OARS Dinosaur
OARS Dinosaur
5
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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About
Join OARS Dinosaur (formerly Don Hatch River Expeditions) for a 1- to 5-day whitewater rafting adventure. Enjoy the thrills and excitement of whitewater rafting on the Yampa River or Green River in Dinosaur National Monument - some of the best river rafting in the West – or on the Green River through Flaming Gorge.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
338 reviews
Excellent
325
Very good
6
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Diederik v
6 contributions
Sep 2021
The O.A.R.S. Green River through the Gates of Lodore trip was an amazing experience that I can highly recommend! The trip was extremely well run by highly capable guides. The emphasis on safety and health enabled everyone to fully enjoy the awe inspiring scenery and starry night skies, as well as the fun and sometimes challenging river. The food was very good, including salmon and steak, and chicken and pasta, all prepared by guide/cooks who knew their way around a kitchen. The surprise bakery quality cheesecake for dessert, and the surprise bacon and egg "McMuffin" for breakfast were especially delicious, as they were so unexpected. The coffee was excellent as well, and a daily highpoint. At night, a couple of guides played the guitar and sang songs, ranging from folk to bluegrass, as we all sat around a large camp circle and watched the sunset and the stars come out. Through activities and other forms of engagement, the guides also did a great job of integrating a group of 19 strangers into a group of friends, many of whom are likely to stay in touch after the trip. They were knowledgable about the history and about the geology of the region, so much so that I'm inspired to learn more now that I'm back home. The hikes to see Freemont Culture (AD 200-1200) petroglyphs and pictographs were great. And the games, like Bocce and etc... on the campground beaches were a lot of fun. The equipment was first class, and all in excellent condition. They use Vanguard Venture Series inflatable kayaks, and NRS larger rafts. The Vanguards are known for their stability in whitewater. Each day, we could choose to go on a larger raft, oared by a guide; on a smaller paddle boat, where everyone participated; or on a tandem or solo kayak. Something for everyone! Finally, the experience of being disconnected from technology for 5 days was fantastic. No cell phones, no internet, no distractions, just nature:)
Written September 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventure Seeker
3 contributions
Aug 2020
This was our first time rafting and we had a great time! We stopped on the way to the raft launch and walked up to see some of the petroglyphs which was unexpected and a great bonus. Prior to getting into the rafts our guides explained all safety details to us. Our guide, John H., was extremely knowledgeable of the history and the surroundings around us and made our trip super fun! About half way through the raft trip we pulled over to a beach and the guides made a great lunch while we all swam in the river and enjoyed the sun! This is a great trip for all levels of rafters, and the scenery is spectacular. We can't wait to go on the next adventure with them!
Written September 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy K
Oakland, CA4 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Our family of four (two adult daughters and my husband and I) enjoyed an amazing Gates of Lodore rafting trip (3 nights) on the Green River. We all came away thrilled by the experience on the river and by the incredible natural setting. This was all made possible by the wonderful OARS crew, Drew, Nina, and Jack, and by the superlative trip leader, Mike. We were impressed by their skills and by their knowledge of the river, geology, and history of the area. They made us feel welcome and safe as they worked long hours each day, seemingly effortlessly, to provide this experience.
There were a few ways to travel on the river, from kayaks to a stand-up paddleboard to a paddle boat to an oar boat (where the crew member did all the work!). This meant that everyone had the opportunity to try each kind of boat at various points of the trip. The more adventurous frequently used the kayaks, but there were calmer areas where the more cautious types (like me) could try out kayaking also! The rapids on the trip were enough to give a bit of a thrill and a good deal of splashing, without being scary. But for me what made the greatest impression was the awe of traveling through a beautiful canyon of ancient rocks.
The food (all prepared by the crew) ranged from good to excellent.
We were also fortunate to be on a trip with a great bunch of other travelers.
The weather started off a little cool due to an unusual storm, which made dipping in the river less appealing, but got hotter as the days went by.
The only less positive elements were that we had a lot of yellow jacks join us at some meals. This didn't bother my family much, but it did freak out a few people. Also, the peeing arrangements were a little difficult for a woman of my age (66), but were far from insurmountable and not a deal breaker. Just be prepared!
I would not hesitate to recommend this trip to anyone, including anyone who has never rafted a river before.
