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
Posted on Reda2025-10-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our guide was Ms. Pat. What a lovely knowledgeable lady! We learned some much about the area Native Americans and the history of the locale. Pat was engaging and attentive. She is a credit to your business!!!Posted on Natalie Nunez2025-10-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely amazing trip. Able to see Silverton like never before on the Jeep tour, and Jay was incredibly kind. I'd recommend this to anyone I can!Posted on Renee Privett2025-10-13Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My family and I had a great time on the half day trip down the Animas River. It was our first time in Durango. Our guide Hayden was awesome! Highly recommend!Posted on Larry Donahue2025-10-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tosh Black is phenomenal. This is our yearly trip and we picked Telluride. We went to Bridal Val Falls was off the chart amazing. We also went to Ophir Pass was unbelievable. We also got to see Alta Lakes,, breathtaking. Alex, thank you very much for letting Tosh Come out and play with his friends, that he gets to see once a year. Again, thank you very much to Tosh and Alex for making an awesome memory. You are the best.Posted on Lori Murakami2025-10-09Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tyler was an awesome guide. Friendly and knowledgeable. He took the time to educate us about the mining area and scraped rocks to show us the differences in color.Posted on Anne Baccich2025-10-09Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Did a van tour with Miles that was quite good in spite of the NPS shutdown of Mesa Verde. He clearly knows the history of the area and has great respect for the ruins and the culture of the ancient ones. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.Posted on Lisa Janzen2025-10-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Loved the off-roading Jeep ride! We had a great guide and also a great group.Posted on john sanford2025-10-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cat was great. Due to the government shutdown and parts of Mesa Verde being closed she improvised and provided a great learning experience for us. I did not appreciate a call at 9:10 pm the prior night from the scheduler asking if we could change our start times. The main office knew about the closures on Friday and waited until last minute on Sunday to call me about changing and at a late hour.Posted on Robin Simpson2025-10-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cat our guide was wonderful. Even though most of the national parks were closed Cat kept us entertained with her knowledge and stories. Thank you
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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