Top 5 Things To Do In Vernal, Utah

Top 5 Things To Do In Vernal, Utah

#1 - White Water River Rafting.

Vernal, Utah and the Northeastern corner of Utah has several amazing white water river rafting options to choose from. The Green River Begins in central Wyoming and winds its way through Utah and the corner of Colorado until it eventually meets the Colorado river in Southern Utah. Just outside of Vernal there are two really popular rafting options. 

The first is a very fun one day river rafting adventure beginning at Flaming Gorge Dam traveling 7 miles to Little Hole. This stretch of the Green is most known for its world class fly fishing but is also a prime destination for white water river rafting. Our trip meets and returns to our warehouse in Vernal, Utah. What to expect on a day trip. Great guides, excellent riverside lunch, fun rapids and incredible scenery. This trip is perfect for families with young kids who are not sure about a river adventure. Take a look at our website for more information on the one day rafting trip on the Green River.

The most popular option on the Green River is the Gates of Lodore. This is a 4 day river rafting trip that floats for 44 miles through the heart of Dinosaur National Monument. Great rapids like Disaster Falls, Moonshine, Triplet Falls will excite you. Delectable meals will savor your palate, incredible scenery will take your breath away and the guides will take impeccable care of your ever need.

The Yampa River also flows through Dinosaur National Monument. This 72 mile river trip is best done over 5 days. You can take it in 4 days but we recommend the 5 day to get the most out of this adventure. The Yampa River is the 3rd hardest river trip to get a seat on in the U.S. You will want to book this adventure well in advance.

Give us a call to get the low down from Vernal, Utah's only locally owned and operated outfitter.

1-800-345-7238 you can also visit our website www.dinosaurriverexpeditions.com for more information.

#2 - Dinosaur National Monument

With over 200,000 acres to explore you can spend a lifetime visiting this gem of the park service and never see it all. If you can put a river trip into your schedule while visiting the monument you will not regret it.

Definitley make time to see the fossil quarry. You will be able to get up close and personal with the wall of bones. An amazing collection of intact dinosaur fossils and great displays.

#3 - Mountain Biking

Vernal has some world class single track mountain bike trails some within 15 minutes of downtown. McCoy Flats is the most popular riding area with a fabulous selection of trails from beginner to expert. If you are new to riding try the Cookies and Combo loop, it has gently rolling hills, great views and is beginner in fitness and ability. If you want to challenge yourself my favorite is Jackalope to Serendipity. This loop is intermediate to expert with a good climb at the beginning and some really exciting downhill to finish it out. We offer guided daily mountain bike tours pairing up with local bike shop Altitude Cycle for bike rentals. Our mountain bike guides are expert riders and very passionate about showing you there favorite trails.

#4 - Native American Rock Art

Not far out of town you will find McConkie Ranch with an astounding collection of Fremont petroglyphs and pictographs. It is an easy hike along the cliff face where you are able to get up close and personal to 700 year old rock art drawings. We offer guided daily hikes and McConkie Ranch is just one of the many places we love to show off. Give us a call and ask about our other hiking options.

#5 - Red Cloud Loop

The Red Cloud Loop is a seasonally open road that starts and ends in Vernal. This scenic drive will take you up Dry Fork Canyon to about 9,000 feet in elevation on the eastern slope of the Uintah Mountain range where you finish out the drive through a beautiful lodgepole forest. Route information is available at the local travel office or you can check there website www.dinoland.com

Whatever your interest a summer vacation to Vernal, Utah will be one that is very memorable.

Dinosaur River Expeditions

Since 1979 Vernal, Utah's #1 Outfitter

Locally Owned and Operated

1-800-345-7238

www.dinosaurriverexpeditions.com

John Wesley Powell

We love to share history on our river rafting trips. One of the people we talk about quite often is Mr. John Wesley Powell. Here is a short dissertation on his journeys down the Green River we hope you enjoy.

