One of the advantages of a bike/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 in the area.
This typical itinerary illustrates a bike trip on the Yampa Bench and
a raft trip on the Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument.
Day 1
Meet group at headquarters in Vernal,
Utah. A one and a half hour van ride take us to Iron Springs Overlook
for a magnificent view of things to come. Time to fill your water
bottle and adjust your bike seat for one of the most spectacular downhill
glides on the Colorado Plateau. Seven miles and two thousand vertical
feet later we will have made the descent from the high plateau through
Sand Canyon to the Yampa Bench. Riding along the mostly level bench
takes us past breathtaking overlooks where we can view the Yampa River
one-thousand feet below. We will camp near Johnson Canyon where a
short hike reveals an area noted for its rare plants.
Day 2
Day two will be our most ambitious
day of biking (20-25 miles). A morning roller coaster ride takes us
past the old Baker homestead, beyond Haystack Rock to the beginning
of our climb over Blue Mountain's Ridge tops. Two miles and 700 vertical
feet of pedaling deliver us into Bear Valley where we receive our
reprieve; several miles of smooth sailing. We will camp this evening
at the head of Disappointment Draw with distant views of the Yampa
Valley.
Day 3
This day begins with a short morning ride
before hiking down disappointment draw. Support vehicles transfer
bikes and equipment back to headquarters and you board the rafts at
Deerlodge Park. The Yampa River's speedy flow takes you over many
miles and abundant rapids.
Day 4
Big Joe rapid usually marks the beginning
of this day. Extra time provides opportunities for hiking and exploring
up Johnson Canyon into Signature Cave where pre-Columbian Indians
took shelter.
Day 5
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 6
The Yampa joins the Green River at Echo
Park where the canyon widens before the river circles Steamboat Rock.
Here the river enters Whirlpool Canyon. The afternoon may be spent
at Jones Hole Creek - a blue-ribbon trout stream with side canyon
petroglyphs and waterfalls.
Day 7
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 the take out and a 35 minute ride back
to Vernal.
Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Dinosaur National Monument. More Visitor Guides are available in Colorado. Click here to view them all!
Uintah County - Vernal Northeastern Utah
Uintah County - Vernal
Northeastern UtahEnjoy Dinosaur National Monument, scenic byways, state parks, wilderness areas, heritage trails, petroglyphs, and family fun. It's world-class fishing, river running, biking, hiking, and camping in alpine meadows and red rock canyons. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Utah - Life Elevated Statewide
Utah - Life Elevated
StatewideWith five national parks and more than 40 state parks, Utah offers a wealth of outdoor activities for families & adventurers alike. Order your free Travel Guide today. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Visit Moffat County Northwestern Colorado
Visit Moffat County
Northwestern ColoradoWelcome to Colorado’s Great Northwest, Moffat County has nearly 2 million acres of public lands to explore. Experience places like Dinosaur National Monument, the Sand Wash Basin Wild Horse Management Area and free flowing rivers including the mighty Yampa, last of the wild ones! Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have the following visitor guides in Colorado. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive.
Chaffee County Central Colorado
Chaffee County
Central ColoradoMore than 100 miles of the Arkansas River and her tributaries flow through the heart of Chaffee County, gracing both Salida and Buena Vista with her beauty and world-renowned whitewater, fly-fishing, scenery and river festivals. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Colorado Springs Central Colorado
Colorado Springs
Central ColoradoFind yourself in Colorado Springs at Pikes Peak. We have five historic trains to transport you back to the days of cowboys and gold mining. Endless trails allow you to enjoy the abundant sunshine and spectacular scenery. A family vacation in Colorado Springs is the smart choice – great lodging values, a long list of low-cost or no-cost activities, and adventure around every corner. Order your free guide today. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Grand Lake Rocky Mountain National Park
Grand Lake
Rocky Mountain National ParkAt the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake is the deepest natural lake in Colorado, dipping to 265 feet. Fed by high mountain runoff, the lake is clear and pristine. In the summer, you can rent a boat, bring your own or simply enjoy the gentle lapping of the waves from the sandy shore. Grand Lake connects with Shadow Mountain Lake via a canal, and just down the road is Lake Granby, the second largest body of water in Colorado. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Red River Northern New Mexico
Red River
Northern New MexicoRed River, New Mexico! A place where fresh powder winters meet refreshing summer days. Red River offers something for everyone with its convenient scenic location in the heart of Northern New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle. Red River is the place that awakens us each day by the soothing sound of a rushing river and then again each evening as the sun sets over main street. The mountain town of Red River is New Mexico True. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Farmington Northwestern New Mexico
Farmington
Northwestern New MexicoNorthwestern New Mexico is known by many as a magical place. Four Corners and the local Aztec Ruins are considered sacred ground for some and are fascinating to visit. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Northwestern ColoradoWelcome to Colorado’s Great Northwest, Moffat County has nearly 2 million acres of public lands to explore. Experience places like Dinosaur National Monument, the Sand Wash Basin Wild Horse Management Area and free flowing rivers including the mighty Yampa, last of the wild ones! Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. Click on any state to see what's available.
Alaska
Arizona
California
Canada
Colorado
Hawaii
Idaho
Louisiana
Michigan
Montana
Nevada
New Mexico
Ohio
Oregon
Texas
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
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