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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

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.  

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.

First Year Raft Guiding

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They say there’s more than one way to skin a cat, which is to say there are many ways to accomplish a task. In my first year guiding I heard the same phrase, if only a little differently. It’s your cat, you skin it; which is to say do it however you see fit. Of course, when it came time to actually do the thing I usually did it wrong. So much for the many ways. But a first year of doing anything is a steep learning curve. Eventually you learn that while there are many ways to do something, some ways are easier and more efficient. So here’s a story about learning the best way to skin a cat.

I grew up running rivers with my family. When the time and opportunity arose I applied for a job at Dinosaur River Expeditions. Wouldn’t you know it they hired me. That first year I was nervous, but expected that I knew quite a bit more than someone off the street. Pride comes before the fall. I was a lousy boatman. All that time on the water with my family, I’d never spent any time rowing the raft. I was always in a hardshell kayak. The kayak is a one man craft, made of hard plastic, relatively light and maneuverable. A raft on the other hand is rigid rubber, and depending on the size can fit six to eight people. As a novice I wouldn’t have called them maneuverable boats. So there I am on the day section of Flaming Gorge. A kayak mind in a raft body. Let me be clear, the day stretch is class II whitewater at most. It’s mainly a scenic float. The lines are straight forward: take the tongue, avoid the rocks. I guess that’s not how I wanted to skin my cat. Just about everyday that first summer I’d high side the boat on a rock, or high center the damn thing and be parked in the center of the river for a minute or two. And, just as inevitably, I’d send a couple of my passengers into the water. A coworker quickly nicknamed me danger. “That’s the danger boat, if you’re looking for an exciting ride,” he’d say, and I’d see the uneasiness creep into the smiles of my passengers faces and see the hint of doubt in their eyes, and I’d hope like hell I ran a better line.

When I did get to run multi days (they were hard pressed for help that summer, and so gave me the opportunity to run a boat, god bless em) my lines were little better. And as bad a boatman as I was, I was an even worse kitchen hand. Especially if you ask a coworker, who shall remain nameless. It was as if I’d never lifted a knife and chopped a vegetable. Or greased a pan. To be fair to her I did have trouble distinguishing cabbage from iceberg lettuce in the vegetable cooler. I ran around that kitchen like a headless chicken, and she was on my tail like a hungry fox, making sure I knew every mistake I made and making sure I knew it damn well. Even still, I made brownies with olive oil and forgot to put them in the dutch oven (luckily someone was watching my work, and dessert came out on time, and as I recall no one noticed an odd aftertaste of olives). After doing dishes and cleaning the kitchen, there were nights I’d sit on my boat and think I wasn’t cut out for the job. But morning would inevitably come, and I’d do my damnedest to make sure the scrambled eggs weren’t burned, and people would hop on my boat for the exciting ride, only to be stuck on a rock for a while or sent for an unexpected swim.

Though I was an inept boatman, and a liability in the kitchen, for all that I was – in the writer’s humble opinion – an alright guide. Who knows, maybe it was like watching a train wreck. But people enjoyed being on my boat, risks included. I guess it’s not that surprising. These days your guide is as interesting as the place they’re guiding you through. If wealth was measured in stories in memories, your guides would be some of the wealthiest people on the planet. And believe you me, they’re eager to share that wealth. So, to all the passengers and guides that were there in my first season, thanks.

Utah Adventure’s

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Utah boasts the greatest snow on Earth, home to incredible national parks, amazing hiking, mountain biking and river rafting. For skiers the powder snow is light and airy, and the mountains have available terrain for skiers of all ability levels. Indeed, there’s good reason the winter games came to our humble little capital in 2002. Salt Lake City – or Small Lake City, as some call it – is within a 30 to 45 minute drive of eight mountain resorts, including Park City, Snowbasin which hosted the men and women’s downhill, and the famous (or infamous) Snowbird and Alta (skiers only). And it’s no secret. During the winter holidays rental shops and hotels are inundated with travelers from all over the county, even the world. But, in this writer’s opinion, they are missing some of the best Utah has to offer.

