benefits that can be attained  through adventure sports activities. Students often are unable to see how the classroom lessons of biology, chemistry and many other topics have to do with the real life outside world. There is no better way to understand a lesson or a topic than using a hands on experience. Outdoor adventures will not only be fun and exciting but will allow an excess of both worlds to come together. The classroom will forever be changed as soon as students are able to see the science come to life. 

Our local high school Uintah High, offers an incredible outdoor recreation program taught by Mr. Hoffart. Hoffart has designed a unique curriculum based on his experiences and time as a student at NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) as a student. Through these prior experiences Mr. Hoffart teaches his students a multitude of skills that will help them pursue their own outdoor adventure sports. Some of the students favorite subjects taught are backpacking, fishing, mountain biking and white water rafting. The white water rafting trip is sponsored by Vernal, Utah’s locally owned and operated Dinosaur River Expeditions. Dinosaur River takes the students and staff on their one day Green River rafting trip. Dinosaur’s philosophy is we need to foster and provide recreational options for the community’s youth, these students need to know and see what is in their backyard. Not only does the course teach specific skills but provides an introduction to preserving open space and leave no trace ethics while exploring the great outdoors. The outdoor recreation class at Uintah High School is only one example of the many opportunities that are available for youth to get outside classroom and learn new and valuable skills.  

Not only are there academic benefits to these adventures, but emotional and social benefits increase tremendously as well. Being able to connect with the outdoor world allows an abundance of stress to be taken away. Studies have shown that most students develop high levels of stress very early in life. With these high levels of stress there are minimal healthy outlets to help relieve themselves. Providing a class in an outdoor setting will teach the students a coping method that can be used not only during school but throughout their lives. The students emotional health increases as stress is taken away as well their self esteem grows throughout the process. Being able to attend these classes allows the student to learn new skills, become more confident in their own abilities, and increase their emotional health and wellbeing as well. The social aspect built upon in these adventures can become life long friendships. Throughout adventuring, there comes times when the answer is not as easy as 2+2 but takes problem solving. Trying new things and working together as a team with their peers starts to help their social abilities flourish. This learned attribute can be used in the workforce later in life as they start working with different coworkers, providing customer service, working through challenging situations that are experienced in the workplace.

One of the most important factors that these adventure sports activity classes will teach students is the importance of the environment. The lack of education on the environment is what causes the problems that the world faces today, such as waste, the lack of preservation, and minimal conservation. Teaching students the magnificence that the world has for them starts with taking care of the environment around them. The list of positives goes on and on for these classes to be added to a regular curriculum. The change needs to be made for future generations to understand the importance of our wild spaces and the need to protect and preserve open space.  

If your child’s school offers an outdoor recreation program take advantage of the incredible doors it will open through a classroom based in nature. If not take a look at programs in your area that may provide the skills to help your child grow in ways the classroom cannot provide. 

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!

Top 5 Things To Do Flaming Gorge Recreation Area

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Top 5 Things to do when visiting Flaming Gorge

A beautiful place that is a must visit in the Uintah Basin is the one and only Flaming Gorge. This beautiful natural environment gives you so many different and unique opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. There are activities for every personality to enjoy, from the most outdoorsy person to the home body. Narrowing down all that the hardest part of visiting the Flaming Gorge Recreation Area. Here are the top rated adventures of Flaming Gorge.

  1. Boating on Flaming Gorge Reservoir

There are many boating sports activities that can be done on the reservoir. These activities include water skiing, paddle boarding, jet skiing, kayaking and many more. The lake itself is a great place for family gatherings or solo adventures.

  1. Visiting Red Canyon Lodge

Red Canyon Lodge is a very popular place for many tourists as well as the locals. It is a great place for a day away from the city or a camping trip. The lodge hosts many activities such as horseback riding, private lake for trout fishing and riding the rental paddle boats. There are also cabins for rent perfect for large or small groups. The Alpine Cabins are open to rent through the Spring and Fall seasons and the Ponderosa Cabins are available for rent any night of the year. 

  1. River Rafting

Another top pick for visiting Flaming Gorge is a one day guided rafting trip down the Green River. Dinosaur River Expeditions provides a single day scenic rafting trip perfect for people looking for a life changing experience. It is an astounding scenic trip with a few super fun class II rapids thrown in this trip is one of Utah’s top single day rafting tours. Dinosaur River also offers 2 or 3 day rafting trips in the Flaming Gorge area for groups of 6 or more. This section of the Green River also provides world renowned fly fishing for trout. There are several excellent fly fishing guide services in the area, it is highly recommended to hire a guide these trout can be tricky to catch. 

