On May 21, 2015, American Whitewater members will have an opportunity to join American Whitewater staff and board members for an exclusive trip on Colorado’s Yampa River. We invite you to come learn more about what we're up to in Colorado and across the Southern Rockies while having a great time enjoying a trip down the Yampa and Green Rivers, and through the heart of Dinosaur National Monument.

The Yampa River is the last relatively undammed tributary of the Colorado River system, and AW is working to keep it that way!  In its natural state, the Yampa displays easily manageable class III and IV whitewater rapids, sandy beaches, deep, colorful canyons, habitats for native plants and animals, and other splendid features of a river unfettered by man-made obstructions. Its location in Dinosaur National Monument adds an intriguing archeological element, and side hikes along the river reveal ancient fossils, prehistoric Native American ruins, and petroglyphs carved into cliff walls. All these treasures are encased in a strikingly beautiful river corridor.

For three months a year (May-July), the Yampa River flows free with fresh, surging run-off from miles above — waters originating from the melting snows and glaciers of the world-famous Colorado Rockies. This short season —combined with the Yampa’s popular Class III-IV rapids, wilderness character and stunning sandstone canyons—make the 44-mile Yampa Canyon from Deerlodge Park to the Green River confluence in Dinosaur National Monument one of the most sought-after river permits in the American West.
 
The trip, which will take place May 21-24, will be fully outfitted by O.A.R.S. with professional guides, exceptional food, transportation to and from Vernal, Utah, and all river equipment. You will have the option of bringing your own kayak, or joining as a passenger on one of the rafts. The price for the trip will be $949 with a portion of the trip proceeds going to American Whitewater to support our work. Interested in joining us? Make your reservation directly through O.A.R.S today!
 
The Yampa River is considered by many as the birthplace of the river conservation movement in the west. In the 1950’s when David Brower fought against the proposal to drown the Yampa Canyon behind the Echo Park dam, a new era of conservation was created. Today, AW is working to keep the Yampa’s free-flowing character intact, and defending the river from thirsty towns and cities on the eastern slope of the Colorado Rockies that are looking to de-water the Yampa with new dams and pipelines. Today, while we enjoy the Wild & Scenic values of the Yampa, and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Warm Springs Rapid, the Yampa is still considered one of the Most Endangered Paddling destinations in the world.  

The trip will give AW an opportunity to share what we are working on and, more importantly, to hear your thoughts about river issues and learn from you how we can advance the work of AW. There are countless meetings and phone conferences throughout the year to get our critical work done so, rather than pulling together yet another briefing, we wanted to organize a gathering on a river we love with people who feel the same way.

We are excited to offer this opportunity to American Whitewater members, so please join us on the world-class Yampa River!