Just over a century ago John Wesley Powell led the first group of scientists into the incorrigible territory now known as the Colorado River plateau. Since Powell's original journey, naturalists from around the globe have visited Canyonlands to study its remarkable variety of plants, animals, and geologic landscapes. This trip is an opportunity to join Holiday guides and visiting experts in an exploration of natural history. Whether young or old, if your excited by discovery, this trip will be at the top of your "best vacations list"!
We offer a variety of different nature trips: Yampa River / Dinosaur National Monument (5 Days), Colorado River through Cataract Canyon in Canyonlands National Park / Green River through Lodore Canyon / Dinosaur National Monument (4 Days).
Trip Details:
Yampa River / Dinosaur National Monument:
-2008 Departure Dates: June 16;
-Minimum Age: 8 years;
-Level: Intermediate;
-Meeting Place: Vernal, Utah 8:00 a.m.
Cataract Canyon-Colorado River / Canyonlands National Park
-2008 Departure Dates: July 6;
-Minimum Age: 8 years;
-Level: Intermediate;
-Meeting Place: Green River, Utah 8:00 a.m.
Lodore Canyon-Green River / Dinosaur National Monument:
-2008 Departure Dates: August 7;
-Minimum Age: 8 years;
-Level: Intermediate;
-Meeting Place: Vernal, Utah 7:00 a.m.
Tours Itineraries:
Yampa River / Dinosaur National Monument
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.
Cataract Canyon-Colorado River / Canyonlands National Park
Day 1 - Meet group at headquarters in Green River, Utah. After a 1 ½ hour drive to the put-in the river takes you past a collection of table top mesas. Short hikes reveal a variety of ancient artifacts.
Day 2 - The river peacefully meanders into the heart of Canyonlands National Park. Quiet beaches, hidden canyons and refreshing water fights are common through this section of the trip.
Day 3-4 - We reach the confluence of the Colorado and Green rivers. The Ute Indians believed the Confluence to be the center of the universe, and some people still do. Just below the meeting of these two rivers enjoy a view of the Doll House, an appropriately named collection of free standing, sandstone columns.
Day 5 - Possible early morning hike into Doll House. Ascend steeply to the canyon rim in the Maze District with red rock formations. After descending to the river, the rapids of Cataract Canyon await. The climax: Big Drop Rapids with Little Niagara and Satan's Gut.
Day 6 - Lunch at Rock Canyon and a trip across Lake Powell with the aid of motorboat "Hayduke" brings you to Hite Marina and the end of the trip. A two-hour drive brings you back to Green River.
Lodore Canyon / Dinosaur National Monument
Day 1 - Meet party at headquarters in Vernal, Utah. Three-hour bus ride to Brown's Park National Wildlife Refuge, the site of the put-in. Pass through the Gates of Lodore and encounter Upper and Lower Disaster Falls;
Day 2 - The "Gates" mark the beginning of High Desert country - the Colorado Plateau - and as the canyon narrows, more rapids emerge: Harp Falls, Triplet Falls, and Hell's Half Mile. Hike at Powell's Rippling Brook and Falls;
Day 3 - At the confluence of the Green and Yampa rivers at Echo Park, 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 the take out and a 35-minute ride back to Vernal.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Yampa River (5 days): $940.00;
Group/Youth: $805.00;
Cataract Canyon (6 days): $1,035.00;
Group/Youth: $885
Lodore Trip (4 days): $845.00;
Group/Youth: $725.00;
$5 per person Dinosaur National Monument Entrance Fee
Deposit: $300 per person
Cancellation Policy: If cancellations are made prior to 90 days before the trip, monies will be refunded less $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. 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.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Utah
Colorado
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
Ecotourism
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