Bike & Raft - Yampa Bench/Yampa River, Dinosaur National Monument
In 1915, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the Dinosaur area a national monument. This designation has preserved Dinosaur, leaving miles of unspoiled wilderness. The Yampa Bench weaves an exciting, scenic path through 50 miles of the park. The river is one of the Rocky Mountain's last undammed rivers. Since it still flows freely, the Yampa is run only during the spring run off in May and June. Massive slickrock canyon walls with views of Lodgepole Pines on Blue Mountain make this canyon unique. Warm Springs Rapid, a major descent, highlights the trip before joining the Green River at Echo Park. From here, you will traverse Whirlpool Canyon and Split Mountain Gorge and more rapids.
46 miles of remote dirt road winds along a mile wide sandstone bench trapped between the Blue Mountains, 2,000 feet up on your right, and the Yampa River Gorge, 1,200 feet down on your left. You will ride to scenic overlooks of the river canyon cut from a breathtaking landscape of petrified sand dunes. From one such point called ‘Jenny Lind Rock’, the confluence of the Green and Yampa Rivers can be seen. It was from this same rock in the 1870s that hermit Pat Lynch claimed his pet lion loved to scream ... confronted with the high desert's wild beauty, you might find yourself compelled to do the same. On the morning of day three you will drop your bikes and don your life vests for the time of your life down the Yampa River.
Tour Details
Duration
7 Days/6 Nights
Location
Dinosaur National Monument - Yampa River
Season
June
Tour Type
Combo
Nearest City
Vernal, UT
Physical Condition Required
Good
Destination(s)
Colorado, United States Utah, United States
Distance Traveled
50 miles Bike / 71 miles River
Minimum Age Limit
12 Years
Skill Levels Accommodated
Beginner - Intermediate
Fully Guided
Yes
Guest Capacity
4-25
Support Vehicles
Yes
Bike Rentals Available
Yes
Bike Brands
Specialized Full Suspension - rentals available at $90 for the whole trip.
Accommodations
Camping
Transportation to Start Site
Yes, from the meeting point.
Dining
All meals provided starting with lunch the first day through lunch the last day. Holiday Expeditions can accommodate vegetarian diets and guests with allergies.
About Liquor
BYOB - Cooler space provided.
Additional Activities
Two Days Biking/Five Days Rafting
Hiking/Exploring, Wildlife Viewing, Historic/Native American Sites, Swimming, Whitewater
Rates
$1,100.00 - $1,285.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
$1,285; Group/Youth Rate: $1,100 ** $5 per person National Monument Entrance Fee
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Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Mountain Biking Meet group at Holiday Expeditions headquarters in Vernal, Utah. A 1-1/2 hour van ride will take you to Iron Springs Overlook for a magnificent view of things to come. Time to fill your water bottle and adjust your bike seat for one of the most spectacular downhill glides on the Colorado Plateau. Seven miles and 2,000 vertical feet later you will have made the descent from the high plateau through Sand Canyon to the Yampa Bench. Riding along the mostly level bench takes you past breathtaking overlooks where you can view the Yampa River 1,000-feet below. You will camp near Johnson Canyon where a short hike reveals an area noted for its rare plants.
Day 2: Bear Valley Day two will be your most ambitious day of biking (20-25 miles). A morning roller coaster ride takes you past the old Baker homestead, beyond Haystack Rock to the beginning of your climb over Blue Mountain's Ridge tops. Two miles and 700 vertical feet of pedaling will deliver you into Bear Valley where you’ll receive your reprieve; several miles of smooth sailing. You will camp this evening at the head of Disappointment Draw with distant views of the Yampa Valley.
Day 3: Whitewater Rafting This day begins with a short morning ride before hiking down disappointment draw. Support vehicles transfer bikes and equipment back to headquarters and you board the rafts at Deerlodge Park. The Yampa River's speedy flow takes you over many miles and abundant rapids.
Day 4: Big Joe Rapid Big Joe rapid usually marks the beginning of this day. Extra time provides opportunities for hiking and exploring up Johnson Canyon into Signature Cave where pre-Columbian Indians took shelter.
Day 5: Grand Overhang, Cleopatra's Couch and Tiger Wall The Yampa meanders past such attractions as The Grand Overhang, Cleopatra's Couch and Tiger Wall. A heavy flash flood in 1965 down Warm Springs Draw choked the Yampa with boulders, forming the river's largest rapid.
Day 6: Green River The Yampa joins the Green River at Echo Park where the canyon widens before the river circles Steamboat Rock. Here the river enters Whirlpool Canyon. The afternoon may be spent at Jones Hole Creek - a blue-ribbon trout stream with side canyon petroglyphs and waterfalls.
Day 7: Last Day of Whitewater Rafting Peaceful morning in Rainbow and Island Park areas before entering another massive gorge. The Green's powerful forces cut laterally through Split Mountain's uplifted and colorful core. Rapids abound before the take out and a 35-minute ride back to Vernal.
This Package Includes
Full course meals starting with lunch the first day ending with lunch the last day.
Transportation to and from the meeting point.
Qualified guides.
Necessary equipment such as lifejackets, waterproof bags, support van, etc.
Notes
The Yampa Bench bike route follows a graded dirt road for most of the trip with a few steep downhills, and one extended uphill segment. This dirt road has steep gradients, loose rocks, sand, and ruts. Riders, who have no previous off-road bicycling experience, should be experienced road cyclists with good athletic ability. All riders should prepare for the trip by riding their bike on a regular basis prior to the trip.
Reservation Policy
A deposit is required within five days of making a reservation; balance is due 60 days before your trip begins.
Cancellation Policy
If cancellations are made prior to 90 days before the trip, monies will be refunded less a $50.00 service charge per person. If cancellations are made within 90 days and outside of 45 days of the trip date monies will be refunded less a $100.00 service charge per person. Cancellations made within 45 days of the trip date are non refundable. Prior to 45 days to the trip date, Holiday Expeditions will transfer reservations to another trip in the same year with a $25.00 service charge per person.
COMPLIMENTARY VISITOR GUIDES
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