There were a few ways to travel on the river, from kayaks to a stand-up paddleboard to a paddle boat to an oar boat (where the crew member did all the work!). This meant that everyone had the opportunity to try each kind of boat at various points of the trip. The more adventurous frequently used the kayaks, but there were calmer areas where the more cautious types (like me) could try out kayaking also! The rapids on the trip were enough to give a bit of a thrill and a good deal of splashing, without being scary. But for me what made the greatest impression was the awe of traveling through a beautiful canyon of ancient rocks.
The food (all prepared by the crew) ranged from good to excellent.
We were also fortunate to be on a trip with a great bunch of other travelers.
The weather started off a little cool due to an unusual storm, which made dipping in the river less appealing, but got hotter as the days went by.
The only less positive elements were that we had a lot of yellow jacks join us at some meals. This didn't bother my family much, but it did freak out a few people. Also, the peeing arrangements were a little difficult for a woman of my age (66), but were far from insurmountable and not a deal breaker. Just be prepared!
I would not hesitate to recommend this trip to anyone, including anyone who has never rafted a river before.
Written September 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your wonderful review, Amy! It sounds like it was an awesome family trip, and we're so happy you had such a great time on the river with the guides. When you're ready for the next big family adventure, let us know!
Written September 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jeff K
4 contributions
Jun 2021
My family and friends did the 3 day Gates of Lodore trip June 13th - June 15th. Although we had fun, the trip overall was a bit disappointing. I know it's not OARs fault but the ongoing draught makes this more like a Class II with a few Class III rapids tour.
The food was OK at best. Same chips, cookies, green apples for lunch snacks everyday. Don't expect to have a cold soda for lunch. Want ice for a drink for dinner - not going to happen.
Dinner was average. Good but average.
These are large rafts that carry all of the equipment downstream. There is only 1 paddle boat. The paddle boat was how I imagined all of the rafts were going to be configured. There were 4 large rafts that do not allow one to experience the rapid in an exciting manner ( think large immovable barges). The sole paddle boat was tough to get a rotation into. I'd recommend a single day trip if you're an adrenaline junkie and want to get bounced around a little bit (especially with the lowest permissible water flow for this run). Single day trips do not have to lug all of the supplies thus they are lighter and the ride is more adventurous. The paddle boats everyone paddles. The 18 foot rafts, only the boat captain steers/ paddles.
It was fun; just not the trip that I thought I was signing up for.
The food was OK at best. Same chips, cookies, green apples for lunch snacks everyday. Don't expect to have a cold soda for lunch. Want ice for a drink for dinner - not going to happen.
Dinner was average. Good but average.
These are large rafts that carry all of the equipment downstream. There is only 1 paddle boat. The paddle boat was how I imagined all of the rafts were going to be configured. There were 4 large rafts that do not allow one to experience the rapid in an exciting manner ( think large immovable barges). The sole paddle boat was tough to get a rotation into. I'd recommend a single day trip if you're an adrenaline junkie and want to get bounced around a little bit (especially with the lowest permissible water flow for this run). Single day trips do not have to lug all of the supplies thus they are lighter and the ride is more adventurous. The paddle boats everyone paddles. The 18 foot rafts, only the boat captain steers/ paddles.
It was fun; just not the trip that I thought I was signing up for.
Written June 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are sorry that you didn't have a great trip. The water level is obviously outside of our control, but we appreciate your other points of feedback and will share them with our operations team.
Written June 22, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Happiness634764
10 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Our family brought a group of 10 including adult siblings, and teenagers. We had a blast. The trip was well organized, and enjoyable! The guides do everything to make sure everyone has a great time, feels safe and can take some leaps - literally! Jake was a great sport and kept us informed and entertained throughout the ride!
Written August 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We love hearing that you and your group had a fun adventure on the river with us! Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, and we hope to see you on the river again.
Written August 8, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brad D
Park City, Utah, United States54 contributions
Jul 2020
Just took my three kids (ages 15, 13, and 10) on the 4 day Gates of Ladore trip with OARS rafting, and I gotta say that it was a fantastic trip! The canyon itself was breathtaking, and seeing wildlife such as bald eagles, bighorn sheep, beavers and skunks to other sites like waterfalls and petroglyphs made the trip that much better.
Our guides (John, David, Maddie, Eddie and Travis) were absolutely top notch and made both river safety and minimizing the Covid threats the number one priorities. They had lots of great knowledge about the river and the geology, plenty of interesting stories, and lots of fun activity options for both the kids and the adults during the afternoons after rafting.
The rafting itself was a mixture of calm water mixed in with a lot of class 2,3 and 4 rapids, and not only did we run the river in oar boats, but they also provided inflatable kayaks (which my son liked the most) and a stand-up paddle board that we could use when the water wasn't too rough.
