Green River
Gates of Lodore River Guide
A spectacular canyon section of the Green River within Dinosaur National Monument, offering splashy rapids, vertical canyon walls, and well-established camps. Suitable for rafts and kayaks during dam-controlled releases.
Know when Gates of Lodore hits your CFS window or when a permit opens. Create a free account to get started.
Weather Forecast
What's the daily forecast at the put-in for Gates of Lodore?
Current River Conditions
What's the current CFS for Gates of Lodore based on the nearest USGS gauge?
Current Water Level
1,280CFS
Updated May 15, 9:30 AM
Ideal Water Level
1,100–20,000CFS
Flow Trend
Sign in to view recent water level trends and historical data
Common Questions
What paddlers most often want to know about Gates of Lodore.
Do I need a permit to run the Gates of Lodore on the Green River?
Yes — a permit from Recreation.gov is required for all private trips through Gates of Lodore in Dinosaur National Monument. Low-use dates and unclaimed high-use dates become available at 8:00 AM MT on March 6 each year.
What class of rapids does Gates of Lodore have?
Gates of Lodore runs Class II–IV, with the most significant rapids being Disaster Falls, Triplet Falls, and Hell's Half Mile. The vertical canyon walls of the Lodore Canyon create a dramatic setting for these substantial drops.
How long is the Gates of Lodore river trip in Dinosaur National Monument?
The classic Gates of Lodore trip covers approximately 44 miles from the put-in at Dutch John to the take-out at Split Mountain, typically run as a 4–6 day trip through Dinosaur National Monument.
What are the most famous rapids in the Gates of Lodore?
The most significant rapids in the Gates of Lodore are Hell's Half Mile (Class IV), Triplet Falls (Class III–IV), and Disaster Falls (Class III). These drops are the defining features of this spectacular canyon run.
What makes Gates of Lodore unique compared to other Green River trips?
Gates of Lodore is set within the sheer quartzite walls of Lodore Canyon in Dinosaur National Monument — one of the most visually dramatic river canyons in the West. The combination of serious whitewater, vertical canyon walls, and outstanding wilderness camps makes it a standout permit trip.
Calendar
Here are some key dates to remember for Gates of Lodore.
Seasons
May 11 – Sep 12
Peak season requiring lottery permits
Permit System
Recreation.gov
Notes
All Low Use permits from March 7th 2026 - March 6th 2027, as well as any unclaimed high use permits. Available at 8:00 a.m. MT on March 6.
Permit cancellations on Gates of Lodore are claimed fast — often within minutes. Sign in to see real-time availability and get notified the moment a permit opens.