The Yampa River

One of the most amazing rafting trips in the western USA is the Lower Yampa section of the Yampa River. The run glides through the heart of the tortured geology of Dinosaur National Monument. Major rapids are few and far between – here the attraction is the scenery which rivals the Grand Canyon. Soon after embarking from the picturesque floodplain of Deerlodge Colorado, you encounter the dramatic entrance to the canyon. Over the following days you watch the canyon melt from red and green to slick rock sandstone. Soon after the Yampa joins the Green at Echo, you share the still spectacular Whirlpool Canyon and Island Park with rafting trips emerging from Lodore Canyon.

Put-In: Deerlodge River Access (Colorado)

Take-Out: Split Mountain Boat Ramp (Utah)

Miles: 71

Managing Agency: NPS Dinosaur National Monument

Campsites: Yampa River Campsites

Stories:

  • Kissing Tiger Wall - Will Hansen (.pdf)
  • A rafting trip approaching Harding Hole area on a spectacular day
    The view looking down onto the Yampa River from Wagon Wheel Point
    Two inflateable kayaks gliding through the shadowy Yampa Canyon above Warmsprings Rapid
  • Yampa River Scenery
    Yampa River Scenery
    Yampa River Scenery
  • Yampa River Scenery
    Yampa River Scenery
    Yampa River Scenery
  • Yampa River Scenery
    Yampa River Scenery
    Yampa River Scenery
  • Yampa River Scenery
    Fremont Storage Bins in Mantle Cave
    Mantle Cave
  • Big Joe Camp
    Harding Hole Camp 3
    Looking across Deerlodge - entrance to Yampa Canyon in the distance
  • Teepee Camp
    Technicolor Canyon Walls
    Yampa River Scenery
  • Looking upstream from Teepee Camp
    Yampa River Scenery
    Harding Hole
    Looking down onto Harding Hole Camp #1 from Wagonwheel Point
    Rafts from Wagonwheel Point
    The view upstream from Wagonwheel Point
  • The view across Island Park
    Checking Out Signature Cave
    Feeling Small
  • Rafts at Tiger Wall