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DINOSAUR NAT'L MONUMENT 4 and 5 Days
[ Rates and Dates |
Trip Details |
Checklist |
Yampa River Rafting
*Rates do not include state sales tax of 6.5%. Reservation & Cancellation Policies
DINOSAUR NATIONAL MONUMENT
This is one of the Rocky Mountain's last undammed
rivers. Since it still flows freely, the Yampa is run only during
the spring run off in May and June. Massive slickrock canyon walls
with views of Lodgepole Pines on Blue Mountain make this canyon
unique. Warm Springs Rapid, a major descent, highlights the trip
before joining the Green River at Echo Park. From here, you will
traverse Whirlpool Canyon, Split Mountain Gorge and more rapids.
The Yampa is one of America's treasures.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
One of the advantages of a river trip is the flexibility
of the daily itinerary. It can vary widely from one trip to
the next based on group desires, Mother Nature, and courtesy for
other groups on the river. This typical itinerary illustrates
a four-day trip on the Yampa River. In June, we lengthen the Yampa
trip by one day and follow this general itinerary.
Day 1: Meet party at headquarters
in Vernal, Utah before transport to put-in at Deerlodge Park in
Colorado. The Yampa's speedy flow takes you over many miles and
abundant rapids.
Day 2: Visit pre-Columbian ruins,
after the Yampa meanders past such attractions as The Grand Overhang,
Cleopatra's Couch and Tiger Wall. A heavy flash flood in 1965
down Warm Springs Draw choked the Yampa with boulders, forming
the river's largest rapid.
Day 3: The Yampa joins the Green
River at Echo Park where the canyon widens before the river circles
Steamboat Rock. Here the Green River enters Whirlpool Canyon. The afternoon
may be spent at Jones Hole Creek - a blue-ribbon trout stream with
side canyon petroglyphs and waterfall.
Day 4: Peaceful morning in Rainbow
and Island Park areas before entering another massive gorge. The
Green's powerful forces cut laterally through Split Mountain's
uplifted and colorful core. Rapids abound before take out and
a 35-minute ride back to Vernal.
We meet for your trip
in Vernal, Utah at Holiday Expeditions headquarters, 8:00 a.m.
(Mountain Time) the morning your trip begins. If you arrive in
Vernal by bus or plane, call our headquarters (789-4586) upon
your arrival to make arrangements to have you and your gear transported
to our headquarters the morning of the trip. If you are driving,
your car can be left at our headquarters.
If you are flying, you
can fly to Salt Lake City located 180 miles west of Vernal, Utah.
From there you can rent a car, take a bus, or fly with Salmon Air to Vernal, Utah.
If you need assistance with your travel arrangements, please ask
your Holiday Expedition reservation agent. Lodging before and after your trip can be booked at one of five motels: Dinosaur Inn 435-789-2660 (outdoor pool, hot tub, TV, airport shuttle) www.bestwestern.com/dinosaurinn Antlers Motel 435-789-1202 (outdoor pool, hot tub, TV, airport shuttle) www.bestwestern.com/antlers Days Inn 435-789-1011 (outdoor pool, TV, continental breakfast, lower rates) www.daysinn.com Weston Lamplighter 435-789-0312 (outdoor pool, hot tub, TV, kitchenette, lower rates)
Super 8 435-789-4326 (indoor pool, TV, continental breakfast, lower rates)
BE SURE TO MAKE ADVANCE RESERVATIONS!!
If you are camping out,
there are camping facilities in Dinosaur National Monument at
the Green River Campground, or the Split Mountain Campground (groups
only). These campgrounds are a 35-minute drive from our Vernal
headquarters and they have tables, fire pits, modern comfort stations,
a water system, trailer sites, campfire amphitheater and a nature
trail; there is also wood for sale. Reservations are required
for the Split Mountain campground,and they require a $10 reservation
fee plus $25/site to camp/night (435-781-7759). The Green River
campground is on a first-come, first-serve basis and
it is $12/vehicle/night to camp. An entrance fee is also required.
There is also a Dinosaurland KOA in Vernal (435-789-2148).
Beginning of the trip:
Upon your arrival at Holiday Expeditions headquarters (8:00 a.m., Mountain Time),
we will issue your waterproof bags. You can buy any last
minute items from our accessory's store at this time (see check
list of what to bring for a list of items you can find at
our store). You will then take a one and a half hour van ride
to Deerlodge Park, where we will transfer to the boats.
After the trip: We will
disembark at Split Mountain Campground in Dinosaur National Monument
near Jensen, Utah. From there we will transport you back to our headquarters
in Vernal, Utah (35 minute van ride). Our expected time of arrival
back at our headquarters is about 4:00 p.m.
If you have any questions
prior to leaving for your trip, we welcome you to call our Salt
Lake City office, Monday through Friday at 800-624-6323 (outside Utah), or 801-266-2087 (inside Utah). We're happy to take the
time to answer your questions. You may also contact us by email at holiday@bikeraft.com.
IN THE EVENT OF EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES THE NIGHT
BEFORE THE TRIP, OUR VERNAL HEADQUARTERS NUMBER IS 801-789-4586.
