About This Trip
The Gates of Lodore 3 Day rafting trip is one of the most scenic river adventures in the country. It’s known to boast a bit of everything— exhilarating whitewater, gorgeous hiking trails, abundant wildlife, fascinating archeology, and geologic masterpieces to name a few attributes!
With 45 river miles to explore, 3-day trips still offer plenty of time to unwind in camp each evening, with a hike up Jones Hole Trail as one of the top excursions. This trail reveals an entirely new ecosystem as you travel father into the side canyon, with waterfalls, wildflowers, and rare pictographs to explore.
As for the rapids, you won’t have to wait long for the big splashes. Disaster Falls, Triplet Falls, and Hell’s Half Mile all take place within the first 12 miles of the trip. After the Yampa River confluence in Echo Park, Whirlpool Canyon and Split Mountain churn up constant Class II rapid sections that guides and guests always love to run.
This dramatic section of the Green River is a favorite among the river runners who have experienced it. Once you pass through the Gates of Lodore Canyon, another world of wilderness unravels bend after bend.
The 3-day Gates of Lodore raft trips start at $999.00.
Gates of Lodore Quick Facts
What’s So Special About The Gates Of Lodore
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+
Our Client Reviews from Google
Robert Sharp2025-07-24Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rafting was great for first timers. Dillon was awesome working and helping Tim that was visually impaired. Great job and I highly recommend there service. Ron Howard2025-07-24Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. During our family of four 40-day adventure we spent four nights in Durango, Colorado. My 12 and 13 year old daughters had never been rafting so the Lower Animas Rafting 3/4 day adventure was the perfect choice. Steven was our guide and was the best! He ensured we were prepared before stepping into the raft. Safety, technique, and fun were the agenda for the day. While the river was lower than normal it was fun navigating different ways to get past the many rocks. It was also nice that Steven suggested we grab some trash that washed was stuck in river debris. Tyler was another guide helping kayakers we traveled with and was really nice. It was fun interacting and enjoying the perfect day together. I recommend the 3/4 day which includes lunch and more time on the river. There was plenty of time to jump for a swim and we even surfed one of the rapids. Eric Steinberg2025-07-24Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. All the folks at Mild to Wild are great and clearly love what they do. It’s like rafting with friends. My son, his friend and I had a great time! A special shout out to our guide Ryan who was outstanding and a ton of fun. Michael Barber2025-07-23Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a fantastic raft ride with Mild to Wild’s guide Toby. He was funny, informative and clearly very skilled at his job. We did a “Mild” ride but he still managed to take us on a class 2/3 rapid for a little wild and talked us through perfectly . 10/10 would definitely recommend Adam Kane2025-07-23Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We did a 3/4 day rafting trip, and had a FANTASTIC time! Our guide was Stephen, and he was AWESOME! Really professional on the water, and worked with us early on to work as a team on the water. The rapids were a blast, and the lunchtime stop was refreshing with some local sandwiches. Would HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! Ronny Robinson2025-07-23Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sam is a great guide! We did the 1/2 day raft, and it was great! Toby was a guide in another raft, and they had good comradery going down the river together! Great time! Jacob Finseth2025-07-23Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ryan our guide was the best captain 🫡. - The Fantastic 4️⃣ Beth Barber2025-07-23Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic time on the River with Toby as our guide. Friendly, knowledgeable, concerned about safety and clear instructions. Great time! Thank you Toby! Mel Garofalo2025-07-23Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My wife and I booked a half day tour of Arches NP with Mild to Wild while staying in Moab. Due to the high temperatures and our age, we were not looking for strenuous hiking so we booked a guided tour on an air conditioned 15 passenger van. It turned out we were the only two who had booked this tour so we essentially had a private tour with Darren, our driver and guide. He was extremely knowledgeable, interesting to talk to and overall provided a great 4.5 hour experience. We stopped frequently, sometimes for short hikes, others for pictures. He left it up to us as to how much hiking we did. Besides doing Arches tours Darren does river raft trips and jeep tours as well. Highly recommend him and his company.
What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789
Payments & Cancellations
Payment Options
- 1/2 down, 1/2 charged 30 days prior to trip.
- 1/3 down with remaining balance charged in thirds.
- Call for other arrangements!
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.
Fees
In addition to the listed trip cost, we collect an additional 9% for River and Land Access Fees (ie. Forest Service, BLM, NPS, City, Private Land Use).
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.
Plan Your Trip
FAQ
Camping & Dining
Itinerary
Map & River Log
Packing Guide
Weather & Rapids
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Mild to Wild Rafting is proud to be an authorized concessioner of Canyonlands National Park.