See the remote and untouched headwaters of the Colorado River system and ride the crest of one of the best river trips in the world. The water level depends completely on run-off from the Rocky Mountain snow melt during the first part of summer. These famous waters are compressed between towering canyon walls creating unforgettable rapids including "Tepee", "Big Joe" and "Warm Springs".

Camping and rafting on the Yampa River - large image

While the Yampa River is noted for its whitewater, it also offers family-friendly calm stretches that meander through the pristine high-altitude landscape, with abundant wildlife and overnights at scenic campsites.

Travel through many layers of history on the Yampa. This beautiful river flows through the fossil-rich, Jurassic-era Dinosaur National Monument. Short hikes take you to ancient Native American sites such as Mantle Cave, utilized as a food storage site 1500 years ago, and marvel at renowned rock art panels in Jones Hole, Echo Park, and Island Park.

History buffs can follow the route of the John Wesley Powell expedition, who explored the Green River in 1869. Powell left his imprint on the region by naming the "Split Mountain" and "Whirlpool Canyon" landmarks.

Rafting by Yampa River's beautiful Tiger Wall - large image

Be surrounded by amazing geologic features. Float by the black desert varnish-striped Tiger Wall, or Mitten Park Fault where millions of years of rock layers fold and curve. See the memorable 1,000 foot Steamboat Rock where the aptly named Green River merges and then blends into the Yampa.

See the spot often credited with the birth of the modern American environmental movement.  This pristine canyon system was once in danger of disappearing beneath the watery depths of a major reservoir.  Throughout the 1950s, conservation groups fought against a proposed dam at Echo Park that would have forever drowned both Yampa and Lodore canyons.

Public exposure to the area thru early commercial river trips on the Green and Yampa rivers helped to inspire the movement that saved Dinosaur.  Many of those who floated the rivers were forever motivated to partake in the struggle to preserve them for future generations.  Their eventual success brought Dinosaur National Monument to the attention of the country and helped kick-start the nascent American environmental movement.  We have the early river runners of Dinosaur National Monument to thank for the protection many of America's wildest places now enjoy!

Who knows what inspirations you may find in these same beautiful and remote canyons.

Be sure to make your vacation reservations early for this very special rafting trip and inflatable kayaking adventure to Yampa River!

Hardshell Kayak Instruction!