Zipline and Aerial Park Ropes Course open March 1 -- Rafting starts mid-May -- Book now!

2022 Best Colorado Rafting Trips

Rafting in Colorado is like surfing in California – something you have to try at least once.  The thing is, it’s so much fun, you’ll probably have to come back for more.  Colorado has some of the best rafting and most enjoyable rivers in the country for all skill levels and ages.  Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Clear Creek Canyon Rafting 

 Just 30 minutes west of Denver, Clear Creek offers some of the most exciting and accessible rafting in Colorado.  Fed by snowmelt along the Continental Divide, the season usually lasts from mid-May through July, making it a short but fun couple months among the class II, III and IV rapids.  There are fantastic beginner and intermediate trips that take you through photo-worthy rapids and historical remnants from where the Colorado Gold Rush of 1859 began.  For those interested in more than rafting, there are also great options for zip line and aerial adventures at Colorado Adventure Center for ages 4 and up.

2. Royal Gorge Rafting 

In Southern Colorado, just west of Pueblo, is the beautiful Royal Gorge.  Through the Gorge runs the Arkansas River after it’s made its way down from Brown’s Canyon in South Park.  This is an advanced, intense and technical trip for those who have had numerous rafting trips under their belt, as most rapids are class III or IV.  For the right person, it’s definitely worth the trip to get there.

3. Upper Colorado River Rafting

 For those seeking a fun float (aka, chill) trip with plenty of time to swim and relax between relatively tame rapids (class I & II) then the upper C is for you.  This can be a great trip for families with younger children who just want exposure to the world of rafting, as well as quality time outdoors with the fam in the warmth, sun and wide open skies.

4. Cache La Poudre River Rafting

 For those in Northern Colorado, just outside of Fort Collins, is the small but mighty Cache La Poudre River.  In French, it means “hide the powder” and along its banks was where French trappers had to bury their gunpowder after being caught in a surprise snowstorm in the 1820’s.  The Poudre is a designated Wild & Scenic River with plenty of class II, III and IV rapids to keep everyone entertained.

5. Taylor River Rafting 

 Just east of Gunnison and Crested Butte is the short but sweet Taylor River.  Named after one of the first gold diggers in the area, the Taylor is fed by, appropriately enough, the Taylor Reservoir, which provides consistent water flow to the small but scenic river below the Elk Mountains.  And if you also enjoy fishing for trout, the Taylor will provide a lovely adventure combo for you.

Book Your Next Colorado Rafting Trip With Us!

Colorado Adventure Center offers a variety of rafting, ziplining, and aerial park trips for every experience level. The central location in Idaho Springs makes for the perfect day trip from Denver, Breckenridge, Vail, or anywhere in between. Contact us or schedule your next Colorado adventure on our website!

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Ready to embark on an adventure of your own? We offer whitewater rafting trips, zipline trips, and an exciting ropes course!