Colorado whitewater rafting is an exciting family activity or a great adventure for teambuilding, a group reunion or for the experienced rafter.
Whitewater rafting is broken down to five different classes: Class 1 and class 2 rapids range from a mild float trip to mellow whitewater, great for families and normally children as young as age 6. Class 3 whitewater is fine for the inexperienced but expect midsize rapids and getting wet. Class 4 and class 5 whitewater are big rapids, technical and are for the experienced.
Whitewater in Colorado can be found on the Colorado River and the upper Colorado which is typically class 1 and class 2 rapids. The most popular river is the Arkansas which ranges from class 3 in the Browns Canyon section to class 4 and class 5 in the numbers section, as well as Pine Creek and the Royal Gorge. Clear Creek in Idaho Springs offers class 2 and class 3 whitewater. The Cache La Poudare River outside of Fort Collins is for intermediate and expert skill levels.. Right outside of Breckenridge, Frisco and Dillon is the Blue River great for early season rafting. In Vail the Eagle River excellent in June for class 3 whitewater.
With companies located near dozens of Colorado towns, including Buena Vista, Salida, Steamboat Springs, Winter Park, Vail, Grand Junction, Durango and Fort Collins, it’s never hard to find a good place to get on the water.
Check out our recommended whitewater Outfitters that includes:
- Summit County: Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Keystone, Frisco, Silverthorne & Dillon Vail Valley: Vail, Avon, Beaver Creek, Eagle & Edwards
- Grand County: Winter Park, Grand Lake, Granby, Fraser & Kremmling
- Aspen Area: Aspen, Snowmass, Glenwood Springs, Basalt & Carbondale Steamboat & Steamboat Springs
- Front Range: Denver, Boulder, Golden and Estes Park.
Do your research check out the outfitters experience, safety records. Insurance, what they provide (wet suits, helmets, snacks, water or lunch)