Green River Raſting through the Gates of Lodore
Three Magnificent River Canyons
3-5 Days
Class II—IV
Vernal, UT
From $1,599
Raft through the heart of Dinosaur National Monument on a journey through three distinct canyons—Lodore, Whirlpool, and Split Mountain—where towering red rock cliffs, deep green junipers, and Grand Canyonlike scenery set the stage for an unforgettable adventure. Spend your days tackling fun, splashy rapids, swimming, and hiking to hidden waterfalls and ancient canyon landscapes.
Trip Highlights
- Raft through Dinosaur National Monument, riding Class III-IV Green River rapids
- Explore Lodore, Whirlpool, and Split Mountain canyons with hiking opportunities
- Relax on quiet stretches of river and unwind each evening, camping riverside
O.A.R.S. Canyonlands, Inc. is an authorized concessioner of Dinosaur National Monument.
Operated by OARS
MT Sobek and OARS share bonds that stretch back to the earliest days of adventure travel—1969. We’ve always admired what they do on the water and we’re proud to showcase this expertly guided river journey through the Gates of Lodore.
Why Travel with OARS
Brand: Founded in 1969 by river-running pioneer George Wendt and still led by his sons today, OARS brings over five decades of hands on river knowledge to every trip.
Trips: Float through the Gates of Lodore and explore the heart of Dinosaur National Monument from the unique vantage point of the Green River.
Guides: Seasoned river guides expertly navigate the Green’s whitewater while bringing its geology, wildlife, and history to life.
Trip Gallery
Route Map
Itinerary
Day 0: Meet Your Guides in Vernal
Arrive in Vernal, Utah, the gateway to Dinosaur National Monument, and gather this evening with your OARS guides and fellow rafters. Your guides will introduce the journey ahead and answer your questions before you launch onto the Green River tomorrow.
Day 1: Enter the Magnificent Gates of Lodore
Travel from Vernal to the northern reaches of Dinosaur National Monument, where the Green River seems to disappear between two immense red-rock walls. These are the Gates of Lodore, a dramatic entrance to one of the Colorado Plateau's great river canyons.
After meeting the full river crew and completing a safety briefing, launch onto the Green and pass through the gates into the soaring walls of Lodore Canyon. The fun begins with Winnie's Rapid and Upper and Lower Disaster Falls, introducing the fun Class III whitewater that defines much of the trip. During John Wesley Powell's 1869 expedition, one of his boats wrecked at Disaster Falls, scattering supplies into the river and giving the rapids their name.
Between rapids, take time to absorb the canyon's remarkable contrast—rust-red cliffs rising above bands of green juniper, pinyon, and riverside vegetation. By mid- to late afternoon, pull ashore and make camp beside the Green. Set up your tent, wander along the beach, or simply watch the light change on the canyon walls while your guides prepare dinner. When darkness finally fills Lodore Canyon, an immense sweep of stars appears overhead.
Day 2 and Days 3–4 (depending on trip length): Raft through Three Canyons
The Green carries you through a constantly changing landscape where rapids, side canyons, natural history, and traces of thousands of years of human presence make every bend different from the last.
Lodore Canyon still has plenty of excitement ahead. Rapids including Harp Falls, Triplet Falls, and Hells Half Mile keep paddlers busy, separated by peaceful stretches where you can relax and take in the immense cliffs. Perhaps you will hike along Rippling Brook, following a cool stream into a narrow canyon to a spring-fed waterfall.
Downstream, reach the confluence with the Yampa River. Swing around the massive bulk of Steamboat Rock and enter Echo Park, where you may stop to explore Fremont-era petroglyphs near the river or, depending on the day's schedule, walk amid sandstone formations toward Whispering Cave.
Here, the river has cut through the geological layers, revealing some of the oldest rock faces in the world. In Whirlpool Canyon, another possible hike follows Jones Hole Creek through a remarkably lush side canyon to panels of pictographs and petroglyphs left by Indigenous inhabitants of the region.
Four- and five-day departures create more opportunities for hiking, swimming, paddling, or relaxing at particularly beautiful spots along the route.
Day 3, 4, or 5: Run Split Mountain Canyon & Depart
Enjoy a final morning in camp before continuing toward Split Mountain Canyon. After a relatively calm stretch of river, the river suddenly steepens as the Green slices directly through the mountain. Four major rapids deliver a fitting finale of rolling waves, splashes, and fast-moving water. From here, make the short drive back to Vernal, returning to town after a journey through millions of years of geology and one of the most storied stretches of river in the American West.
