Dinosaur National Monument is a legacy of rivers, from the ancient river that deposited the fossils of the Quarry Area to the present day Green and Yampa rivers. One of the best ways to see the park is on a river trip through its canyons. Experience the thundering fury of Warm Springs, Hells Half Mile and other rapids, and sit on a quiet beach and escape the pressures of everyday life.

The Green River between the Gates of Lodore and Split Mountain should never be mistaken for a simple river. Even today, many a boat ends up pinned on rocks and many a boatmen bruised and battered. Gates of Lodore contains multiple challenging Class III and Class IV rapids while the Yampa River sports many Class III rapids and one Class IV known as Warm Springs Rapid, which has a hydraulic named Maytag that has the tendency to flip boats.

Fees and river permits are required for private boating trips on the Green and Yampa rivers within the park. For information on fees, equipment and experience requirements, and how to apply for the permit lottery, visit the Rafting/Boating Permits webpage or call the river office at (970) 374-2468. The river office is open 8:00 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday.

A permit is not required for the Green River between Flaming Gorge Dam and Dinosaur National Monument. That section is managed by Ashley National Forest and Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge. Permits are not required for private boaters on the Yampa River upstream from the monument, which is managed by the Bureau of Land Management Little Snake Field Office. The Green River downstream from the monument is managed by the Bureau of Land Management Vernal Field Office.

Commercial Guided River Trips are offered on the Green and Yampa Rivers and vary in length and cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

To contact the river office by email: email us