Flaming Gorge Green River rafting
Vernal, Utah One Day River Rafting Trip
  1. Flaming Gorge Dam Tour

Learning about the history of Flaming Gorge Dam is very simple thanks to the tour the visitor center provides. This tour is open daily from April 15 to October 15 and the cost is free. During this tour, a movie, a 3-D display, and a walk through are provided for free. The walking tour starts at the dam’s visitor center and takes you down through the internal workings of this massive concrete structure to the base of the dam where the Green River pours out of its inner plumbing. Many great views and excellent information are provided by the Flaming Gorge Dam Tour.

Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Center

  1. Hiking

Countless hikes surround the area of Flaming Gorge. The trails all provide a different experience with the widely diverse trail routes and abundance of wildlife. There is a trail for every one of all levels of experience and age. Some of the more popular hikes are the Little Hole Trail, Moonshine Arch, and Bear Canyon. If you don’t want to hike, there are options for biking as well. In the wintertime, many people also use the trails for cross country skiing as well as snow shoeing. For information on hiking the Ashley National Forest can provide you with directions, maps and information to get you to the trail head. 

Flaming Gorge is an amazing place full of opportunities to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. It is a place for anyone and everyone to enjoy and discover through adventure. Either if it is through hiking, river rafting or any of the other activities, the visit to Flaming Gorge will be worth it.

The Weekend Warrior

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Fighting the Good Fight: The Weekend Warrior

So, you like to get outside and stay active, but it isn’t always easy to make time?  You may live and work in a city, meanwhile your mind drifts towards the freedom of the hills or the grand solitude of the desert.  If you are a 9 to 5 work a day type like so many others, then how will you maximize your precious time off? You are in the company of weekend warriors and you will better enjoy your time of battle with a little preparation and planning. Whether you are heading off for a quick weekend of fly fishing on Utah’s world famous Green River or a mountain biking adventure on Vernal Utah’s amazing single track being prepared is a key component of a great vacation.

To me the first and most important piece of preparation that you can do for yourself is to know yourself.  Be realistic with your goals and be honest with yourself about your limitations. Ask yourself what you hope to get out of your adventure time, knowing that you will have to be  and want to be a functioning human being after the outing is over. Now that you have an understanding with yourself, you can plan a fitting venture and maximize your fun.  

Think about the physical requirements of your desired activities.  This goes back to knowing yourself but can also fit into extended or ongoing preparations.  If you are planning a cross country bike tour, then you should be putting in some miles in the saddle during the weeks before your big ride.  If you are going on a river trip or drive where there will be opportunities to do hikes, long or short, then you should be doing some walking or, better yet, hiking to get into shape.  Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Pace yourself, walk consciously. You can’t summit the mountain until you have walked through the foothills.  

You’re feeling good and have a rough idea of what you are ready to tackle, now it’s time to fill in the gaps and make your travel itinerary.  No matter what your activity, there are numerous resources out there to help you plan. Guidebooks and maps are still my favorite but there are great smartphone apps, blogs, discussion groups and websites that provide great planning ideas.  In many places and with many activities you can hire a guide service, which takes a lot of pressure off you to know everything. It is still a good idea to know something, so you know what you are in for. Sometime’s it is best to leave your ego intact and hire that local guide service they have the knowledge, skills and equipment to assure your trip is a success. 

Time to dig into your gear closet or garage.  If you are like me this part gets you excited, like walking into a room filled with old friends.  Don’t save this until the last minute unless you are sure your equipment is accounted for and in good working order.  Leave yourself enough time to make that unplanned run to the sporting goods stores or hardware store to repair the broken bits.  One of our favorite gear shops is Moab Gear Trader’s the owner and staff love outdoor adventure and recreation. There are few things worse than getting out to the field and realizing that something important is missing. You can mitigate that problem by writing lists.  Write out your lists of gear and meals and check the items off as you pack. You will be less likely to forget something and there is a certain sense of accomplishment that comes from checking things off. For most outdoor activities you should be able to find someone else’s checklist online to give you a starting point for organizing your gear.  

