Stargazing on the Yampa River! This trip will be a highlight of this year’s stargazing series. Both the Yampa and its dark skies are rare, endangered creatures. The Yampa is the only major river in the Colorado River system that isn’t regulated by a dam. And light pollution means that nearly 90% of the world’s population lives in places where they can no longer see the Milky Way. Holiday invites you to be a part of this unique trip. Experience the wild, untrammeled canyons of the Yampa River and the wonder and awe of a truly dark sky.
The Yampa River flows through Dinosaur National Monument, which was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2019. Ride the natural spring flood cycle of the Yampa through canyon walls so white they reflect the starlight. The Yampa River is a treasure chest of spectacular scenery, biodiversity, native flora and fauna, and rich cultural history. Most importantly, it’s the perfect place to escape from the bright, busy modern world. Rediscover what is possibly the most human experience of all: looking up into a truly dark sky and tracing the outlines of our cosmos. Join our resident star guide, Tom Beckett, and the rest of our professional crew for five days of stargazing on the Yampa River.
Read more about why the Yampa is WILD: Insider’s Guide to the Yampa River.
Vernal, Utah: Things to Do and Places to Explore
Featured Review:
“This was my first introduction to stargazing, and I’m hooked. Our guides and guests were a perfectly eclectic group that combined to make a truly excellent adventure. Tom (aka ‘The Star Lord’) took us on an incredible journey through the stars each night. Unforgettable in my book! The knowledge, humor, and skill (and, yes, patience) our guides demonstrated was top shelf, for sure. I would advise anyone contemplating their first trip to ‘come on in and go with the flow’. You won’t regret it.” (Carol Norquest)