Sophia May
Whitewater Rafting Denver Colorado – Ask any Colorado native how they ended up here and their story will be one of arriving for the winter and staying for the summer. It is not unusual for the famous state to be covered in snow during the opening ceremony. The star of the show, however, often comes when the spring sun turns mountain snow into water and the water flows into Colorado’s rivers in the summer and early fall.
For a landlocked state famous for its ski resorts, there are also plenty of places to play in the water when the roads are closed.
Whitewater Rafting Denver Colorado
Like most ski resorts, there are river and boat tours for every level of boater. And just as you need to plan your clothing and equipment before climbing a mountain, there is some preparation to be done before descending from a tree. Whether the goal is a relaxing float or spine power, there are trips —— and rivers — to suit both.
Denver White Water Rafting
According to Travis Hochardt, a guide with River Runners in Buena Vista, you should “start small and work your way up.” He recommends finding popular rigs with lower prices for a “light” trip or family float.
Statistical information is available for each river, but it can be misleading because each body of water can have a different velocity. Constantly fluctuating water levels with Colorado’s cold weather can make a river stronger one day and more difficult the next.
Class I waters have no significant waves or obstructions. Fast speeds and wide channels are typical for Class II. The mission is expected to be more difficult in Class III waters due to narrower channels and more obstacles. Class IV is for advanced paddlers who have the ability to handle fast water and strong currents. Only experts should attempt Class V waters due to high currents, difficult routes and poor speed with short rest periods between each obstacle. Finally, when Class VI waters are present, they are considered unnavigable.
Hochardt also recommends that small and medium-sized boats wait to enter the river until July and August, because then snowmelt is usually slow and quiet. For rafting during peak season – which varies but is usually between late May and early June – be prepared with a wetsuit or splash pad.
Colorado White Water Rafting Trips
A favorite among experienced guides, the Arkansas River (via Milk Run and Cottonwood Canyon) is an ideal destination for beginners because its rapids make great family trips. Another good place is Clear Creek, although the family is not as long as Arkansas.
The high level of difficulty in Royal Gorge makes it suitable for families with young children. With some of the most incredible whitewater in the state, if not the country, those looking for Instagram-worthy photos should stick their necks out from under the boat two miles off the highway. , with photos of the soaring Great Cliffs filling their social media following a half-day trip.
Besides Royal Gorge, Browns Canyon and Numbers (in Arkansas) are great places for hobbyists and adventurers looking for a successful adventure.
Whatever you choose, don’t go white water rafting thinking it’s a walk in the park. Ben Sack, who has been guiding rafters for 23 years and works with Ca-on City-based Echo Canyon River Expeditions, says the biggest problem he’s had with people is that they don’t consider their own limitations.
The Best Places For Whitewater Rafting In Colorado
“They expect the rafting equipment to take care of them, nothing else,” Sack said. “Don’t expect it. If you misrepresent your physical and mental abilities and something goes wrong on the river, you’re putting yourself in a very dangerous position.”
Problems can start if you don’t listen to the instructions on how to protect yourself in an emergency. They offer advice that can make all the difference in a good day or a bad one.
“If you jump out of the boat and into the river, don’t stop,” Hochard warned. “You can put your foot on a rock and the current will carry you away.”
Sack also says that even if you’re on a guided flight, don’t assume you won’t fall overboard.
Top White Water Rafting Near Denver
If you find yourself on the wrong side of a tree (ie in water) and can’t get back, don’t fight. Lie on your back with your legs out in front of you and slowly descend until you can exit and enter safely.
If you don’t know what you’re doing, don’t do it. Even if you have a life jacket and your phone is in a ziplock bag, a lot can go wrong. If the boat capsizes, you become stranded or lost, your landline is useless if there is no cell service and no one with you to organize a rescue.
If you’re not traveling with a professional guide, it’s important to plan ahead how you’ll get from point A to point B, so plan — and make a plan B, because if you skip the course, medicine won’t. The meeting Be equipped with the possibility of job hunting.
Half-day family floats can be booked for as little as $37 for children and $47 for adults, while more advanced trips start at $37-$90 for children and $45-$115 for adults. Some equipment will be included in the price of the trip, but tips are not. For half-day tours, a tip of $5-$7 per person is more common, but for full tours, $7-$10 per person is more reasonable. Our meeting point north of Fort Collins offers the closest and best whitewater rafting to Boulder. It takes an hour to get to our place. The views and waterfalls in Poudre Canyon are worth the drive. We hiked the Cache La Poudre River, Colorado’s only “Wild and Beautiful” National River. Unlike other waterfalls and cascades in Colorado, Poudre maintains a narrow canyon with a steady flow. Be on the lookout for wildlife such as deer, ducks, bald eagles, bighorn sheep and black bears.
Commercial Guided River Trips
Wanderlust offers rafting trips for families and thrill seekers. Our beginner to intermediate tastes of whitewater rafting are Class II and III high-speed adventures that are great for teams and families. This is our most popular tour. Our intermediate to advanced Blast of Whitewater trips blast along some of the best Class III and IV rapids in the state. This tour is great for seasoned hikers or those looking for an adventurous ride. We take first-time rafters with a blast all the time. We want you to be in good physical condition and able to row hard if you read this trip.
We highly recommend visiting Boulder before or after rafting with us. Boulder is rich in history, culture and fun activities and has many fun things to choose from. Some of our top Boulder activities include visiting the Flatirons, shopping at Pearl Street Mall, visiting the University of Colorado, hiking Eldorado Canyon, and dining at one of the best restaurants Boulder has to offer. Other fun activities include visiting the Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory, visiting the National Center for Atmospheric Research, shopping at the Boulder County Farmers Market, and enjoying the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. Can’t win!
White water rafting in Colorado is an unforgettable experience. We’ve been telling river stories over many years and thousands of river miles, and we want to be a part of your river story. Our Colorado rafting trips are designed with your competitive spirit in mind. Check out the Colorado Adventure Center for everything from scenic floats to exhilarating rafting trips for every experience level where you’ll have the chance to spot wildlife or just sit back and listen to nature. , and for crashing waves and heart-pounding whitewater rafting. Rowing Some trips offer same-day trips!
The Clear Creek Beginner Rafting offers easy rapids and beautiful scenery. A great choice for first timers, families and groups of all abilities.
Private Glenwood Springs Colorado River Rafting Trip
The Clear Creek Beginners River Rafting trip is a great trip for the whole family! The trip offers white rapids, beautiful scenery and calm flowing water. You will have breaks between Class II-III speeds where we help you develop your paddling skills. Take a break on your way through the famous mining town of Idaho Springs past the Argo Gold Mine and the Charlie Taylor Water Wheel. Watch out for the wildlife
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