Gates of Lodore Trip Highlights
The Gates of Lodore is undeniably one of the most special river trips on the continent. Throughout its 43-mile journey from Colorado to Utah, this section of the Green River unravels a rare wilderness seldom ever see. In the meander between billion-year-old quartzite cliffs, days in Lodore are spent completely in the present as we dive into a world of exhilarating whitewater, jaw dropping landscapes, majestic wildlife, and astounding archaeology.
- Gargantuan geologic features like the Mitten Park Fault, Steamboat Rock, and “The Gates” to Lodore Canyon.
- Exciting Class III rapids throughout the trip.
- Waterfalls, petroglyphs and wildflowers hidden along side canyon creeks.
- Forested campsites that offer more opportunities to explore.
- Human history dating back 2,000 years.
- Geologic history dating back 2 billion years.
- Wildlife galore! Big horned sheep, bald eagles, deer, fox, otters, and more.
- The spectacularly confluence with the Yampa River in Echo Park.
- The fossil filled Quarry Exhibit—an optional visit at the end of your trip.
Gates of Lodore Rafting
More About This Trip
The Whitewater
Within the first 10 miles of the journey, Lodore Canyon brings on the froth. Named in 1869 by the Powell Expedition, Disaster Falls sends rafters through an exhilarating Class III drop. Soon after we paddle through Triplet Falls, Hell’s Half Mile, and plenty of other Class II – III drops and wave trains in the days to come.
High water season is typically in early June when the Flaming Gorge Reservoir has its dam release. After the Yampa River confluence, the river’s volume picks up along with the splashes to expect through Split Mountain towards the end of the trip.
The Sites & Camping
Some of the gems to explore in Lodore Canyon include the Rippling Brook waterfall, the Whispering Cave in Echo Park, and the petroglyphs up Jone Hole Creek or Island Park. Also, multiple shady camps provide lush trails and side canyons to get an extra dose of exploring in for the day.
For camp, we arrive each day on a beach beneath beautiful cottonwood trees and sculpted precipices. As the guides set up a comfortable living space (kitchen, common area, bathroom, etc.) along with 3-course dinners and filling breakfasts, you’ll have the time and space to unwind however you like. As for lunch, we usually lay out the spread near a site we’ll be exploring or before a rapid section.
Legacy
Lodore Canyon, and Dinosaur National Monument at large, is an incredibly special place given that it was nearly put underwater by two dams in the 1950s. We are incredibly thankful to the headstrong environmentalists and devoted river runners who saved this spectacular wilderness for public enjoyment. We hope to maintain their legacy for generations to come, and all who wish to float through the Gates of Lodore.
Our Gates of Lodore 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
Green River
A 3 day Gates of Lodore trip offers a good amount of time in a place you’ll never forget!
- Youth: $999
- Adult: $1099
Green River
This trip offers more time to relax, rejuvenate, and refresh in one of the US’s most stunning canyons.
- Youth: $1149
- Adult: $1249
Trip Option Comparison
Trip | Features | Additional Cost Per Adult |
---|---|---|
3-Day (~45 River Miles) |
|
$1,099(Base Price) |
4-Day (~45 River Miles) |
|
+$150 |
Private Trips
Gates of Lodore
We offer private trips! Click below to learn more about this option.
Gates of Lodore
Our Women’s Wellness Retreat this year is on an exclusive 5 day float through the Gates of Lodore in the heart of Dinosaur National Monument. Trip runs Sept. 8-12th.
Rates & Dates
Why Raft the Gates of Lodore with Mild to Wild?
Trip Provisions
- AEDs and comprehensive first aid kits on all trips
- Satelite communication devices
- Delicious meals and snacks provided from lunch on day 1 to lunch on the last day
- Catered 3 course dinners with appetizers, entrees, and desserts
- Dietary accommodations
- All necessary high quality custom river and camp equipment is provided
- Round trip transportation from meet location
Professional, Interpretive & Entertaining Guides
- Trip leaders average 2,000 river miles
- All guides are certified in Wilderness Advanced First Aid, Swift Water Rescue, & Food Handling.
- Dedicated company division to risk managment, guided training, and continuing guide education
Our Commitment
to You
Our Client Reviews from Google
Posted on Reda2025-10-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our guide was Ms. Pat. What a lovely knowledgeable lady! We learned some much about the area Native Americans and the history of the locale. Pat was engaging and attentive. She is a credit to your business!!!Posted on Natalie Nunez2025-10-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely amazing trip. Able to see Silverton like never before on the Jeep tour, and Jay was incredibly kind. I'd recommend this to anyone I can!Posted on Renee Privett2025-10-13Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My family and I had a great time on the half day trip down the Animas River. It was our first time in Durango. Our guide Hayden was awesome! Highly recommend!Posted on Larry Donahue2025-10-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tosh Black is phenomenal. This is our yearly trip and we picked Telluride. We went to Bridal Val Falls was off the chart amazing. We also went to Ophir Pass was unbelievable. We also got to see Alta Lakes,, breathtaking. Alex, thank you very much for letting Tosh Come out and play with his friends, that he gets to see once a year. Again, thank you very much to Tosh and Alex for making an awesome memory. You are the best.Posted on Lori Murakami2025-10-09Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tyler was an awesome guide. Friendly and knowledgeable. He took the time to educate us about the mining area and scraped rocks to show us the differences in color.Posted on Anne Baccich2025-10-09Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Did a van tour with Miles that was quite good in spite of the NPS shutdown of Mesa Verde. He clearly knows the history of the area and has great respect for the ruins and the culture of the ancient ones. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.Posted on Lisa Janzen2025-10-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Loved the off-roading Jeep ride! We had a great guide and also a great group.Posted on john sanford2025-10-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cat was great. Due to the government shutdown and parts of Mesa Verde being closed she improvised and provided a great learning experience for us. I did not appreciate a call at 9:10 pm the prior night from the scheduler asking if we could change our start times. The main office knew about the closures on Friday and waited until last minute on Sunday to call me about changing and at a late hour.Posted on Robin Simpson2025-10-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cat our guide was wonderful. Even though most of the national parks were closed Cat kept us entertained with her knowledge and stories. Thank you
What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789
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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Mild to Wild Rafting is proud to be an authorized concessioner of Canyonlands National Park.