Seventy-Two Miles Through Yampa: A Five-Day Rafting Passage into Dinosaur National Monument

JENSEN RAFTING FIELD GUIDE

Seventy-Two Miles Through Yampa: A Five-Day Rafting Passage into Dinosaur National Monument

A concise guide to RiverWonderGrass Yampa — a five-day, 72-mile wilderness rafting trip that threads three canyons on the Yampa and Green rivers and traces John Wesley Powell’s route.

Seventy-Two Miles Through Yampa: A Five-Day Rafting Passage into Dinosaur National Monument.

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

RiverWonderGrass Yampa is a five-day wilderness rafting trip that covers 72 miles through three canyons on two rivers in the heart of Dinosaur National Monument. The itinerary spends the first three days exploring Yampa Canyon on the Yampa River in Colorado, then on day four enters the Green River in Utah to follow part of John Wesley Powell’s 1869 expedition.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Yampa then Green: Two Rivers, One Passage
THE RIVER

Yampa then Green: Two Rivers, One Passage

The trip navigates both the Yampa River and the Green River, beginning with three days in Yampa Canyon before entering the Green River and Utah on day four — a continuous descent through varied canyon landscapes over 72 miles.

Seventy-Two Miles Through Three Canyons
THE ROUTE

Seventy-Two Miles Through Three Canyons

Over five days the route meanders 72 miles through three distinct canyons inside Dinosaur National Monument, offering an extended wilderness run that unfolds across river, rock, and sky.

Following John Wesley Powell’s Footsteps
THE HISTORY

Following John Wesley Powell’s Footsteps

On day four the expedition enters the Green River and follows part of John Wesley Powell’s 1869 route, linking contemporary river travel with a historic exploration narrative.

What the day feels like

What the Trip Feels Like

This is a multi-day wilderness rafting passage: three days spent exploring the Yampa Canyon on the Yampa River in Colorado, followed by an entry to the Green River in Utah on day four as the journey continues through Dinosaur National Monument. The cadence is river-driven — long days on the water, canyon walls rising, and a steady progression over five days and 72 miles.

Yampa then Green: Two Rivers, One Passage

THE RIVER

Yampa then Green: Two Rivers, One Passage

The trip navigates both the Yampa River and the Green River, beginning with three days in Yampa Canyon before entering the Green River and Utah on day four — a continuous descent through varied canyon landscapes over 72 miles.

Seventy-Two Miles Through Three Canyons

THE ROUTE

Seventy-Two Miles Through Three Canyons

Over five days the route meanders 72 miles through three distinct canyons inside Dinosaur National Monument, offering an extended wilderness run that unfolds across river, rock, and sky.

Following John Wesley Powell’s Footsteps

THE HISTORY

Following John Wesley Powell’s Footsteps

On day four the expedition enters the Green River and follows part of John Wesley Powell’s 1869 route, linking contemporary river travel with a historic exploration narrative.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits and what to consider before booking.

1
Active Multi-day RaftersA five-day, 72-mile wilderness river trip best suits travelers comfortable spending consecutive days on a raft and camping or riding aboard a guided river trip.
2
Adventure-Focused Couples & Small GroupsGroups seeking extended river time and canyon scenery will find the itinerary’s steady progression through multiple canyons well matched to an immersive rafting experience.
3
Nature & History EnthusiastsThose drawn to geological scenery and historical narratives will appreciate the passage through Dinosaur National Monument and the segment that follows part of Powell’s 1869 route.
4
Families with Older ChildrenFamilies with older, river-ready children may find the trip appropriate, though participants should be prepared for multiple days on the water; check operator guidance for age or health-related limits.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Trip Length

This is a five-day trip covering 72 miles through Dinosaur National Monument.

Meeting & Logistics

The trip meets at 9500 East 6000 South, Jensen, UT 84035; confirm exact meeting time and pre-trip logistics with the operator.

What to Bring

Bring personal clothing and essentials suitable for a multi-day river trip and follow the operator’s published gear recommendations.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the RiverWonderGrass Yampa trip?

The trip is five days long and covers 72 miles.

Which rivers does the trip run?

The itinerary runs the Yampa River for the first three days and then enters the Green River on day four.

Where does the trip take place?

The trip runs through Dinosaur National Monument, beginning on the Yampa River in Colorado and entering the Green River in Utah.

Who operates RiverWonderGrass Yampa?

The trip is operated by Adrift Adventures Dinosaur National Monument.

Where is the meeting location for the trip?

The meeting location is 9500 East 6000 South, Jensen, UT 84035, US.

Does the trip follow any historical route?

Yes — on day four the itinerary follows part of John Wesley Powell’s 1869 expedition on the Green River.