ITINERARY
YAMPA CANYON YAMPA RIVER

You start your whitewater boating adventure in the remote northwestern part of Colorado about 55 miles west of Craig. Here the Yampa River, the last major free-flowing tributary of the Colorado River system, roars through a colorful canyon maze with canyon walls towering 2,000 feet above the river, containing rock strata spanning a geologic time period of 1.5 billion years. During spring and early summer when runoff from high mountains fills the channel, the Yampa provides over 40 intermediate to advanced (Class III) rapids along with one of the big drops in the west, Warm Springs rapid. The rapids are fun, but there are also plenty of opportunities to serenely float past the canyon walls and observe bighorn sheep, geese or golden eagles. At lunch and camp you'll have a chance to hike side canyons or join in campfire festivities.

You have three boating options to choose from, and you can stay with one type the entire trip or switch at any time. Choose between a paddle powered raft where you grab a paddle, and with the assistance of a guide who sits in the back, maneuver the boat through the rapids as a team; or select an oar powered raft where you just sit back and let the guide do all the work. Another option is to run the rapids "on your own" in a 1-person inflatable kayak with a support raft drifting nearby. Several of these easy-to-use boats are provided per trip and they are shared by all participants. If you desire a kayak for your own personal use the entire trip, you must request it in advance.

Weather in the boating season can be highly variable with afternoon highs in the 50's to 80's and lows from 40 to 50. Sunshine dominates but you need to be prepared for infrequent afternoon showers. River flow rates are related to snow melt in the headwaters, making it somewhat unpredictable, but our launch dates have good water even in droughts.

Day 0:
We encourage you to stop by the Adrift store before 6pm so you can pickup your waterproof gear bag and meet us. Your gear bag allows you to pack the night before the trip starts.

Day 1:
8:00am - Meet at Adrift Adventures store, 9 miles east of Vernal on US Hwy 40 in Jensen. Clients on their own for breakfast prior to meeting Adrift guides. An earlier meeting time will be arranged if you flew into the area. Come with your river bag packed. Shuttle to put-in from store. At river put-in trip leader provides a safety orientation and then you start rafting through Yampa Canyon. Lunch and dinner provided. Camp at road-less wilderness site in canyons.

Day 2:
Rafting on Yampa River with chance for optional short hikes to observe wildlife and canyon geology. Run Tepee and other rapids. Camp at remote beach. Optional hike in narrow side canyon. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.

Day 3:
After breakfast we float and stop to explore a cave with Indian artifacts. Then it we are off to run the biggest rapid of the trip, Warm Springs. Camp near Echo Park. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.

Day 4:
Coffee is ready and a short float we enter the Green River and run the rapids of Whirlpool Canyon. At camp is one of the best hikes of the trip to a waterfall and Indian rock art sites. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 5:
We then launch on the river and float out of Whirlpool Canyon into the exciting rapids of Split Mountain Gorge. You arrive at the river trip takeout around 3pm and you are shuttled back to your car at the Adrift store about 4pm.

MEETING PLACE AND TIME
We encourage you to stop by the Adrift store the day prior to the launch by 6pm so you can pickup your waterproof gear bag and pack the night before. We meet you at 7:30am on the launch day at the Adrift Adventures store, 9 miles east of Vernal on US Highway 40 in Jensen, Utah (see map). Clients on their own for breakfast prior to meeting Adrift guides. An earlier meeting time will be arranged if you flew into the area. Come with your river bag packed.

RESERVATION POLICY
A $200.00 per person deposit is required for all reservations. The Trip Balance is due 30 days prior to departure. If you must cancel, your deposit and other payments (less a $25 per person cancellation fee) will be refunded if notification is received before 60 days. For cancellations made within 60 days, but before 30 days, full refunds will be made on any deposit (less $100 per person cancellation fee).
Cancellations made within 30 days of your trip departure date are non-refundable.

CANCELLATION POLICY
If you must cancel, your deposit and other payments (less a $25 per person cancellation fee) will be refunded if notification is received before 60 days. For cancellations made within 60 days, but before 30 days, full refunds will be made on any deposit (less $100 per person cancellation fee).
Cancellations made within 30 days of your trip departure date are non-refundable.

