Itinerary

Just like the Yampa River itself, no day is quite the same on these river trips. It’s really what makes the experience that much more special— allowing an untamed piece of nature to deliver you into the perfection of its wilderness. 

That isn’t to say we throw our agendas to the wind— hikes need to be had and meals to be gobbled, after all. Plus, while the flows can change day to day, the amazing sites along this historic corridor luckily stay the same. So if you’ve been wondering how the days tend to flow on our 4 and 5-day Yampa River trips, give the itinerary below a gander! 

Important Note: As the river is different every time it is run, so is each trip! Depending on water flows, the number of participants, and other circumstances Mother Nature imposes, our itineraries are just an estimate!

GENERAL ITINERARY FOR DAYS ON THE YAMPA RIVER 

Note the *usually* sentiment in the times listed, since the Yampa River definitely sets its own, everchanging docket! However, we do try to stick to a relative schedule as best we can. 

Breakfast: Usually between 7 am – 8 am

Lunch: Usually between 12 pm – 2 pm

Get to Camp: Usually between 3 pm – 5 pm

Dinner: Usually between 5 pm – 7 pm

Leaving Camp: Usually between 9 am – 10 am

Evening Prior 

You’ll meet us at 7:30 pm in the dining area of the Microtel near Vernal, Utah. Most guests stay here the night before their trip, since it’s also our pickup location the morning of. 

Your guides will give you a large dry bag (typically 70 liters, about the size of a large trash bag) to pack your belongings into so it’s ready to load in the morning. 

They’ll show you how to properly pack it, as well as answer any questions you have for the trip. If you happen to miss us at this time, the guide will leave the dry bags at the front desk where you can ask for them. 

Day 1

Meet your shuttle driver at 7:30 am in the parking lot of the Microtel with your bags packed and ready to rock! You’ll take a scenic 1.5 hour drive over to Deerlodge Park Campground, where your guides will give you a safety speech and fit you for a PFD before pushing off for the adventure. 

You’ll find a lunch spot after a couple hours, usually on a beach with opportunities to explore. The first 10 miles of the Yampa is calm and ripply with a few bigger splashes as you drift deeper into the canyon. The scenery starts with rugged staircases of red sandstone covered in juniper, soon to change into the signature slick rock the Yampa is known for. 

Camps along the Yampa are reserved in advance, so the miles you cover will vary day to day. Once in camp, your guides will set up the kitchen, common area and bathroom each day, all you’re responsible for is your sleeping arrangements. 

Day 2

Wake up to fresh coffee and breakfast on the griddle. As camp comes alive, so will the canyon as the sun slowly pours over the walls. After breakfast, it’s time to pack up your gear while your guides rig the boats to push off into the current once again. 

Expect some class II and III hitters to douse the bows before lunchtime. By the afternoon, you’ll enter a realm of magnificent slick rock known as Weber sandstone. Along the way you’ll explore alcoves that hold a wealth of history between early river runners and the ancestors of North America. 

Day 3

Today comes with the biggest rapid of the trip, Warm Springs, a class IV spitter that roars like no other in Dinosaur National Monument. After all the ruckus comes one of the most beautiful confluences of all time, the Green River in Echo Park. Here the muddy waters of the Yampa end and the emerald waters of the Green begin. 

4 Day trips can expect to row through the wide valley of Island Park and camp near Jones Hole Trail, where a beautiful hike awaits up a lush and lively side canyon. 

Day 4 

If not already apparent, this is the final float for the 4 day trippers! Who will chortle their heads off in the constant class II and III splashes rolling through Split Mountain before take out. Guests have the option to stop at the dinosaur quarry that gives the Monument its name, before the 30 minute drive back to Vernal. 

5 Day trippers can expect to camp near Jones Hole Trail and enjoy the incredible hike. 

Day 5

Today comes the rollicking waters of Split Mountain before the wildly scenic float to take out. Guests have the option to stop at the dinosaur quarry that gives the Monument its name, before the 30 minute drive back to Vernal.