Something magical happens come March’s end. Slowly but surely the temperature begins to rise, and all that wonderful snow becomes something the desert West needs so desperately. Water. As spring progresses the snow recedes, a color change to give autumn a run for its money occurs. The foothills and mountains bloom into yellows, purples, and greens. In the lowlands incredible flowers start to bloom. The red Indian paintbrush makes an appearance alongside claret cup cactus and the state flower the brilliant white Sego lily making for a spectacular wildflower show. Starting in May before the heat takes hold, checkout Arches and Zion national parks. The smooth rock makes for easy hiking and incredibly mountain biking.

By June most of the mountain trails are dry. Grab a pair of hiking boots and a water bottle and you can easily enjoy the stunning vistas along the Wasatch. Around Salt Lake, there is easy access to any number of trails of differing difficulty. The Bonneville Shoreline trail – so named as it is the ancient shoreline of a great inland sea – is a mellow and planar trail that spans a great distance. As the summer heats up in July and August, head into the Uintas. Speckled with lakes and covered in pines, its a wonderful place to escape the heat. The lakes and creeks support trout, and the surrounding woodland are home to deer, elk, and moose.

The tried and true best way to beat the heat of summer is to grab a paddle and get wet. While your’e in the Uinta mountains, check out Dutch John, Utah and the Green River. Starting just below the Flaming Gorge dam is a gorgeous section of the Green River. This seven-mile section is perfect for the avid fisherman and those wanting to enjoy a scenic one day float trip. Those with a bigger adventure in mind should continue downstream to Lodore Canyon on the Green River through Dinosaur National Monument. Typically undertaken as a four day trip, this section is chock full of side hikes, beautiful sand beaches, and terrific whitewater. For a similar must do adventure, one should take the five day trip down Colorado’s Yampa River also flowing through Dinosaur National Monument. This beautiful sandstone canyon houses the last un-dammed tributary of the Colorado and Green river systems. Here you can see traces of the ancient peoples that once called this place home. There is abundant rock art, and sites that are still home to ancient granaries. As always there is stupendous white water. You’ll get wet, but you won’t get scared.

Whether you are looking for a quick weekend getaway for world class snow skiing or looking for a longer adventure Utah has something for everyone. Try a fully guided Colorado or Utah white water river rafting adventure today.

7 Must Do Outdoor Activities in Utah

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 Whitewater Rafting the Gates of Lodore on the Green River

The Green River meanders through the Utah/Colorado border but is so spectacular we had to keep it number 1 on our list. Entering through the Gates of Lodore sends you on a 44-mile expedition through technical whitewater rapids like Hell’s Half Miles, lets you sleep on peaceful beaches, watch the stars swirl around the canyon at night, explore vista hikes that will drop your jaw hundreds of feet back to the river, and let you live among the mule deer and bighorn sheep for a few days. Luckily the river is permitted, so although over 9,000 people apply to go down the river every year, it will never be overcrowded and you’ll sure to have an unforgettable wilderness experience. Once you have experienced a Green River Gates of Lodore trip you will have to come back and see the Yampa River another western river gem located in the heart of Dinosaur National Monument.

 Hiking in the Uinta Mountains

This is one of the more underrated mountain ranges in Utah.  Just a few hours outside of Park City, the Uinta’s are home to Utah’s tallest peak, Kings peak at 13,534 feet.  The wooded area is home to beautiful mountain lakes, wild flowers, and crisp mountain air and due to its high elevation, it stays cooler in the heat of the Utah summers.  With plenty of trails for day hikes or backpacking, it’s on the list for a Utah must-see.

Canyoneering in Canyonlands

 The slot canyons in Southern Utah are worth getting yourself into.  Spend a day hiking through one of the wider canyons, like the Narrows, or hire a guide to take you and your friends repelling down a longer more technical canyon.  Be sure not to attempt to do this on your own unless you know what you are doing. The canyons and change quickly with weather and you don’t want to be a search and rescue story. You will more than likely spend some time in Moab while you are there stop in to the local owned outdoor recreation and gear experts Moab Gear Traders.

