For Right-Brained People
The Yampa River is only runnable for a few weeks each year which gives the canyon a feeling of secrecy and surprise. Not very many people get to visit and each trip feels privileged; like if the Smithsonian were only open for two months a year.
And, like the Smithsonian, there is so much to do and see! First of all, the scenery is stunning, (sensually-smooth cliffs with rust colored streaks that rise straight up from the river’s edge and stop conversations) and unbelievable, (there is a place where those cliffs overhang the entire river). Then, there are the campsites, including one where you can sleep under an overhanging ledge on a sand beach and another where you can look across the river at a sweeping natural rock amphitheater and watch the rays of the setting sun perform magic tricks. And the hikes? The best of any trip we offer: to caves, to overlooks, to waterfalls, to Native American sites; too many. The rapids? Perfect for those who prefer It’s A Small World over The Matterhorn, (with a notable exception at Warm Springs on day 3). And all of this is within Dinosaur National Monument so the place is pristine and protected; you’ll see more bighorn sheep than people!
More about the Yampa
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 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.
What Awaits You:
- Wild Rapids & Tranquil Pools: Tackle heart-pounding rapids like Warm Springs, balanced by calm stretches perfect for swimming, wildlife spotting, and quiet reflection.
- Towering Canyon Walls: Drift through a breathtaking landscape of towering sandstone cliffs, hidden alcoves, and vivid colors that shift with the light.
- Cultural & Natural History: Discover ancient petroglyphs, dinosaur fossils, and stories from the region’s early settlers, all shared by your expert guides.
- An Exclusive Experience: With only a short spring and early summer window for rafting, the Yampa offers a truly unique and fleeting adventure.
At a Glance:
- Price: Starting at $1,599 per person
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- Meeting Point: Vernal, Utah
- Group Size: Small groups for a more personalized adventure
- Included: Professional guides, all rafting gear, gourmet meals, and camping equipment
- What to Bring: Your sense of wonder and readiness for an unparalleled journey!
Why Book Now?
With a short season and limited spots, the Yampa River is one of the most exclusive rafting trips in the West. Don’t miss your chance to experience its wild waters before they’re gone.
Magic Moments Await:
Feel the adrenaline of paddling through untamed rapids, marvel at ancient petroglyphs etched into canyon walls, and unwind under a starlit sky in one of the most remote and pristine settings imaginable.
Guarantee Your Spot Today:
Book Your Yampa River Adventure Now!
“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.”