Rafting, Hiking and Petroglyphs in Dinosaur National Monument, Utah

The Trip

Adventure, exploration, and excitement are all on the agenda for this trip within Dinosaur National Monument on the border between Utah and Colorado. Before entering the park to raft the Green River, we take time to learn about the region and the park’s natural history. Our unique rafting trip has an extra fifth day on the river to provide ample time to enjoy the scenery, hike trails into side canyons and above the river, discover rock art and fossils, spot wildlife, and cool off in a freshwater creek.

Soon after launching our rafts on the smooth waters of the Green River in Brown’s Park, we approach the “Gates of Lodore” -- the dramatic entrance to the steep-walled canyon that cuts through the Uinta Mountain range. Within minutes, vermillion canyon walls tower 2,000 feet above the water. John Wesley Powell led the first expedition down this canyon toward the heart of the biggest blank spot on their 1869 map. The rapids we encounter -- Upper and Lower Disaster Falls, Triplet Falls, and Hell’s Half Mile -- bear tribute to the challenges they faced.

Originally established in 1915 to protect the famous Carnegie Dinosaur Quarry, the monument was enlarged in 1938 to include the abundant human, natural, and geologic history. The monument provides a sanctuary for bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and birds of prey. The Lodore and Yampa River canyons expose a billion years of rock layers. Within the park fossils and Native American rock art abound. During our trip we share knowledge about the geology that formed this dramatic landscape, the people who inhabited these remote canyons, and the history of the area, including the important role the Sierra Club played in protecting the Monument.

For four nights we camp at different sites along the river. Everyone helps unload the boats, after which participants set up their tents and enjoy other activities while our river guides prepare dinner. Group hikes take us places where we can observe unique geology, wildlife, and rock art. In addition to hiking, afternoons are available to swim, read, chat with your fellow explorers, or simply find a quiet place to absorb the beauty of the canyon and the music of the river. With only 44 river miles to enjoy, we have an abundance of time for explorations throughout the canyon.

Sierra Club domestic trips are conducted on originally Native American lands. The canyons of the Green River have been visited by Native Americans for at least the last 6,000 years. Lodore Canyon is the homeland of the Eastern Shoshone and Ute people. The Utes and their predecessors, the Fremont Indians, plied these rivers and grew corn, beans, and squash along the riverbanks. After years of broken treaties with the federal government and the invasion of their lands by settlers, in 1881 the Utes were evicted from the area and forced to move to eastern Utah. Sierra Club Outings has made a commitment to acknowledge this past racism in our domestic trip brochures and continues to embrace the traditional Native values of honoring and protecting our Mother Earth.

Day 1: We meet midday in Vernal, Utah at the Utah Field House Museum of Natural History, where we can learn about the area’s geologic, natural, and human history. The museum features ancient fossils and skeletal reproductions, archaeological and geological exhibits, fluorescent minerals, and other natural history aspects of the Uinta Mountains and Uinta Basin. In addition, there are exhibits on eastern Utah history, American Indian artifacts, and one of the best geological displays anywhere. 

Our orientation meeting takes place after the museum tour. If time permits, we may do a short nearby hike. Dinner and lodging will be on your own.

Day 2: After breakfast on your own, we caravan to the outfitter's warehouse. They provide vans for the three-hour scenic shuttle to our launch site at Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado. Shortly after launching our rafts, we enter the dramatic "Gates of Lodore," the portal into the colorful cliffs of Green River's Lodore Canyon.

Days 3-5: We pass through numerous exciting rapids, including Harp Falls, Disaster Falls, Triplet Falls, and the exciting "Hells Half Mile." We enter Echo Park, where the Yampa (the last un-dammed tributary of the Colorado) joins the Green River from the east. The river then curls 180-degrees around imposing Steamboat Rock, which rises 1,000 feet above us. Every day we enjoy hikes of various lengths. Evenings are spent sharing regional knowledge, including the river’s history and geology, as well as the Sierra Club’s role in conserving the park and the Southwest desert region. Our professional river guides join in our conversations and keep us apprised of the adventures ahead.

Day 6: Our final day brings us to Whirlpool Canyon, Island Park, and Rainbow Park before entering another dramatic gorge, appropriately named Split Mountain. The Green's powerful forces cut laterally through the mountain's uplifted and colorful core, leaving a string of exciting rapids. At the takeout we’ll help our guides unload before we are shuttled the 40 minutes back to Vernal. We expect to be back in town mid to late afternoon, but unforeseen circumstances may cause delays, so avoid making travel plans for that evening. Our time on the river is celebrated with a no-host farewell dinner in Vernal.