Dates & Pricing
May 26 – 29, 2027
4 Days / 3 Nights
$1,599
Standard Departure
June 5 – 8, 2027
4 Days / 3 Nights
$1,599
Standard Departure
June 15 – 18, 2027
4 Days / 3 Nights
$1,749
Standard Departure
June 20 – 23, 2027
4 Days / 3 Nights
$1,749
Standard Departure
June 27 – 30, 2027
4 Days / 3 Nights
$1,749
Standard Departure
July 1 – 4, 2027
4 Days / 3 Nights
$1,749
Standard Departure
July 4 – 7, 2027
4 Days / 3 Nights
$1,749
All Adult
July 5 – 9, 2027
5 Days / 4 Nights
$1,899
Standard Departure
July 11 – 5, 2027
5 Days / 4 Nights
$1,899
Standard Departure
July 14 – 17, 2027
4 Days / 3 Nights
$1,749
Standard Departure
July 16 – 19, 2027
4 Days / 3 Nights
$1,749
Standard Departure
July 19 – 21, 2027
3 Days / 2 Nights
$1,299
Standard Departure
July 22 – 25, 2027
4 Days / 3 Nights
$1,749
Standard Departure
July 27 – 30, 2027
4 Days / 3 Nights
$1,749
Standard Departure
August 1 – 4, 2027
4 Days / 3 Nights
$1,749
Standard Departure
August 6 – 9, 2027
4 Days / 3 Nights
$1,749
Standard Departure
August 7 – 10, 2027
4 Days / 3 Nights
$1,749
Standard Departure
August 8 – 11, 2027
4 Days / 3 Nights
$1,749
Standard Departure
August 13 – 15, 2027
3 Days / 2 Nights
$1,249
Standard Departure
August 14 – 17, 2027
4 Days / 3 Nights
$1,599
Standard Departure
August 15 – 18, 2027
4 Days / 3 Nights
$1,599
Standard Departure
August 19 – 22, 2027
4 Days / 3 Nights
$1,599
Standard Departure
August 20 – 23, 2027
4 Days / 3 Nights
$1,599
All Adult
August 22 – 25, 2027
4 Days / 3 Nights
$1,599
Standard Departure
August 24 – 27, 2027
4 Days / 3 Nights
$1,599
All Women
August 26 – 29, 2027
4 Days / 3 Nights
$1,599
All Women
September 1 – 4, 2027
4 Days / 3 Nights
$1,599
All Women
OARS operates this trip and will respond to your inquiry directly. Their privacy policy applies on oars.com
Inclusions
Included
✓ Skilled professional guide service
✓ All meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on your last day
✓ Expedition rafting equipment, including highest-quality rafts, 2-person shared tent, personal flotation device (PFD), helmet, waterproof bags, camp chair, as well as eating utensils and plates
✓ Transfers from the OARS Warehouse in Vernal to the river and back
Not Included
❌ Transportation to and from Vernal
❌ Pre- and post-trip accommodations and meals
❌ Dinosaur National Monument Entrance Fee
❌ Sleep kit: sleeping bag, pillow and a deluxe 3-inch thick air-filled sleeping pad (available for rent)
❌ Insurance of any kind, including a travel protection plan
❌ Alcoholic beverages
❌ Gratuities
Know Before You Book
Daily plans may vary depending on weather, river conditions, interests, and other circumstances. Flexibility is key for enjoying your time on the river.
What to Expect
Activities: Raft Class II-III rapids (with Class IV possible during peak flows) and explore in Dinosaur National Monument with paddling, swimming, and hiking opportunities along the way.
Lodging: Comfortable wilderness camping beside the Green River. Pitch your tent while guides set up the kitchen and prepare one of many delicious meals.
Climate: Average daytime temperatures rise from the mid-70s in May to around 90°F in July and August, with significantly cooler nights.
Guides: Passionate and knowledgeable, OARS river guides have earned the reputation of being some of the most experienced, professional, and customer-focused crews on the water, and the proof is the overwhelming number of positive reviews they receive after almost every single trip.
Trip Details
Boats & Watercraft
Expect to rotate between various craft on your OARS adventure. The fleet for each departure is selected with water levels, group size, and other factors based on OARS’ extensive expertise. On this trip you may get to experience an oar raft, paddle raft (generally available on trips with 12 or more participants), inflatable kayak, and stand up paddle board.
