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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

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.

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.   

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!

Protect your Skin: Shining Light on River Guide Wisdom

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Nothing can ruin your dream vacation like a bad sunburn.  Not to mention the long-term effects associated with that kind of skin damage.  If you are going on a river trip, then you will be exposed to the elements for anywhere from a day to a couple of weeks so you should plan accordingly.  Your river guides spend all summer being bombarded by solar radiation, so if you should need advice or an example of how to deal with the elements look no further. Having guided the rivers here in Dinosaur National Monument and the local Vernal, Utah area for many years I have gained some valuable insight into sun protection when out in the elements adventuring on these amazing white water rivers.

The iconic image of a river guide may be a bronzed scantily clad emissary of the sun, and it is true that with so much exposure to the sun you will inevitably brown and get some nice tan lines, but I for one am vigilant with applying and reapplying sunscreen.  I use stronger stuff, usually SPF 30 at least.  Look for the multi spectrum coverage, preferably non-greasy and water resistant.  Since its going on my precious skin I also try to go for natural ingredients and therefor end up spending a little more for what I want, but I’m worth it. Goodhouse Keeping put together a great list of the 11 best natural sunscreens for 2019 take a look at their top choices. Besides nice sunscreen I like to use lip balm with an SPF rating as well.  I keep it close and use it a lot. 

Your vestments are your most reliable protection from the sun.  This is your armor.  I like to wear long sleeves, with a collar I can pop up to keep the sun off my neck, and to look good.  This is a business casual ensemble however, with swim shorts and sandals being the lower half.  Just remember to lotion up the bare legs and feet.  Pants made from quick drying fabrics provide a nice break from the sun, when it’s not too hot.  I have also been known to wear leggings for the same purpose.  Fashion and function.  A sarong is another great clothing option for covering the legs and it can double as a beach blanket, light sheet or a warming layer when it cools down a little bit. Our friends at North West River supply have a great collection of river guide approved clothing for sun protection. 

For the love of your face, don’t forget to take a hat.  Maybe take two or three.  You don’t want to be without a hat, and it is a real bummer to lose your only one to the river.  I like to wear a big straw hat most of the time.  Its full wide brim protects more angles covering my face and neck. Tula Hats make some great wide brimmed sun hats in many styles, they are also tough I have worn my almost daily for several summer now. Besides my Huck Finn topper I also take a baseball cap or two.  You must remember that the sun is also hitting you from below as it reflects off the water, so I might also wear a buff or bandana around my neck pulled over my ears.  Another great tool to have in your box is to have a sun hoodie.  They provide great coverage, work well with ball caps, and they look and feel good. 

Now that our skin is covered let’s not forget to shade the all-important windows.  Sunglasses are crucial to your protected persona.  The list of benefits is long.  They make you look good, they cut down on glare making it easier to see the beautiful landscape that you find yourself in, they reduce eye fatigue and the chance of headaches and they decrease your risk for future vision and eye health issues.  Did I mention they make you look good?  The best part is that you don’t necessarily have to break the bank on nice shades as you can find good polarized lenses almost anywhere.  This is also good because sunglasses are another item that you may want to plan for redundancies, lest you lose or break your first pair. 

Now if you have taken this advice you should be doing well, but there are a couple of other tricks to give you an edge in minimizing your solar exposure.  Seek shade when possible.  Lounge under a tree or prepare lunch beneath an overhung cliff.  If space allows then bring a beach umbrella or a shade canopy.  You could always hide in your tent at a layover camp but in the summer, this could be a place of stifling heat.  Instead, carry in your kit a small sheet or piece of cloth that you can cover up with and wet when it is hot this is where that sarong comes in handy.   

Your skin is precious.  It does well to protect you from threats to your health and comfort, but it needs your help.  You must do your part to take care of it and it will continue to take care of you.  You’ll be able to enjoy your dream vacation down the river without the discomfort of a sun burn and you’ll be able to enjoy the peace of mind that your long-term health will see you through many more adventures down the river and around the sun.

We look forward to seeing you on the river.  

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. 

Disconnecting

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Have you ever had that moment of panic when you can’t feel your phone in your pocket, or can’t find it in your purse? Our devices have become ubiquitous. Odds are you’re reading this on some device or other. We can check our bank statements. We can reach our loved ones from almost anywhere, not only hear their voices but see their faces; our kids off at college, or our parents living in the next state over. These things have made our lives much easier and our world much smaller. There is the ever constant news stream, which has become increasingly more difficult to parse through. There are the photos and videos from friends and influence’s. There are the work emails that can now be received from almost anywhere.

