Cloud Ridge Naturalists     2 0 0 6
the Tiger Wall, photo Audrey Benedict
Of Tiger Walls & Canyon Wrens:
A Naturalist's Journey on the Yampa & Green Rivers
   C O N T E N T S
May 21 – 27, 2006

Leaders: Dr. Emmett Evanoff, Dr. Geoff Hammerson, Dr. Mike Scott, and Dr. Ed Wick

The Yampa is one of the premier wilderness rivers in North America — a world where life is written in water and history in rock. Gathering strength from its two main tributaries, the Elk and Little Snake, the Yampa has carved a spectacular canyon through the eastern arm of Dinosaur National Monument. Our oar-powered raft journey begins at Deer Lodge Park, at the Monument’s eastern edge. In the capable hands of our guides from Holiday River Expeditions and benefiting from the expertise of our remarkable team of leaders, we’ll spend five days exploring canyon worlds powered by the energy of the desert sun and shaped by the flow of a river that still dances to its ancient rhythms.

The stage is set by the extraordinary geology of this water-sculpted landscape — the stories behind the scenery both dramatic and compelling. The river is truly the lifeblood of this desert country. As we float through a succession of buff and vermillion canyons refreshed by the verdure of cottonwoods and boxelders, the flutelike songs of canyon wrens echo from the canyon walls. Not surprisingly, the Yampa remains the last stronghold of the Colorado River System’s endangered native fish species — their unique life histories rivaling those of the Northwest’s legendary salmon. The names of the places we pass on this 71-mile float trip — Mathers Hole, Tiger Wall, Warm Springs Rapid, Steamboat Rock, Mitten Park fault, Whirlpool and Split Mountain canyons — are part of the rich fabric of river lore. Join us for our 19th journey on the Yampa River — an unparalleled wilderness and learning experience!

Price: $1050 (includes a $400 deposit)

Cloude Ridge Group Size: 20
Trip Rating: 2

Included: 5-day raft trip (oar-powered) by Holiday River Expeditions, all river transfers, crew gratuities, 5 naturalist guides, all meals and beverages (beer, wine, and nonalcoholic) during the river trip, a final group dinner at the Curry Manor, and 2 nights’ lodging at the Best Western Dinosaur Inn in Vernal, Utah. Does not include camping gear (which can be rented) or transportation to or from Vernal. The adventure begins on May 21 at 8 PM in Vernal, Utah and concludes with departure for home on the morning of May 27.

Cave above the Yampa, photo Alice Levine
    
Contact:
Cloud Ridge Naturalists
8297 Overland Road
Ward Colorado 80481
email > cloudridgeadb@earthlink.net