Yampa River Rafting
The Yampa River through Dinosaur National
Monument was featured in National Geographic’s “Wild and Scenic
Rivers" Book. It’s the last free-flowing river in the entire
Colorado River drainage and is incredibly wild in May and June. The melting
snow from the Rocky Mountains creates roaring rapids, with an average rate of
descent of 12-14 feet per mile.
Raft along 2000-foot high white canyon
walls with black tiger-stripes; hike side canyons to prehistoric rock art
and abandoned caves. The Yampa joins the Green River at Echo Park for a
180-degree swing around beautiful Steamboat Rock, and then continues through
the canyons and Split Mountain Gorge. The whitewater is exciting and heart
pounding while the slower river sections offer spectacular scenery to quiet the
soul. Ancient Indian history and geological features fascinate your thirsty
mind, and star-studded nights evoke thought and appreciation for our place on
Earth.
The Yampa River is a guide favorite
and is entirely within Dinosaur National Monument. Enjoy the solitude of a
wilderness river, an experience truly off the beaten path. You’ll float by
Desert Big Horn Sheep as they drink at the river’s edge. Eagles and
hawks soar overhead coasting on the thermals. The scenery is dramatic and quite
varied as the sandstone canyon walls change quickly while winding downstream.
There’s time to explore some of the side canyons and see ancient Native
American artwork. We pass the Mantle Ranch, a classic outlaw hideout 100 years
ago, which is still raising horses and cattle today. Camps are along the
riverbank. All meals are prepared by the staff giving you time to explore the
side-canyons.Click here to
see a History of the Yampa River
Rafts are diverse to give a variety of
experiences. Relax in the oarboat, team paddle in the paddleboats or enjoy the
solitude of paddling your own inflatable kayak. Guides navigate the boats and
will also instruct those in the kayaks.
The Yampa and Green Rivers are sisters.
The last two days of both journeys are the same as the rivers merge at Echo
Park, deep within the Monument.
*There is limited access to the Yampa
River; so few people have the opportunity to explore these areas. This river
books quickly. | 
