Home / River Trips / Yampa River Rafting wild and free Yampa River Rafting Colorado Length 5 days Meeting Point Vernal, UT Difficulty Class III+ (one IV) Minimum Age 7+ years Starting at $1,699 per person. Book Now Yampa River Rafting Colorado Trip Details Packing Guide Schedule & Pricing Starting at $1,699 per person. Book Now Overview Experience Yampa River Rafting in Dinosaur National Monument 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 River, 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. Known For Free Flowing Group Size 10-25 In a Word Ephemeral Included Transportation to the launch site from Split Mountain, camping gear including thick comfortable sleeping pads, and tents; all taxes and hidden fees What to Bring See our Packing Guide Scroll to View Map Download Map "We all absolutely adored your guides. They made us feel comfortable on the river, were awesome with our children, worked incredibly hard but always had positive attitudes. They worked extremely well together, they knew the river, flora, fauna, geology, etc. In short, they made a wonderful vacation for our entire family.”" Naomi Leach Yampa River Rafting "The Yampa and Green Rivers flowed right through a geological wonderland on our 5 day Arta trip in Dinosaur National Monument. We had patient, competent, and delightful guides, pristine camping sites, rafting thrills, yummy food, and a chance to reset in a unique and remote area." Donna Farrell Yampa River Rafting "What a breathtakingly stunning 5 days trip down the Yampa and Green rivers, led by ARTA! Must say it rivals the Colorado River trip through the Grand Canyon when it comes to scenery! 18 of us old whitewater friends selected ARTA to take on all the work and logistics, leaving us to fully enjoy this superb trip. The ARTA crew was fantastic and the food left nothing to desire. Great historical and geological talks were regularly provided by our leader. Thanks a million for this truly unforgettable experience!" Albert Romvari Yampa River Rafting "The Yampa trip with ARTA was absolutely extraordinary. Can’t think of one thing that could have been better. Surrounded by an amazingly beautiful canyon, capable, knowledgeable and friendly guides who also fed us very well, and a group of old and new friends. What more could you ask for!" Deb Ryan Yampa River Rafting "Going with ARTA is simply the best way to experience the wild rivers of the American west. The guides are so friendly, so helpful, so fun, so very skilled and professional. And the people who choose to go on ARTA river trips… well, if you interested in making some new best friends, join the ARTA family." Ed Murphy Yampa River Rafting Trip Details A pdf of these trip details (along with more information about what to expect on your trip) can be found and downloaded below. If you still have questions, please feel free to call us (209-962-7873) or email us (arta@arta.org)). We love to talk about our trips! Download PDF Getting There Itinerary What's Provided On The River Getting There This Trip Will Meet At: By the pool at Dinosaur Inn & Suites 251 E Main St, Vernal, UT 84078 Meeting Time: 7:30pm the evening before your trip begins near the swimming pool at the Dinosaur Inn and Suites (435/315-0123) in Vernal, Utah. We’ll give you your waterproof bags, go over final trip logistics, and answer any last minute questions. The following morning we will re-convene at Split Mountain Boat Ramp in Dinosaur National Monument for the shuttle to the launch site. Your lead guide will have directions and times. Return: 3:00pm at the Split Mountain Boat Ramp Get Directions Where to Stay: Dinosaur Inn and Suites Ledgestone Suites Hotel Days Inn by Wyndham Vernal Camping at Dinosaur National Monument Before Your Arrival Driving: Vernal is on State Highway 40, approximately 180 miles, (3 hours), east of Salt Lake City. The Dinosaur Inn is next to the museum in the heart of downtown. Directions to Split Mountain Boat Ramp, (30 minutes outside of town), will be given at the pre-trip meeting. There is a fee to enter the Park and vehicles will be left at the Boat Ramp for the duration of the trip. Flying: You can fly into Salt Lake City and rent a car for the three-hour drive to Vernal or fly directly into Vernal through Denver on United/SkyWest. For transportation between the airport and your motel contact your motel or Vernal City Cab (435/414-1779). If you fly directly into Vernal and do not have a car for the drive to Split Mountain Boat Ramp, contact us so that we can help you arrange this transportation. Itinerary Subject to change due to flows Day Before Your Trip We’ll meet you at 7:30 pm the evening before your trip begins near the swimming pool at the Dinosaur Inn and Suites (435/315-0123) in Vernal, Utah. We’ll give you your waterproof bags, go over final trip logistics, and answer any last minute questions. Day 1 We will re-convene at the Split Mountain Boat Ramp in Dinosaur National Monument (your Lead Guide will give you directions and timing at the pre-trip meeting) and then take a 3 hour bus ride into Colorado to our actual launching point at Deerlodge in Dinosaur National Monument, (stopping along the way at a liquor store in Colorado to purchase drinks). After a thorough safety briefing and trip orientation, we will launch around noon and float a few miles to our first night’s camp in the heart of the canyon. Day 2-3-4 A typical day on the Yampa starts with coffee and a hearty breakfast before we pack our bags and load on to the rafts. We will float an average of 8 – 12 miles, (4 – 5 hours), each day, stopping for a picnic