Five Things That Make Lodore Canyon Epic
February 2, 2018
Originally, John Wesley Powell just named the entrance to Lodore Canyon. “The Gates of Lodore” is what he called it, evoking the gates of heaven. And heavenly the place is. There, the wide canyon narrows between steep cliffs. You descend into an intimate and wild landscape, one of our Holiday guides’ favorite spots on the river.
Here are five things that make Lodore Canyon epic.
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Intimate Canyon Vibes
Perhaps the most serene and unobtrusive way to enter a canyon is by river. You float atop the water, leaving barely a trace. The canyon walls tower over you, and every part of nature seems to go about its business as if you were an intimate friend, a part of the natural flow of the environment. This is especially true in Lodore.
Our guides frequently describe it as a place that ‘holds’ them as they float down the river. As if some friendly giant has scooped up the water of the river into her hands and the boat is merely floating along like a twig.
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The Technical Class 3-4 Rapids
When the river narrows, its current quickens. In Lodore Canyon, the narrowing Green River rushes over all kinds of submerged rocks and crevices, creating some world-class rapids.
The technical class 3-4 rapids in the canyon include the aptly named “Hell’s Half-Mile,” and “Disaster Falls.” But don’t worry, with Holiday’s guides at the helm, your boats will not feel hellish, nor will they face disaster.
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Ecological Transition Zone
Due to the unique geography of this part of the Green (right where the Uinta mountains meet the Colorado Plateau), you get to float through some incredible ecosystem diversity that really can’t be seen anywhere else. It’s what we call an “Ecological Transition Zone.”
As you float from low-alpine to high-desert terrain, you will notice the temperature change, but also the flora and fauna. You move from pines to junipers, and from moose to pronghorn. As the river continues south, you end up at its confluence with the Yampa in Dinosaur National Monument.
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It’s the Back-Door to Dinosaur
Thankfully, Dinosaur National Monument was saved the axe in President Trump’s recent crusade to reduce national monuments like Bears Ears. Perhaps it’s because the monument has less opportunities for oil and gas development. Or, maybe they just forgot about the monument like so many others seem to.
Dinosaur is one of the lesser known geological attractions of the Colorado Plateau. Although we appreciate this fact (more solitude for us!), it makes no sense. Dinosaur has red rock canyons to rival canyonlands. It has eagles, antelope, coyotes, and every other charismatic high-desert fauna you could want. And, of course, it has dinosaurs!
Floating down Lodore takes you right into the monument. When you come through this way you don’t have to worry about traffic or finding a camping site!
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Incredible Cultural Sites
After you have floated through Lodore and some other mind-blowing sections of the river like Echo Park and Whirlpool Canyon, you get to a very special place. Here, you can get off the boat and go to check out pictographs and petroglyphs left by people from the Fremont Culture.
Looking at this art from another time, from before the rivers were dammed and polluted, from before people needed ‘national monuments’ to protect their land, we can contemplate where we are at today. What does our own culture worship and elevate? How do we pay homage to what came before, and protect what is left for future generations?
If you’re convinced to experience Lodore Canyon for yourself, check out our available trips and book your seat today!
Easton Smith is a Local Wasatch Front resident and writer. He spends his time community organizing, rock-climbing, and playin’ some mean banjo.