Yes, good or ill, our devices are here to stay. But, if you’re reading this, (and you have made it this far), you’ve probably found they can be a distraction, detrimental even. In fact, we’re beginning to find that as we increasingly interface with our world through a screen, we’re not practicing some crucial skills. We’re less empathetic, and less willing to try and understand things from viewpoints that differ from our own. It seems a little gloomy. How do we get back to real human interaction? How do we escape work emails, the stream of social media, and the constant news feed? We can get outside.

Though our devices may be ubiquitous, WiFi and cell phone service are not. Get far enough off the beaten path, and your place of work can’t find you to ask if you’ve finished those reports or met with the accounting department. In the backcountry the space you move through is now larger than life, even though it’s such a small slice of the world. It’s now infinitely bigger than it could have been on your favorite social media site.

The benefits of getting away from our devices and getting outside become even more apparent when we do it with our friends and family. When going into the wilderness on a backcountry river rafting trip preparedness is key. Good preparation is incumbent on good communication. Therein is where real human interaction takes place. When making a plan with one another we are practicing those crucial social skills that make us more empathetic and better able to view the world from multiple viewpoints. It seems mundane in practice, but it’s importance and benefits are widespread. Especially for the developing minds of our children. How does it work? Pretty simple actually. When we discuss a plan, whether it be as simple as a day hike or as complex as a Utah or Colorado multi day river rafting adventure, we each approach what we expect to do differently. Only once there is agreement on a plan do we enact it. And until that point is reached, the discussion of options forces us to look at the plan from the perspective of our companions. We’re practicing our social skills, failing and succeeding together in real time.

Obviously you don’t have to get into the backcountry to do these things. But getting outside happens to be a great place to facilitate these things, as it presents unique challenges, has spotty service and no wifi. So grab your friends and family, ditch those electronic devices and have that human experience in a beautiful place. A multi day river rafting adventure on the Yampa River or Green River Gates of Lodore through Dinosaur National Monument is a perfect place to disconnect from that electronic world and reconnect with your family and friends.

Leave No Trace

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When you join Dinosaur River Expeditions on a white water rafting trip whether it is on the Green River Gates of Lodore or the Yampa River through Dinosaur National Monument a common phrase you will hear from the guides is “Take only pictures, leave only footprints.” As we travel these incredible rivers we practice and teach the ethics of “Leave No Trace” camping and backcountry travel. How many people do you think visit the nations backcountry?

Big question obviously, so let’s set some parameters. We will start with Arches National Park. Arches attracts just over one million visitors a year. As you can imagine, most of that traffic is during the summer. But, perhaps Arches isn’t the epitome of backcountry travel. I’m not sure about you, but when I go into the back country I want to get away from the trappings and crowds of society. What about Yellowstone National Park? The park reported over 500,000 visitors in 2018. Again, most of that traffic is during summer months, when the weather isn’t as inclement. That is still a huge volume of people. Maybe you’re thinking, in order to leave the crowds behind, some of the park rules have to be bent. Please, for the sake of fellow backcountry travelers, and even more so for the environment, follow park rules and the guidelines put together by Leave No Trace Center For Outdoor Ethics.

Here’s why, you are not unique in thinking of leaving designated trails, taking souvenirs – say a collection of wildflowers or an artifact – and generally treating the park as a no-holds-barred playground. If the thousands of visitors to our backcountry recreation areas were to do that, they would be nowhere near the pristine and idyllic places they are. For those that are skeptical of this diagnosis, here’s an example of when rules aren’t followed.

March 19th 2019. 50,000 self stick wielding tourists descended on a California town: population 60,000. Tourists and social media influences, in their desperate attempts to get the best pictures with the poppies, ended up trampling swaths of them. They climbed steep canyon walls never meant to be climbed, sending boulders and debris down upon the crowds below. Specifically for blooms like these, this is not an isolated incident. It’s a part of the social media curse, which is a double edged sword, and a topic for another time.

Let’s bring this subject closer to home. What about our arid landscape, where it can seem scarcely anything grows? Though it may seem counter-intuitive, staying on designated trails is more important than ever. Because the desert is sparse with vegetation, we are more prone to soil erosion. Furthermore, many areas of the desert harbor cryptobiotic soil, a delicate, black, slow growing cyanobacteria that is crucial to the ecosystem and helps prevent soil erosion. If stepped on, it is destroyed and won’t grow back in full for generations. So, as you can imagine, if Disneyland sized crowds were to walk wherever they want, the effects could be devastating for the local environment.