lunch and perhaps to take a short hike or explore an historical site. There are rapids every day and we’ll stop to scout some of them. Camp will be made in the late afternoon with early evening available for hiking, swimming or relaxing. Final Day (Day 5) An early morning prepares us for our longest day on the river as we float through Island and Rainbow Parks and then run the many rapids of Split Mountain Canyon. We usually arrive at Split Mountain Boat Ramp around 3:00 on the last day. Your cars will be at the parking lot adjacent to the boat ramp, so you’ll be on your way from there. What's Provided We Will Provide Transportation from Split Mountain Boat Ramp to the river All meals from lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day Waterproof bags, lifejackets, and other specialized equipment for the trip 3" thick, comfortable "paco pad style" sleeping pads for each guest. 2 person tents. Camp chair, plate, eating utensils and mug. Friendly, entertaining and professional guide service. All taxes and government access fees. What you are responsible for Transportation to Split Mountain Boat Ramp (30 minutes from Vernal). (If you aren’t going to have a vehicle in Vernal let us know and we can help you). Meals and lodging before and after your trip Personal clothing and other miscellaneous items (see equipment list) Sleeping bag (can be rented from ARTA – see equipment list) Soda, wine, alcoholic beverages (see below) Guides gratuities (see below) On The River Types of Boats Meals and drinks Camping Weather Wildlife Fishing Local Attractions Suggested Reading Travel Insurance Gratuities Types of Boats On the Yampa River we offer three types of boats in which to ride: Oar rafts 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. Paddle rafts 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. Inflatable kayaks 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. Meals and drinks ARTA meals are AMAZING! Guests are often shocked at how wonderful our meals are in a back-country setting. We bring the highest quality ice chests to keep meats, fruits and veggies fresh for the duration of the trip. Meals are designed for foodies (adults) and the occasional picky eater (kids!) alike. Guests can expect to start each day with fresh coffee and well-balanced breakfast, snacks are available throughout the day in the rafts, lunch is prepared riverside with many options, and appetizers are served to kick off the dinner hour early-evening with our main courses and desert to wrap up each day. We are happy to accommodate special dietary request/requirements. Please let us know in your pre-trip registration. We provide water, sports drink powder during the day, and hot coffee, tea, and cocoa in the morning. If you would like soda, beer, wine, or liquor at camp, please bring your own and we will have coolers/ice for you! Please bring beer/soda in cans, we can accommodate wine and liquor in glass bottles. Please bring what you plan to consume. Camping Overnight camping will be done at riverside beaches with spectacular views of the river and canyon. Guides will set up a full kitchen, dining area, drink and appetizer zone, and our ‘living room’ with chairs set up for each guest, a library of books and camp games. Guests will have the freedom to explore and pick out their own unique spot to set up their tents away from the central area, and guides are available to help. Our toilet facilities, and a hand-wash station will be set up in an isolated (and usually beautiful) location; going to the bathroom in the wilderness is surprisingly pleasant, keep in mind we set up the toilet facilities away from camp, a short walk to the toilet, often on uneven ground is part of the deal. Weather The high desert country of the Yampa River enjoys daytime temperatures in the 80’s and 90’s, cooling off into the 60’s at night, with occasional thunderstorms. There is ample shade at camps and lunch stops, however while we are on the rafts, the sun can be direct. Sunblock and lightweight cotton clothing (long-sleeved synthetic or cotton shirts and pants) will help you to avoid sunburn and a hat and bandana will help keep you cool. Although the Green River flows through arid country, there are occasional thunderstorms in the summer. We recommend that you bring good rain protection for both the day and night (rain shell and tent). The water temperature is chilly in May early June, but warms up pleasantly by mid/late June. Wildlife Bighorn sheep and mule deer inhabit the Yampa canyon and occasionally we spot them along shore or while hiking. The canyon is also home to bobcats, beavers, otters, muskrat, badgers, skunks and ringtail cats. 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 Hole Creek, where we arrive on the fourth day, has very good fishing opportunities. A valid Utah license is required and can be obtained online or 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 and the Visitors Center has a museum where you can touch real dinosaur bones! 