Home / Specialty Trips / Geology - Gates of Lodore - Green River Dinosaur National Monument Geology – Gates of Lodore – Green River Length 5 days Meeting Point Vernal, UT Difficulty Class III (beginner) Minimum Age 6+ years Starting at $1,599 per person. Book Now Geology – Gates of Lodore – Green River Trip Details Packing Guide Schedule & Pricing Starting at $1,599 per person. Book Now Overview Explore the Lodore Canyon on the Green River with a Geologist on your trip! Geology trips are an extra special way to get a little something extra out of your river trip. They are the same as our other wonderful standard trips except that a professional geologist joins us on our adventure. They are casual in their delivery and style and are by no means mandatory, and there are certainly no final tests. But if you join us, we know you’ll want to know more. Lodore Canyon, carved by the Green River through the heart of Dinosaur National Monument, is one of the most iconic and scenic river canyons in the western United States. Located in northwestern Colorado, this breathtaking canyon offers thrilling whitewater rafting, towering red rock cliffs, lush riparian forests, and abundant wildlife. A multi-day Green River rafting trip through Lodore Canyon is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure, solitude, and spectacular natural beauty. The canyon is known for its famous Class III–IV rapids, including Disaster Falls, Triplet Falls, and Hells Half Mile, as well as serene stretches perfect for relaxing and enjoying the stunning geological formations and star-filled night skies. With limited access and permits, Lodore Canyon provides a more intimate and uncrowded river experience compared to other popular rafting destinations. Known For Red Rock Canyon Walls Group Size 10-20 In a Word Lodore 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 packing guide Scroll to View Map Download Map Meet Matthew von der Ahe Don’t take him for Granite Matthew grew up along the Truckee River in the Sierra Nevada and has paddled rivers throughout the West. After trying several careers and raising three kids, he earned an MS in geology from the University of Washington and now works as a project geologist at Geosyntec Consultants in Bellingham. But his true passion lies in teaching—sharing wonder of geology with anyone curious enough to listen. On the August 10th Lodore, Matthew will be your trip geologist, blending his love for rivers with his knack for making geology come alive. Even if rocks aren’t usually your thing, get ready—he just might change your mind and show you how geology offers one of the most fascinating ways to see the world. Trip Details Geology trips are an extra special way to get a little something extra out of your river trip. They are the same as our other wonderful standard trips except that a professional geologist joins us on our adventure. They are casual in their delivery and style and are by no means mandatory, and there are certainly no final tests. But if you join us, we know you’ll want to know more. A downloadable pdf of the Green River Trip can be found 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 Begin and end at: Split Mountain boat ramp Jensen, UT 84035 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 located three 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. 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 either Denver or Pheonix.  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 Gates of Lodore Campground 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 2-4 A typical day on the Green 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 Geology Camping Weather Wildlife Fishing Local Attractions Suggested Reading Travel Insurance Gratuities More information Types of Boats On the Green 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. Geology This year, Matthew joins us again for a tour down the Lodore Canyon inside Dinosaur National Monument. The stunning Green River cuts through the red rock of the Unita mountains, providing excellent opportunities for rapids, rocks, and relaxation. The Canyon walls are something entirely amazing and uniquely stunning to behold. We are so honored and lucky to have Matt with us again. Even if you don’t think you are even remotely curious about geology, Matt is sure to find something to get you to think about. And once you start, well, we’re sure you’ll have a lot of questions. 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 Green 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 June, but warms up pleasantly by mid July. Wildlife Bighorn sheep and mule deer inhabit the Green River 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 Green is not that good; however Jones Hole Creek, where we arrive on the third 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 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 Green/Lodore Canyon 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.) More information No additional details available. On The River Types of Boats Types of Boats On the Green 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. Geology Geology This year, Matthew joins us again for a tour down the Lodore Canyon inside Dinosaur National Monument. The stunning Green River cuts through the red rock of the Unita mountains, providing excellent opportunities for rapids, rocks, and relaxation. The Canyon walls are something entirely amazing and uniquely stunning to behold. We are so honored and lucky to have Matt with us again. Even if you don’t think you are even remotely curious about geology, Matt is sure to find something to get you to think about. And once you start, well, we’re sure you’ll have a lot of questions. 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 Green 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 June, but warms up pleasantly by mid July. Wildlife Wildlife Bighorn sheep and mule deer inhabit the Green River 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 Green is not that good; however Jones Hole Creek, where we arrive on the third 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 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 Green/Lodore Canyon 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.) More information