RESPONSIBILITY
Although Adrift makes every effort to ensure a safe trip and we have an excellent safety record, whitewater boating, hiking and wilderness travel involve some risks. Physical challenges and risks are inherent in rafting and are the reason why people seek this kind of adventure. You elect to participate in these activities at your own risk. Adrift Adventures, Inc. and its agents are not responsible for injuries to participants, personal gear that gets wet or broken, or for travel delays. Trip and/or medical insurance is recommended. You must be in good health. All participants are required to sign an acknowledgement of risk prior to departure. Please have each participant in your group sign and return a separate acknowledgement of risk form at least 30 days prior to departure.

Although it has very rarely happened, Adrift Adventures reserves the right to cancel a trip due to extremely high or low river levels or an insufficient number of reservations. In this case your trip payments will be refunded in full.

TRIP BEVERAGES
We do not provide soda or alcoholic beverages on the trip. However, there is no problem bringing your own soda and libations. No glass bottles! If you bring wine or liquor, please bring it in cans or put it in a plastic bottle to avoid broken glass. No liquor is sold after 7:00pm or before 11:00am or on Sundays/holidays in Utah. We stop in Dinosaur, CO on the way to the put-in for last minute purchases.

AREA TRANSPORTATION
You are responsible for getting to and from our meeting place, however, if you are flying into the Vernal, Utah airport we can provide complementary pickup at the airport or at Vernal motels. If you are flying the quickest best option is to fly from Salt Lake City to Vernal via Salmon Airlines (800) 448-3413. There are 2-3 flights per day. Another alternative is to fly into Grand Junction, CO from Denver and then drive a rental car to the meeting place, about 2.5 hours. A final alternative that is good for groups of 4 or more is to fly into Salt Lake City and drive a rental car to Vernal (about 3 hours). Driving time from Denver is about 6 hours. Please arrive in the area the day or evening before the launch date, since we have an early meeting time.

AREA ACCOMMODATIONS
Lodging the first night is on your own. You will be camping at wilderness sites within 2,000 ft. deep canyons during your river trip. Before or after your trip camping can be found at Split Mountain Campground in Dinosaur National Monument, or at private campgrounds, such as KOA, in Vernal ((435) 789-2148) or Bedrock Campground in Jensen ((435)781-6000). Motel accommodations can be found in Vernal, 12 miles from the meeting place.

MEDICAL INFORMATION
River trips can be strenuous for some persons and they are located in remote areas a long distance from medical facilities. It maybe necessary for some persons to check with their doctor about going on the trip. Our guides are trained in First Aid and CPR. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU NOTIFY THE ADRIFT TRIP LEADER BEFORE PUTTING ON THE RIVER ABOUT ANY PERSONAL HEALTH CONCERNS, such as diabetes, special medication, allergic reactions to insects or food or anything else, that may affect your ability to participate in the river trip. If you have special dietary or other requirements we will be happy to try and accommodate you, but please notify us at least one week in advance of trip launch.

THE ADRIFT STORE AND WAREHOUSE
At the Adrift store you can purchase sunscreen, t-shirts, hats, river guides and books on our reading list, small personal water-proof bags (great for camera and personal items), Teva sandals (popular river trip footwear), cold pop, film, gifts. Store hours are 7:30 am-6:00 pm.

GENERAL INFORMATION

AT THE PUT-IN
The "put-in" is river language for the launch site. Here you'll meet the other guides. This is a very busy place with other groups launching. Once you've accounted for your personal bag and placed it near the boats, sit back and relax. Next, the trip leader will give an orientation on safety and trip policies.

LIFE PRESERVERS
Life preservers (or PFD's) are the most important safety factor on your trip, and MUST BE WORN AND BUCKLED AT ALL TIMES WHILE ON THE RIVER. They are provided to you by Adrift. This is a strictly enforced company policy and park regulation. For your safety, PFD's should fit tightly so it will support you in the water. A loose jacket may even come off in the river. Be sure an Adrift guide checks the fit of your PFD. Keep track of your PFD at all times and note the unique number on it. It's your "friend." Since river currents are often swift, children must wear a PFD while playing in or near the river, and PFD's must be worn by everyone while swimming.

PERSONAL SAFETY AND HYGIENE
You should be extra safety-minded on this trip because you are a long ways from hospitals, doctors and pain medicine. In the interest of your safety and others on the trip we ask that you consider the following:
· WASH YOUR HANDS- ALWAYS wash your hands before every meal, before entering the kitchen, and after using the toilet. Bacteria can spread rapidly through a group if you do not wash your hands. A hand wash station with soap is provided at each meal and camp.

