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Activities in Colorado : Rafting
RAFTING
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Featured Colorado Rafting Outfitters
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Members of Colorado River Outfitters Association
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A Wanderlust Adventure
AAM's Mild to Wild Rafting, Inc
Adventure Bound River Expeditions
Adventures in Whitewater
All American Adventures
American Adventure Expeditions
Arkansas River Tours
Arkansas Valley Adventures
Aspen Whitewater Rafting
Black Canyon Anglers Black Canyon Anglers
Blazing Adventures
Blue Sky Adventures
Breckenridge Adventure Tours
Browns Canyon Rafting
Buffalo Joe's Whitewater Rafting
Centennial Canoe Outfitters, Inc
Clear Creek Rafting Company
Colorado Discover Ability
Colorado River and Trail Expeditions
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Colorado River Guides, Inc
Dvorak's Kayak and Rafting Expeditions
Echo Canyon River Expeditions
Gateway Canyons Resort
GEO Tours Whitewater Raft Trips
Glenwood Canyon Rafting, Inc
Gunnison Fish and Raft
Gunnison River Expeditions
Highside Adventure Tours
Holiday River Expeditions
Independent Whitewater
KODI Rafting
Kokopelli Rafting Adventures
Lakota River Guides
Liquid Descent
Mile Hi Rafting
Mountain Man Rafting
Mountain Waters Rafting
Noah's Ark Whitewater Rafting Company
NOVA Guides
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OARS and Don Hatch River Expeditions
Pagosa Outside Adventures
Performance Tours Rafting
Raft Masters
RIGS Fly Shop and GUIDE SERVICE
Rimrock Adventures
River Rats
River Runners
Rock Gardens Rafting
Rocky Mountain Adventures
Royal Gorge Rafting & Zipline Tours
Sage Outdoor Adventures
Scenic River Tours
The Colorado Angler
Three Rivers Resort and Outfitting
Timberline Tours
Vessels for Honor Rafting Company
Wilderness Aware Rafting |
So You Want to Take a Colorado Whitewater Rafting Trip?
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Whitewater Rafting in Colorado is another way to look at "America the Beautiful." Viewing the photos of rafters in Colorado makes rafting look like a lot of fun - and it is. If you're new or experienced to Colorado Whitewater rafting, you'll find this guide helpful in finding the best rafting trip for you and your family.
Who can whitewater raft?
Anyone can whitewater raft and experience isn't necessary, but it is a physical activity and in Colorado, rafters are required to smile and have fun. Kids going on rafting trips usually need to be a minimum age of 5, but if the water levels are higher the minimum age requirement may be 15. Each company's policy varies according to conditions, so check first.
Where will you raft in Colorado?
The state of Colorado is blessed with an assortment of rivers (see Colorado River Locator) fed by Colorado's rich snow melt. Each river has it's own personality. Some peak early and are unraftable for a period of time. Others are fed by reservoirs and remain at a steady flow perfect for whitewater rafting through the summer. Conditions are set by Mother Nature. Check out the about Colorado rivers section in this whitewater rafting guide. You can also check water levels and contact outfitters serving particular rivers to learn the conditions.
You should choose a trip based on the level of difficulty, the ages of the participants (particularly children), your physical condition, length of trip and the type of raft (paddle, paddle-assist, or oar) you prefer. All ages and abilities will enjoy trips on Bighorn Sheep Canyon of the Arkansas, or a Beginner Trip on Clear Creek. Adventure seekers should consider more advanced trips on Clear Creek or the famous Royal Gorge.
Multi-day trips are for those wishing to get away from it all. These leisurely paced trips camp along the riverbanks in rustic settings where you fall asleep and wake up to the sounds of the river. All meals are provided and prepared by our guides. We have a limited supply of quality tents and sleeping bags available at no charge, or you can bring your own if you prefer.
When will you go rafting in Colorado?
You can float down most Colorado rivers any time. But if you're looking for a whitewater experience, plan your trip for May, June or July. There are companies that start rafting in March, but the season doesn't really get underway until April in some areas and May in others. Certain rivers peak at certain times depending on the snow melt. Generally speaking, the middle of June is when most rivers peak. The Arkansas going through the Royal Gorge can get so high, rafting isn't allowed, but not to worry, there are plenty of other paces to raft. Each river's season lasts as long as the water flows and most river flows are determined by a reservoir release. The flow of water decreases by later July and rafting season is pretty much over by late august when the reservoir flow is cut off. However, there are companies that still raft into September and October so call if you'd like to give it a shot.
Who will take you rafting?
Rafting is an adventurous sport and there are risks. These risks are minimized by an experienced qualified rafting company and an experienced guide. There are north of 50 Colorado rafting companies who are members of the Colorado Rafting Outfitters Association. These outfitters are qualified to train and hire accomplished guides. They also know every nook and cranny of the river. Any rafting company listed on this web site is a members of CROA. The best way to find the best outfitter that works for you is to:
- Find the river that's closest to the town you're visiting. Do that by going to our Colorado River locator.
- If you don't know where the town is located in Colorado, you can go to the Map of Outfitters locations and that lists all the towns and outfitters around the towns.
- After you find the rivers closest to where you're visiting, go to the "about Colorado Rivers" and find when the river is raftable. If there is rafting on the river when you'll be visiting, then check out the companies that raft the rivers in your area.
- Keep in mind companies have shuttle service from various Colorado Resorts even when the map makes it appear there isn't a river close by. For example, Keystone, Breckenridge, Vail and Winter Park all have outfitters who offer shuttle service to and from the resort at no extra charge. Some will come pick you up at your lodge. