BIKE-YAMPA BENCH
Dinosaur National Monument

In 1915 President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the Dinosaur area a National Monument. This designation has preserved Dinosaur leaving miles of unspoiled wilderness. The Yampa Bench weaves an exciting, scenic path through 50 miles of the park. Massive slickrock canyon walls with views of Lodgepole Pines on Blue Mountain make this canyon unique.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

One of the advantages of a bike trip is the flexibility of the daily itinerary. It can vary widely from one trip to the next based on group desires, Mother Nature, and courtesy for other groups in the area. This typical itinerary illustrates a bike trip through Dinosaur National Monument on the Yampa Bench. The Yampa Bench itinerary will vary with the time of season, weather conditions on the trip, and scheduling of campsites.

Day 1: Meet group at Holiday Expeditions headquarters in Vernal, Utah. A one and a half hour van ride takes us to Iron Springs Overlook for a magnificent view of things to come. Time to fill your water bottle and adjust your bike seat for one of the most spectacular downhill glides on the Colorado Plateau. Seven miles and two thousand vertical feet later you will have made the descent from the high plateau through Sand Canyon to the Yampa Bench. Riding along the mostly level bench takes us past breathtaking overlooks where we can view the Yampa River one-thousand feet below. We will camp near Johnson Canyon, where a short hike reveals an area noted for its rare plants.

Day 2: Day two will be our most ambitious day of biking (20-25 miles). A morning roller coaster ride takes us past the old Baker homestead, beyond Haystack Rock to the beginning of our climb over Blue Mountain's Ridge tops. Two miles and 700 vertical feet of pedaling deliver us into Bear Valley, where we receive our reprieve; several miles of smooth sailing. We will camp this evening at the head of Disappointment Draw with distant views of the Yampa Valley.

Day 3: This day begins with a short morning ride before hiking down Disappointment Draw to where our vans will be waiting. Arrival back in Vernal is approximately 1:00 p.m.

We meet for your trip in Vernal, Utah at Holiday Expeditions headquarters, 7:00 a.m. (Mountain Time) the morning your trip begins. If you arrive in Vernal by bus or plane, call our headquarters (789-4586) upon your arrival to make arrangements to have you and your gear transported to our headquarters the morning of the trip. If you are driving, your car can be left at our headquarters.

If you are flying, you can fly to Salt Lake City located 180 miles west of Vernal, Utah. From Salt Lake City you can rent a car and drive 3 hours to Vernal. You can also fly directly from Denver, Colorado to Vernal, Utah with Great Lakes Aviation. If you need assistance with your travel arrangements, please ask your Holiday Expedition reservation agent.

Lodging before and after your trip can be booked at one of five motels: This should be your next phone call after making your reservation as rooms sell out fast!

Dinosaur Inn 435-789-2660 (outdoor pool, hot tub, TV, airport shuttle) www.bestwestern.com/dinosaurinn

Antlers Motel 435-789-1202 (outdoor pool, hot tub, TV, airport shuttle) www.bestwestern.com/antlers

Days Inn 435-789-1011 (outdoor pool, TV, continental breakfast, lower rates) www.daysinn.com

Weston Lamplighter 435-789-0312 (outdoor pool, hot tub, TV, kitchenette, lower rates)

Super 8 435-789-4326 (indoor pool, TV, continental breakfast, lower rates) www.super8.com

Motels in Roosevelt: (1 hour West of Vernal)

Western Inn 435-722-4644 (outdoor pool, continental breakfast) www.bestwestern.com

Frontier Motel 435-722-2201 (outdoor pool, restaurant on premise)

BE SURE TO MAKE ADVANCE RESERVATIONS!

If you are camping out, there are camping facilities in Dinosaur National Monument at the Green River Campground, or the Split Mountain Campground (groups only). These campgrounds are a 35-minute drive from our Vernal headquarters and they have tables, fire pits, modern comfort stations, a water system, trailer sites, campfire amphitheater and a nature trail; there is also wood for sale. Reservations are required for the Split Mountain campground, and they require a $10 reservation fee plus $25/site to camp/night (435-781-7759). The Green River campground is on a first-come, first-serve basis and it is $12/vehicle/night to camp. An entrance fee is also required. There is also a Dinosaurland KOA in Vernal (435-789-2148).

If you have any questions prior to leaving for your trip, we welcome you to call our Salt Lake City office, Monday through Friday at 800-624-6323 (outside Utah), or 801-266-2087 (inside Utah). We're happy to take the time to answer your questions. You may also contact us by e-mail at holiday@bikeraft.com

IN THE EVENT OF EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES THE NIGHT BEFORE THE TRIP, OUR VERNAL HEADQUARTERS NUMBER IS 435-789-4586.

Beginning of the trip: Upon your arrival at Holiday Expeditions headquarters (7:00 a.m., Mountain Time), we will issue your bags. You can buy any last minute items from our accessory's store at this time (see check list of what to bring for a list of items you can find at our store). Before leaving our headquarters, each guest along with a Holiday guide will perform a pre-trip inspection of your bike. If you are providing your own bike, please make sure that it is in good repair, we recommend a complete service by a professional shop prior to the trip. Guests with bikes' that fail our inspection will be asked to rent a Holiday bike for $90.00/person. We will then take a one and a half hour van ride to the embarkation point.