We are already planning our next trip with them next year!
Our guides (John, David, Maddie, Eddie and Travis) were absolutely top notch and made both river safety and minimizing the Covid threats the number one priorities. They had lots of great knowledge about the river and the geology, plenty of interesting stories, and lots of fun activity options for both the kids and the adults during the afternoons after rafting.
The rafting itself was a mixture of calm water mixed in with a lot of class 2,3 and 4 rapids, and not only did we run the river in oar boats, but they also provided inflatable kayaks (which my son liked the most) and a stand-up paddle board that we could use when the water wasn't too rough.
We are already planning our next trip with them next year!
Written July 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian J
Austin, TX88 contributions
Aug 2021
An exceptionally well organized trip. Maddy did a phenomenal job as the trip leader, though all the guides were thoroughly professional, knowledgeable, and fun to be with – thank you Zack, Garth, Maggie, Max and Travis! As a team, they worked exceedingly well together, which really made for a suburb trip. Guest safety was clearly paramount, and handled very well indeed. The meals were varied, filling, nutritious and delicious, and the equipment was all first-rate. OARS is polished and thorough in their execution, and having led various wilderness trips myself, I can thoroughly recommend them without any reservations whatsoever.
Written August 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the review, Brian--we love hearing from our guests and it's wonderful to hear positive feedback from someone who has personal experience leading wilderness trips. We are delighted to hear that you had a first-rate trip and we hope to see you back on the river again!
Written August 31, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eric
San Marcos, CA188 contributions
Aug 2021
Did the one day Split Mountain tour. There were 4 rafts total. Three with people, and one with food. Great time and great guides. Lunch was Mexican wraps with sliced fruit as well. Guides were knowledgeable and considerate. The raft had a young kid (second grade) and guide was good in answering his questions and ensuring everyone had a good time. The 9:30 start included orientation and explanations. Two vans took us to put in place and picked us up at the end. Very well coordinated. Great value.
Written August 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us--we love hearing that you had a wonderful trip! Thank you for choosing OARS and we hope to see you on the river again.
Written August 23, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nita B
Bainbridge Island, WA27 contributions
Jul 2021
Oh my gosh. We have been on numerous river trips over the years but our guide, Julia, was the best. We hit some class 3 rapids and got a little wet but we were strong paddlers. The river volume is a bit low due to climate change but the rapids were still fun on July 29, 2021. OARS guide Benny gave the best orientation we have ever had on any river trips, not that the others were lacking. His was just the best. The lunch was GOOD and prepared on the spot at our lunch pull-out location. Fruit and veggies appetizers prepared on site, not beforehand, same as the chicken salad wraps. Yum!!! I highly recommend OARS, and especially Julia.
Written August 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your feedback and review, Nita, we love hearing that you had such a fun trip!
Written August 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David M
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
I was looking for a destination for my first rafting trip. I selected Oars based on their website and the great conversation that I had with the Oars rep. She suggested that The Gates of Lodore on the Green River running from near Dinosaur, Colorado to outside of Vernal, Utah would be the perfect first time trip for our family trip. Let me tell you that the river, the beautiful scenery, the food, the weather and especially the crew, did not disappoint! I had hoped to come away enjoying this trip, but we were just gobsmacked with the beauty on this river. We were 7, including 3 children, parents and two grandparents. The challenges that we took on in the cool waters temps, and Level 2, and even 3 in the kayaks, and hikes to cool places, camping, meeting new people and all the rest, was perfect for us. The crew were professional, focused on safety while being patient with the 100 questions from kids and grown kids alike. These are nice people who also happen to know their craft! I recommend Oars Dinosaur to anyone looking for a new adventure for your family. Be ready to eat, because this altitude, the activities and the smell of the camp with food cooking will bring you running when they harmonize their call of coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Thank you to our guides Zack, Tess, Yeti, Strom, Drew and Edie! We can't wait to go back!
Written August 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! Thank you for such a glowing review! We're so happy to hear what an incredible journey you and your family had with our guides down the beautiful Green River through the Gates of Lodore. If y'all have caught the rafting bug, let us know! There's so much adventure out there to be had!
Written August 4, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I am interested in knowing more about a 1 day trip, when and where does it start and end specifically. I'm hoping to have time for it after driving up from Moab.
Written February 17, 2019
I went on a 4 day trip and it was FANTASTIC! We went out of Vernal, Utah. I know that they also have 1 day trips just give them a call. In my opinion they are a very professional outfit and will not steer you wrong
Written February 18, 2019
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