Sophia May
Family Whitewater Rafting Colorado – The Rocky Mountains are known for the epic whitewater rapids they produce, and Colorado boasts its fair share of mountain rafting spots. From the Arkansas to the Animas, there are more than a dozen commercial floating rivers.
We have featured some of the most popular and best rivers for white water rafting in Colorado. You can find these bodies of water in all corners of the Rockies. The main season for rafting is from September to September, depending on the conditions. Earlier in the season the white water was angry as a result of the snow melt.
Family Whitewater Rafting Colorado
There are floats for everyone on these rivers, from beginners and novices, to seasoned adrenaline junkies and thrill-seeking families. You can choose half-day or full-day trips, although some rivers offer overnight trips with camping. Whatever type of rafting trip you are looking for, you will find it here. All the necessary equipment is provided in the trade guides.
Best White Water Rafting Trips In The Us
The mighty Arkansas River is the most navigable river in the state, and one of the best known in the country. The headwaters of the Arkansas River begin near Leadville and flow south through Buena Vista and Nathrop, to Salida, before heading east to Cañon City, Pueblo, and the plains.
. This advanced trip leads through a narrow canyon, encountering some Class IV and V rapids along the way. You will pass under a beautiful suspension bridge and perhaps by train.
During your long trip in the Rockies, there are other popular rafting sections along the Royal Gorge in Cañon City. Thrill seekers will enjoy drinking
Durango is the largest mountain city in Southwest Colorado by population, and one of the largest in the state with approximately 20,000 residents. The historic town is best known for its narrow-gauge railroad, but the Animas River provides energy and excitement year-round.
Welcome To The Best Place For Whitewater Rafting In Colorado
The beauty of the Animas River is lazy floats and whitewater rushes that can be found on half and full day trips.
Run the center of Durango that offers the convenience of two sections. This is a family-friendly float with guaranteed thrills by going through the man-made rapids of Durango Whitewater Park.
Start north of the city near Purgatorio, Durango’s mountain resort. It has the distinction of being the longest, continuously operating Class IV-V commercial highway in the United States, 30+ miles. The impressions continue!
The most famous river in Northwest Colorado is the Yampa River. It is the longest un-dammed river in the state. Rafting trips along the Yampa River are usually relaxing, multi-day lazy river trips, perfect for a peaceful vacation and sightseeing in Yampa Canyon.
Best Colorado Springs Whitewater Rafting Trips
Since Vernal, UT is the most popular town around the Dinosaur Country Monument, many overnight tours meet and go there. Rafting trips along the Yampa River provide the opportunity to encounter Class III and IV rapids, best done from May to July. They are usually multi-day camping and rafting trips, some 4 or 5 days.
The Colorado River runs from near Kremmling southwest of Radium, Glenwood Springs, and into Utah and beyond. There are many great sections of the Colorado River to raft, from family-friendly trips down Glenwood Canyon near Glenwood Springs, to more rugged, rippling whitewater in
Considered by many to be Colorado’s slanderous, commercial whitewater floater, Gore Canyon is far from your average water surface. This epic, advanced whitewater section near Kremmling is reserved only for experienced anglers with experienced guides. It produces many Class IV and V strong winds that are severe when the CFS and water are high.
Down from Kremmling and Gore Canyon is the Pumphouse Recreation Area. It has 3 boat launches for various trips with its Class II and III jets. It is located a few kilometers upriver from the
Colorado Whitewater Rafting Rivers
Near Glenwood Springs. It is very popular for groups of friends and families looking for half and full day trips. Your guide can take you to the river’s ancient hot springs (not Radium). Due to the length of the river, people have been known to float short sections, although it is a good river for overnight camping/rafting trips as well.
The Animas River is a tributary of the San Juan River, which flows toward Pagosa Springs. It may not offer the longest rafting river, or the whitest water, but for a few months each season, it makes for a great new, introductory rafting experience.
It goes right through the whitewater park in downtown Pagosa. Then once you have a swim under your belt, tackle one or two sections of another local swim.
The San Juan River is part of the Piedra River, and a tributary of the San Juan River. It has its sources in the north of the city deep in the national forest. From high in the center of the San Juan Mountains, the Piedra River flows southwest of Pagosa Springs, about 20 miles west of Pagosa and 40 miles east of Durango. It enters the San Juan River at Arboles, which flows into the Navajo Aquifer.
Whitewater Rafting On The Colorado River Near Glenwood Springs
Located northwest of Pagosa Springs. The rides are technical so they are best for kids ages 12 and up. It includes many Class II, III, and IV rapids. If you’re feeling adventurous and really want to experience the best of Colorado, combine it with an overnight rafting trip that hits the Lower Piedra River the next day. Ranchers lead tours, set up tents and cook for you.
. It’s worse than many big drops during your run through a thousand-foot-deep casket. This section has lots of fun and is suitable for ages 16 and up. Piedra means “stone” in Spanish, so it is. took the name “The River of Stonewall”. The packed hike below Lower Piedra features Class IV rapids, descending some deep box canyons.
Conveniently located on the north side, the Cache la Poudre River offers great white water rafting west of Fort Collins. Known simply as the Poudre (“Poo-der”), this river has a limited number of divers who lead trips on it, so it is smaller than the others.
You will find several lengths that are milder and wilder for each type of roof. They usually meet west of Fort Collins and take you further west of your launch site.
Choosing The Best Colorado Whitewater Rafting Trip
It is the best place. It is located on the Cache La Poudre-North Park Byway, a national highway that travels west to Walden from Fort Collins. The river itself is the only designated national park and scenic river. Choose from a beginner/intermediate half day of Class II and III Rapids and/or a half day of advanced Class III and IV Rapids on the Poudre River.
Rafting usually starts in mid-May and goes to early September for easy floats and early August for more difficult ones.
Irora River is a South West coast fishing spot if you allow it. This is a bit hit and miss though as there are limited flights, usually starting in April and ending in June. Those in the know know it as one of the best multi-day rafting trips available in Colorado and beyond. It takes you through some exciting canyons and drops during the 175 mile floatable section.
Illnesses float anywhere from 3 to 10 days into the trip. Most trips usually depart from nearby Cortez, but longer trips meet in Durango, heading further up the mountain
Whitewater Rafting In Colorado
Remember that the window on this river is limited, depending on the conditions and water level, so it is usually in May. You’ll hit a Class III high speed route, suitable for ages 10 and up.
In Denver’s mountain backyard, Idaho Springs offers an amazing swimming opportunity close to the Metro. Just 30 miles west of downtown I-70 brings you to this historic mining town. Half and full day trips are available to raft Clear Creek. You can organize trips suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced paddlers.
Is the highest river in the state that floats commercially. It flows through a narrow canyon within Clear Creek Canyon, creating many technical rapids and high drops. You wouldn’t know it from the road, but this river has a wild ride. 80% of the area is public land, so nature and wildlife are always present.
The snow produced high in the Rocky Mountains provides the perfect recipe for the maze of rivers flowing on both sides of the continental divide. In the spring they feed on whitewater found in more than a dozen commercial rafting rivers. Apart from what has already been mentioned, here are other great places to experience the sport of rafting.
Family Whitewater Rafting Colorado
Have a safe and exciting whitewater rafting experience on one of these Rocky Mountain rivers! Remember, each river has its own season from May to September, some early rivers are shorter while the white water is at its peak, so plan accordingly.
You can check USGS water level data for Colorado streams. Compare that to the appropriate CFS level for the river you plan to raft. Of course, your guide will bring this to you, so call one
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