After 1867, Powell led a series of expeditions into the Rocky Mountains and around the Green and Colorado rivers. One of these expeditions was with his students and his wife, to collect specimens all over Colorado.^[1] In 1869, he set out to explore the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon. Gathering nine men, four boats and food for 10 months, he set out from Green River, Wyoming, on May 24. Passing through dangerous rapids, the group passed down the Green River to its confluence with the Colorado River (then also known as the Grand River upriver from the junction), near present-day Moab, Utah, and completed the journey on August 13, 1869.^[6]

The expedition's route traveled through the Utah canyons of the Colorado River, which Powell described in his published diary as having

". . . wonderful features—carved walls, royal arches, glens, alcove gulches, mounds and monuments. From which of these features shall we select a name? We decide to call it Glen Canyon."

One man (Goodman) quit after the first month, and another three (Dunn and the Howland brothers) left at Separation Canyon in the third. This was just two days before the group reached the mouth of the Virgin River on August 30, after traversing almost 930 mi (1,500 km). The latter three disappeared; historians have speculated they were killed by the Shivwitz band of the Northern Paiute.^[7] How and why they died remains a mystery debated by Powell biographers.

Powell retraced the route in 1871–1872 with another expedition, resulting in photographs (by John K. Hillers), an accurate map and various papers. In planning this expedition, he employed the services of Jacob Hamblin, a Mormon missionary in southern Utah and northern Arizona, who had cultivated excellent relationships with Native Americans. Before setting out, Powell used Hamblin as a negotiator to ensure the safety of his expedition from local Indian groups. Powell believed they had killed the three men lost from his previous expedition. Wallace Stegner states that Powell knew the men had been killed by the Indians in a case of mistaken identity.

1-800-345-7238
www.dinosaurriverexpeditions.com

Most asked about River Recipe

One of our most popular 

lunches on our multiday rafting trips.

This can be a vegetarian or gluten free option.

Try this recipe for one of your upcoming adventures.

Your friends at Dinosaur River Expeditions.

White water rafting guides

White water river rafting guides have a serious and tough job. They are constantly working, rowing boats, making meals, attending to guests needs. With all the work they have to do guides to find time to have some fun themselves.
A little stand up paddle boarding, swimming, at the right camp they may break out the ducky slip and slid. No matter what the trip your guides are there to show you the best trip possible.
The 2014 summer season is winding down but it is never to late to book your next adventure. We are taking reservations for the 2015 summer season. Our four and five day trips fill up quickly so if there is a date that fits your travel schedule you will want to book your trip soon. The Yampa River and Green River Gates of Lodore are amazing for everyone from young kids to the most experienced adventure seeker.
1-800-345-7238
www.dinoadv.com

Guided Day Hikes in Vernal, Utah

Traveling to Northeastern Utah is a great experience with a lot of wonderful things to see and do. Guided hiking tours are an excellent way to see some of the sites in the region. Our hikes depart daily either in the morning or late afternoon/early evening. A typical hiking tour is 4 to 5 hours round trip. The guide will bring along extra water, snacks, a first aid kit and have a wealth of knowledge to share. You will want to bring along a water bottle, camera, light rain jacket (just in case), wear appropriate shoes for hiking and clothing for the weather conditions.
Out two most popular hikes is the Dinosaur Trackway located at Red Fleet State Park and the McConkie Ranch Rock Art Site. Both hikes are intermediate in physical ability and beginner in technical hiking. Along either hike you will see great geology, plant life, birds and animals.
The McConkie Ranch site is one of the finest Native American rock art sites in Utah. Some of these ancient drawings are well over 1000 years old, left behind from the Fremont culture. This site has been featured in National Geographic for its incredible quality and quanitiy of petroglyphs and pictorgraphs.
The Dinosaur Trackway leads you through a beautiful slick rock landscape to the edge of Red Fleet Reservoir. When you arrive at the edge of the lake you will find over a 100 fossilized dinosaur footprints along the shore left in what was once a large mud flat. On this hike I would bring your swimsuit, it is always fun to take a dip in the lake while enjoying the incredible scenery.
All of the hikes we offer are family freindly and great for anyone who likes to get out of the car and explore what Utah has to offer.
Give us a call and let us help you arrange a trip. We can customize your hike with a river rafting trip or mountain bike tour.
1-800-345-7238 or visit our website www.dinoadv.com

One day river rafting in Utah

UTAH GUIDED SCENIC RIVER RAFTING TRIP http://dinoriverexp.blogspot.com/2014/08/utah-guided-scenic-river-rafting-trip.html