· USE THE TOILETS- At camp and during the day a portable human waste toilet is provided. When at camp the toilet or "groover" is setup in a private spot to allow depositing feces, toilet paper and tampax. Please do not urinate into the toilet, or drop foreign objects, such as applicators, food or packaging into it. Since there is only one toilet, please use the facility quickly. For your safety and others on the trip, and to protect park resources, please use our toilets. If you must go "Number 2" during the day outside camp, we have a "day groover" with all the necessary items. Ask a guide for directions.

Please urinate INTO THE RIVER, or into a separate pee or "sunshine bucket" near the toilet, but NOT INTO THE TOILET. It is very important not to urinate in the toilet, around camp or behind rocks for three reasons. One, research has shown that urinating into the river is the safest method of disposal because urine is usually sterile and decomposes rapidly in moving water. Two, urinating in the toilet creates so much volume that the toilet becomes too heavy to carry out. Three, low rainfall does not "wash away" urine and camping areas can begin to smell.

· HELP IN THE KITCHEN- New state health regulations do not allow guests to assist the guides in preparing meals. So just enjoy your free time. But please wash your own dishes and utensils, and if you wish, you can help guides with washing pots, etc.

· SUNBURN- Sunburn is a BIG health concern, because it can make your trip miserable. It is very easy to quickly get a burn at this altitude and dry climate. Keep covered with sun block, hat and/or clothes.

· WEAR SHOES- Walking around at camp without shoes can be hazardous because there are sharp rocks, cactus and sticks. The most common injury on a river trip, and one subject to infection, is a foot injury.

· DEHYDRATION- Drink a lot of water, much more than you would at home. Dehydration is a subtle but very common problem on desert river trips. This is because of the low humidity and your elevated activity levels. Signs of dehydration are few urination, afternoon headaches and lethargy. You'll be moody and unhappy if you get dehydrated. Drinking alcohol can promote dehydration.

· NEVER DIVE INTO THE RIVER- You can often not tell the depth of the river, so never dive head first. Avoid a serious neck injury.

· ALCOHOL- If you wish to drink, do so in moderation.

· WATER FIGHTS- Water fights can be fun, but they can also result in injuries. They can quickly become violent and dangerous. Therefore, we discourage wild water fights, and jumping from boat to boat is not allowed at any time. Please respect others who desire to stay dry and peaceful.

· Keep in mind that this is a wilderness river trip. You will be active during the day and should be in good physical condition. Good conditioning helps you enjoy your river trip even more.

HELP US PROTECT THE FRAGILE RESOURCES ENCOUNTERED IN YOUR ADVENTURE

You will be traveling in a spectacular, but fragile national park. This is a protected area, and as such we try very hard to keep adverse impacts to park areas we visit to a minimum. Help us make our programs responsible and sustainable travel. Prior to the launch of your river trip Adrifts guides will give you more detailed information and techniques for keeping impacts to a minimum. But here are a few things to consider before you arrive.

1. Off trail hiking can cause erosion, and it can take up to 50 years for fragile soil coverings to fully recuperate. So please stay on designated trails.

2. The Indian rock art can be easily damaged. Touching the rock leaves a film of oil on them, which speeds up the deterioration process. So, please do not touch rock art.

3. A substantial number of other people may use your campsite after you leave. With this level of use the disposal of human wastes can be a problem. So Adrift has developed a sanitary system for carrying out human waste. Please use our portable toilets.

4. Adrift is proud of our efforts to recycle and conserve materials we use on the trip. Please help us in these activities.

5. Make sure your children and other members of your group do not remove anything in the park. Thanks.

WHAT TO BRING

Space on rafts is limited so don't bring any unnecessary items. Bring comfortable loose fitting clothes that can get wet. You are issued a quality watertight duffle bag for your gear prior to the launch. Please limit your gear to 30 pounds. There is one large water-proof ammo can for cameras in each oar boat. There are no water-proof cans on paddle rafts or kayaks, so you may wish to bring your own, or buy special gear bags at the Adrift store. Adrift Adventures is not responsible for articles that get wet or broken. NO GLASS BOTTLES, please. We advise buying beverages in cans or transfer to plastic bottles if you bring wine or liquor. Eating utensils and plates are provided. Excess travel baggage should be stored in your vehicle or with your motel.

Tents, sleeping bags and pads are NOT provided, but can be rented (bag and pad-$15; and a two person tent-$15) at the Adrfit store. If renting, notification is needed at least one week prior to the launch.

