Set aside as an American treasure in 1915 under the National Park Service, Dinosaur National Monument is an open-air archive of ancient Native American sites and far-out fossils unearthed by wind, water and time. 

The Yampa River is the one major tributary in the Colorado River system that runs wild and free, straight to the heart of Dinosaur National Monument. It flows free with fresh, surging run-off from miles above—waters originating from the melting snows and glaciers of the world-famous Colorado Rockies.

Easily manageable Class III and IV whitewater rafting flows carry paddlers through colorful canyons of red, yellow, and orange and on into Dinosaur National Monument. A billion years are captured in these canyon walls, along with the remnants of various life forms that existed long before humans. Our pathway through time showcases some of the oldest exposed rocks in the world, ones that have been folded, lifted, and split by eons of geological forces.

Drawing on the perspectives of contemplative practice, secular mindfulness, and the wisdom of the natural world, each day begins in peaceful silence with early morning movement and meditation before breakfast, followed by a day of exciting rafting, quiet hiking and delicious meals. In the evenings we’ll gather beside the river for a talk and meditation before we settle back into silence for the night. Experiencing intentional silence in the wilderness is a rare and special opportunity that supports the letting go of the natural stresses of everyday life.

Check out this OARS interview with Heidi for a little more about this special trip: There's Power in Silence on the River

Come experience the beauty of the Yampa River, the magnificence of this ancient land, and extended time in the wilderness!