Please note, the trip price does not include gratuities for the river guides. Gratuities are entirely voluntary and solely at your discretion, but they are customary. The guides work hard day and night to make this trip as memorable and fulfilling for you as possible. If you agree they worked hard and contributed significantly to the success and enjoyment of your outing, you may want to express your appreciation with a tip. Our guideline ranges from 9% to 18% of the trip price per guest. Your Sierra Club trip leader does not share any portion of the gratuity; our leaders are unpaid volunteers and cannot accept them.

Getting There

The departure point for our trip is Vernal, Utah. We recommend staying the nights before and after the trip in Vernal. The nearest major airports with commercial service are Salt Lake City, Utah or Grand Junction, Colorado. There are no flights directly to Vernal. If you have a car, you can store your car at the outfitter headquarters. A van will take us to the put-in. Please do not make travel arrangements until the leader has confirmed you as a trip member.

Accommodations and Food

We follow Leave No Trace guidelines for desert river corridors to minimize our impact on this fragile environment, including using chemical toilets for solid human waste. There will be no plumbed or pit toilets available on the river. Sun protection is also very important. A complete checklist of what to bring will be provided by your leader upon acceptance.

Our trip starts in Vernal, Utah. The first dinner and breakfast the next morning while we are in town are on your own, but once we head to the river all meals and snacks will be provided. Please indicate any dietary restrictions on your trip application. While our guides prepare wonderful meals for the group and work hard to meet many dietary requirements, keep in mind it may not be possible to meet all needs when traveling in a wilderness setting.

Fresh drinking water and non-alcoholic beverages are available at every meal. Once an application is approved for this outing, the trip leader will explain further the food and beverage options and limitations.

Trip Difficulty

This trip is suitable for rafters of all abilities. Trip members are expected to be able to climb in and out of the raft onto rocky or muddy shorelines, participate in self-rescue, assist in loading and unloading the rafts, carry gear to camp, and set up and take down their tent campsite.

During much of the trip participants have the option to get more exercise enjoying the inflatable kayaks or the paddle raft. Days also include optional hikes, side-canyon explorations, and uphill climbs that require some scrambling. Good physical conditioning is important to enjoy any wilderness outing, and we strongly recommend that you engage in a program of regular exercise prior to the trip. If you have any doubts about your ability, contact the trip leader.

Our first priority is always safety, both on and off the river. Personal flotation devices (life jackets) will be provided and must be worn on the river.

Daytime temperatures range from 70-95 degrees, but low humidity makes it quite comfortable. Nighttime lows will be in the 60s and 70s.

Equipment and Clothing

The leader will provide a detailed equipment list to registered participants. Tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads will be available for rental at additional cost.

References

Having some basic knowledge of the natural and human history of the area will greatly enhance your experience on this trip. The following books are especially recommended:

• Belknap, Buzz, and Loie B. Evans, Dinosaur River Guide. Strip maps of the Green and Yampa rivers, showing rapids, points of interest, and river lore. Made of waterproof paper to be used while on the river.
• Hansen, Wallace R., Dinosaur's Restless Rivers and Craggy Canyon Walls. A guide to the geology of Dinosaur National Monument. Printed on waterproof paper to be used while on the river.
• Cosco, Jon M., Echo Park: Struggle for Preservation. The complete story of the battle to save Dinosaur and defeat the Echo Park Dam, featuring the leadership role of the Sierra Club.
• Harvey, Mark W. T., A Symbol of Wilderness: Echo Park and the American Conservation Movement. An in-depth account of the battle to save Dinosaur and defeat the Echo Park Dam, and the role this struggle played in the growth of the conservation movement in the post-World War II era.
• Cole, Sally J., Legacy on Stone: Rock Art of the Colorado Plateau and Four Corners Region. Describes the rock art and cultures of prehistoric and modern people of canyon country.
• Powell, John Wesley, The Exploration of the Colorado River and Its Canyons. The historic, heroic 1869 descent of the Green and Colorado rivers.
• Abbey, Edward. Desert Solitaire, A Season in the Wilderness. A story about living in and learning about the harsh and hostile lands in Utah.

Conservation

The Green River is consistently named as one of America's "Most Endangered Rivers" by national conservation groups. We take time to consider and discuss the conservation issues facing the Green, northeastern Utah, and the rest of the state's public lands. Our drive to the put-in passes through some of the land impacted by federal land management priorities on Utah's spectacular public landscapes.

Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies.