10 Best Whitewater Rafting Places In Colorado

colorado rafting

If you’re interested in whitewater rafting in Colorado, there are several places to choose from. Clear Creek Rafting Company offers trips that last 45 minutes and are located in Idaho Springs. Tickets start at $79 per person and include a wetsuit and free digital photos.

The Animas River in Pagosa Springs is an ideal place for beginners to take their first rafting trip. This 126-mile river is a tributary of the Colorado River and is generally ice free during the winter months. It’s great for beginners, families, groups, and experienced rafters alike. Depending on the level of your skill and ability, you can choose a one-day or 3/4-day trip on this river.

Colorado Rafting

If you’d prefer an easier trip, you can take a trip on the Numbers River. This Colorado river has a series of class IV rapids with pool-drop style obstacles that are less intimidating than Pine Creek. Numbers is located about 2 hours and 15 minutes from Denver. You’ll need to reserve ahead of time, so plan ahead.

There are many places in Colorado for whitewater rafting. Some of the most popular rivers include the Animas and Arkansas Rivers. You can go rafting with a family or friends, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery and wildlife along the way.

Upper Clear Creek

Located in the high country along the Continental Divide, the Upper Clear Creek Colorado watershed serves as a source of water for many Colorado cities. This creek is an excellent spot for whitewater rafting. The river has rapids of Class II-V and areas that are more gentle for younger rafters. The river is also nestled within a beautiful forest, offering stunning views.

Upper Clear Creek
Upper Clear Creek

The Upper Clear Creek Colorado offers a variety of whitewater rafting experiences. A popular whitewater rafting section is the Dumont section, which features five miles of Class III and IV rapids. Take-out locations include Idaho Springs and Kermit’s Access. This section is fast and exciting, but is not too technical for beginners.

Make sure you have the right equipment before you go on your trip. In case the weather turns cold, don’t forget to pack a spare set of clothes. A paddleboard or kayak might be a good option. This will make your trip more exciting.

Tubing on the Poudre River

Tubing on the Poudre River is a great way to spend time on a hot summer day. It’s also much cheaper than going to a water park and you can enjoy the scenic views. You can even bring your own food and drink to enjoy while you float. Just make sure to sign a waiver before you go.

Poudre River
Poudre River

Be safe. The Poudre River is a powerful and unpredictable river. The Poudre River Authority works to protect the river by offering a variety of resources and information. If you want to float the river, make sure to check the Poudre Rock Report and wear comfortable shoes. You can also check the river flow by looking at the Poudre Rock Report.

The Poudre River is located in Northern Colorado, east of the Continental Divide. The watershed is a rich one for farmers, ranchers and recreation enthusiasts. It has been a lifeline for Northern Colorado since the 1800s and is one of the state’s most important natural resources. The river provides water for agriculture, recreation, gravel mining, and wildlife refuge.

The lower Mishawaka section of the Poudre River has class III rapids and is ideal for beginners. It is also an excellent section for those who are looking for a less intense rafting experience. Fortunately, there are several options for takeout. Often, take-out access is available at Poudre Park Picnic Grounds.

Rafting in Aspen

Rafting in Aspen Colorado is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. This picturesque town has a small community of experienced whitewater rafting companies that offer a variety of trips. You can choose from trips on the Arkansas, Colorado, and Roaring Fork rivers. Each trip offers different levels of difficulty. From beginner to experienced rafters, there are trips for everyone.

Rafting in Aspen
Rafting in Aspen

Guests can also choose to float the Stillwater section of the Roaring Fork River, which runs through the North Star Nature Preserve. This section of the river is particularly great for families with young children. In case you are not comfortable with the rushing river waters, you can purchase an inner tube or store-bought inflatable. It is best to wear old tennis shoes to protect your feet. Flip-flops or Crocs are not appropriate. Sunglasses are also a must. Hats are also a great choice to protect your face from the sun.

Aspen Colorado is well known for whitewater rafting. If you are the adventurous type, you’ll love this exciting activity. Local guide companies offer trips for all levels of experience.

