People come to Colorado from all over the globe, and the biggest reason for this is the amazing nature. Winter sports are the first thing that come to mind, but the amazing weather of the summer means it shouldn’t be overlooked. There are some incredibly exciting river rafting trips in Colorado, and they are great for people of all skill levels!
It doesn’t matter if you want a relaxing ride with the family, or an intense adventure full of adrenaline – Colorado has a rafting trip for you!
Are you not sure how or where to find the best white water rafting in Colorado? Don’t worry, we can guide you through it!
Where To White Water Raft In Colorado
There are a lot of options when planning white water rafting trips in Colorado, but there’s one that really stands out: Clear Creek.
Out of everywhere in a beautiful state, why choose that one? It has everything from Class II – Class V rapids, so there’s something for everyone of all skill levels.
Also, the location can’t be beaten. It’s pretty centrally located within the Centennial State, so it’s easy to get there from a lot of other places. It’s not far from Denver (or Denver International Airport), and it’s a short drive from many of the popular mountain resorts, such as Breckenridge and Vail.
If those aren’t enough to convince you that some of the best river rafting trips in Colorado are on Clear Creek, just try to imagine the scenery! It has:
- Beautiful trees on hills jutting out of the ground
- Plenty of wildlife wandering about
- Historical sites from the early days of the state
Beginner White Water Rafting Colorado
Our beginner white water rafting trips are great for beginners, and even for families with younger children. You’ll hit some Class II-III rapids, and you’ll see some scenery and historic sights along the way.
Advanced River Rafting Trips in Colorado
If you want more of a rush, then check out our Intermediate or Advanced trips. These range from Class III-V, and they can be great for those with more experience. If you’re not sure which level you should go for, please get in touch with us.
Family Friendly River Float Trips in Colorado
Can a family take a river rafting trip? Yes! We take a lot of families on our trips, and they are a great bonding experience that create memories to last a lifetime. Just make sure to choose the appropriate skill level for the youngest member of your family, and dress warm enough to ensure everyone has a great time on the river.
What To Expect On A Colorado White Water Rafting Trip
You’re sure to have an adventure on any of the river float trips in Colorado, but it can be a much better experience if you know what to expect.
As long as you go with a trustworthy company, the first step is a briefing with your guide about safety. The guide will give you instructions that are customized to the skill level and difficulty of the trip, and make sure you are prepared for whatever is coming up. They will also hand out any equipment that the rafting company provides, and they will make sure everything fits properly. Expect to get a helmet, a life jacket, a paddle, and maybe some types of clothing that keep you warm.
Next, you’ll take to the rafts (maybe transported by van if the starting location is elsewhere). Your guide will steer the raft down the river, and let you hit all the rapids you were ready for.
Just be sure to pay attention to everything the guide tells you before and during the trip. And don’t forget to keep your eyes open for animals! No trip into the Colorado wilderness is complete without spotting a few.
Tips For Choosing A Colorado White Water Rafting Trip
There are three main areas you should consider when choosing a white water rafting guide company in Colorado:
- Location
- Difficulty levels
- Safety
Location
First up, you want to make sure the location isn’t too far from where you live or are visiting. Colorado is a big state, so the distances can add up.
On the other hand, not all rivers in Colorado are created equal when it comes to beauty. At Colorado Adventure Center, we firmly believe that rafting on Clear Creek is the way to go. Need more convincing that we love it the most? It’s the place we chose to build our business so we can constantly enjoy it!
Difficulty Level
Next, you want to make sure your location has the appropriate difficulty level. Rapids basically fall into these categories:
- Class I: Easy and best for beginners
- Class II: Slightly rough water, but still suitable for most beginners
- Class III: More challenging, and requires a bit of skill for rafters
- Class IV: Rough rapids, and there may be obstacles such as large rocks to avoid
- Class V: Getting pretty challenging! Long, fast, and exciting rapids
- Class VI: Time to throw in the towel because these are too dangerous to raft
There’s something for everyone, but you don’t want to go out of your skill level. Just make sure that the company you choose has access to the appropriate level for you or your group.
Safety
River rafting trips in Colorado are a very safe activity – as long as you use a trustworthy, reputable guide.
You should do a little research about them before signing up. Read online reviews to see if others felt safe. Check if they have any certifications from local or national groups. And before you get in the water, ask your guide about his or her experience, and use your best judgment if it seems up to the task.
Top Colorado White Water Rafting
If you’re looking to take some of the best river rafting trips in Colorado, then Colorado Adventure Center would love to be your guide!
If you really want to go for it, also check out our combo trips to also get your adrenaline rush on a zipline or a ropes course.