To help give us some guidelines for wilderness and backcountry travel the Leave No Trace organization has provided 7 principles to aid people in their pursuit of outdoor recreation and protecting our nation’s resources. https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/

The 7 principles are – Plan Ahead and Prepare; Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces; Dispose of Waste Properly; Leave What You Find; Minimize Campfire Impacts; Respect Wildlife and Be Considerate of Others. As we travel on the wilderness rivers of Utah and Colorado such as the Green River Gates of Lodore and the Yampa River we follow and truly believe in these practices. We want these wild places to be preserved for generations to come.

To beat a dead horse, park rules and regulations are put in place for a reason. Sure, your apple core and orange slices will eventually biodegrade. But in areas as heavily trafficked as some of our parks, these items will form midden heaps if not disposed of properly. And in addition to being unsightly, this trash attracts wildlife that then come to see you and I as slow moving snacks. So be considerate, to the employees of parks, fellow backcountry travelers, and the environment. Know before you go, and keep the places as pristine as the way you found them. We look forward to crossing paths on an incredible backcountry adventure with you one day.

John Wesley Powell’s 150th Anniversary

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Explorer John Wesley Powell’s 150th Anniversary

When one thinks of Lake Powell, what images come to mind? Smooth sandstone in myriad shades of red and beige? Maybe a houseboat floating on still water, or a jet ski with a water skier in tow? But, do you realize what’s underneath all that water? Or, do you know who the lake was named for? The damn that formed Lake Powell was completed in 1963, and with that Glen Canyon began to recede beneath the mounting water of the Colorado river. However, almost a hundred years before that last bit of concrete was poured into the damn, John Wesley Powell floated through the now drowned canyon as part of a historical expedition.

In 1869 Powell set out from Green River Wyoming on what would be a 3 month journey through the canyons of Flaming Gorge, Lodore, Desolation, Cataract and of course the Grand Canyon. It was the first cartographic and geologic survey of these largely unexplored (to white settlers at least) areas of the desert Southwest. Powell’s party was ill-equipped for the water they encountered. They lost their first boat in Lodore canyon in a rapid that thereafter was named Disaster Falls. One of the party, Frank Goodman, left the expedition on July 6th. He eventually settled in Vernal, Utah, and their raised a family. Three more of Powell’s men left on August 30th, two days before the expedition’s end. Unfortunately these three were never heard from again. Of the ten men and four boats that began the journey, six men and three boats finished it.

Powell wasn’t just an intrepid explorer. He served in the Civil war, where he would eventually gain the rank of major and lose most of his right arm. He was also an accomplished geologist and a professor at Illinois Wesleyan University. On his expedition he was awestruck by the features he saw. How could a river cut straight through a mountain? he wondered. It went against everything we knew about geology at the time. But Powell’s interests weren’t purely geologic, but anthropologic as well. The evidence of the human history, the pottery shards, granaries, and habitations of the Native Americans did not escape his notice. So enamored was Powell by what he saw on that first expedition that in the winter of 1871 he retraced part of that expedition from Green River Wyoming to Kanab creek in the Grand Canyon. Powell saw in the rock the age of our world, how old it was, and how truly dynamic it was. He also saw, with a surprising amount of prescience for his time, that Westward expansion would be limited by access to water.

After his expeditions, Powell went on to educate the public about the things he had seen. In the time of Manifest Destiny, he had a surprising amount of prescience to see that Westward expansion would be limited by access to water. Unfortunately, his ideas and proposed policies on irrigation of the West were ignored due to corporate interests. Famously, Powell stated “you are piling up a heritage of conflict and litigation over water rights, for there is not sufficient water to supply the land.” These words would become manifest forty years later during the Dust Bowl. He would also eventually go on to become the director of the Bureau of Ethnology, a position he held until his death in 1902.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of Powell’s expedition. While Flaming Gorge and Glen Canyon are now underwater, one can still experience many of the canyons of that 1869 expedition in the same way Powell did. Beginning on May 24th the John Wesley Powell River Festival will launch. Towns all along his route will be holding events and festivities to celebrate the man and the impact of his expedition.

Call us today 1-800-345-7238 for details about our 4 day Green River Gates of Lodore trip focused on celebrating the 150th anniversary of John Wesley Powell’s incredible journey along the course of the Green River and Colorado River.

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