PERSONAL GEAR CHECKLIST

Items available for purchase from Adrift prior to trip or at Adrift store are shown in red. Items available for rent from Adrift are in Blue.

__ small backpack type tent

__ compact sleeping bag; sleeping pad; ground cloth

__ fleece, wool or pile sweater

__ binoculars (carry at own risk)

__ rain suit or poncho (it CAN rain, this is important)

__ small towel and washcloth

__ long pants (for camp)

__ flashlight with extra batteries

__ sunglasses with tie strap

__ swimsuit and/or shorts

__ hat or visor

__ suntan lotion and chapstick

__ insect repellant

__ t-shirts and long sleeve shirt(Official Adrift t-shirts)

__ wool socks

__ polypropylene or capelene underwear top

__ waterproof camera, camera and film (carry at own risk)

__ water bottle with securing device

__ eye glasses with securing system, like Chums

__ camp shoes (DRY shoes other than river shoes for hikes or for comfort)

__ rafting sandals or river shoes like laced tennis shoes that can get wet

__ last night is "dress-up night" so bring informal, fun, or wild clothes.

__ toilet articles (toothbrush, comb, biodegradable soap such as Ivory)

__ plastic bags for wet or dirty clothing

__ cash for beverages and guides accept gratuities for a job well done.

PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP
To make packing easier for you, we encourage you to stop by the Adrift warehouse before 6pm the day prior to launch and pick up a waterproof bag and any rental gear. You can also tell us where you are staying locally and you can request we drop off your dry bag in the lobby. This will allow you to leisurely and carefully pack the night before we meet you. Note the unique name on your personal bag so you can identify it later.

Each person is given a waterproof duffel bag, called a "personal bag." All of your personal items, such as sleeping bag and clothes, must fit in your personal bag, except for large tents for which we have a separate "tent bag." Once packed, personal bags are given to guides at the launch site and after each breakfast and are not accessible until camp. Items which you will need during the day should go into a large waterproof duffel bag, called the "day bag," which is available on each raft. If you want more immediate access to personal gear, consider purchasing a small waterproof bag at the Adrift store or bringing your own. Prior to the launch the Adrift Trip Leader will instruct you on how to pack and close personal bags. Make sure you can properly close your personal bag or it will leak. Carry beverages, water bottle and special food items to the launch site and a guide will store them for you.

The night before the trip set aside what you'll be wearing on the river the next morning. Take time to pack everything on the Personal Gear Checklist. Pack all items for camp in your "personal bag." Place the items you'll want to go in the "day bag" in a frame-less day pack, a plastic bag, or in a small waterproof bag. Items which we recommend being placed in the "day bag" include; sun block, camera (carry at own risk), raincoat, extra shirt (polypro), light sweater, binoculars and river guide or books.

"WHAT DO I WEAR ON THE RAFTS IN THE REGULAR SEASON?"
Daytime temperatures in the regular season (Mid-June, July and August) are often in the 90's, but a brief rain shower and rapid splashes can quickly cool you off. While on rafts most people wear shorts and/or swimsuit, a t-shirt, tennis shoes that can get wet, and sun screen/block, with a wool sweater and rain coat readily available in the boats dry bag. If you wear long pants for sun protection we recommend a fast drying fabric like nylon. We advise against cotton blue jeans because they stay wet all day. Call us if you have questions!

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUTH 7-12
In the interest of safety no children under seven (7) years old. We require that an adult parent or guardian accompany each child ages 7 to 17 on the trip. Parents and guardians are primarily responsible for looking after the safety of their children during the entire trip, especially when on rafts or near the river. At some camps Adrift has a "Director of Fun and Learning" who will organize kids activities so parents can sneak away for a while. Children ages 7 to 11 will need to wear their life jackets at all times while on the rafts and when near the river. Parents will need to bring extra sun protection for their kids. We recommend a tearless waterproof sun block which can be purchased at our store. Please do not bring any electronic games, such as Game Boy, or portable music recording devices. This encourages your children to listen and play in nature. Other parents object to their kids being drawn to your child's electronic devices.

GRATUITIES
Our guides work hard to provide you with the best possible river trip. If you feel that their service has been extraordinary, we suggest a gratuity of 3-5% of the trip price. This can be given to the Trip Leader who will then distribute it equally among the crew. As with all tipping, this is of course optional and solely at your discretion.