UTAH GUIDED SCENIC RIVER RAFTING TRIP

One of the great things about Utah is all of the outdoor adventures that are available for us to enjoy. White water rafting trips are extremely popular and we take 4 and 5 day trips out on the Green River and Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument from May through September. These trips are amazing and well worth taking. If you do not have 4 or 5 days for a river trip a one day scenic float trip on the Green River is a perfect option. When booking a trip in this area ask lots of questions about the trips, you want to have a good idea of where you are going and what to expect. Also consider that we are the only locally owned and operated outfitter in Vernal, Utah and Dinosaur National Monument. This gives us an advantage of knowledge and skill unsurpassed by our competition.
We take a seven mile tour on the Green River from Flaming Gorge Dam to Little Hole almost daily. This trip is offered from Mid May until the first week of August. We depart from our Vernal, Utah location at 9:00 a.m. followed by a beautiful drive on highway 191 to Flaming Gorge Dam where we put on the river for the days float. Typically we arrive back to Vernal by 3:30.
This trip is highlighted by incredible scenery, crystal clear water and really fun class 2 rapids. Each trip is guided with licensed and experienced guides who give interpretive talks, fix a deli lunch spread and show you an all around fantastic time. The Green River section A as this part of the river is commonly called has a mix of calm scenic water interspersed with splashy, fun rapids such as Mother in Law, Roller Coaster and Bridge Rapid to name  a few.
You will see a lot of wildlife. Birds are the most common with a variety of waterfowl, small song birds and Eagles and Osprey. Quite often Mule Deer, Big Horn Sheep, Moose and Elk  will also be seen along the river or the drive to and from the river.
The water comes straight our of Flaming Gorge Dam at approximately 56 degrees. Chilly but refreshing on a hot summer day.
For a daily raft trip you will want to bring clothes that can get wet, sturdy sandals or shoes, a light rain jacket, water bottle, sunscreen and camera. Some people like to bring a towel for the ride home. We have small day dry bags available for you to store your belongings in while floating the river.
You will have several inflatable raft options. We take an oar assisted paddle raft. This raft the guide sits in the back and rows and steers the raft down the river. If you want to help paddle you are more than welcome to. The guide will give you detailed instructions on how to paddle. We also take inflatable kayaks AKA: the ducky. This boat comes in one or two person models and you paddle yourself down the river and through the rapids. A fun option for those that are a little more adventureous.
No matter what your paddling and floating prefrence there is an option for you and your group.
Dates fill up quickly you will want to call in advance to reserve your space on a daily rafting trip. You may also want to consider our combination hiking, raft trips or mountain biking, raft trips. The Vernal area has some of the best mountain biking in the United States and some incredible hiking trails.

Call today and reserve your next adventure 1-800-345-RAFT or visit our website for more details www.dinoadv.com
Visit your photo gallery, Facebook page, Twitter page or read our Trip Advisor reviews for more information on our company and our trips.

Utah Guided Day Hikes

Are you looking for something fun to do while on vacation in Utah? Take a guided day hike with us at Dinosaur River Expeditions. We have several offerings and each hike is great for the whole family or group you are traveling with.
Why choose a guided hike in Vernal, Utah? To start we are the only locally owned and operated outfitter in Vernal. With this great local knowledge we take you to our favorite places sharing a great wealth of information and sharing the secret spots others do not know about.
Here are some photos from one of our most popular day hikes. This is from the Red Fleet Dinosaur Trackway hike. This is a 2 and 1/2 mile hike round trip, has a well marked trail and is good for anyone who likes to hike. The trail takes you to the edge of Red Fleet a local lake popular for water sports, swimming and fishing. One of the great things you will find on this hike is the extensive amount of fossilized dinosaur footprints. The tracks are well preserved in the rocks surface and there are tons of them. While at the tracks you can take a swim and cool off. You can also find a nice spot to sit on the edge of the lake and soak in the view.
Our guides are wonderful they will bring along snacks, extra water, a major first aid kit. Along the hike they will point out some of the geology, flora and fauna and some of the local history.
Give us a call and book a trip today. We have combination trips available as well you can do a hike/raft trip while you are in the area.
1-800-345-7238 or visit our website www.dinoadv.com
https://plus.google.com/photos/117256097993481993371/albums/6039231891370847569

5 Things To Consider For A Guided Whitewater Trip

Here at Dinosaur River Expeditions we take 100's of people a summer on guided adventures. Our most popular trips are the 4 and 5 day Green River Gates of Lodore trip and the Yampa River tour. For those who are unsure of a guided adventure or have limited time we offer daily rafting, hiking and mountain bike tours. There are several things we have learned over the years that will help make your trip a success. Here are five things to think about when choosing a river rafting trip.

