Noncommercial (Private) River Trips

 

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Whitewater rafting is a popular way to experience the remote canyons of Dinosaur National Monument. Self-guided raft trips, also known as private or noncommercial river trips, are permitted on both the Green and Yampa Rivers. There are also options for both multiday and single-day trips.

Each river has its own characteristics.The Green and Yampa Rivers should never be mistaken for placid rivers. When John Wesley Powell floated the Green River in 1869, the scenery enthralled his group, but the rapids caused him great anguish as boats overturned, men were hurt, and supplies were lost. Even today, many boats end up pinned on rocks, their boatmen bruised and battered. For that reason, permit holders, boatmen, and trip leaders must have previous experience on comparable rivers. Depending on the water level, some rapids are rated as high as Class IV.

Permits are required for all rivers within Dinosaur National Monument. Boating permits are limited to protect the natural and cultural resources and leave the river canyons unimpaired for future boaters. Rules and regulations have been put in place to assure that all travelers on the river will have a safe, peaceful, and memorable trip. Permits for multiday and single-day trips are made available to the public through a lottery.

Contact the River Office

Staff are generally available by phone to answer questions and assist with trip planning Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to Noon (Mountain Time), at [phone]. You may also contact us by email.

 

Click on the 2024 Boating in the Monument Information and Regulations cover to download the document.

Information and Regulations

Download the 2024 Boating in the Monument Information and Regulations document to review all monument regulations regarding river trips. This document is required to be carried by each group on their trip.

 

Permits

River Permits are required for all river trips within Dinosaur National Monument. This includes multiday and one day trips and play permits for both the Green and Yampa Rivers.The rafting permit page has information on requirements, how to apply, and permit fees.

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Monument Entrance Fees

Entrance fees are required of all visitors to Dinosaur National Monument regardless of where they enter the monument. Your river permit fee does not cover your entrance fee to the monument.

We recommend that you enjoy the convenience of purchasing a Site-Specific Digital Pass for Dinosaur National Monument on Recreation.gov to cover entrance fees for your visit.

Buy Your Pass in Five Easy Steps:

1. Visit www.recreation.gov/sitepass/72446
2. Review your options and choose the best pass for your trip
3. Enter your details and payment information
4. Check your email to download the digital pass to your phone or print out the PDF copy
5. Follow all email instructions and guidance from the monument to use your pass

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River Campsites

Visit our river camping page for more information including locations, mileages between campsites and camping regulations.This also includes information about requirements for handling waste and minimizing wildlife encounters while on your river trip.

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Required Equipment

All groups must have specific required equipment when boating on the rivers in Dinosaur National Monument.

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River Shuttles

River Runners Transport is the only company authorized to provide vehicle shuttles in Dinosaur National Monument.

River Runners Transport
417 E Main St
Vernal, UT 84078
435-781-4919
800-930-7238
riverrunnertrans.com

 

River Flow Rates

Current Flows

Real-time river flow data provided by the U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS).

• Yampa River at Deerlodge Park near Maybell, CO
  Craft limitations for the Yampa at different flows:
  900+ cfs = any approved craft
  500-900 cfs = 14' craft and higher level of skill, expect some walking
  Less than 500 cfs = duckies and kayaks, expect more walking

• Green River near Jensen, UT
  The Green River is always floatable for any approved craft.

Flow Rate Forecasts

Flow rate forecasts are provided by the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center, a division of the National Weather Service (NWS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA).

• Recreational River Forecast Reports — This link includes recreational river reports for Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Arizona.
• Flow Forecast for the Green River near Jensen, UT
• Flow Forecast for the Green River below Flaming Gorge, UT
• Flow Forecast for the Yampa River at Deerlodge Park near Maybell, CO

 

Other Rafting Opportunities

For more information about rafting between Flaming Gorge Dam and Dinosaur National Monument, visit Ashley National Forest and Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge. Boating on the Yampa River upstream from the monument is managed by the Bureau of Land Management Little Snake Field Office. The Green River downstream from the monument is managed by the Bureau of Land Management Vernal Field Office.

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Fishing in Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaur is home to many fish species including native and non-native species. Four of the native fish species are federally listed as either threatened or endangered. If you plan on fishing while on your river trip, make sure you know how to identify the different species. See our Fishing page for more information. An appropriate state fishing license is also required.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for many of the most common questions concerning river permits.

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