The PickPockets Bluegrass Band on the Green River

Sample Itinerary

Meet your party at our headquarters in Vernal, Utah, the night before your trip at 7:00 p.m., Mountain Time for a brief pre-trip orientation. Pick up your waterproof bags, drop off personal drinks, and ask any pertinent questions about your trip. You can also purchase any last minute items from our accessories store at that time (see our packing checklist for a list of items you will find at our store).

Day 1:

Meet back at our Vernal headquarters bright and early for the scenic three-hour drive to the put in at Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge. Our trip begins about 50-miles downstream from Flaming Gorge Dam; the water here is crystal clear and inviting. Shortly after we float away from the put in, we’ll pass through the Gates of Lodore – welcome to one of Utah’s hidden gems! You won’t know where to settle your gaze – the green water below you, or the stunning red walls surrounding you. Stop for your first lunch on the river, and then we’ll prepare for our first major rapid of the trip. A brief scout above the rapid, gives way to screams of delight as the waves hit the top of the raft. We’ll pull over shortly afterwards to make camp for the evening. Bask on the soft sand, nap, or take a short exploratory hike before dinner is served. Spend the evening marveling at what live bluegrass sounds like in this slide of paradise.

Day 2:

Wake with the sun as it traces the canyon walls with its light. Enjoy an easy morning and delicious breakfast before setting out for the day. As the canyon narrows, more rapids emerge: Harp Falls, Triplet Falls, and Hell’s Half Mile. Although a shorter river mileage day, adventure beckons at every river bend. From camp, hike at Rippling Brook and discover a secluded waterfall, and possibly a scenic overlook perfect for The Pickpockets next performance!

Day 3:

Take in the spectacular geology, including the Mitten Park Fault, before reaching the confluence of the Green and Yampa rivers at Echo Park. Here, the canyon widens and the river circles around Steamboat Rock and into Whirlpool Canyon. Spend the afternoon hiking Jones Hole Creek, a true desert oasis with a clear stream, lush vegetation, side canyon petroglyphs, and a waterfall. Relax into camp for one final dinner and show.

Day 4:

Enjoy a peaceful morning in Island and Rainbow parks before floating into yet another massive gorge. The Green’s powerful forces cut laterally through Split Mountain’s uplifted and colorful core, exposing more breathtaking geology. Run Moonshine, S.O.B., Schoolboy, and Inglesby rapids, arriving at the take out at approximately 3:00 p.m. Our expected time of arrival back at our headquarters is about 4:00 p.m.

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