Yampa River – near Steamboat Springs-Dinosaur, CO

The Yampa River is a 250-mile long, free-flowing river in northwestern Colorado. Its source originates in the Rocky Mountains while its mouth is located in Dinosaur National Monument.

The word “Yampa” is derived from the Snake Indian language and references the Perideridia flower. Because of how the river flows, the Yampa is known to be a haven for recreational activities.

Yampa River Route

Image of the Yampa River Basin Map — Yampa River Basin Map. Photo: Shannon1

The Yampa River begins near the town of Yampa, where the Bear River and Phillips Creek merge. It flows north by Phippsburg and into the Stagecoach State Park before traveling into Lake Catamount.

It continues north through Steamboat Springs, passing Milner, and 4 miles east of Hayden there is the Yampa River Preserve. This natural conservation area protects and preserves this region of the waterway’s habitat. After Hayden it continues to Craig before reaching the Dinosaur National Monument, where it converges with the Green River.

Activities on the Yampa River

Yampa River, CO — Yampa River in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Photo: Jeffrey Beall

Since the Yampa River is so long, it offers various activities at different locations. In Steamboat Springs, a popular summer venture is to go tubing down the river, typically from June through August. The earlier the faster the current.

With places to grab a bite and plenty of riverside stops offering drinks, guests can choose between a small trip or hours of fun.

Image of a person rafting on the Yampa River in Colorado — Boating on Yampa River. Photo: Owen Richard

Whitewater Rafting in the Yampa River State Park is another fun area to find some river action. While most of the waters in this area are pretty calm, there are some spots that produce Class III-V rapids.

There’s plenty of other ways to get in the water, as there are 134 miles between Hayden and Dinosaur National Monument that have more than a dozen boat launch points. Some areas near the national monument require permits, so that’s something to look into before departing.

Image of a bridge going across the Yampa River near Steamboat Springs — The Yampa River near Steamboat Springs. Photo: Jim & Robin Kunze

The Yampa River has plenty of spots for anglers that enjoy both the warm-blooded and cold-blooded species. Near the Yampa River State Park, the trout are famed for being some of the largest and healthiest in Colorado.

Fishing near Steamboat Springs can bring northern pike, small-mouth bass, and trout, meanwhile, with the river’s west side also offering catfish.