Rafting Colorado's Yampa River - Alumni

A group of ten people pose on an inflatable raft. They are wearing PFDs and drysuits and all are smiling.

Photo by: David Morgan

As one of the West’s premier untamed waterways, the Yampa River stretches roughly 250 miles from Colorado’s Flat Top Mountains, flowing almost entirely free of dams. This rare distinction makes it the only major tributary in the Colorado River Basin that still runs wild, carving a path through one of the most pristine and untouched canyon systems in the United States.

a blue inflatable raft drifts on a brown river between red canyon walls.

Photo by: David Morgan

This alumni trip begins in Vernal, Utah. We will drive as a group to the launch site at Deerlodge Park, Colorado, near Steamboat Springs. From here, the Yampa River winds toward its confluence with the Green River at Echo Park. We’ll spend four days floating 72 miles through the heart of the canyon, revealing a raw, remote, and unchanged landscape.

a large wall of red and black rock rises above a river. three kayaks float beside the base of the wall

Photo by: David Morgan

The scenery along the Yampa is nothing short of dramatic. Towering slickrock cliffs rise straight from the riverbed, their smooth sandstone walls glowing in shifting light. Hidden within this rugged landscape are archaeologically significant caves and ancient rock art—quiet reminders of those who traveled here long before us. Side hikes lead to these remarkable sites, offering a deeper connection to the canyon’s history and spirit.

a person wearing a grey hoodie, a hat, sunglasses, and a yellow PFD sits on a boar in a river. they are smiling at the photographer.

Photo by: David Morgan

Days on the river strike a perfect balance; there will be thrilling Class III and IV rapids interspersed with calm stretches that invite relaxation, reflection, and connection with the landscape.

Experienced Whitewater Adventure Instructors

Photo by: David Morgan

You’ll have time to explore hidden corners of the canyon, unwind by the river, and enjoy the kind of camaraderie that only comes from shared adventure in a truly wild place.

Two women stand at a table outdoors. They are both wearing trucker hats and smiling at the camera. One is serving food to people.

Photo by: David Morgan

Each evening, we’ll settle into riverside camps, set up tents, and prepare meals together. This trip is designed for all levels of paddlers and offers an ideal introduction to a NOLS experience. It’s as much about the journey as it is about the people you share it with.