While in the thick of your adventure, pace yourself.  Don’t be so goal oriented that you risk causing injury to yourself or your travel companions.  Physical fatigue is a good way to take a bad step or make some bad judgement call that could ruin your holiday or have worse consequences.  Listen to your body and rest when you need to. Drink plenty of water and eat when you need energy. These things seem basic, but it is so easy to forget to stop and take care of yourself.  If you don’t do it, who will? These maintenance breaks are good for the mind and soul as well as the body. Pause to enjoy the place you are standing and to feel the calming rhythm of nature.  

When all is done and you’ve returned home satisfied and safe, do a couple of things to close the adventure and prepare for the next.  Take some notes or write in an adventure journal about what you’ve accomplished. What worked? what didn’t? what would you do different or the same next time?  Did you see another nearby canyon that you’d like to explore next time? Did you get some advice from fellow travelers? These notes, like the lists from before, can be very useful tools and enjoyable to reflect on later.  

With your memories stored and organized, take the time to clean and organize your gear.  It is satisfying to wash off the dirt that marks a good trip into the wilds. It is gratifying to see your well used equipment clean and in good working order.  It will make your life so much easier to pack for the next rally if everything is organized and ready to go.  

The adventurous life of a weekend warrior may not be measured by vast quantities but with a little work it will be by high quality.  May you fight the good fight and find the balance in life that you desire.

5 Great Restaurants After Your Utah Rafting Trip

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So you just came off an excursion down one of Utah’s gorgeous rivers. You’ve had camp meals for the past several days. Or maybe just a deli lunch on a day float. Maybe even just a granola bar and some trail mix. Yes, you may have been exposed to sun, wind, possibly even rain I could imagine. You’ve packed and unpacked a boat numerous times, even if it was just this morning and just this evening. Anyway you cut it, you’ve likely worked up an appetite – and not an appetite to do more work. You’re returning to civilization, and while that may be hard it certainly comes with some perks. Perks like near limitless meal options, and someone else preparing the food for you to boot. The only hard part of this equation is where to eat?

 

Dinosaur Brewhaus

If you’re coming out of Dinosaur National Monument after a 4 or 5 day trip on the Green River Gates of Lodore or Yampa River, Vernal Utah boasts several great spots to sate your hunger. One simply shouldn’t leave Vernal without trying out the Dinosaur Brewhaus. It’s simple pub fair, but has a down-home and delicious taste, with complimentary peanuts while you wait, and a variety of Utah beers on hand. They’re used to their fare share of river runners, so come in whatever condition you leave the boat ramp in! 

 

Sabaku Sushi

Say you’re enjoying the day float in Moab, or coming off the monstrous waves of Cataract canyon, Moab is well equipped to meet your gastronomic desires. The unbeatable Sabaku Sushi serves up incredible options from our river running friend and amazing chef Alex Borichevsky. Not only does he know great river running he serves up delectable fresh sushi offerings. This is a Moab favorite.

 

Vernal Brewing Company

Maybe you just finished up a classic Utah 1 day Flaming Gorge Green River trip and are looking for a little more flare to your evening meal. For more variety and atmosphere, the Vernal Brewing Company is top notch. They boast a wide selection of entrees and of course have their locally brewed beer on tap. Try the Little Hole Lager or the local favorite the 50 Caliber IPA, and other craft and domestic beers as well. The brewing operation is a sight to behold, but if you’re hoping for a tour I’d recommend cleaning up a tad before asking about a table.

 

Ray’s Tavern

Coming off of a Desolation Canyon/Grays river trip, you end up in the small town of Green River Utah. Good bang for your buck is Ray’s Tavern, a quaint little eatery that’s got its roots in the river running community. Enjoy burgers and sandwiches all the while marveling at some amazing shots of whitewater from the sports’ long and storied history.

 

Taggart’s Grill

Paddling out of Park City will likely put you on the Weber River, a calm stretch of water that runs along train tracks and highway 84. Raft, kayak, or tube this river (pick up your trash!) and enjoy the Taggart’s Grill at the take out. Taggart’s Grill offers exquisitely crafted sandwiches, soups, and pizzas. They’re in house desserts – like their carrot cake – are out of this world, and their beer selection isn’t too bad to boot. Just remember, no shirt, no shoes, no service.

 

 

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