Large, beautiful Colorado river full of diverse rafting options
Yampa River
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yampa river overview
The second-largest watershed in the state of Colorado, the Yampa is a majestic, free-flowing river steeped in history. From its start near Steamboat Springs, it winds its way through farmlands and small canyons before making its way toward the Green River through the unparalleled and stunning grandeur of Dinosaur National Monument.
• Difficulty: Class II-IV (What does this mean?)
• Season: May – July
White Water Rafting Trips on the Yampa River:
Trip Lengths: 4 & 5 Day (Yampa Canyon/Dinosaur)
Outfitter: Adventure Bound River Expeditions
Learn More: www.adventureboundusa.com ~ 800.423.4668
yampa river sections
Steamboat to Craig
Class II-III
Hit the Steamboat Springs Whitewater Park at the start of this section before floating mellow waters through wide valleys, meadows, farms and ranches.
Little Yampa & Juniper Canyons
Class II-III+
Beautiful and isolated Little Yampa Canyon provides a relaxing and peaceful multi-day float while Juniper Canyon moves a bit faster and offers up a playful wave train due to a diversion dam.
Maybell to Cross Mountain
Class II
Quiet and mellow with great opportunities to see wildlife and relaxing on a flat-water section of river.
Cross Mountain Gorge
Class IV-V
Short and action-packed, Cross Mountain Gorge offers amazing and highly challenging rapids through a sharp walled canyon.
Yampa Canyon through Dinosaur National Monument
Class II-III
Slow and winding section of river set in an awe-inspiring high walled canyon chalk full of stunning scenery, wildlife and splendid feelings of isolation.
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Information for Yampa River Self-Guided Boaters:
The Yampa River (Steamboat to Yampa Canyon) is in the Yampa River State Park and is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
- Boating Permit Required: NO
- Permit Details: No fee of any kind is required to float the river, but you do need to buy a pass to use the State Parks managed access sites.
- River Manager 1: Yampa River State Park
6185 W. US Hwy. 40, P.O. Box 759, Hayden, CO 81639
www.parks.state.co.us/Parks/YampaRiver ~ 970.276.2061 - River Manager 2: U.S Bureau of Land Management – Little Snake Field Office
455 Emerson Street, Craig, CO 81625
www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/lsfo.html ~ 970.826.5000
The Yampa River (Yampa Canyon) is in Dinosaur National Monument and is managed by the U.S. National Park Service.
- Boating Permit Required: YES
- Permit Details: Permits are required in advance and there is a fee. Visit the Yampa Canyon section page, self-guided boater information, for details on obtaining a permit and fee information.
- River Manager: U.S. National Park Service – Dinosaur National Monument
4545 E. Hwy 40, Dinosaur, CO 81610
www.nps.gov/dino ~ 970.374.3020
Shuttles:
If shuttle service is available, information is listed under the specific section page.
