The Untamed Yampa River - 4 Days

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4 days/ 3 nights . Yampa River . Water-based Activities

The Yampa River is the last free-flowing river in the entire Colorado River drainage and was featured in National Geographic's "Wild and Scenic Rivers" book. In the spring, the melting snow from the Rocky Mountains swells the narrow gorge creating unbridled rapids. The Yampa River is a guide favorite and is entirely within Dinosaur National Monument.

You'll float by desert big horn sheep as they drink at the river's edge. Eagles and hawks soar overhead coasting on the thermals. The scenery is dramatic and quite varied as 2000 feet of white sandstone walls grow quickly around you. There's time to explore some of the side canyons and see ancient Native American artwork.

Itinerary

Day 1

We meet at the Best Western Antlers Inn at 7:00 AM, shuttle to the launch site, meet the crew, have a safety briefing, and then launch. There is exciting whitewater and unbelievable scenery all day today. We will stop and take a short walk to Anderson Hole and Stubbs Cabin. Midday, the guides will prepare a fresh buffet lunch along the riverbank. This evening, relax by the river while the guides prepare appetizers and dinner. Camp under Ponderosa and Box Elder trees, and let the sound of the river lull you to sleep.

Day 2

Wake each morning to the smell of coffee. After a hearty breakfast, we pack, and push off. Today we enter the Weber Sandstone layer of the canyon. The river slows down and we drift under the Grand Overhang and by Mantle Ranch. We may stop and explore Mantle Cave, once inhabited by the Fremont people. We will also float by the spectacular Tiger Wall. We then come to the biggest rapid on the Yampa, Warm Springs! We will pull over and camp late afternoon. While you find a spot to pitch your tents, the guides prepare dinner. Fall asleep under the starlit sky.

Day 3

We will eat another hearty breakfast and then raft to the confluence of the Yampa and Green Rivers at Echo Park where we will pass imposing Steamboat Rock rising 1,000 feet above the river. The river makes another bend into Whirlpool Canyon and the rapids begin again. We will cross in to Utah and then just below Jones Hole we will stop for a hike and try to catch a glimpse of one of the largest herds of Bighorn Sheep in the area. Camp is just down stream where your guides will prepare hors d’ oeuvres while you relax on the beach.

Day 4

Today we will run more fun rapids – Moonshine, SOB and Schoolboy. The canyon widens dramatically into the Island Park area where the river opens into a big basin, before it slices through the mountains again. There is a dramatic cut through Split Mountain, and the river gradient dramatically increases from one to twenty feet per mile. We take out at Split Mountain and return to Vernal (approximately 45 minutes away).

Recommended Gear List

Packing List

Sheri Griffith Expeditions provides all rafts and related equipment, life jackets, safety equipment, personal dry bags and boxes for your gear, kitchen, dining and toilet equipment, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and tents.

Please pack clothing that you will not mind getting wet and dirty. Fast drying, durable, comfortable clothing is best for rafting. Cotton is recommended for hot weather and synthetic polypropylene or wool clothes for cool weather.

All personal items must fit into a 20" x 20" x 27" dry bag. You may pack in an athletic bag for easier access. Please note trips including a scenic flight have a FAA 25 lbs. luggage limit per person.

*Available in our store or by phone (800) 332-2439

ESSENTIAL ITEMS:

Water bottle w/ strap or carabiner*
Sunglasses with a retainer*
Sunscreen ~ SPF 15 or greater~ a must!*
Lip moisturizer ~ SPF 15 or greater*
Flashlight or headlamp Hat or visor with hat clip to attach to life jacket or shirt *
Rain jacket & pants ~ thunderstorms in the desert are very unpredictable!*
Fleece or sweatshirt ~ nights & mornings are cool; also great under raingear.
T-shirts * (one per day)
2 Swimsuits/sports bras ~ ladies-a sports top & swim shorts are very convenient!
1 pair Lightweight pants ~ zip-off, convertible pants are great-they're 2 in 1 and save space when packing your dry bag.
2 pairs Quick dry shorts ~ swimsuit and shorts all in one!
Long sleeve cotton shirt ~ provides sun and insect protection.
Underwear
River sandals or shoes that can get wet, will dry quickly, and will not slip off of your feet.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ITEMS

Hiking shoes & socks ~ for hiking and wearing around camp
Moisturizing lotion ~ Aloe Vera Waterproof camera *
Sun umbrella ~ if sensitive to sun
Binoculars ~ for viewing wildlife
Books ~ for relaxing in the evening
Toiletry Kit: Tooth brush & tooth paste
Biodegradable soap & shampoo.
Feminine hygiene products Small pack of tissue
Medications ~ prescription and non-prescription
Comb and/or brush
Small towel and washcloth

TIPS FROM THE PROS (Our Guides)

Disposable moist towelettes Small day or fanny pack
Ziploc bags ~ for extra water protection
Skirt/sarong * ~ 101 uses!
Travel pillow
Garbage bag or stuff sack ~ keeps wet & dry clothes/items separate
Area guide or River Map *
Extra snacks ~ for individuals with particular tastes or who may be diabetic-great for kids too!
Personal sodas / juices / alcohol (no glass)
Journal or notebook with pen / pencil
Duct tape ~ great for quick repairs of almost anything-sandals, sunglasses, luggage, you name it! A few clothespins and small piece of rope for drying clothes.
Goggles ~ for individuals who wear contact lenses

Packing Tips

Handy Items: Ziploc and trash bags are very useful for separating personal items in your dry bag such as medications, shampoo, soap, wet items, and dirty laundry. Wet wipes are great for washing your face, wiping your hands, and cleaning sand or dirt off of personal belongings. Pack a few clothespins and rope to dry clothes while on the river. Remember, on the river it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it! All of these items can be invaluable and do not take up much space or add much weight to your luggage.
Carabiner: Carabiners are very handy in the outdoors as well as back home. Their oval shape and simple gate mechanism allow you to easily clip your water bottle, camera, hat ~ just about anything ~ nearby.
Extra Snacks: We provide snacks throughout the day, but is a good idea to bring extra snacks for children, for individuals who have snack preferences, or for those who may be diabetic.
Beverages: Each boat has an ice cooler for "personal" drinks such as soda, juice, beer, wine, etc. Since there are no stores along the river, we recommend bringing more than you anticipate needing. Please do not bring glass. SGE provides water, available to you all day long, with lemonade, Gatorade, and iced tea mixes.

Meeting/Departure Location

Best Western Antlers
423 W Main Street
Vernal UT 84078
USA

See Location on a Google Map

Cancellation Information

Since you have reserved space for which we have a limited number of seats, our non-refundable policy applies in every instance. We highly rec- ommend that you purchase Travel Insurance to protect your vacation investment.

Sheri Griffith Expeditions is not responsible for any cancellations or modifications of tours due to river levels, weather condition, road hazards, vehicle breakdowns, or other unforeseen conditions that may hinder the ability for the tour to take place as scheduled. We reserve the right to cancel or modify any trip due to circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, we cannot be responsible for paying any expenses you may have incurred other than to refund monies due to you for tour price. For these reasons we highly recommend you take out trip insurance.

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