Additional Information:
About the River:
The Yampa is the last major free-flowing tributary in the entire Colorado River system. From its origins high in the Rockies the Yampa flows uninterrupted for nearly 300 miles down forested slopes and through sandstone canyons to its confluence with the Green River in Dinosaur National Monument. Our trips travel the last 46 miles of the Yampa and another 26 miles of the Green.
The canyon has a mysterious history. It has been home to a number of Indian cultures whose rock art and granaries still remain, but about whom little is known. Few settlers inhabited the canyon and it was only briefly explored by Major John Wesley Powell during his famous exploratory trip down the Green and Colorado Rivers in 1869. Even today few people visit the area, as impassible terrain and the short, snow-melt season provide limited access.
Our trips offer the special opportunity to see the softly colored, exotically streaked, sandstone walls for which the Yampa is famous. The towering cliffs crowd the river, then open up into large, amphitheater-like parks which are alive with spring growth and color. Hidden throughout the journey are intriguing side-canyons and grottoes which beckon and astound the explorer. The Yampa is mostly placid, but occasionally erupts into chaotic stretches of whitewater, including the formidable Warm Springs. Below the confluence with the Green the combined rivers flow through Echo Park and the beautiful Whirlpool Canyon before making a wild dash through the numerous rapids of Split Mountain Canyon.
Types of boats:
On the Yampa we offer three types of boats in which to ride:
Paddle rafts are 14 feet long and carry 6 paddlers who actively paddle through the rapids and down the river. Everyone has a paddle, sits on the outer tube of the raft and follows the commands of the paddle guide who sits in the rear.
Oar rafts are 18 feet long, carry all of the overnight gear and up to 5 guests. They are rowed by a guide using oars attached to a metal frame. Guests ride in the front, hang on through the rapids and relax in the calm stretches.
Inflatable kayaks are 10 - 12 feet long and are paddled by 1 or 2 people using double-bladed
paddles. They are fairly stable, require no previous experience and allow you to feel the thrill of independently paddling the river.
Please note that we do not guarantee space in paddle rafts or inflatable kayaks. If there are more people who wish to ride in these boats than there are spaces, we will rotate so that everyone gets a chance to participate. Paddle rafts and inflatable kayaks are only available at appropriate flows and with sufficient interest.
Meals:
ARTA meals are well-balanced and consist of quality foods with fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables. The guides double as camp chefs and the menu includes a wide variety of dishes. Lunches usually consist of hand-foods and are served picnic-style at riverside stops. Dinners and breakfasts are cooked over an open fire and often include tasty Dutch Oven baked treats. If you have special dietary requirements or are celebrating a special event during the trip, please let us know in advance.
Drinks:
ARTA provides fruit drinks at meals. If you would like soda, beer, wine, or liquor with your dinner, please bring your own in unbreakable containers, (beer and soda in cans, wine and liquor in plastic bottles). Due to weight and space restrictions, we ask that you limit the amount of canned drinks to a moderate amount.
Camping:
Overnight camping will be done at riverside beaches with spectacular views of the river and canyon. There is usually a central kitchen and campfire area and guests pick out spots in the surrounding area to pitch their tents or lay out their sleeping bags. We will provide portable toilet facilities.
Weather:
The high desert country of the Yampa River canyon enjoys daytime temperatures in the 80's and 90's, cooling off into the 60's at night, with occasional thunderstorms. The early summer weather is unpredictable and subject to sudden changes. The sunshine can be direct and hot while on the rafts; afternoon thunderstorms can produce dramatic and sometimes intense rainfall; and shady stretches late in the day can be chilly. It is common to wear sunblock and a fleece jacket on the same day. The water is snowmelt and quite cold, although it does warm up a bit by July.
Wildlife:
Bighorn sheep and mule deer inhabit the Yampa River canyon and occasionally we spot them along shore or while hiking. Birdlife is fairly abundant and we usually see hawks, falcons, geese and a wide assortment of smaller birds. Bring a small pair of binoculars and your camera.
Fishing:
Due to the flow fluctuations and water clarity, fishing in the Yampa is not that good; however Jones Creek, where we arrive on the fourth day, has very good fishing opportunities. A valid Utah license is required and can be obtained in Vernal prior to the trip. Light spinning or fly gear works best, (artificial lures and flies only), please bring the minimum and protect your rod in a sturdy case.
Local Attractions:
Dinosaur National Monument contains one of the largest concentrations of Dinosaur remains in the world. The Visitors Center has a museum, where you can touch real dinosaur bones, and a quarry, an active paleontology site where ongoing work can be observed. Also within a day's drive of Vernal are Canyonlands and Arches National Parks as well as Flaming Gorge Recreation Area.
Suggested Reading:
The Yampa trip takes place within Dinosaur National Monument and there are numerous books available about the area. Some of the more interesting ones are Buzz Belknap's Dinosaur River Guide, and Run River Run by Ann Zwinger. These and other books about river running are available online through amazon.com or in Vernal at Bittercreek Books on West Main Street.
Travel Insurance:
We recommend that you purchase short-term travel insurance that provides trip cancellation and medical coverage for you and your family. Please request a Travel Insurance packet from ARTA if you have not already received one.
Gratuities:
We want you to feel like a guest in our home. Tips are never expected, but are always appreciated when given in recognition of outstanding service. The normal tip amount ranges between 5% to 10% of the trip cost.
More Information?
If there are any questions we haven't answered, please feel free to contact us. Our office staff enjoys telling folks about our trips, so don't hesitate to call 800-323-2782.
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