One of the perks of volunteering at Dinosaur National Monument was the opportunity to go river rafting with the rangers down the Green River. Jon and I jumped at this chance, as normally it costs around $1,000 per person to go with a group and there are limited passes available. Riding with two rangers was a special experience, since we were with professionals who navigated the rapids and turns of the river expertly. A trip down the Green River can last anywhere from three days (if you rush) to six days (if you take it slow). Our rafting trip was four days, although I left early since one of the stops was at Echo Park where we were living.

We could spot the occasional mountain goat on the cliffs, but various birds were the most common wildlife along the river.

We started out at headquarters, loading our gear into waterproof bags and packing the coolers with food. After loading the rafts on the trailer, we drove a couple of hours to the starting point at the Gates of Lodore on the northern edge of the park. We dragged the rafts and carried the gear across the beach to load into the water and eventually set off, with Jon and I each riding in a raft with a ranger. They paddled us leisurely down the water, as we all chatted and got to know one another better.

Jon and I just had to sit back and relax while on the river – what a pleasant way to spend a few days!

A majority of the trip was quiet, smooth, and relaxing. There were long stretches of slow-moving water with nothing but the birds chirping to break up the silence. Every once in a while, we came upon rapids; Jon and I braced ourselves on our seats as the rangers navigated around the rocks and through the waves. The most turbulent was Class 3/4 (the classification depended on the height of the water) but these were handled with care and precision, making us feel safe and comfortable.

We wore helmets and life vests for safety, but thanks to the expertise of our guides, we never had need of them.

At many of the rapids, we would stop and wait on the shore for a commercial group to go through. The rangers waited with ropes and floatation devices, in case anyone would tip or fall into the water. While this did happen a couple of times, everyone reached safety and had no injuries. Despite names like Disaster Falls, we were unharmed and went through the rapids with excitement and safety.

We stopped along the shoreline after each set of rapids to ensure the groups made it through safely.

Natural campsites were scattered along the river, providing places for us to stop and have lunch, explore, and set up camp. Each evening, we would all set up our own tents and then work together to erect the mess tent for dinner preparation. Camp chairs gave us a place to sit and relax, although we also took a few walks around to explore the campsites. We all took turns with dinner; Jon and I provided burritos the first night and then we had pasta and curry the next two nights. Once the sun went down, we spent time sitting around a small bonfire and gazing at the night sky before retiring to our tents.

One evening, we set up our tent on the sand next to the rock wall. It was so peaceful camping along the river each evening!

Over coffee and oatmeal in the morning, we got ready and loaded the rafts again. Mid-morning on the third day, we arrived at Echo Park; our campground was located on the river and provided a place for rafters to stop to refill water jugs and use the bathroom. I had decided to leave the rafting trip at this point; for those who know me, two nights of bush camping was enough for me! After a short break, Jon and the two rangers set off to finish the trip while I showered and relaxed at our cabin.

We set up a shade structure over our dining area, cooking with a gas stove and a foot pump for water.

The last night of the rafting trip proved to be the most exciting. While I was warm and dry in the cabin with a glass of wine, Jon and the rangers got caught in a rainstorm that lasted most of the evening. They rushed back and forth between the mess tent and our tent, the largest where the three men could sit and be dry while eating dinner. The ended their trip the next day, with Jon arriving at our cabin with wet gear and a huge smile on his face.

The canyons provided spectacular scenery for our trip down the river.

We were so thankful that the rangers at Dinosaur National Monument gave us the chance to raft down the river. We especially enjoyed getting to know the rangers who led us on the trip, as with everyone who worked at the park, they were friendly and welcoming. Jon and I never expected to do this during our volunteer stay at the park, but it gave us a unique view of the park that we never would have seen on our own. Gliding down the river between the high canyon walls was relaxing and serene – an experience that I would recommend to anyone with the opportunity to spend a few days in this part of the country.