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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Ten Things To Pack On Your River Trip

We here at Dinosaur River Expeditions are asked on a regular basis what to bring on a river trip. Here is a list of ten things that will make your Green River or Yampa River trip in Dinosaur National Monument a success.

#1 A Water Bottle, 32 ounces is a great size for a hot desert day.
#2 Sunscreen, a sunburn is not a fun way to spend your vacation.
#3 A Hat, a little extra sun protection
#4 Sunglasses, lets continue that sun protection
#5 Swimsuit, it is always nice to take a dip on a hot summer day
#6 Sandals or water shoes, make sure to protect those feet
#7 A waterproof camera, the scenry is unbelivable
#8 A light jacket, you never know when the weather could turn a little cold
#9 Your friends and or family, this is an experience you will want to share
#10 A sense of adventure!!

Now is a great time to book your next adventure, call today 1-800-345-RAFT or visit our website www.dinoadv.com

2014 Utah River Rafting Trips

With summer coming to a close, school back in session and fall just around the corner it is a perfect time to start thinking about your 2014 summer vacation. Now is the time to reserve your space on one of our most popular four or five day UTAH RIVER RAFTING TRIPS. The YAMPA RIVER is the last undamed tributary of the COLORADO RIVER system. This incredible 71 mile stretch of river flows through the heart of Dinosaur National Monument wandering through some of the Monuments most incredible scenery. Scenery is not the only thing that the Yampa River has to offer it also has some incredible WHITE WATER RAPIDS. The most famous of which is Warm Springs a formidable rapid that thrills everyone who rafts through its incredible waves.
Our other really popular trip is the Green River Gates of Lodore.  This section begins in Browns Park Colorado and winds its way for 44 miles to its take out point at Split Mountain campground. The Gates of Lodore has some of the most awe inspiring red rock canyon walls of any river in North America. The splended scenery makes way for great camps with big sandy beaches, fun swimming holes and exciting rapids like Hells Half Mile and Disaster Falls.
Both trips can be done over four or five days and are perfect for anyone looking for a RIVER RAFTING trip in UTAH or COLORADO. The best dates book up quickly I would recommend calling this fall and start planning your trip right away. Give us a call at 1-800-345-7238 or visit our website www.dinoadv.com

What to bring on a one day Green River rafting trip.

We always get great questions about what people need to bring on their one day rafting trip on the GREEN RIVER. At Dinosaur River Expeditions we supply all of the necessary rafting gear that you will need for the day, guides, transportation and a delicious, healthy lunch.
As a guest on our one day rafting trip you will want to bring a few basic items.
#1 - A sense of adventure
#2 - Sunscreen
#3 - Waterbottle
#4 - Hat and sunglasses
#5 - Light jacket
#6 - Camera
#7 - Friends and family (you don't want to have all of this fun by yourself).

We start offering our FLAMING GORGE GREEN RIVER DAY TRIPS the first part of May for groups of 5 or more people and run them into the first or second of September with groups of 5 or more people.

Our one day trip is a great way to get out and see some amazing scenery, have a lot of fun and hopefully get you hooked on the excitement of river rafting.

Call today to book your next great adventure 1-800-345-RAFT (7238) or visit our website
www.dinoadv.com.

Inflatable Kayak on the GREEN RIVER

Grand Canyon Dories on the Yampa River

Dories maybe one of the most romantic boats found on the rivers of the American west. Dories found there fame in the 1950's and 1960's with multiday river trips in the Grand Canyon. These beautiful, colorful boats are a pleasure to look at as they float along the river canyons. The boatmen handle these crafts with grace, ease and treat them like a priceless treasure. Riding on a dory through the rolling rapids of the river is also quite a thrill. The rigid hullls of these boats send them soaring high above the crests of breaking waves, putting you up in the air like a fantastic roller coaster ride.
Today you do not only find dories on the Grand Canyon section of the COLORADO RIVER but its now very famous tributary the YAMPA RIVER in DINOSAUR NATIONAL MONUMENT. The YAMPA RIVER is now famous for being the last undammed tributary of the Colorado River giving it a unique wild nature that no other river in the continental U.S. has. At DINOSAUR RIVER EXPEDITIONS we offer a unique early season YAMPA RIVER trip with dories giving you the opportunity to not only see this amazing river at its finest but from the bow of these beautiful boats.
Dories maybe a focus but inflatable kayaks and rafts also make this trip so much fun. Take a trip on the Yampa River it should be on your bucket list of must see and do vacations. Yampa River trips book up quickly I would start making plans as early as possible to reserve your space on these highly valued RIVER RAFTING ADVENTURES. The incredible WHITEWATER, amazing scenery and fanatstic guides will astound you with the great plesures found along this river.
Call today 1-800-345-7238 or visit our website www.dinoadv.com

Top Five Things On A Day River Trip

#1 White Water Rapids
Great rapids make your one day GREEN RIVER RAFTING trip in UTAH a ton of fun.
#2 Scenery
The excellent scenery is a highlight for all river travelers.
#3 Food
The incredible gourmet deli lunch, satisfying for anyone's appetite.
#4 Swimming
The crystal clear waters of the GREEN RIVER below FLAMING GORGE DAM is cold, refreshing and fun to swim in.
#5 Guides
The guides think they should be number one. Somedays they are. Without our amazing guides the one day raft trip just wouldn't be the same.