 Backpack the Grand Gulch in Bears Ears

This stunning 52-mile backpacking trip will take you into the heart of Bears Ears. The steep canyon takes you out of this world as you walk past ancient pueblo ruins: everything from granaries and kivas to petroglyphs and pottery shards. It’s believed that Bears Ears was a hub for pre-colonized North America, like and ancient city. Ruins from many tribes can be found throughout the hike, but don’t forget to visit Newspaper Rock on your way out, with hundreds of petroglyphs from centuries of Native Americans.

Fly Fishing on the Green River

The A-Section of the Green River attracts Anglers from around the world. With over 1000 trout per-mile and cold crystal-clear waters, just below Flaming Gorge Dam, you’d be hard pressed to find a better fly-fishing zone in Utah.  Float the 7 miles section in a drift boat or walk along the banks of the river along a trail that runs the length of the first section.  While the A-section is the most popular, the B and C sections also offer amazing fishing with a few less people.  Make a weekend of it and float the A, B, and C sections, reserving a campsite on the riverbanks. Want to learn more about fishing or just need some help with your casting? Not to worry, there is a whole city of fishing guides in Dutch John, Utah happy to take you. Fishing is not your thing but you would still love to see the river, we offer a fantastic scenic river rafting day trip give us a call or book online for Utah one day on the Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam.

 Mountain Biking in Vernal, Utah

 Vernal is giving Moab a ride for its money.  It has something for everyone; easy beginner trails to learn or ride with kids, self-inflicted suffer fest, flowy downhills with a few drops if you are daring, and everything in between. The city sits on the edge of the North-Eastern Utah desert and the Uinta Mountains giving it a uniquely diverse landscape. Within 20- minutes of Vernal in either direction you can ride on Moab Style slick rock or Montana-esque packed dirt in the woods. There are dozens of well-made trails and not as crowded as Fruita or Moab.  Head into the local bike shop, Altitude Cycle, for tips on which trails to ride.

Delicate Arch in Arches National Park

This Utah view is iconic for a reason. The three-mile hike takes you along sandstone slick rock, winding through desert half pipes and bowls. It’s a moderately-difficult hike and worth the trek to see the arch in person.

Gates of Lodore White Water Rafting on the Green River

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White Water River Rafting the Green River Gates of Lodore Dinosaur National Monument

 

Beginning in Brown’s Park, Colorado the Green River Gates of Lodore river rafting adventure takes its travelers on a 44 mile journey through the center of Dinosaur National Monument. This white water river rafting trip is a favorite among veteran river rafters and novices alike. The Green River has a consistent water flow year around, great rapids, beautiful camps a little bit of something for everyone along its way.

Flaming Gorge Dam located up river from the put in point to the Gates of Lodore trip provides a constant water source for this desert river. Because of this constant water supply the Green River is a great rafting trip all summer long. Whether you choose to take this trip in June or August it will be fabulous. The Green River Gates of Lodore has a sister river in Dinosaur National Monument the Yampa River. The Yampa River is one of the last free flowing rivers in the Colorado river system. With its free flowing nature the Yampa River has a limited time frame where it is navigable. The Yampa River has its best rafting Mid May through Mid June during the time of the snow melt from the Colorado Rockies.

 

Gorgeous riverside campsite on the Green River through Gates of Lodore canyon in Dinosaur National Monument Colorado
Gorgeous riverside campsite on the Green River through Gates of Lodore canyon in Dinosaur National Monument Colorado

Our Green River Gates of Lodore trip begins in Vernal, Utah. We have a pre trip orientation the evening before your trips departure. This orientation gives your group a chance to meet the guides, get your dry bags for the trip and answer any last minute questions. The following morning the bags are loaded and we drive you from Vernal to Brown’s Park where you will meet the guides and begin the river adventure.

At the put in point the crew will direct you on how to most safely travel on a white water rafting trip. Fit you with a PFD or personal flotation device. Help guide each guest on the different white water craft that will be on the trip and give you a short overview of some of the back country travel concepts you will follow on this journey. This orientation takes about 30 to 40 minutes in length depending on your groups size. Once you are loaded on the rafts the journey truly begins. You are free of cell phones, traffic and work getting to relax enjoying some of the most incredible scenery in the state of Colorado and Utah.

