Beginner Rafting
Our Beginner Whitewater Rafting Trips
| River | Trip Name | Class | Min Age | Basecamp |
| Clear Creek | 1/3 day beginner | 2/3 | 5 and 50lbs | Idaho Springs |
| Colorado | Colorado River Experience | 2 | 4 or 40 lbs | Breckenridge |
| Arkansas | Brown’s Canyon full day | 3/4 | 7 | Buena Vista |
| Arkansas | Brown’s Canyon 1/2 day | 3/4 | 7 | Buena Vista |
| Blue River | Blue River 1/2 day | 2/3 | 6 | Breckenridge |
Beginner Rafting Information
Beginner river rafting adventures are a perfect activity for the whole family. Everyone from children (as young as four years old) to parents and grandparents will enjoy beginner rafting in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. It’s a great way to get the whole family to experience nature and the outdoors while remaining within everyone’s comfort levels.
Beginner Colorado rafting adventures are the perfect outdoor activity for people who are more timid or those who are not as comfortable around water. Remember, river rafting is a lot more then just crazy whitewater. It is wildlife, nature and history brought to you by knowledgeable, professional guides. All these factors make a day outside in the Colorado Rocky Mountains one you will never forget.
When choosing a Colorado rafting trip you should always keep in mind the ability of every member of your group. It is a good idea to pick an adventure that is geared toward the person with the lowest ability level. Remember, river adventures — even the most mellow experiences — are fun and a great way to introduce the entire family to Colorado’s great outdoors.
A positive Colorado white water rafting experience can involve excitement as well as wildlife, beautiful views, rich history told by knowledgeable guides and most of all, enjoying a comfortable experience with friends and family. However, Mother Nature did not take into consideration the “perfect whitewater rafting adventure” millions of years ago when she formed the rivers of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Keeping this in mind, it might be necessary to adjust your expectations in order to accommodate everyone.
Because difficulty levels for Colorado white water rafting adventures can vary depending on water levels and weather conditions you will sometimes see two different ratings for an adventure. The rating will often increase (get more difficult) in the early season during peak water flows due to high water levels and cooler weather conditions. High water season can be the best time to raft if you are looking for big adventure. 
High water season in Colorado is typically early to mid-June, peaking around the summer solstice (mid-June). This can differ depending on weather and snowpack. For more detailed information about water levels and weather conditions you can contact our knowledgeable reservations staff at 800-997-3448.
Minimum ages are also available to help you find your comfort level. Our minimum ages are not mandatory, they are a guide for you to use when making a decision about the adventure you are choosing. Factors that go into minimum ages include but are not limited to a person’s height, weight, physical ability, mental ability and maturity levels. These factors, along with years of experience taking thousand of guests rafting have gone into setting minimum ages. We reserve the right to refuse service based on a person’s age or ability level. Minimum ages can change based on weather and/or water conditions.
| Beginner = first timers, young children |
Intermediate = aggressive first-timers, teens |
| Advanced = experienced paddlers looking for an adventure |
Expert = very experienced paddlers only |
RIVER/RAPIDS CLASS RATING SYSTEMThis is strictly a subjective scale. You can characterize a rapid by class or give a general class to a whole river even though it has several different classes of rapids within it. The class of a rapid or river can change at different water levels. The temperature of the water, the air temperature, the remoteness of the river and the difficulty of a rescue can all influence the rapid’s class. Class II – Novice. Moderate rapids with regular waves, small drops, clear passages and wide channels. Occasional maneuvering may be required. Class III – Intermediate. Moderately difficult rapids with larger irregular waves, often narrow channels. Complex maneuvering to avoid obstacles required. Class IV – Advanced. Intense, powerful rapids requiring precise maneuvering in fast, turbulent water. Complex channels with many significant obstacles to be avoided. Class V – Expert. Extremely long violent or obstructed rapids, often following each other almost without interruption. Drops may have large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with difficult routes. Steep gradient. Class VI – unrunnable Classifications of river sections may change due to water levels. For help in choosing a trip or any questions you might have please, call 1-800-997-3448 and our office personnel will be happy to assist you in putting together a river experience. Or, e-mail us at: info@raftingcolorado.com |
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Highside Adventure Tours, Inc. (DBA Good Times Rafting, Colorado Adventure Center) operates under special use permits with the White River National Forest, Colorado State Parks (Arkansas River Headwaters Area), Bureau of Land Management (BLM Kremmling office), Clear Creek County and is an equal opportunity service provider.
All Lower Colorado River (Shoshone Rapids) and Roaring Fork trips offered through Rock Gardens Rafting a fully licensed and permitted outfitter.
