Trips

The Yampa River, located in the heart of the Dinosaur National Monument on the Eastern end of the Uinta Mountain Range. Beginning in Northwestern Colorado, the Yampa is one of the last free-flowing tributaries to the Colorado River system and is featured in National Geographic’s, “Wild and Scenic Rivers” Book.

Native Americans, prospectors, outlaws, ranchers and early river runners make the history of this canyon interesting.

• • River: Yampa River
  • Rapid Rating: Class III-V(Depending on Water Levels)
  • Put in: Deer Lodge Park in Dinosaur National Monument
  • Take-out location: Split Mountain boat ramp
  • River Miles: 72 miles
  • Number of rapids: 16
  • First to run Yampa River Canyon: Nathaniel Galloway and his son Parley in 190

Please print, sign and return the required forms (for each person in your party) to our office by email, fax or mail at least 45 days prior to your trip.

• Trip Assumption of Risk Forms

• Vernal Trip Planner
• Packing List
• Trip Itinerary
• Travel Insurance
• Transportation to Vernal
• Host Hotel Information
• Tips for Women in the Outdoors
• Other Hazards Associated with Rafting

Dinosaur National Monument: Dinosaur National Monument protects a large deposit of fossil dinosaur bones–remains of the so-called “terrible lizards” that lived millions of years ago.

Sheri Griffith Expeditions is an Authorized Concessioner of Dinosaur National Monument.

Vernal Travel Council: A great resource on Vernal area trails, hotels, and other great things to do in Vernal.

River rafting is a lot of fun, but like most outdoor adventure activities, there are also potential hazards. Click here for more information about possible hazards you might experience while whitewater rafting in our beautiful canyons.

Links to Area Information

Vernal Weather

Water Levels

How to get to Vernal

Where to stay in Vernal

What to do other than rafting

Cancellation Policy and Trip Insurance:

Sheri Griffith Expeditions has a NO REFUND policy. Since you have reserved space for which we have a limited number of seats, our non-refundable policy applies in every instance. There are no exceptions for any reason, so we highly recommend that you purchase Travel Insurance to protect your vacation investment. For more information about Travel Insurance, click here.

How to book a trip

There are several easy ways to make a reservation. Easiest is to click on the “book online” button on your trip or at the top of the screen. You can always give us a call at 800-332-2439.

Deposits and Reservations

For 1 day trips full payment is required at time of booking. For multiday trips a non-refundable $300/person deposit is required at the time of reservation. The balance is due 45 days prior to departure. After making your reservation you will receive a reservation packet that will include a packing list, helpful travel hints, travel insurance information, a beverage request form, and a guest registration form. Please fill out the guest registration form and send or fax back quickly. If you find you are unable to participate in the trip that you booked, but would like to transfer your trip to the following year, there will be a charge of $300 per participant if the change is made at least 3 weeks prior to your departure date.

Non-Performance

We make every effort to follow through on our plans. However, we reserve the right to make changes in the itinerary or possibly cancel a trip if necessary including but not limited to weather conditions, water fluctuations, insufficient reservations, changes in international relations, or other factors beyond our control. If cancellation is necessary, your money will be refunded. Our financial liability shall be limited to the amount actually paid and shall not be extended to cover any other costs incurred by the trip member.

Orientation:

The evening before the trip we meet at the Microtel Inn and Suites, in Naples, Utah at 6:30 pm (MDT) for a pre-trip orientation. Here you will learn what to expect and prepare for, receive your dry bags, sign the Assumption of Risk forms, and get a chance to ask any last questions. If you are not going to be able to make this please let us know ahead of time.

Beverages:

If you would like any personal beverages while on the river, i.e., sodas, beer, wine, etc., you can bring them with you the morning of departure and we will place them in iced coolers. We provide some sodas, water, lemonade and Gatorade mixes and tea, juice and coffee in the mornings.

Tipping:

Guests often ask whether gratuities are appropriate, and in what amount. If you feel your guides have provided a very special trip for you, a gratuity may be left with the trip leader and will be shared among the crew. Entirely discretionary, anything between 15% and 20% of the trip cost is a general tipping guideline. If you plan to tip, remember to bring a personal check or cash—ATM’s are hard to find in the backcountry! PLEASE, do not make out checks to Sheri Griffith Expeditions. If you are writing check please make it out to the Trip Leader.  NOTE: we cannot take credit card gratuities.

Hiking and Physical Requirements:

If you are of an adventurous spirit and in reasonably good health, you should have no problem enjoying any of our trips. It’s not necessary to be an athlete to participate in a river expedition. However, It is several hours to the nearest medical center. If you take medication you should bring a good supply and inform your guide of all medication that you are taking. When you meet your guide, you should discretely explain any medical conditions you may have or be concerned about including allergies to bee stings, etc. Each guide carries a first aid kit and will need to know if specific medicines should be stored. It’s also helpful to know about other health issues when planning activities for the day. Pregnant women and anyone with heart trouble should have their physician’s approval before taking a river trip.

Safety, and Assumption of Risk

We maintain an excellent safety record, since 1971. However, all outdoor experiences involve risk and we all must recognize that accidents or illnesses may occur. We cannot guarantee your safety. We place final responsibility for your safety firmly on your shoulders where it belongs. You have to pay attention to what you are doing. Mother Nature controls the water level, the weather and the elements, so there is a risk involved in rafting and camping. Before your trip departs, you will be asked to sign an Assumption of Risk and Release Form. We assume no responsibility for injury to trip members, their personal belongings or, for time and expense incurred. We strongly recommend Travel Insurance, which covers vacation losses and accidents and provides a refund if you have to cancel your trip.

Parking, luggage and valuables:

You are welcome to leave your vehicles parked at the Microtel Inn and Suites in Naples while you are on the river. They also have a safe place for luggage and valuables while you are on the river.

More FAQ’s