Gore Canyon – The Third Most Technical Whitewater Rafting Trip in the United States

Paddle through the scenic Gore Canyon, Colorado on a challenging whitewater rafting trip. The canyon is rated as the third-most technical rafting route in the United States and features class V rapids like Kirshbaum’s quarter mile rapid and Tunnel Falls. A safety orientation is mandatory before paddling down the canyon.

Gore Canyon
Gore Canyon

The scenic gorge is nearly 12 miles long, stretching from near Dotsero to Glenwood Springs. The walls of the canyon rise up to 1,300 feet above the Colorado River. The narrow, twisting gorge once served as a route for roads and railroads through the Rocky Mountains. Today, a scenic road follows the southern rim of the canyon and is part of the Colorado Headwaters Scenic Byway.

There are several sections of this river that are suitable for beginners to intermediate rafters. The Lower Canyon section is more difficult but is also the most scenic. The river flows at their peak mid-May to mid-June. Plan your trip now, to enjoy the rafting season at its peak. You can even take the kids rafting with a local guide!

Gore Canyon Colorado is a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts to spend a day. It has a wide variety of hiking trails, a river that winds through it, and a natural hot spring. The area is also home to a few waterfalls, making it a great place to take a picnic lunch. You’ll be surrounded by a beautiful landscape, and the views of the Grand Mesa will be spectacular.

San Miguel River

The San Miguel River is a great river for beginners as it has both class II and sometimes class III rapids. You can raft in several sections of this river, each offering different views and experiences.

San Miguel River
San Miguel River

Lower sections are more fun, while the upper sections can be more challenging. Rafting must be safe and in good health to be able handle the rapids.

The San Miguel River is not a popular place for whitewater rafting, but it does offer a variety of exciting sections. The best time to paddle this river is during early to mid-summer, when the river is open for small craft. The water quality is generally good, although it is cold and should be purified before drinking. In addition, you should wear layers of water-repelling clothing to protect yourself from hypothermia. The river is also home to several campgrounds.

Taylor River

The Taylor River is one of the fastest rivers in Colorado and descends from the western slope of the Continental Divide. The scenery is spectacular, and you’ll have a blast rafting in the fast-moving whitewater. The upper section of the river offers continuous class three and four rapids, while the lower section is slower and more forgiving. The river is dam-controlled, so you can raft it all summer long, from May through September. You’ll need to maneuver your raft precisely to avoid getting swept away in the rapids. Regardless of whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced rafter, a trip on the Taylor River is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

Taylor River
Taylor River

Most commercial rafting companies run on the Upper Taylor River, which is home to several fun Class III rapids. While most commercial operators operate along this section from put-in to take-out, you can also choose a place to start your trip farther north. If you’d like to raft through some of the most scenic areas, you can start from the northern put-in, which is located just above Initiation. From here, you’ll be able to enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains and canyons, and may also encounter wildlife and beaver dams in the Gunnison National Forest.

A stay at the Taylor River Lodge is an ideal way to enjoy rafting on Colorado’s famous river. The lodge is set in a secluded canyon near Crested Butte. You can fly in on a private plane or take a commercial flight to reach the lodge. From there, you can enjoy hiking trails and fishing, as well as a mile-long stretch of semi-private river. In addition, you can also enjoy the lodge’s rock climbing wall, archery range, and hatchet throwing area.

Clear Creek River

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the Clear Creek River in Colorado. You can spend the day exploring historic sites, paddling over Class III and IV rapids, and seeing wildlife. But if you’re looking for a more relaxing, family-friendly option, you should check out the Lower Clear Creek rafting trip, known as the Gold Rush Tour. It’s a perfect river trip for young families and outdoor enthusiasts with caution.

Clear Creek River
Clear Creek River

The lower section of the Clear Creek River is perfect for intermediate rafters and runs parallel to Highway 6. The rapids in this section are less extreme, and beginners may find the ride a little too easy. Those who prefer a more challenging challenge can choose the Upper Clear Creek section, which features Class IV rapids and is perfect for the more experienced rider.

