Floating Through Dinosaur National Monument

[DrNed]

It's that time of year when I'm looking at plans for next year.

Considering floating through Dinosaur National Monument.

I have almost 20 runs on the Snake and have floated the lower Green River
through Labyrinth once, but would still consider myself a novice on the river.

For those who have floated this stretch, what advice can you give me?
Is this an "experts only" stretch of river?
How would you rate the scenery and things to do off the river?
All pertinent info is appreciated.

 

[Nick]

I haven't floated any of it but I've researched it a lot. Are you talking the Green through Gates of Lodore? If so that's class IV whitewater and would definitely require some serious whitewater skill and/or guidance. I know there was at least one fatality there this year at Disaster Falls. The Yampa is in the same boat and can only be run when it has enough water. There's a short stretch through Split Mountain that I think is easier but I think it's only a day run.

 

[DrNed]

@Nick Ok - that's what I wanted to know.

Your recent Green float is about 30 miles right? Is there anything below where you pulled out?

Thanks

 

[Dave]

Is there anything below where you pulled out?

Lodore follows the ABC section.

 

[SKLund]

My advice is: Do it!

 

[Nick]

@Nick Ok - that's what I wanted to know.

Your recent Green float is about 30 miles right? Is there anything below where you pulled out?

Thanks

Correct. We took out at Swinging Bridge at the end of the C section. You can continue into Dinosaur (maybe 10-15 miles?) and take out at the Lodore put-in but you have to get a 'play' permit from the park service.

 

[powderglut]

There are 2 ways to float thru Dinosaur NM. Starting on the Yampa at Deer Lodge ....or on the Green thru Gates of Lodore in Browns Park. If you get a spring time permit both will have some serious big water sections. I have been on numerous private trips on both sections. Some crazy rides thru Hells Half mile, Triplet, Warm Springs and Maytag. Having a river map with mileage and rapids is very helpful. Stopping to scout the big ones before going thru is definitely worth doing if water is running big. You want to see what might be the best route thru if the river will let you. Both are truly awesome trips!

 

[DrNed]

Lodore follows the ABC section.

That's embarrassing.

Thanks for setting me straight.

 

[DrNed]

Some crazy rides thru Hells Half mile, Triplet, Warm Springs and Maytag.

As I mentioned earlier my white wate experience is limited to the Snake from West Table down river through Big Kahunna & Lunch Counter. How does the white water through DNM compare to those?

Thanks.

 

[DrNed]

Correct. We took out at Swinging Bridge at the end of the C section. You can continue into Dinosaur (maybe 10-15 miles?) and take out at the Lodore put-in but you have to get a 'play' permit from the park service.

Is there much hiking / exploring to do? What about fishing? If you're doing ~10/day I've got to imagine that leaves a good chunk of day to fill.