As you enter the canyon of Lodore you will experience your first rapid Winnie’s a fun class two rapid with a little excitement to it. The rapids on the Gates of Lodore trip range from Class two to occasionally class four (depending on water levels). On this section of river the rapid classification is based on Class one being calm water to class six being unrunable white water. The most famous rapid on this trip is Hell’s Half Mile a class 3 or class 4 rapid which has been ranked as one of the 10 most famous rapids in North America. Do not let the classification scare you the guides on our trips are very experienced and take every precaution to navigate the white water rapids as safely as possible. The river is a wild place and things can happen that are out of anyone’s control.

The white water is one of the trips highlights but not the only thing that makes it special. The camping and hiking is also phenomenal. Each camp has great swimming, beautiful tent sites and the scenery never stops taking your breath away. At each evenings camp the guides will set up the main camp equipment while you take care of your tent and sleeping gear. Early evening the guides will astound you with a dutch oven dinner and all the extra’s. A typical dinner would begin with appetizers followed by an amazing meal prepared by your guide staff. You will even be surprised by their baking skills when they serve up the evenings desert cooked in a dutch oven under the coals. In the morning the smell of freshly brewed coffee will fill the air. A hearty breakfast will begin your day followed by breaking down camp and preparing the rafts for that days river adventure.

 

Rippling Brook hike Green River Gates of Lodore Dinosaur National Monument
Rippling Brook hike Green River Gates of Lodore Dinosaur National Monument

We have talked about camp and rapids but what about hiking? Dinosaur National Monument has some of the most incredible hiking opportunities of any of the National Parks. Your guides based on group interests, weather and assigned camps will lead you on some incredible hikes throughout the trip. A couple of the hikes that are most popular are Jones Hole Creek. This hike can be a 5 mile round trip hike where you will see some fantastic Native American rock art, waterfalls and wildlife. All the while you will be following Jones Creek a beautiful spring fed creek, crystal clear and teaming with trout. In Echo Park your guides will lead you to Whispering Cave (do not forget your headlamp) and to another fine rock art site. Winnie’s Grotto is a short hike with spectacular scenery, this hike is typically a first day lunch stop.

No matter what your interests in the outdoors are a Green River Gates of Lodore trip with Dinosaur River Expeditions will be a trip of a lifetime. This trip fills up quickly and space can be limited so call or email today we will be happy to help you with any of your needs.

Utah One Day River Rafting

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One Day White Water River Rafting Trips On The Green River. 

Vernal, Utah has some excellent white water river rafting opportunities from one day river rafting trips to five day expeditions in Dinosaur National Monument and the Flaming Gorge Recreation area. In our opinion the best river rafting Utah has to offer is based out of Vernal with the Green River Gates of Lodore and Yampa River in our backyard. These rivers are the places modern river running began in the early 1900’s when Vernal’s local adventurer’s would build their own wooden boats and go out on the river learning how to navigate the white water found along the way.

 

River Rafting
Lunch Stop Green River Flaming Gorge One Day River Rafting Trip Utah

 

Many of these trips began near Green River, Wyoming floating through the canyons of Flaming Gorge through Brown’s Park, Colorado eventually ending near Jensen, Utah at the Split Mountain boat ramp in Dinosaur National Monument. As the popularity increased so did the options that the local river outfitters offered to folks seeking a river rafting trip. For people with a limited time frame or limited budget a one day river rafting trip is a great option. Our one day white water river rafting trip begins at the base of the Flaming Gorge Dam and takes a seven mile course down the Green River to our take out point Little Hole.

Construction of Flaming Gorge Dam, as part of the Colorado River Storage Project, began in June 1958 with the last bucket of concrete placed on November 15, 1962. The 502 foot-high thin-arch concrete dam is located on the Green River in northeastern Utah about 32 miles downstream from the Utah-Wyoming border. Flaming Gorge Dam is one of the four units of the CRSP, which provides vital water storage and hydropower generation as well as many recreation benefits.

On December 10, 1962, the waters of the Green River began filling the reservoir behind Flaming Gorge Dam and nearly a year later on September 27, 1963, President John F. Kennedy initiated the first power generation at Flaming Gorge power plant. The dam was dedicated on August 17, 1964, by former First Lady, Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson.

