Every run down the Green River is its own adventure, and that’s the way we like it! The Gates of Lodore in particular offers some of the most spectacular scenery, whitewater, history and hiking for a river trip lasting only a few days.

If you’ve been wondering what the days are like during our Lodore trips, here’s a little insight into how things tend to flow on our 3-4 Day excursions.

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 Green River 

Note the *usually* sentiment in the times listed, since river time works on its own clock! However, we do try to stick to a relative schedule as best we can. 

Also, hikes and other side excursions are often dependent on the amount of time, size of the group and other factors. This itinerary lists the minimum of what we’re able to do on our Lodore trips. 

Breakfast – Usually between 7 am – 8 am

Lunch – Usually between 12 pm – 2 pm 

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 Inn 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 your large dry bags 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 might have. 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 Inn with your bags packed and ready to rock! You’ll take a scenic 2.5 drive over to the Lodore put in, where you’ll immediately meet The Gates in Gates of Lodore. 

Your guides will give you a safety speech, fit you for your PFDs that you’ll have for the rest of the trip, before pushing off onto this astounding stretch of the Green River. You’ll find a lunch spot after a couple of hours of floating on a lush beach, usually with some wandering opportunities. 

3 Day trips will soon greet the largest and most infamous rapids on the trip— Disaster Falls, Triplet Falls, and Hell’s Half Mile, all rumbling within 6 miles of each other. 

4 Day trips will definitely run Disaster Falls this day. Depending on the reserved camp for the night, Triplet Fall and Hell’s Half Mile may be run on the first day as well, or the beginning of the second day. 

Day 2

Wake up to fresh coffee and breakfast on the griddle. Those who rise early get to enjoy the soft glow of the canyon transform, and perhaps catch some wildlife getting a jump on the day. After breakfast, it’s time to pack while your guides rig the boats before pushing off and into the current once again. 

3 Day trips will splash and float into the Green River and Yampa River confluence, a geologic wonder so marvelous, it needed its own name, “Echo Park”. This is the day to hike the lush canyon creek of Jones Hole Trail, where you’ll explore ancient rock art and waterfalls. Camp that night is usually near Island Park, now on the Utah side.  

4 Day trips typically hike the Hanging Garden trail this day, before floating into the confluence at Echo Park. We’ll spend some time here admiring the scenery, before floating into Utah to Jones Hole Trail where we’ll camp for the night. 

Day 3

This is the last day for 3 day trips, naturally! Where you’ll splash through the much-beloved class II waves of Split Mountain. We’ll stop for lunch somewhere on a wildflower-filled beach, before getting back to the rapids and arriving at the Split Mountain take out around 3:00 pm. Guests have the option to stop at the Dinosaur quarry that gives the National Monument its name, before the 30 minute  drive back to Vernal. 

4 day trippers will have calm waters mostly through the entire day, and have plenty of time for an off-river rendezvous, before floating into the rolling valley of Island Park, where camp will be made for the night. 

Day 4 

The last day for 4 day trippers comes with the rollicking waters of Split Mountain! Splash it out, have some lunch, and splash out some more before arriving at the take out. Guests have the option to stop at the Dinosaur quarry that gives the National Monument its name, before the 30 minute  drive back to Vernal.