Four Days, 44 Miles: Rafting the Gates of Lodore Through Dinosaur National Monument

JENSEN RAFTING FIELD GUIDE

Four Days, 44 Miles: Rafting the Gates of Lodore Through Dinosaur National Monument

A four-day, 44-mile Green River rafting trip from the Gates of Lodore to Split Mountain that combines class-III rapids, catered meals and leave-no-trace river camping—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.

Four Days, 44 Miles: Rafting the Gates of Lodore Through Dinosaur National Monument.

Duration
4 Day Trip
Location
Jensen
Operator
Adrift Adventures Dinosaur National Monument
Category
Rafting
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Embark on a four-day rafting run through the deep canyons of Dinosaur National Monument, navigating 44 miles of the Green River. The trip threads multiple class-III rapids, moves camp each night along the river, and pairs on-water excitement with catered meals and leave-no-trace camping beneath the desert stars.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

A 44‑Mile Passage Through Lodore
THE ROUTE

A 44‑Mile Passage Through Lodore

The itinerary covers 44 miles of the Green River, beginning at the Gates of Lodore in Colorado and finishing at Split Mountain Campground in Utah—one continuous corridor of canyon walls and river bends.

Class‑III River Running
THE RAPIDS

Class‑III River Running

Expect multiple class‑III rapids that provide lively, manageable whitewater—enough punch to keep each day active without extended technical commitments.

Leave‑No‑Trace Nights on the River
THE CAMPING

Leave‑No‑Trace Nights on the River

This is roadless wilderness: guides load all food and gear on oar boats, and each night the group camps in a new riverside spot while practicing leave-no-trace camping with provided portable toilets, privacy tents and hand‑washing stations.

What the day feels like

What Four Days on the Green Feels Like

The trip is a rhythm of river and canyon: long floats that reveal geologic walls, punctuated by short stretches of class‑III rapids. Each evening a new camp is set on a quiet bend, meals are catered, and the group practices leave‑no‑trace camping under the wide desert sky.

A 44‑Mile Passage Through Lodore

THE ROUTE

A 44‑Mile Passage Through Lodore

The itinerary covers 44 miles of the Green River, beginning at the Gates of Lodore in Colorado and finishing at Split Mountain Campground in Utah—one continuous corridor of canyon walls and river bends.

Class‑III River Running

THE RAPIDS

Class‑III River Running

Expect multiple class‑III rapids that provide lively, manageable whitewater—enough punch to keep each day active without extended technical commitments.

Leave‑No‑Trace Nights on the River

THE CAMPING

Leave‑No‑Trace Nights on the River

This is roadless wilderness: guides load all food and gear on oar boats, and each night the group camps in a new riverside spot while practicing leave-no-trace camping with provided portable toilets, privacy tents and hand‑washing stations.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip is best for (and when to check for limits).

1
Active River RunnersA good match for travelers comfortable spending several days on the water; confirm any participant limits or health requirements with the operator before booking.
2
Multi‑day CampersSuitability depends on your comfort with remote, leave‑no‑trace camping; verify age minimums and other restrictions with the operator.
3
Families with Older KidsFamilies may be appropriate depending on ages and experience—check with the operator for specific age and participant policies.
4
First‑Time RaftersNovices who are willing to spend multiple days on the river can consider the trip, but should confirm any health or ability requirements with the operator in advance.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Meeting Point

Trips meet at 9500 East 6000 South, Jensen, UT 84035; departures are staged from Adrift Dinosaur in Jensen, with transportation provided to the Gates of Lodore and from Split Mountain Campground.

What to Bring

Pack for multi‑day river travel and leave‑no‑trace camping; guides carry group food and gear on oar boats and provide portable toilet systems, privacy tents and hand‑washing stations.

On‑Trip Amenities

Meals are catered and basic camp facilities—portable toilets, privacy tents and hand‑washing stations—are provided; guests are expected to practice leave‑no‑trace principles.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the trip?

The Gates of Lodore rafting trip is four days long.

Where do we meet before departure?

Meet at 9500 East 6000 South, Jensen, UT 84035 (Adrift Dinosaur in Jensen, Utah).

Where does the trip start and end?

The trip starts at the Gates of Lodore in Colorado and ends at Split Mountain Campground in Utah.

Are meals provided on the trip?

Yes—meals on the trip are catered.

What camping facilities are available?

Guides provide portable toilet systems, privacy tents and hand‑washing stations; guests practice leave‑no‑trace camping.

Is transportation provided to the launch and from the takeout?

Yes—transportation is provided to the Gates of Lodore at the start and from Split Mountain Campground at the end of the trip.