Yampa River, Colorado
| Price |
 What's this? |
| Class of Rapids |
II-V+ |
| Trip Miles |
72 miles |
| Trip Duration |
3 to 5 days |
| Season |
May-June |
| Raft Type |
Paddle Raft, Oar Raft |
| River Sections |
Dinosaur National Monument |
| Nearby Towns |
Vernal (UT) |
| Driving Times |
Grand Junction (CO): 2.5 hours |
| Recommended For |
Multi Day Trip, Scenery, Wildlife, Canoeing |
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The Yampa is Colorado's last undammed major river. Rafters on the Yampa should allow an extra day either before or after their trip to visit the Dinosaur Quarry near Jensen at the southwest entrance to Dinosaur National Monument.
(courtesy, O.A.R.S.)
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The last major tributary of the Colorado River to remain undammed, the Yampa River flows placidly for approximately 60 miles from Craig to Maybell, Colorado, past stunning northern Colorado scenery and a paradise of wildlife that often includes deer and antelope, turkey vultures, and herons. Below Maybell the river turns extremely dangerous. Put in on Highway 13 where it crosses the river below Craig and you lose about nine miles of quiet water but also lose the unappealing paddle through Craig. Duffy Canyon, about 20 miles long, offers dramatic trip highlights: pastel "badland" walls sloping a thousand feet down to the greenish-brown river. Lovely campsites shaded by cottonwoods will give you and the kids a chance to stretch your legs and explore. A rapid below Juniper Hot Springs, not recommended for open canoes, demands a portage. Or you can take out above the rapid, missing the last six miles before Maybell. Regarded as unrunnable until just recently is Cross Mountain Canyon, west of Maybell, Colorado. This run is Class V-VI and is for the expert boaters only. Rafting this segment is extremely hazardous and is discouraged. However, outfitters are available to run Cross Mountain Canyon.
— Buck Tilton
Tour Operator Trips on the Yampa River, Colorado
* Trip price reflects the average cost per day for a guided rafting adventure on a given river (
= $50-$100/day;
= $100-$250/day;
= $250 or more/day) and accounts for half-day, full-day, or multiday rafting excursions. Lodging, dining, and transportation costs (airfare, car rental/shuttle, equipment rentals, etc.) have not been factored into account. Please note that the trip price classification is intended to be an approximate guideline, as the range of prices on a given river can vary based on amenities, services, and customized add-ons offered through individual outfitters.