#1 - Start your research early, reserve your trip in advance. Look for an outfitter who has a long history in the area you want to go rafting. We are Dinosaur National Monuments only locally owned and operated outfitter. We find that being the local gives us a huge edge up on offering a great vacation. Take a look at our websites about page this will give you a good over view of who we. We also suggest that you book your trip in advance. Our trips fill up quickly and you may not be able to get on a date that fits your vacation schedule.

#2 - Make your travel and hotel reservations early. In Vernal, Utah the hotels fill up fast during the summer. Sometimes getting a hotel room or campsie can be very difficult. We partner with several hotels in our area and can get you a discounted room for booking a raft trip with us.

#3 - Follow the suggested pack list, we have found that it will help make you comfortable on the trip. Don't forget the essentials sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, bug spray, camera, flashlight and last but not least rain gear. Quite often our guests question bringing rain gear, this is a nice item to have in case the weather turns ugly or the rapids make you cold. A decent set of rain pants and a jacket are nice insurance on being cold and uncomfortable.

#4 - Break in any new gear you may have purchased for the trip. It is not fun to wear new sandals and get blisters on the first day of your trip. Set up your new tent and be comfortable with how it sets up and takes down. Be familiar with any of your new gear and understand how it works. It is a bummer to get on the river and not have the right gear or you are unsure of how it works.

#5 - Have a great attitude and be ready for a wonderful adventure. This can be the vacation of a lifetime, one you will remember forever.

Give us a call 1-800-345-7238 or visit our website www.dinoadv.com
Follow us on our social media pages Facebook, Google + and Twitter we post often and this is a great place to find deals on some of our trips.

Utah Guided Mountain Bike Tours

Vernal, Utah is quickly becoming one of the wests premier mountain bike destinations. We offer a great variety of daily guided mountain bike tours from trails for the begginner to expert. Most rides depart in the early am approximately 8:00 or in the afternoon 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. This way we beat try to beat the heat and give you a chance to enjoy our fabulous riding options. We partner with the local expert bike shop Altitude Cycle for all of our bike rental needs. They have a great line of rental bikes in a variety of sizes perfect for most people.
Give us a call today and book your next adventure 1-800-345-7238 or visit our website www.dinoadv.com

Rock Art and River Rafting

One of the great things you will see on a Green River or Yampa River rafting trip is Native American Rock Art. This is always a highlight on our trips. A short hike or sometimes long hike from the river or camp with the leadership or the guide staff will take you to some very special sites. Rock art sites are precious and well protected in Dinosaur National Monument. This preservation has kept these areas fairly well intact for everyone to see and enjoy. A lot of this rock art has been here for hundreds to over a thousand years. The people who left this art did not leave us a written language so it is up to each individual to interpret what they see in their own way. A lot of the art was left by the Fremont people, some by the more recent Ute tribe and some by the older Paleo Indians. Who ever left they mark and art on the rock walls had something special and important to pass along to others. This is just one highlight you will have on a river rafting trip with us here at Dinosaur River Expeditions. Being the only locally owned and operated outfitter we know some secret spots the other outfitters won't be able to show you. They don't know about them. Call today and book your next adventure. 1-800-345-7238 or visit our website www.dinoadv.com for more information on all that we have to offer.

Pictograph Jones Hole Creek Dinosaur National Monument

Pictograph Jones Hole Creek Dinosaur National Monument

Pictograph Jones Hole Creek Dinosaur National Monument

Big Horn Sheep Pictograph Dinosaur National Monument

Pictograph Jones Hole Creek Dinosaur National Monument

What Makes A River Rafting Adventure Great?