After the trip: We will meet our van at Deerlodge Park, and then we will take you back to our headquarters in Vernal (2 hour van ride). Our expected time of arrival back at our headquarters is 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

The Bicycling: The Yampa Bench bike route follows a graded dirt road for most of the trip with a few steep down hills, and one extended uphill segment. This dirt road has steep gradients, loose rocks, sand, and ruts. Riders, who have no previous off-road bicycling experience, should be experienced road cyclists with good athletic ability. All riders should prepare for the trip by riding their bike on a regular basis prior to the trip.

Dinosaur weather: In early June temperatures in Dinosaur average 55 to 70 degrees during the day and 50 to 60 degrees at night. In late June, daytime temperatures are between 80 and 90 degrees with nighttime temperatures 60 to 70 degrees. A little rain can happen and can cool temperatures considerably. With this in mind we recommend you have a rain suit, polypropylene underwear, (fleece top and pants are nice in cool weather too) and a light tent. If you reserved a rental unit with us when you booked your river trip, we will have a tent and rain gear for you. There will also be sun, so bring a hat and plenty of suntan lotion and/or sunscreens.

Bugs, snakes, etc. are generally no problem. In fact, the lack of pesky insects is one of the reasons that wilderness camping in the desert is so pleasant. Any wilderness trip, however, is subject to an occasional localized insect hatch. During these hatches mosquitos can be bothersome. Be sure to bring long sleeve clothing and repellent. Insect repellents that contain "deet" are by far the most effective during heavy hatches, but are also suspected of causing various health problems. Citronella-based products (skin-so-soft) work only in light hatches. We rarely see any snakes, but if the thought of them bothers you, try sleeping in a tent instead of under the stars.

Hiking is strictly an optional activity. There are many interesting short hikes available. Hiking can be done in your biking shoes, durable sneakers, or lightweight hiking boots. Remember that hiking and other activities vary widely pending time, and what other plans are ahead for the day.

Medical emergencies: Our guides are trained in first aid and carry first aid supplies only. REMEMBER to bring your own prescription medicines. ALERT our guides to any medical problem you might have such as diabetes or allergic reactions. Wilderness expeditions are a long way from hospitals, doctors, and pain-relieving medicines. Evacuations to modern medical care are uncertain, and protracted. In case of evacuation and/or medical treatment beyond first aid, expenses incurred are the responsibility of the participant.

Cancellation Policy: If cancellations are made prior to 90 days before the trip, monies will be refunded less a $50.00 service charge per person. If cancellations are made within 90 days and outside of 45 days of the trip date monies will be refunded less a $100.00 service charge per person. Cancellations made within 45 days of the trip date are non refundable. Prior to 45 days to trip date we will transfer reservations to another trip in the same year with a $25.00 service charge per person. All policies will be enforced and we strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance. Cancellation of a trip is very unlikely, but we reserve the right to cancel any trip due to river or weather conditions or the lack of sufficient reservations. A full refund will be made if such is the case.

Insurance: Medical and cancellation insurance on a vacation plan can be obtained from numerous insurance companies. We offer plans underwritten by TRAVEL GUARD that cover accident, baggage and cancellation claims. An application should be enclosed with this information package. We encourage all to take advantage of this coverage. This is available to American and Canadian citizens, as well as citizens of another country as long as you have a U.S. address. If you have questions give us a call. Also, if you are bringing expensive cameras, binoculars, or other items we suggest you have insurance coverage for them (commonly available through Homeowners Policies). In the event of a loss, our insurance will not cover those items.

Tipping the guides: Many guests ask us if tipping is appropriate after the trip. If you feel the guides have been instrumental in your enjoyment of the trip, you may choose to direct a gratuity to the trip leader. He/She will then distribute it evenly to the other crewmembers. Of those that choose to tip, the average contribution amount ranges between $10.00 and $20.00 per guest, per day. However, the decision to tip is left to your sole discretion.

Beverages/Snacks: We provide ice water, gatorade, two sodas per day per person and ample cooler space. If you choose to bring any specialty sodas and/or alcoholic beverages, we have no problem taking whatever you want to bring - within reason. Don't bring beer, wine coolers or sodas in glass containers. Wine packaged in a box is ideal. Mark beverages/snacks that you bring so that you can keep track of them. In Utah, wine or liquor is not sold after 7:00 p.m., before 11:00 a.m. or on Sundays and holidays. We will have high-energy snacks and fresh fruit available, but if you have a favorite energy bar or snack bring it along.

Things to see in the area: Dinosaur Natural History Museum in Vernal (open 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.) www.dinoland.com, Dinosaur National Monument's Quarry Visitor Center and the Harper Corner Overlook. Also, nearby are the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, Jones Hole Federal Fish Hatchery, Ouray National Waterfowl Refuge, Uinta Mountains, and others.

Reading Material you may enjoy:

Canyon Country Prehistoric Indians Barnes $9.95

Legacy on Stone Cole $16.95

These books can be ordered online at our e-store, or by sending the appropriate amount listed above plus $4.00 shipping and handling for the first book, and an additional $1.00 for each book thereafter to Holiday Expeditions, 544 East 3900 South, SLC, UT 84107. This is available within the U.S. only. If outside the U.S. additional shipping and handling charges will be added. You can call 801-266-2087 for rates. These books can also be purchased at our headquarters in Vernal, or our website store at www.holidayexpeditions.com.

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