With the construction of this dam and the crystal clear water that flows out of it down the Green River, a prime recreation area has been developed. The dam provides a constant flow of water each summer for rafting and fishing bringing travelers from all over the world to see this incredible landscape.

This section of river has great class 2 rapids, incredible scenery, crystal clear water and abundant wildlife. We are the only locally owned and operated outfitter in Vernal, Utah offering trips since 1979. The other outfitters are based in areas far away from the region. Why go rafting with the big corporations when you can go with the local expert? I know who I choose when traveling, the local expert. The Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam is most often called Section A or Red Canyon. It is a 7 mile float with beautiful scenery and interspersed with fun rapids throughout the day. The most popular rapids are Mother In Law, Bridge Rapid and Dripping Springs. The other rapids are just as fun and offer something for everyone. The river is world renowned for it’s blue ribbon trout fishing. There are approximately 1000 trout per mile. It is great for the kids, they can watch over the edge of the raft and see fish as you raft down the river. We offer a fantastic deli lunch mid day. Typically on a beautiful sandy beach where you can take a swim or do a little sun bathing. There are a lot of wildlife viewing options. Mule deer, bighorn sheep, occasionally moose or elk can be seen on the drive to the river and along the river banks. A lot of birds can be seen, osprey, bald eagles, and a wide variety of ducks.

If you are looking for a family, group or solo adventure give a single day river rafting trip on the Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam a try this summer. Dates fill up quickly so you will want to reserve your space in advance. Give us a call we will be happy to help you plan out the best one day raft trip in Utah.

Book your next adventure today!

 

Dinosaur National Monument the Heart of Family Fun

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A river rafting adventure is a great way to spend time with your family and friends. First of all, you lose cell phone signal so the office is not calling you and your kids cannot text their friends non-stop. You truly get to unplug from the electronic life. Second who doesn’t want to float beautiful canyons, raft wild rapids and sit around a campfire at night enjoying each other’s company free from distractions. One of the best areas in the United States for a river rafting trip is Dinosaur National Monument. Located in Northeastern Utah crossing over the border into Colorado Dinosaur National Monument is home to the Yampa River and Green River Gates of Lodore two premier white water rafting trips. The Yampa River is the Colorado river systems last undammed tributary. Making this a top choice for river rafters looking for a truly wild river experience. The Yampa River because it is water flow is not controlled by a dam is a spring and early summer river trip. With the spring snow melt the Yampa becomes a great raft trip in mid-May and goes into the middle of June. We recommend taking this trip as a 5-day excursion. This allows ample time to take in the breath-taking scenery of the canyon walls, enjoy the exciting rapids, hike to fabulous vistas. The Yampa River has some great white water rapids rated from class 2 to class 4.

Warm Springs rapid can be one of the biggest and fun rapids in the American west. This rapid some consider to be one of the 10 best drops in North America. Rapids are not the only thing that make this trip great the incredible scenery, wonderful meals, expert guides will all make the Yampa River a trip you will not forget. The Green River Gates of Lodore is an all-around favorite stretch of river to raft. Starting in Browns Park, Colorado the Green River winds its way through the center of Dinosaur National Monument. The Green River starts its long journey in the Wind River mountain range in Wyoming eventually joining the Colorado river. Flaming Gorge Dam controls the water and flows of the Green River through Dinosaur Monument. Because of this water regulation the Gates of Lodore is always a great trip whether you go in June or August you will have fun water and exciting rapids. The Gates of Lodore canyon has some unbelievable geology. The towering red rocks will leave you speechless from there grandeur. Kids love the Green River, camps have fun sandy beaches, great swimming holes and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the inflatable kayak or a stand-up paddle board. Either trip the Yampa River or the Green River Gates of Lodore will take you at least 4 days of perfect unplugged, wilderness river rafting. A few suggestions when looking for a trip like this. First find a reputable outfitter, Dinosaur River Expeditions is the only locally owned and operated outfitter in the region. We have the firsthand knowledge of the area, a rich family history and world class service that makes your trip extra special. When you book a trip with Dinosaur River Expeditions you will work with us the owners we will help you find the right trip and date perfect for your family or group. Call today and find your families next unplugged river rafting adventure.

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