We get guests on all of our river rafting trips from all over the world. Each person is looking for something different, unique, exciting on the trip the choose.
What makes your river rafting trip fantastic? For some it is the thrill of the white water rapids. Others it is the time lounging on the beach at a wonderful campsite. Still trying to think of what would make your next river trip great. How about the food? Some guests think they are going to drop a few pounds on a river trip. Guess again. Our guides prepare delicous healthy meals with plenty for everyone. A hit on all of the trips is a hot dutch oven full of fresh lasagna. What about the side hikes? Jones Hole is one of the most popular hikes our guides will lead. Taking guests to some amazing petroglyphs and pictograps that date back at least 700 years ago. On the Jones Hole hike you cannot forget the ever popular stop up Ely Creek to the notorious "Butt Dam Falls". A great way to refresh yourself is to take a dip in the cool creek water, while others in your party plug up the creek with there buttocks. Only to splash you with a rush of cold, clear water. We can't forget about paddling? How about the inflatable kayak aka "ducky" or the stand up paddle board. Both really fun ways to test yourself and your skills on the Yampa River and Green Rivers rapids or calm sections for those on the timid side.

Whatever you think makes your river trip fantastic our guides extensive years of experience will be there every step of the way to show you the best vacation you, your friends or famliy have ever had.

Dinosaur River Expeditions: One Day Rafting Trip Utah Green River

Dinosaur River Expeditions: One Day Rafting Trip Utah Green River: Rafting on Utah's Green River   Daily River Rafting On Utah's Green River   Utah has excellent river rafting opportunitie...

One Day Rafting Trip Utah Green River

Rafting on Utah's Green River

Daily River Rafting On Utah's Green River

Utah has excellent river rafting opportunities throughout the state. The best river rafting is based out of Vernal, Utah on the world famous Green River below the Flaming Gorge Dam. This section of river has great class 2 and 3 rapids, incredible scenery, crystal clear water and abundant wildlife. We are the only locally owned and operated outfitter in Vernal, Utah offering trips since 1979. The other outfitters are based in areas far away from the region. Why go rafting with the big corporations when you can go with the local expert? I know who I choose when traveling, the local expert.

The Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam is most often called Section A or Red Canyon. It is a 7 mile float with exciting rapids most of the way. The most popular rapids are Mother In Law, Bridge Rapid and Dripping Springs. The other rapids are just as fun and offer something for everyone.

The river is world renowned for it's blue ribbon trout fishing. There are approximately 1000 trout per mile. It is great for the kids, they can watch over the edge of the raft and see fish as you raft down the river.

We offer a fantastic deli lunch mid day. Typically on a beautiful sandy beach where you can take a swim or do a little sun bathing.

There are a lot of wildlife viewing options. Mule deer, bighorn sheep, occasionally moose or elk can be seen on the drive to the river and along the river banks. A lot of birds can be seen, osprey, bald eagles, and a wide variety of ducks.

Bighorn Sheep Along Utah's Green River

Inflatable Kayak Utah's Green River One Day Rafting Trip

We take inflatable kayaks on most of our one day rafting trips. This is a really exciting way to experience the river. You get to paddle a single kayak or a double and be right up close to the action. On all of our trips we provide a guided raft where you can paddle or ride along and let the guide do the work. We are the only outfitter in the area that offer options besides paddle rafts.

Call today and book an adventure on what will be one of the best summers of river rafting to be had.

1-800-345-7238

www.dinoadv.com

550 East Main Street

Vernal, Utah





www.dinoadv.com

Dinosaur River Expeditions: KIDS GO FREE Select Green River Dates 2014.

Dinosaur River Expeditions: KIDS GO FREE Select Green River Dates 2014.: KIDS GO FREE! Inflatable Kayaking on the Green River Gates of Lodore 2014 Dinosaur River Expeditions Green River Special KIDS G...

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Dinosaur River Expeditions: LAST CHANCE FOR GREAT DEAL! 40% OFF Green River Ga...: Inflatable Kayaking on the Green River Gates of Lodore 2014 Dinosaur River Expeditions Green River Special Book now this trip is fi...

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Dinosaur River Expeditions: Dinosaur River Expeditions: 2014 Green River Gates...: Dinosaur River Expeditions: 2014 Green River Special! Purchase one regular priced adult receive one youth for half price on select Green ...

