Lodore Canyon with the Last Wild Buffalo

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We are teaming up with The Last Wild Buffalo for a second year, this time in Lodore Canyon!

The Last Wild Buffalo is “a stomp-and-holler powerhouse blending folk, rock, Americana, bluegrass, and a rebellious streak of punk” who will be bringing their infectious energy to the Gates of Lodore.

Known for it’s exciting, splashy rapids and wildly spectacular geology, Westwater is one of our most popular trips for good reason. We’re thrilled to bring our music trip series into its walls. Come float with us and these amazing musicians for an unforgettable adventure vacation!

About the band:

Born in the backyards of Utah, forged in the wilds of Alaska, and tested on the road across 17 states, The Last Wild Buffalo is more than just a band—it’s a movement. They exploded onto the scene with and energy and a sound that feels as untamed as the landscapes that shaped them. In 2024, they hit the road on a self-funded, nine-week tour, playing 33+ shows across the country. By the year’s end, they had performed 116 times, honing their live show into an electrifying experience that fueled a growing, dedicated fan base.

We acknowledge the Indigenous inhabitants of Lodore. In an effort to end the erasure of the traditional inhabitants of the land through which we travel, Holiday acknowledges that Lodore Canyon is the homeland of the Eastern Shoshone people and the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) people. We honor and respect these people, and continue to develop our land acknowledgment initiative. Read more here.

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Trip Overview

Type:

Music
Location:

Green River - Dinosaur National Monument
Length:

4 Days
Dates:

August 26th - 29th, 2027
Meet at:

Vernal, UT @ 7:00 PM (night before)
Difficulty:

Intermediate
Min. Age:

8
Prices:

$1,615
Deposit:

400

Highlights

Live riverside concerts in nature's best auditorium
Crystal clear water flowing through a steep, gorgeous canyon
Lush vegetation and wildlife, including bighorn sheep, river otter, and birds of prey
Wonderful hiking to waterfalls and archaeological sites
Internationally recogonized dark skies allow for amazing stargazing

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Lodore Canyon with the Last Wild Buffalo

Insider’s Guide Things to Do in Vernal, UT FAQs

Rates & Dates

Itinerary

The Green River flows into the imposing Gates of Lodore and into the heart of Dinosaur National Monument in northwestern Colorado. 19 miles downstream, the Green reaches its confluence with the Yampa River at Echo Park before dropping into Whirlpool Canyon and across the state line into Utah. It calmly meanders through the idyllic Island Park, and then speeds back up into Split Mountain Canyon for eight more miles of rapids before reaching the Split Mountain boat ramp and our take out point.

Sample Itinerary

Night Before

We will host a pre-trip orientation meeting the night before your trip at 7:00 p.m., Mountain Time at our headquarters in Vernal, Utah. You will meet your party, learn how to pack your waterproof bags, drop off personal drinks, and learn more about what to expect on the river. This is a good time to buy any last minute items from our on-site store (see our packing checklist for a list of items you will find).

Day 1

Watch for raptors and pronghorn antelope on the three-hour drive from Vernal to the put in at Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge. Float through the impressive Gates of Lodore and imagine you’re one of John Wesley Powell’s boatmen, entering the great unknown. Winnie’s and Disaster Falls are the first major rapids we’ll encounter- just a small taste of what’s to come. Enjoy soft sand and gorgeous views as you set up camp for the first night, then gather around the campfire for our first riverside concert.

Day 2

Wake to your guides pouring you hot coffee and serving you a hot breakfast!

While the river miles traveled today may be short, the excitement is high as the canyon narrows and technical rapids emerge: Harp Falls, Triplet Falls, and Hell’s Half Mile.

Tonight’s camp is perfect for a game of beach frisbee or horseshoes. Hike at Rippling Brook and discover a secluded waterfall before enjoying another delicious river-front dinner and more foot-stompin’ bluegrass!

Day 3

At the confluence of the Green and Yampa rivers at Echo Park, the canyon widens and the river circles Steamboat Rock. If possible, the band will play some tunes as we float through this peaceful section of river.

Downstream, the river cuts through the dramatic Mitten Park Fault and enters Whirlpool Canyon. The afternoon may be spent at Jones Hole Creek, a blue-ribbon trout stream with side canyon petroglyphs and a waterfall.

Day 4

After the last few rapids of Whirpool Canyon, enjoy the peacefulness of Island and Rainbow parks before entering another massive gorge. Run Moonshine, S.O.B., Schoolboy, and Inglesby rapids and slide into the take out at approximately 2:00 p.m. Our expected time of arrival back at our headquarters is about 4:00 p.m.

Please keep in mind that this is a sample itinerary and may not be the exact trip you’ll experience. Lodore Canyon offers countless options and each trip may feature different highlights. This is just one possible itinerary. Keep an open mind, be flexible, go with the flow, and enjoy!

Guide Jac pushes through Hells Half Mile

One of the best parts of a river trip is the flexibility. Weather, assigned campsites, river conditions, and countless other variables mean that every trip is different. This sample itinerary illustrates one possible four-day trip through Lodore Canyon.