The Yampa River is one of the premier wilderness rivers in North America – a world where life is written in water and history in rock. We begin our oar-powered raft journey at Deer Lodge Park, where the Yampa beckons us to explore the spectacular canyons it has carved through the eastern arm of Colorado’s Dinosaur National Monument. In the capable hands of our guides from Holiday River Expeditions and benefiting from the expertise of our remarkable leaders, we’ll explore 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 in the Colorado River System of four endangered, native fish species – their unique life histories rivaling those of the Northwest’s salmon.

The names of the places we pass on this 5-day, 71-mile float trip – Mathers Hole, Tiger Wall, Warm Springs Rapid, Steamboat Rock, Mitten Park Fault, Whirlpool and Split Mountain canyons – are legendary among wilderness lovers and river runners. Join us for our 18th journey on the Yampa River – an unparalleled wilderness and learning experience!