High Water And The Yampa River

Colorado's mountains have had a great winter. The snowpack in many places is over 125%, some drainages are reaching 150% of normal snowpack. What does this snowpack mean to us and river rafting? It means great water for river rafting adventures. The current predictions for the Yampa River look really good for a fun high water season. My prediction is peak flows into the mid teens 14,000 to 16,000 CFS. CFS or cubic feet per second is the volume of water passing a single point at one point in time on the river. The higher the number the higher the flows of the river.
The Yampa River of Colorado is the last undammed tributary of the Colorado River system. This freeflowing characteristic makes it a unique river because of its unhibited flow of water. We will see water from mild to high and wild during the 2014 summer season.
The Yampa River is also one of the most popular rivers in the United States. It is the third hardest river trip permit to obtain for the private boating community. Because of this it is often a great idea to hire an outfitter, they have permits, the experience and know how to make a trip excellent.
If you are looking for a great high water river rafting adventure give us a call today 1-800-345-RAFT (7238) or visit our website www.dinoadv.com

Vernal, Utah Mountain Biking

Dinosaur River Expeditions is Vernal, Utah's only locally owned and operated outfitter. Take advantage of our expertise as the local and check out our hiking and mountain bike tours. Our trips are approximately four hours long and take you to some of the greatest local secrets. Mountain biking tours are available for beginer riders to experts on some amazing single track trails. These trails have been rated as some of the best in the United States. Hiking tours are perfect for all ages. On a hiking tour you may see ancient rock art, giant sandstone arches or dinosaur footprints. Each tour is lead by a licensed guide, whos expertise and knowledge will astound you. Our trips book up quickly call today for more information 1-800-345-7238 or check out our website www.dinoadv.com
Here is a link to our rates page Dinosaur River Expeditions Rates.

Mountain Biking Vernal, Utah

Mountain Biking Vernal Utah

If you like, love or enjoy mountain biking Vernal, Utah is a little known destination you must experience. The local mountain biking community has built a 100 plus miles of incredible single track trails that rival anything in Utah or Colorado. The area is often compared to Moab except there are no crowds you will have the trail all to yourself.

The most popular riding area is McCoy Flats west of town. At the McCoy Flats trailhead you have several options from beginner trails to expert loops. The two most common rides are Milk and Cookies a great beginner/intermediate trail or Retail Sale a intermediate to advanced trail. Both are loops that can be combined with other trails to make them longer if you feel up for it. One thing to keep in mind is the time of year and tempature. Mid June through Mid August the day time tempatures can be quite hot. I would recomend planning your ride early in the day or early evening to have the best tempature. Plus the sunrise and sunsets are not bad either.

Two other riding areas that get a lot of attention are Dry Fork Canyon and Red Fleet Recreation area. Both offer more great single track and an uncrowded riding experience. The Flume trail up Dry Fork Canyon is a unique experience and incredible ride. The Flume is an out and back trail, slight grade up hill for as many miles as you would like to ride up to 15 miles if you are willing. The scenery is beautiful, aspen and pine trees line the trail engulfed by giant sandstone cliffs. This ride also has a lot of wildlife, don't be suprised to see mule deer, moose, elk and a ton of birds and small mamals.

We offer daily mountain bike tours departing from Vernal, Utah. Our guide staff loves the trails, the area and will provide you with an unforgettable experience. We work with the local bike shop Altitude Cycle for all of the bike rental needs. There expert mechanics keep the bikes in tip top shape.

Give us a call today at 1-800-345-RAFT to reserve your space for 2014. You can also visit our website www.dinoadv.com for more information on all the trips we offer. 

Kids 1/2 OFF on select 2014 river rafting trips

Looking for a great summer vacation idea? We have kids 1/2 off with the purchase of an adult on select dates for the 2014 summer season. Call today to book a Green River Gates of Lodore 4 day river rafting adventure. 1-800-345-RAFT or visit our website www.dinoadv.com

Our trips begin and end in Vernal, Utah with an all inclusive whitewater river rafting trip your family will never forget. Dinosaur National Monument is consider by all who visit to be the secret gem in the National Park Service. Once you see these spectacular river canyons you will know why.

The most popular dates fill up quickly so don't delay reserve your space now.