Rafting Colorado's Yampa River - Alumni

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Overall Difficulty*:

*This is due to cold, high water at this time of year.