River rafting green river gates of lodore – Dinosaur River Expeditions

Geology of the Yampa & Green Rivers

The Yampa River is a tributary of the Green River located in the western United States. The Yampa River is famous for being the last wild free flowing tributary of the Colorado River system. The geology of the Yampa and Green River basins is primarily composed of layered sedimentary rocks such as sandstone, limestone, and shale, which were deposited during the Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras.

The Yampa River originates in the Park Range of the Rocky Mountains outside of Steamboat Springs, Colorado and flows on a westward course through the Yampa River Canyon, which is cut into the sandstone and shale of the Mesa Verde Group. The Yampa River then turns north and flows through Dinosaur National Monument, where it cuts an incredible canyon landscape composed of Weber Sandstone, Morgan Formation, Madison Limestone and several other geologic features.

The Green River, on the other hand, begins in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming and flows south through the Green River Basin. Along its course, the Green River cuts through the rock layers of the Uinta Mountains. The most prominent formation the Green River cuts through is the Uinta Mountain group primarily the intense red rock that makes up the Uinta Mountain Group and the Lodore Formation. These two layers of rock are the predominant geologic timeline of the Gates of Lodore Canyon. The Green River then turns west and flows into the Uinta Basin, where it cuts through the rock layers of the Wasatch Formation and the Mancos Shale.

The Yampa and Green River join forces just east of the Utah and Colorado border in one of the most striking landscapes in the western United States, a place called Echo Park. Echo Park is at the heart of Dinosaur National Monument and a wonderful section of incredible scenery, natural and human history.

Both rivers are important for the ecosystem and human activities, The Yampa River is an important source of water for irrigation and recreation, and is home to a variety of fish and wildlife species. The Green River, on the other hand, is an important source of water for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and recreation, and is also home to a variety of fish and wildlife species.

Overall, the geology of the Yampa and Green River basins is characterized by layered sedimentary rocks that were deposited during the Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras, and both rivers have shaped the landscape through erosion and deposition. The Yampa River flows through a narrow, steep-sided canyon, while the Green River flows through a variety of wide, flat valleys and deep rugged canyons. A Utah or Colorado white water river rafting adventure is a perfect way to see some of the most iconic geologic wonders of the Colorado River system.

5 Best Canyons to White Water River Raft in Utah and Colorado:

The Yampa

The Yampa River Canyon, sometimes referred to by as a “little Grand Canyon” is potentially the most beautiful place in the state of Colorado. Located just a short distance outside of Vernal, Utah, the Yampa River is an amazing combination of peaceful flat water and big rapids. The bigger rapids are sure be a thrill at any level sending water over your head throughout the trip. The biggest rapid, Warm Springs is one boaters talk about all over the country. The flat water gives you time to explore the waters on paddling your a paddle board or inflatable kayak. Paddling solo truly gives you a feeling of the wilderness and isolation of the canyon. At night, the campsites are typically big beaches perfect for a game of beach volleyball, kids to play, or just enjoying the firelight with the company of your family and friends.

The 700 foot tall white sandstone walls act as a time machine, sending you back a 1,000 years when the Fremont native Americans called the canyon home. Unlike most western rivers the Yampa is free flowing, meaning it looks almost exactly as it did 1,400 years ago. The trip has many stops where you will be able to see 800 year old petroglyphs, ancient storage granaries and maybe a little wildlife like mule deer or bighorn sheep. Beyond the native history, the canyon is a cornerstone for environmental history, at the center of the first ever grassroots environmental movement. This also makes it one of the most competitive private river permits to get in the US.

This canyon truly has it all, epic whitewater, peaceful flatwater, stunning geological landscapes, and history dating back thousands of years. It’s hard to travel through this canyon and not be simply overwhelmed by it beauty.

The Gates of Lodore

The Yampa River may be tops on this list but the Green River Gates of Lodore takes a tight number two spot. Both trips are unbelievable and either one is spectacular depending on the time of year you can go rafting. The Powell expedition was one of the first to stare awestruck at the Gates of Lodore on the Green River with a mix of fear and enthusiasm. Today, the reaction to the dark red sandstone at the beginning of the canyon is the same no matter who rafts through the gates of lodore. The aw only escalates upon learning that it is the oldest rock in Utah and Colorado, dating back almost a billion years, predating life itself. The stunning views are matched with amazing white water. At high water (5-9,000 CFS), you are signing up for a “hold on tight” sure to find a thrill adventure and at lower water a family friendly continuous splashy 42 miles.

Cataract Canyon

This is the place to go if you are looking for massive rapids. Just outside of Moab, Cataract Canyon is home to the biggest whitewater in Utah and at high water, the biggest rapids on the Colorado river. At anything above 20,000 CFS (Cubic Feet per Second) three biggest rapids turn into one long whitewater ride, so don’t worry about the desert heat, you are sure to get wet.

Split Mountain

A beautiful stretch of canyon if you are just looking for a day of rafting. This section of river is the last 9 miles of a Green River Gates of Lodore or Yampa River trip through Dinosaur National Monument. The mouth of the canyon gives it the name, as it appears the river is cutting the mountain it half. Multiple layers of rock bend and twist here giving it an other worldly look. The rock formations drip and twist the whole way down the canyon allowing for a common game of “what shapes can you see in the rocks,” in between the fun class 2 and 3 rapids. Remember to ask your guide about the Pirate watching over you in the second half of the river!

Desolation and Gray Canyon

Knock out two canyons in one river trip with this 84 mile float. The Gray/Deso combination is a beautiful river trip in eastern Utah with great views and fun class 2-3 rapids and an abundance of native American history, wildlife and spectacular Utah River Rafting scenery.