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
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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
Private Trips
Yampa River
We offer private trips! Click below to learn more about this option.
Rates & Dates
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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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