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 rafting 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, Vince Welch’s The Doing of the Thing, and Explorations of the Colorado River by Major John Wesley Powell, (detailing his historic 1869 first exploration). These and other books about Dinosaur National Monument are available online or in Vernal at Bittercreek Books on West Main Street. Travel Insurance Because life is full of surprises, we suggest you consider purchasing supplemental travel insurance for your trip. Trip cancellation, evacuation, baggage loss and other coverages are available for between 8% and 15% of your trip cost. You can get more information through ASI Travel Insurance Services (please select American River Touring Association from the drop down menu). Gratuities If you truly enjoy your trip, tipping is a great way to show your appreciation. Tipping is optional and personal, but since a lot of people ask, a customary amount is between 15 and 20 percent of the trip cost. Tips can be given to the Lead Guide who will share them with the entire crew. And the entire crew will appreciate them and put them to good use. (And thank you.) On The River Types of Boats Types of Boats On the Yampa River we offer three types of boats in which to ride: Oar rafts 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. Paddle rafts 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. Inflatable kayaks 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. Meals and drinks Meals and drinks ARTA meals are AMAZING! Guests are often shocked at how wonderful our meals are in a back-country setting. We bring the highest quality ice chests to keep meats, fruits and veggies fresh for the duration of the trip. Meals are designed for foodies (adults) and the occasional picky eater (kids!) alike. Guests can expect to start each day with fresh coffee and well-balanced breakfast, snacks are available throughout the day in the rafts, lunch is prepared riverside with many options, and appetizers are served to kick off the dinner hour early-evening with our main courses and desert to wrap up each day. We are happy to accommodate special dietary request/requirements. Please let us know in your pre-trip registration. We provide water, sports drink powder during the day, and hot coffee, tea, and cocoa in the morning. If you would like soda, beer, wine, or liquor at camp, please bring your own and we will have coolers/ice for you! Please bring beer/soda in cans, we can accommodate wine and liquor in glass bottles. Please bring what you plan to consume. Camping Camping Overnight camping will be done at riverside beaches with spectacular views of the river and canyon. Guides will set up a full kitchen, dining area, drink and appetizer zone, and our ‘living room’ with chairs set up for each guest, a library of books and camp games. Guests will have the freedom to explore and pick out their own unique spot to set up their tents away from the central area, and guides are available to help. Our toilet facilities, and a hand-wash station will be set up in an isolated (and usually beautiful) location; going to the bathroom in the wilderness is surprisingly pleasant, keep in mind we set up the toilet facilities away from camp, a short walk to the toilet, often on uneven ground is part of the deal. Weather Weather The high desert country of the Yampa River enjoys daytime temperatures in the 80’s and 90’s, cooling off into the 60’s at night, with occasional thunderstorms. There is ample shade at camps and lunch stops, however while we are on the rafts, the sun can be direct. Sunblock and lightweight cotton clothing (long-sleeved synthetic or cotton shirts and pants) will help you to avoid sunburn and a hat and bandana will help keep you cool. Although the Green River flows through arid country, there are occasional thunderstorms in the summer. We recommend that you bring good rain protection for both the day and night (rain shell and tent). The water temperature is chilly in May early June, but warms up pleasantly by mid/late June. Wildlife Wildlife Bighorn sheep and mule deer inhabit the Yampa canyon and occasionally we spot them along shore or while hiking. The canyon is also home to bobcats, beavers, otters, muskrat, badgers, skunks and ringtail cats. 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 Fishing Due to the flow fluctuations and water clarity, fishing in the Yampa is not that good; however Jones Hole Creek, where we arrive on the fourth day, has very good fishing opportunities. A valid Utah license is required and can be obtained online or 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 Local Attractions Dinosaur National Monument contains one of the largest concentrations of Dinosaur remains in the world and the Visitors Center has a museum where you can touch real dinosaur bones! Also within a day’s drive of Vernal are Canyonlands and Arches National Parks as well as Flaming Gorge Recreation Area. Suggested Reading Suggested Reading The Yampa rafting 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, Vince Welch’s The Doing of the Thing, and Explorations of the Colorado River by Major John Wesley Powell, (detailing his historic 1869 first exploration). These and other books about Dinosaur National Monument are available online or in Vernal at Bittercreek Books on West Main Street. Travel Insurance Travel Insurance Because life is full of surprises, we suggest you consider purchasing supplemental travel insurance for your trip. Trip cancellation, evacuation, baggage loss and other coverages are available for between 8% and 15% of your trip cost. You can get more information through ASI Travel Insurance Services (please select American River Touring Association from the drop down menu). Gratuities Gratuities If you truly enjoy your trip, tipping is a great way to show your appreciation. Tipping is optional and personal, but since a lot of people ask, a customary amount is between 15 and 20 percent of the trip cost. Tips can be given to the Lead Guide who will share them with the entire crew. And the entire crew will appreciate them and put them to good use. (And thank you.)