
The Green River is not only green, it is olive and moss and ochre and crimson and terra cotta and cinnamon and chestnut and aqua and azure. It is Sage Creek and Red Wash and Rainbow Park. It is red cedars, yellow marmots, and blue herons. It is a veritable Sherwin-Williams catalog of indescribable beauty. Each mile brings a new vista: sheer rust-red blocks of Uintah Quartzite, (oops, got a little left-brained there, sorry), wide wedding-cake tiers of creamy Weber Sandstone, or jumbled hillsides of juniper and spruce. There are numerous side canyons, grottoes and waterfalls to explore, lots of wildlife to see, and big beaches to enjoy. There are places to swim, places to daydream, and places to play. There are fun rapids with inflated names like Disaster Falls and Hell’s Half Mile to make things exciting and there are stretches of peaceful flatwater to make things relaxing. And everything is within Dinosaur National Monument so the area is pristine and protected and peaceful.
More about the Green River and Lodore Canyon
The Green River begins on the slopes of 13,804 foot Gannett Peak, the highest point in Wyoming, and travels almost due south for nearly 700 miles before joining the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park. The waterway is remote and vast and includes some of the most scenic desert canyons of the west.
One of these is the canyon of Lodore; named by Andrew Hall in 1869, who was reminded of the Robert Southey poem: “The Cataract of Lodore”. Here, the Green cuts through the red rock of the Uinta Mountains and the cliffs rise up to dramatic heights. So impressive is the entrance to the canyon that Hall’s traveling companion, Major John Wesley Powell, called it the very “Gates of Lodore”. Once through the gates the whitewater begins, and exciting rapids such as Disaster Falls and Hell’s Half Mile provide plenty of action.
But our visit to Lodore Canyon has many other attractions. We will hike at some intriguing side canyons with cool springs and lush green vegetation; we will visit overlooks that provide sweeping views of the river; and we will view ancient Native American rock art. Lodore Canyon itself ends where the Yampa River joins the Green at Echo Park, just over halfway on our journey. Our trips continue on past Steamboat Rock and into the beautiful Whirlpool Canyon, then on to Rainbow Park and Split Mountain Canyon where more rapids, such as Schoolboy, Moonshine, and S.O.B. ensure an exciting finish to the trip.
What Awaits You:
- Adventurous Rapids & Serene Pools: Tackle the exhilarating rapids of Disaster Falls and Hell’s Half Mile, balanced by stretches of calm water ideal for relaxation and reflection.
- Spectacular Canyon Scenery: Drift beneath soaring canyon walls and marvel at the vibrant reds and golds that define this iconic landscape.
- Rich History & Geology: Explore ancient petroglyphs, learn the stories of John Wesley Powell’s expeditions, and uncover the secrets of this prehistoric landscape.
- Family-Friendly Fun: From riverside hikes to sandy beach playtime, this trip offers something for everyone, making it perfect for families and first-time rafters.
At a Glance:
- Price: Starting at $1,299 per person
- Duration: 4 – 5 days
- Meeting Point: Vernal, Utah
- Group Size: Small groups for personalized attention
- Included: Expert guides, all rafting gear, gourmet meals, and camping equipment
- What to Bring: Your adventurous spirit and a love for discovery!
Why Book Now?
Limited launches mean spots fill quickly. Reserve your place on this sought-after adventure to secure your chance to raft through one of the West’s most stunning canyons.
Magic Moments Await:
Picture yourself navigating thrilling rapids, gazing at towering canyon walls, and relaxing by a crackling campfire under a canopy of stars. Lodore Canyon is more than a destination—it’s a dream realized.
Guarantee Your Spot Today:
Book Your Lodore Canyon Adventure Now!
“We had a big rain storm the first night. Your guides made sure everyone was tucked in their tents and then they served us brownies!”