About This Trip
Our Gates of Lodore 4 Day rafting trip offers a slower pace and a fully immersive experience through one of the most spectacular river canyons of all time. Each day comes with time to stop and explore Lodore’s side canyons in between the rapid sections, and longer evenings in beautifully lush camps.
Throughout the 45 mile meander, we usually explore gorgeous trails like the Hanging Gardens at the canyon rim, and the Jones Hole Trail after the Yampa River Confluence, with possibly more stops along the way. Lodore holds a wealth of history and wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for rock art and big horned sheep, on and off the river.
The big whitewater sections are great bookends on this trip, with the historic and notorious class III rapids on the first day (Disaster Falls, Triplet Falls, and Hell’s Half Mile), and the rolling class II’s of Split Mountain on the last day.
For those who want to really indulge in the rare wilderness of Lodore Canyon, this trip is for you. The more time spent in nature the better, we say.
Gates of 4-day Lodore Raft trips start at $1099.00
Map & Facts
Top 10 Things to Know about Lodore Canyon:
- Lodore Canyon length: 45 miles
- Lodore Canyon put-in: Lodore Ranger Station
- Lodore Canyon take-out: Split Mountain Campground
- Lodore Canyon rapid class: Class III and IV
- Lodore Canyon’s top rapids: Disaster Falls, Triplet Falls, Hell’s Half Mile
- Best for Ages: 7+ at low water, 12+ at high water
- Location: Dinosaur National Monument
- Notable Scenery: 2,000 foot quartzite cliffs, lush forests, Yampa River confluence in Echo Park
- Notable Sites: Winnie’s Grotto, Early explorer inscriptions, Hanging Garden overlook
- Average CFS Range: 1,500 – 35,000
Booking Options
Oar Rafts
15 foot self-bailing rafts (up to 6 guests).
Inflatable Kayaks are brought along to enjoy at appropriate water levels.
We typically seat between 4-6 guests to each raft.
- Ages 7+
Reviews from our Guests
Posted on Google Kelly TuguinayTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great time with our guide Art at the Mesa Verde tour. It was a great experience !Posted on Google Andrew MitchellTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Water was a little low, but it was a beautiful day and still a lot of fun cruising the river/rapids. Dylan was an awesome guide, super friendly / chatty /knowledgeable. Would recommend this to anyone looking to have some rafting fun in Durango.Posted on Google Martina OrnelasTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5/5 - Incredible Jeep Tour with Jay! Our jeep trail tour in Silverton, Colorado was absolutely breathtaking. The scenery was unreal, the views were stunning, and the weather was perfect - it felt like a postcard the whole way through. Jay was an amazing guide. He was kind, patient, and incredibly thoughtful, making sure we had water and blankets when the cold rolled in. On top of that, he was super knowledgeable about the rocks, the history, and the entire area, which made the experience even more special. If you're visiting Silverton, definitely ask for Jay. He made our adventure unforgettable.Posted on Google Chris WallaceTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an amazing tour of Mesa Verde. Our tour guide, Jay Bird, did a great job narrating our trip. He made us all feel welcome and provided lots of great information about the history and sights we were seeing. He was clearly passionate about the park. The van we rode in was spotlessly clean, including the windows which made viewing easy. We will definitely be using Mild to Wild tours again.Posted on Google Megan ButlerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gavin was a phenomenal guide! We did the half-day morning kayak adventure and had a great time!! There was a nice combination of class I and II rapids with calm waters in between, allowing us to enjoy the views and take photos. Gavin was knowledgeable about everything we were seeing - he even pointed out rock formations, animals, etc. that we hadn’t known to look out for. Highly recommend asking for Gavin if you’re going on a river adventure through Mild 2 Wild - he will not disappoint!! You’ll have a hell of a good time and learn so much about the area!Posted on Google Bill RobinetteTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cat was our tour guide. She was awesome. Great knowledge of the tour. Passed on lots of interesting information about the park and the indigenous people. Highly recommend.Posted on Google Conrad YoungTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I truly had a fun and nice experience learning a bit of the river and the guides being funny along the way making the journey worth the view.Posted on Google Stephen HulbertTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth was great and we had a fun morning!Posted on Google Nicholas VarelaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dillion did a great job, highly recommend.Posted on Google Drewbie AdamsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a wonderful exciting time water rafting and in the jeep tour!!! Corbyn was a great guide on the river, and Art was also a wonderful guide. Very knowledgeable about the history of the town. Definitely will be coming back
What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789
Payments & Cancellations
Payment Plan
We start with 35% down, then 35% at 180 days, and 30% at 60 days before your trip. Please call for alternative payment arrangements.
Booking closer to your trip?
- Within 180 days: 65% due at booking
- Within 60 days: paid in full at booking
Minimum deposits apply.
Cancellation Policy
- 60+ days: Receive a refund less $200 per person unrecoverable fees.
- 45+ days: Reschedule for another trip/date, or receive Mild to Wild gift certificate less $200 per person.
- Less than 45 days, unfortunately there will be no refund. Substitutions/name changes are allowed.
- RoamRight Travel Insurance is recommended to help cover unforeseen circumstances, such as cancelled flights, sickness or medical evacuations.
- Guests needing to be evacuated from the canyon will be charged a minimum of $1,000 per person.
Fees
In addition to the listed trip cost, we collect an additional 9% for River and Land Access Fees (ie. Forest Service, BLM, City, Private Land Use).
Trip Departure Policy
We reserve the right to switch river/locations based on current conditions and a minimum number of participants. This trip requires 4 participants or paid seats to depart.
Free Courtesy Hold
We don’t want you to miss out on this trip so we’ll hold your spots, payment-free, for 24hrs while you make your final arrangements & prepare for payment.
Plan Your Trip
FAQ
Camping & Dining
Itinerary
Map & River Log
Packing Guide
Weather & Rapids







Meet Location & Directions
- Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours - Dinosaur National Monument Outpost
- 970-247-4789
- 2330 East US 40, Vernal, UT 84078
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Get Directions
Trips meet at the Microtel in Vernal
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Mild to Wild Rafting is proud to be an authorized concessioner of Canyonlands National Park.