Dinosaur weather: In May
and early June temperatures in Dinosaur average 55 to 70 degrees
during the day and 50 to 60 degrees at night. In late June daytime
temperatures are between 80 and 90 degrees with nighttime temperatures
60 to 70 degrees. A little rain can happen and can cool temperatures
considerably. With this in mind we recommend you have a
rain suit, polypropylene underwear, (fleece top and pants
are nice in cool weather too) and a light tent. If you
reserved a rental unit with us when you booked your river trip,
we will have a tent and rain gear for you. There will also be
sun, so bring a hat and plenty of suntan lotion and/or sunscreens.
Bugs, snakes, etc. are
generally no problem. In fact, the lack of pesky insects is one
of the reasons that wilderness camping on the river is so pleasant.
Any river trip, however, is subject to an occasional localized
insect hatch. During these hatches (most common in June) mosquitos
can be bothersome. Be sure to bring long sleeve clothing and repellent.
Insect repellents that contain "deet" are by far the most effective during
heavy hatches, but are also suspected of causing various health problems.
Citronella-based products (skin-so-soft) work only in light hatches.
We rarely see any snakes, but if the thought of
them bothers you, try sleeping on the beaches or in a tent instead
of rocky or bushy areas.
Hiking is a highlight
of the trip, however, it is strictly an optional activity. There
are many interesting short hikes available. Hiking can be done
in durable sneakers or lightweight hiking boots. Remember that
hiking and other activities vary widely pending time, and what
other plans are ahead for the day on the river.
Fishing: On the next to
last day we will arrive at Jones Hole, which is a beautiful trout
stream. We normally spend about three hours here and may even
camp. You will need a Utah fishing license to fish, and this may
be purchased at most sporting good stores, or Smiths in Vernal
prior to the trip. Please note that these stores will not be open the morning you meet for your trip. Only artificial lures and flies are allowed
on this stream. If you would like to obtain more information
or secure your license in advance contact: Utah Wildlife Resources,
1596 W. No. Temple, SLC, UT 84116, 801-538-4700.
Medical emergencies: Our
guides are trained in first aid and carry first aid supplies only.
REMEMBER to bring your own prescription medicines. ALERT our guides
to any medical problem you might have such as diabetes or allergic
reactions. Wilderness expeditions are a long way from hospitals,
doctors, and pain-relieving medicines. Evacuations to modern medical
care are uncertain, and protracted. In case of evacuation and/or
medical treatment beyond first aid, expenses incurred are the
responsibility of the participant.
Cancellation Policy: If
cancellations are made prior to 90 days before the trip, monies
will be refunded less a $50.00 service charge per person. If cancellations
are made within 90 days and outside of 45 days of the trip date
monies will be refunded less a $100.00 service charge per person.
Cancellations made within 45 days of the trip date are non refundable.
Prior to 45 days to the trip date we will transfer reservations to
another trip in the same year with a $25.00 service charge per
person. All policies will be enforced and we strongly recommend trip
cancellation insurance. Cancellation of a trip is very unlikely,
but we reserve the right to cancel any trip due to river or weather
conditions or the lack of sufficient reservations. A full refund
will be made if such is the case.
Insurance: Medical and
cancellation insurance on a vacation plan can be obtained from
numerous insurance companies. We offer plans underwritten by TRAVEL
GUARD that cover accident, baggage and cancellation claims. An
application should be enclosed with this information package.
We encourage all to take advantage of this coverage. This is available
to American and Canadian citizens, as well as citizens of another country as long as you have a U.S. address. Also, if you are bringing
expensive cameras, binoculars, or other items we suggest you have
insurance coverage for them (commonly available through Homeowners
Policies). In the event of a loss, our insurance will not cover
those items.
Tipping the guides: Many
guests ask us if tipping is appropriate after the trip. If you
feel the guides have been instrumental in your enjoyment of the
trip, you may choose to direct a gratuity to the trip leader. He/She
will then distribute it evenly to the other crew member. Of those
that choose to tip, the average contribution amount ranges between
$10.00 and $20.00 per guest, per day. However, the decision to
tip is left to your sole discretion.
Beverages: We provide
ice water, lemonade, two sodas per day per person and ample cooler space.
If you choose to bring any specialty sodas and/or alcoholic beverages,
we have no problem taking whatever you want to bring - within
reason. Don't bring beer, wine coolers or sodas in glass
containers. Wine packaged in a box is ideal. Mark beverages that
you bring so they are packed on your boat. In Utah, wine or liquor
is not sold after 7:00 p.m., before 11:00 a.m. or on sundays
and holidays.
Things to see in the area:
Dinosaur Natural History Museum in Vernal (open 8:00 a.m.
9:00 p.m.) www.dinoland.com, Dinosaur National Monument's Quarry Visitor Center
and the Harper Corner Overlook. Also, nearby are the Flaming Gorge
National Recreation Area, Jones Hole Federal Fish Hatchery, Ouray
National Waterfowl Refuge, Uinta Mountains, and others.
Reading Material you may enjoy:
Canyon Country Prehistoric Indians Barnes $9.95 Dinosaur River Guide Belknap (waterproof) $17.95 Legacy on Stone Cole $16.95
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The Yampa is WILD. The last undammed river in the
Colorado River system. Through the years the Yampa has defied
many attempts to dam its free flow, several by congress, and the
most formidable in 1965 by Mother Nature. Just after dinner on
June 10th, a flash flood carried tons of rock down Warm Springs
draw blocking the river channel. Within twenty-four hours the
Yampa took aim and breached the dam, leaving in its wake Warm
Springs Rapid, rated among the 10 biggest drops in the country.