Weather in Dinosaur National Monument
| Day (°F) | Night (°F) | Water (°F) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | 74 | 40 | 45-55 |
| June | 84 | 48 | 50-60 |
| July | 91 | 55 | 58-70 |
| August | 89 | 52 | 58-75 |
| September | 79 | 43 | 55-65 |
Water Conditions on the Green River
Flow from the headwaters of the Green River, located in Wyoming's Wind Range, is regulated by multiple reservoirs, though the primary influence is the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, just outside of Dinosaur National Monument. As spring meltwater flows into the reservoir, overflow is released. Typically the peak flows (with possible Class IV rapids) occur mid-May through mid-June, though they can vary from May into July, depending on the year. While thrilling, these trips require a higher degree of fitness. Unsurprisingly, snowmelt is icy, and you’ll need rain gear and warm synthetic clothing to manage the cold. Later season departures are better bets for more moderate whitewater fun.
Class III rapids are consistent on this stretch of the Green River, offering whitewater thrills every day, along with smaller waves and riffles. In between rapids, you'll also experience sections of calm water, ideal for swimming, wildlife watching, and taking in the scenery. Overall, this is an approachable river for first-time rafters and families, yet still offers enough excitement for experienced paddlers.
Camp & Meals
Each afternoon, camp is set after you pull ashore. You'll form a bucket brigade to unload the boats, then collect your dry bags and pitch your tent. Meanwhile your guides transform the beach into a comfortable riverside camp, complete with a kitchen, communal seating area, camp chairs, and a private portable toilet located away from the main camp.
A delicious dinner is prepared by your guides while you savor appetizers with your fellow travelers and share a drink, if you wish.
Wake up with a coffee and fresh fruit, pack your gear before breakfast, then break camp and load up the boats to push off for another day of adventure.
FAQs
OARS’ Gates of Lodore rafting trip on the Green River combines family-friendly whitewater, spectacular red-rock scenery, and fascinating natural and human history on a journey through Dinosaur National Monument. The Green River winds through three distinct canyons—Lodore, Whirlpool, and Split Mountain—with consistent Class II–III rapids, plenty of calm stretches for taking in the scenery, and opportunities to try inflatable kayaking. Along the way, possible side hikes lead to waterfalls, Fremont-era petroglyphs and pictographs, and other hidden corners of the monument.
What really distinguishes this trip is its well-roundedness. There’s enough whitewater—including Disaster Falls, Hells Half Mile, and the rapids of Split Mountain—to make the trip consistently exciting, but after peak flows it is a good choice for first-time rafters and families with children as young as seven. Add sandy beach camps, towering canyon walls, ancient rock formations, and a route that follows part of John Wesley Powell’s historic 1869 expedition, and it’s one of OARS’ most iconic river adventures.
The best time to raft the Green River through the Gates of Lodore is generally May through September, with conditions shifting throughout the season. Mid-May through mid-June often brings the highest water levels as dam releases from Flaming Gorge Reservoir increase, creating swifter, more powerful rapids and colder water. July and August usher in warm weather and consistent Class III rapids, making them popular months for families, while September normally has cooler days, fewer summer crowds, and pleasant late-season conditions. Because the Green River is regulated by Flaming Gorge Dam, flows are generally more predictable than on rivers driven entirely by natural snowmelt.
OARS’ Gates of Lodore rafting trips typically accommodate up to 25 guests, with a team of professional river guides. The number and mix of boats vary depending on group size, water levels, and river conditions, and paddle rafts are generally available on trips with 12 or more participants.
The minimum age for OARS’ Gates of Lodore rafting trip is 7 years old under normal water conditions. During spring high water, when the Green River is colder and the rapids become more powerful, the minimum age increases to 10–12 years old depending on river conditions. OARS recommends checking the requirements for your specific departure if traveling with younger children during the high-water season.
This trip features several hours of activity most days, primarily rafting Class III whitewater along with optional moderate hiking, swimming, inflatable kayaking, and paddleboarding. During normal flows, the river is well suited to first-time rafters, but guests must still be comfortable getting wet, moving over rocky or sandy terrain, and participating in camp life. High-water spring departures can be substantially more demanding.
It is possible the itinerary can change. OARS runs the Gates of Lodore trip on a relaxed and flexible schedule, so the published itinerary is a sample rather than a fixed day-by-day plan. The group, weather, other river trips, campsite availability, and river conditions can influence where you camp, which side hikes are possible, and how each day unfolds. All departures cover the same river mileage, but the longer 4- and 5-day trips provide more time for hiking and exploring along the way.