The Clear Creek is a perfect river for whitewater rafting in Colorado. It starts in the Rockies and creates a wide variety of whitewater. The river is ideal for beginners and experienced whitewater enthusiasts alike, and a wide range of rafting trips are available at the Clear Creek Rafting Company. Clear Creek also offers several family rafting adventures that are perfect for families and groups.

Among Golden’s top recreational attractions, Clear Creek runs through the heart of the city, offering scenic beauty and recreation to all who visit. The creek is a natural resource that has been increasing in popularity in recent years. Many visitors also enjoy walking and biking along the trails along the creek. The city works to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. In 1998, the city opened the Clear Creek Whitewater Park, one of its most unique recreational attractions. One quarter mile of splashing fun awaits adventurers.

Piedra River

If you’re looking for a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure, you can’t go wrong with the Piedra River. This free-flowing mountain stream rolls with spirited whitewater in the spring. It’s also one of the more regulated rivers in Colorado, so it requires a good eye for rapids and wildlife.

Piedra River
Piedra River

The Piedra River is about 22 miles long and offers rapids of Class II to IV. The scenic route winds through a canyon with lush forest surrounding it. There are two sections to this river, and both are exciting and fun. The upper section is technically difficult and fast, so it’s best for experienced rafters.

The Lower Piedra River is 12 miles long and is rated as Class III-IV+. It travels through a beautiful box canyon and features several drops and wave trains. It also features a number of narrow chutes that offer fast, exciting whitewater action. The best time of year for this river is between the first and second half of May. Aside from the summer, the Piedra River is also accessible during the winter months.

There are a variety of whitewater rafting opportunities in Colorado, and the best trips are those that combine adventure with scenic views. The best whitewater rafting tours in Colorado will include knowledgeable guides, thrilling moments, and beautiful scenery. Choose the best one for you by evaluating consumer feedback and expert reviews.

San Juan River

The San Juan River in Colorado offers the ideal opportunity to experience whitewater rafting in a beautiful setting. It flows through the San Juan National Forest and the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. You’ll be surrounded by gorgeous scenery and wildlife, including golden eagles, elk, beavers, and bears. The river has several put-in and take-out points, varying in length and level of whitewater. You’ll also have the opportunity to hike and explore cultural artifacts along the way.

San Juan River
San Juan River

The San Juan River is a gentler river than most, making it ideal for families with young children. However, you should check with the company you choose if there are any age restrictions. For older children, you can opt for inflatable kayaks, which allow them to experience the rapids with greater intensity. Unlike rafting, inflatable kayaking also has no age limit and is perfect for people of all ages and abilities. You can also choose from a variety of trips to suit your schedule and level of experience.

The most popular section of the San Juan River in Colorado is the Pagosa Springs Town Run, which can be reached from the Highway 160 access or the Riverside Campground. It has several Class II-III rapids and is suitable for half-day trips. Rafters can also choose between the East and West Forks to continue their journey.

Arkansas River

If you’re looking for an exciting river trip near Denver, Breckenridge, or Vail, Colorado, consider an Arkansas River rafting trip. Located in the Rocky Mountains, the Arkansas River has beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife. During your trip, you’ll see bighorn sheep in Bighorn Sheep Canyon and rainbow trout darting through the water. The river also passes through red canyons and monolithic boulders.

Arkansas-River
Arkansas-River

The Arkansas River rafting trip starts near the Continental Divide in Leadville, Colorado, a town with a mining history. The Arkansas River gains momentum as it winds through the mountains, benefiting from the abundant snowmelt in Colorado. The river offers different types of rafting trips, from family floats to Class IV and V whitewater. Most trips are half-day, but you can extend your trip to a full day.

The final section of the Arkansas River is called Browns Canyon. It’s about 45 minutes north of Boulder, and features class III-IV rapids. This section is considered beginner to intermediate, but it can be challenging for more experienced rafters. The water moves quickly, and there are small waves. You’ll have to be nimble and precise with your boat to avoid getting tossed around.

The Arkansas River offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the west. The Arkansas River starts near Leadville, Colorado, and drops over 5,000 feet in its first 125 miles. Most popular sections include the Royal Gorge and the Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Other exciting trips include the Pine Creek, which is perfect for adventurous adults and families.

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