| River | Trip Name | Class | Min Age | Basecamp |
| Clear Creek | 1/2 day intermediate | 3/4 | 14 | Idaho Springs |
| Clear Creek | Full day intermediate | 3/4 | 14 | Idaho Springs |
| Arkansas | Brown’s Canyon full day | 3/4 | 7 | Buena Vista |
| Arkansas | Brown’s Canyon 1/2 day | 3/4 | 7 | Buena Vista |
| Arkansas | Narrows full day | 3/4 | 12 | Buena Vista |
| Arkansas | Narrows / Brown’s 2 day | 3/4 | 12 | Buena Vista |
Intermediate whitewater rafting adventures are great for people looking for a little more than a beginner experience but who are not ready to challenge themselves with advanced or expert adventures. Intermediate adventures are good for aggressive first-timers and experienced paddlers. They are often the right fit for large groups since they accommodate a wide variety of comfort levels. While they typically offer a lot of excitement, intermediate white water adventures take place on more manageable sections of the river.
The best thing about running rivers in Colorado is the wide variety of difficulty levels. White water rafting in Colorado has something for everyone from four-year-old children to experienced whitewater enthusiasts. When choosing a white water raft trip you should always keep in mind the ability of every member of your group. It is a good idea to choose a whitewater adventure that is geared to the person with the lowest ability level. Remember, every river adventure is fun, even the most mellow experiences.
Remember that a rafting adventure is the total experience that creates memories of a life time. A positive Colorado white water rafting experience can include 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. 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’s comfort levels.
Because difficulty levels for Colorado white water rafting adventures can vary depending on water levels and/or weather conditions an adventure will sometimes have two different ratings. The rating will often increase (get more difficult) early season during peak water flows; this can be 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 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 guest 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 I – Easy. Small riffles. No significant waves or obstacles. 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 successful river experience. Or, e-mail us at: info@raftingcolorado.com. |
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