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 Washington. 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.
Puget SoundThe Kitsap Peninsula is for those who are drawn to the sea. Located in the heart of Puget Sound, the Peninsula is surrounded by over 300 miles of shoreline and is situated between the dramatic mountain Olympic and Cascade mountains ranges of Washington. 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.
Grays Harbor Western
Grays Harbor
WesternSpend time for part of the day relaxing near the inspiring Pacific Ocean, then, if the mood strikes you, you could find yourself in a lush rain forest one hour later. Although water is a big part of Grays Harbor, there are still beautiful land-based places to visit and enjoy. 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.
Oregon's Mt Hood Territory Northern Oregon
Oregon's Mt Hood Territory
Northern OregonFrom majestic Mount Hood to the green and sprawling Willamette Valley, Oregon's Mount Hood Territory is a place to be explored. Enjoy conquering historic hiking trails or take on Mount Hood on skis for an experience not soon to be forgotten. 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.
Olympic Peninsula Northwestern Washington
Olympic Peninsula
Northwestern WashingtonIf over 60 miles of pristine wilderness coastline sounds appealing to you, the Olympic Peninsula is the place to be. Several untouched beaches provide scenery which makes a perfect setting for a romantic stroll or a reflective solitary walk along the shore. 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.
Bellingham Whatcom County Canadian Border
Bellingham Whatcom County
Canadian BorderWe offer a break from the ordinary. With magnificent natural scenery, skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Baker, hiking, arts and theatre, charming villages and water adventures like whale watching – Bellingham Whatcom County is a unique area of Washington state. Visit our website to plan your trip. 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.
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