Yampa Rafting Trip Highlights
The Yampa River Canyon is one of the rarest wildernesses left to explore in the United States. It is the only tributary left in the Colorado River Basin to flow freely without a dam. This means the Yampa has been left to its natural devices since its formation over 30 million years ago. Throughout the 72 mile journey, this truly wild river reveals unbelievable scenery, abundant wildlife, thrilling rapids, and history-filled alcoves.
- The last major, free flowing tributary in the Colorado River System.
- Thrilling Class III – IV rapids that change year after year.
- Serene, slickrock cliffs that make for dramatic alcoves and overhangs.
- Lush campsites filled with trees, wildflowers, and berry bushes.
- Large caves filled with significant archeological sites.
- The grand scenery of the Green River confluence in Echo Park.
- A true wilderness that reveals what riparian environments were like before dams. A rarity in today’s modern world.
Raft The Yampa River

More About This Trip
The Whitewater
The Yampa comes with fun rapid sections that are mostly Class II-III, including “Teepee Rapid” early in the trip, and “5 Springs” and “Big Joe” usually the second day. The biggest rapid on the Yampa River is a Class IV called “Warm Springs” which was formed in the 1960s after a huge landslide. After the Green River confluence, long splashy sections emerge through Split Mountain before the trip’s end.
Because the Yampa River is free flowing, its rafting season is usually brief. The peak flows can be unpredictable, but usually land somewhere in late May to early June. Water levels also fluctuate daily on the Yampa, so you never really know the exact CFS you’re going to get on a trip.
The Sites & Camping
There are multiple opportunities to hike along the Yampa River, including the panoramic views from Harding Hole, the archeological treasure trove at Mantle’s Cave, and in the geologic galleries of Echo Park. Some campsites will have opportunities to explore side canyons, but mostly once you’re on the Green River portion of the trip.
The campsites along the Yampa are filled with wildflowers and shady cottonwoods. Some sites are set in a maze of hackberry bushes, while others are strewn across lush beaches. Each day your guides will set up a comfortable living space (kitchen, common area, bathroom, etc.) and whip up 3-course dinners and filling breakfasts. As for lunch, you’ll usually enjoy it on a scenic beach in between off-river excursions.
Legacy
The Yampa River is the birthplace of environmentalism. Starting in the 1950’s, two proposed dams were set to destroy Dinosaur National Monument forever. But due to the tenacity of the Hatch family (the founders of commercial river rafting) and David Bower from the Sierra Club, the dam projects were defeated and the movement for wilderness preservation was born. We are forever grateful to those who have continued to keep the Yampa wild and the legacy of Dinosaur National Monument alive.
Our Yampa River trips continue on the legacy of Adventure Bound River Expeditions, combined with the legendary customer service and expertise of Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep tours.
Trip Options
Dinosaur National Monument
A 4-day trip offers a good amount of time in a place you’ll never forget!
- Youth: $1199
- Adult: $1249
Dinosaur National Monument
A 5-day trip offers more time to relax, rejuvenate, and refresh in one of the US’s most stunning canyons.
- Youth: $1299
- Adult: $1399
Trip Option Comparison
Trip | Features | Additional Cost Per Adult |
---|---|---|
4-Day (~72 River Miles) |
|
$1,249 (Base Price) |
5 Day (~72 River Miles) |
|
+$150 |
Private Trips
Yampa River
We offer private trips! Click below to learn more about this option.
Rates & Dates
Why Raft the Yampa River with Mild to Wild?
Trip Provisions
- AEDs and comprehensive first aid kits on all trips
- Satelite communication devices
- Delicious meals and snacks provided from lunch on day 1 to lunch on the last day
- Catered 3 course dinners with appetizers, entrees, and desserts
- Dietary accommodations
- Inflatable kayaks and paddle boards to diversify your river experience
- All necessary high quality custom river and camp equipment is provided
- Round trip transportation from meet location
Professional, Interpretive & Entertaining Guides
- Trip leaders average 2,000 river miles
- All guides are certified in Wilderness Advanced First Aid, Swift Water Rescue, & Food Handling.
- Dedicated company division to risk managment, guided training, and continuing guide education
Our Commitment
to You
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, 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.
Gallery
Plan Your Trip
FAQ
Camping & Dining
Itinerary
Map & River Log
Packing Guide
Weather & Rapids
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