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Gates of Lodore Rafting
Gates of Lodore
Trip Planning & Itinerary
EVENING PRIOR TO YOUR TRIP:
Verify you have all that is suggested on the packing list.
DAY ONE
Meet at 8:00 AM at the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham (1041 S 1500 E, Naples, UT 84078). Enjoy the scenic 2.5-hour drive to our put-in at the Gates of Lodore. We will start our adventure with a thorough safety orientation and then we will hit the river!
Once you pass through the soaring, scarlet Gates of Lodore, you won’t be waiting long for some of the most exciting rapids in the canyon! Depending on how the river takes us, you may stop before or after the whitewater section. Either way, pack some goodies you can easily access along the drift. Fanny packs and other small waterproof bags work great for all belongings you’ll need on hand.
Look forward to a thrilling afternoon of getting soaked while soaking in Lodore’s towering scenery. Usually in the early evening, depending on the float, you’ll come to a beautiful beach backed by a lush desert forest. While your guides set up the outdoor living spaces (kitchen, camp chairs, groover- the portable toilet), you can settle in by setting up your tent. Once home is set for the evening, you’ll have plenty of time to lounge on the beach, explore hikes, start a game, or anything that means relaxation to you! Enjoy hors-d’oeuvres while the guides prepare a delicious gourmet dinner followed by dessert. As the sun sinks behind the canyon walls you’ll have a campfire to keep you cozy. Share stories or simply stargaze under the glimmering Milky Way. Drift off whenever you please into a deep night’s sleep.
DAY TWO ON…
Wake to the smell of fresh coffee and a crackling fire. If you’re up and at ‘em, you can catch a breathtaking sunrise painting the canyon with vibrant, Instagram-worthy hues. After a hot and filling breakfast, the guides will get the day going by breaking down camp while you pack up your gear and tent. Once the boat is rigged, you’ll get back on the river for a day of awesome adventures.
Lodore’s geology and ancient history will astound as you learn about Dinosaur National Monument, and the civilizations and explorers who lived within its walls. The day comes with splashing your face off in the drops of Harp Falls, Triplet Falls, and Hell’s Half Mile.
Robust with knowledge and river cred, you’ll roll into another supreme camping spot for the evening. Whether you’re at the confluence with the Yampa in Echo Park, or in the rolling open space of Island Park, there is more than enough to explore from your camp. Ancient petroglyphs left by the Fremont, or a pristine few of the Morrison Formation- where Dinosaur Fossils are still found today, are waiting for discovery.
The end of your trip comes with an epic ride through Split Mountain Canyon where the river steepens stirring up constant splashy rapids. As we reach our take-out at Split Mountain, you have the choice to visit the nearby quarry where you can marvel at a plethora of fossils. Then it’s back to hubbub of Vernal and to life, as usual, only now filled with the memory an awe-inspiring adventure.
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!