Yampa River Multi-Day Rafting Trip Utah

The Adrift Dinosaur five day Yampa River trip traverses 72 miles through Yampa, Whirlpool and Split Mountain Canyons. These 2,000 ft. deep sandstone gorges are a remote, pristine wilderness in the heart of Dinosaur National Monument. Since the canyons are road-less, we bring all food and gear on the rafts to undeveloped camps each night. Transportation to/from the river, professional guides and all boating equipment provided, camping equipment can be rented (see below). No previous rafting experience is required. Minimum age is 7 years or 50 lbs.

You start your whitewater boating adventure in the remote northwestern part of Colorado about 55 miles west of Craig. Here the Yampa River, the last major free-flowing tributary of the Colorado River system, roars through a colorful canyon maze with canyon walls towering 2,000 feet above the river, containing rock strata spanning a geologic time period of 1.5 billion years. During spring and early summer when runoff from high mountains fills the channel, the Yampa provides over 40 intermediate (Class III) rapids along with one of the “Big Drops” in the west, Warm Springs Rapid. There are also numerous Class II rapids, as well as quiet stretches along the way. When the opportunity arises, we will stop for side canyon hikes.

Trip Options

Depending on the size of your trip and water levels, there may be three different boating options to choose from, you can stay with one type the entire trip or switch at anytime. Choose between a paddle raft where you grab a paddle, and with the assistance of a guide who sits in the back to steer, you'll assist in maneuvering the boat through the rapids as a team (small trips may not have enough people for a paddle raft); or select an oar powered raft where you just sit back and let the guide do all the work. Another option is to run the river "on your own" in an inflatable kayak with support rafts nearby. These inflatable kayaks are provided on certain trips and they are shared by all interested participants. Kayakers must follow the guidance and rules of the Adrift crew and stay close to the support rafts. It is ultimately the decisions of the Adrift Dinosaur staff whether or not the kayaks can run certain rapids.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Meet at Adrift Adventures Rafting Center

Please have breakfast prior to meeting the guides. An earlier meeting time can be arranged if you fly into the area. Come with your river bag packed. The shuttle to put in will depart from the Adrift Adventures Rafting Center. Upon your arrival at the river put-in your trip leader will provide a safety orientation before you start rafting through Yampa Canyon. Lunch and dinner is provided. Camp at a road-less wilderness site in the canyon

Day 2

Enjoy rafting on the Yampa River with optional short hikes to observe wildlife and canyon geology. Run Tepee and other rapids. Camp at a remote beach on the river and enjoy an optional hike up a narrow side canyon. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.

Day 3

After breakfast we float and stop to explore a cave with Indian artifacts. Then we are off to run the biggest rapid of the trip – Warm Springs. Camp near Echo Park. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.

Day 4

Coffee and breakfast is ready early and after a short float we enter the Green River and run the rapids of Whirlpool Canyon. At camp is one of the best hikes of the trip to a waterfall and Indian rock art. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.

Day 5

We launch on the river and float out of Whirlpool Canyon into the exciting rapids of Split Mountain Gorge. You should arrive at the river trip takeout around 2:00 pm where you will be shuttled back to your car at the Adrift Adventures Rafting Center arriving around 3:00 pm. Breakfast and lunch provided.

Duration

5 days

72 miles

Location / Where to Meet

Ages & Requirements

Minimum 7 years old and 50 lbs

What's Included

Professional guides & all boating equipment
One 110L waterproof duffel bag per person
All meals from first day to last day lunch
Transportation from the office to the put-in and then from take-out back to the office at the end of the trip.

Not Included

Tents, sleeping bags and pads are NOT provided, but can be rented (bag and pad-$50; and up to a six person tent-$50) at the Adrift store. If renting, notification is needed at least two weeks prior to the launch.
Soda or alcoholic beverages
National Park Pass
Gratuities

What to Bring / Wear

For a multi-day rafting trip in Dinosaur National Monument, pack for both adventure and comfort. Bring quick-drying clothing, sturdy river sandals, and layers for cool mornings and evenings. Sun protection is essential—pack a hat, sunglasses with a retainer, and plenty of sunscreen. Your provided dry bag will keep your personal items safe, while a reusable water bottle ensures you stay hydrated. Don’t forget a headlamp for nighttime, a camera for capturing stunning canyon views, and a sense of adventure for the unforgettable journey ahead! A full packing list is available in the FAQ.

Jensen Outdoor Adventures