If you are looking for the best ONE DAY RIVER RAFTING TRIP IN UTAH, give us a call 1-800-345-7238 (RAFT).
Or visit our website www.dinoadv.com

Dinosaur River Expeditions: 35% OFF Adult Fare

Dinosaur River Expeditions: 35% OFF Adult Fare: On available August 2013 GREEN RIVER GATES OF LODORE trips recieve 35% OFF on regular priced adult fare. This is not valid with any other of...

Most Scenic WHITEWATER DAILY in UTAH!

There are so many river rafting options to choose from. You start your search on the internet and one day rafting trips come up all over the world. After guiding river rafting vacations for the last 20 years all over the Western United States I can easily say the most scenic and enjoyable day trip is located right outside Vernal, Utah. The GREEN RIVER below Flaming Gorge Dam is a phenomenal trip whether you are a beginner river rafter or have previous experience. The put in point is at the base of the dam, what an incredible view of the giant wall of concrete. From here crystal clear water pours out of the bottom of the lake. This clear water makes the Green River a perfect trout river. You will see hundreds of rainbow trout and brown trout swimming right below the surface.
The scenery is what draws most visitors to this area. The red sandstone cliffs tower over the river in some places reaching up a 1000 feet above the canyon bottom. These sheer canyon walls are covered in beautiful Ponderosa Pine  trees, home to some amazing wildlife. You have a good chance of seeing big horn sheep, mule deer, elk maybe even a moose while floating this section of river. There are not many WHITE WATER DAILY RAFT TRIPS where you get this kind of wildlife showing there heads along the rivers edge.
The white water on this section is class two on the scale of one to six. Six being the highest. These class two rapids provide plenty of thrills with fun waves, challenging rock sections that require some skill to navigate and add a little spice to the day. One of the funnest ways to see paddle this section is in your own inflatable kayak. The inflatable kayak puts you a little closer to the action and gives you the up close and personal approach to tackling the rapids.
If this type of thrill is not on your plate hop on a guided raft. On the guided raft you can either paddle or be oared down the river. This is another great way to see the Green River and you get some great first hand knowledge from the super experienced river guides. The guides will share with you their personal knowledge of the area and all that you are looking at.
When choosing any WHITEWATER RIVER RAFTING ADVENTURE find a reputable outfitter. Doing research ahead of arrival is very important, you want a company with experience and guides that are well trained. I would look for the locally owned outfitter, they almost always have the best staff for the local sections of river. You will find a lot of big companies that have little satellite offices. I would make these big companies second or third on your list. They typically do not have the experience or knowledge of the area that makes for a spectacular day on the river.
For a trip on the GREEN RIVER I would talk to the only LOCAL OUTFITTER IN THE VERNAL, UTAH area DINOSAUR RIVER EXPEDITIONS. It is a family owned and operated company with the most experience in the area for river rafting trips on the GREEN RIVER and YAMPA RIVER. There number is 1-800-345-7238 and website is www.dinoadv.com. You will not be disappointed with a DAILY WHITE WATER RAFTING TRIP ON THE GREEN RIVER IN UTAH.

Greatest summer vacation!

The wonders of nature never cease to amaze travelers from all around the globe. One of the best ways to experience these wonders is a WHITE WATER RIVER RAFTING trip. My favorites are two of UTAH AND COLORADO'S premier river trips. The GREEN RIVER and YAMPA RIVER'S flow through Dinosaur National Monument winding through a geologic wonderland. Dinosaur Monument first became famous for the amazing wall of bones. An incredible place to see dinosaur fossils as they have laid for millions of years, left intact for us to view and enjoy today.
During the 1800's explorers and mountain men traveled the rivers through today's Dinosaur National Monument looking for routes to California, fur trapping and mapping the region.
In the early 1900's river travelers began floating these rivers for pleasure and excitment. In the 1930's commercial river rafting trips began happening along the COLORADO RIVER system. These early trips lead to today's booming tourism based river rafting vacations.
Take the time to relax on a four or five day RIVER RAFTING VACATION with DINOSAUR RIVER EXPEDITIONS. The regions only locally owned and operated outfitter, their knowledge, passion and skill will provide you an incredible experience you won't soon forget.
www.dinosaurriverexpeditions.com 1-800-345-RAFT (7238)