Gates of Lodore
Frequently Asked Questions
Travel Questions
WHAT AIRPORT IS BEST TO FLY INTO?
We recommend the Vernal Regional Airport as it’s the closest airport to our meet location at the Microtel in Vernal. The Salt Lake City airport is 3 hours away, and shuttle service is offered to Vernal via the Salt Lake Express.
WHERE DO WE LEAVE OUR CAR?
You will leave your vehicle at the Microtel whether you decide to lodge elsewhere the night before!
IS THERE AN ORIENTATION?
Nope! You’ll simply pack up your gear into our dry bags we’ve provided at the Microtel front desk, meet your guides and head out. If you are lodging elsewhere, you can get them the morning of the trip from your guides. To speed the departure, you should have your belongings all ready to drop into the dry bag.
WHERE IS A SAFE PLACE TO LEAVE OUR VALUABLES WHILE WE’RE GONE?
The Microtel should make accommodations to hold any valuables you do not want to keep in your car.
HOW LONG IS THE SHUTTLE TO THE PUT-IN AND FROM THE TAKE-OUT?
The shuttle to the Lodore Ranger Station put-in is 2.5 hours. The shuttle back to the Microtel is 30 minutes from the takeout at Split Mountain.
WHAT TIME DO WE GET TO THE TAKE OUT?
We shoot to have you off the river between 4-5 PM.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE AN EMERGENCY AND MISS MY TRIP?
Mild to Wild is not responsible for any expenses incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations, or illness. To protect your travel investment, we recommend you purchase separate travel insurance with RoamRight.
Equipment Questions
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Check out our Gear List and Packing Guides for what we already provide versus what you need to bring on our trips.
HOW DO WE KEEP OUR CLOTHES AND OTHER STUFF DRY?
We use dry bags! Which are designs to keep water out of the inner compartments with durable material and a rolled-down deal. We provide two 70 liter dry bags and a one 20 liter dry bag per person.
CAN WE BRING OUR OWN COOLER?
You are welcome to bring a soft cooler, or we can also make room for your beverages in our cooler. Please let us know how much space you think you will need so we can prepare.
Rafting Questions
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE THROUGHOUT THE SEASON?
Visit our page for Weather/Rapids in Gates of Lodore.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND RAFTING EACH DAY?
We aim for around 4-5 hours on the water each day.
HOW MANY KAYAKS ARE BROUGHT ON THE TRIP?
We average 1 kayak for every 4 guests. If you think you will want to spend a lot of time in the kayaks, be sure to mention this on your registration form so we can increase that amount.
Can I kayak all the rapids?
Guests do not typically kayak the Class IV rapids, and all rapids are up to the guide discretion for safety.
ARE THERE OTHER ACTIVITIES WE CAN DO DURING OUR ADVENTURE?
During high flows (usually in spring) when the river moves faster, you may have more time for hikes and camp festivities.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN A BOAT?
We usually use 16 foot oar boats that hold 5-6 people.
What happens if I have an emergency while I am on the river and need to get off?
If you need to be evacuated from the canyon, there is a minimum fee of $1000. We recommend purchasing travel insurance with Roamright.
Meals & Camping Questions
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes! Our standard options include gluten free, dairy free, vegan and vegetarian. Give us a call if you have other needs.
Can we bring our own food?
We will have plenty of food for meals and snacks, but if you have a favorite snack, please feel free to bring it along. We do recommend they are individually wrapped so that river water does not get in them.
When are the meal times?
Our meals are on river time— besides breakfast which is usually served between 7:30 – 8:30 am — meaning that they will fluctuate depending on how the day’s itinerary is going.
Can we bring alcohol on the trip?
Yes, alcoholic beverages are welcome, but they can only be consumed while at camp. They also can’t be in glass containers since we’ll be on inflatable boats!
How does the bathroom situation work?
You are welcome to pee to your heart’s content in the river, and number 2’s must be done in our portable toilet system that we set up in camp each day. More details on the “Groover” here.
Do you need a permit to fish?
Yes. Visitors fishing within Dinosaur National Monument must follow the fishing license requirements in accordance with the laws and regulations of the State, within whose exterior boundaries a park area or portion thereof is located. This means you’ll need a CO & UT permit (if you want to fish all the days of your trip.)
Misc. Questions
What is the standard tip?
The average is between 10-20% of your trip’s total cost. Please bring cash to give your guide’s at the end of the trip, or get their Venmo/CashApp information.
What happens after we book and what additional communication will we get?
You will receive a text message confirming your reservation and a confirmation email to reference all your trip details. As we get closer to your adventure, you will receive emails with tons of information to help you get prepared. Your trip leader will call you a day or so before the trip to check in with any questions you might have.
Have more questions?
Feel free to call us at 970-247-4789
Or email us at info@mild2wildrafting.com
Or LiveChat us right from this webpage!
We’re ready to help you have the best adventure possible in the Gates of Lodore!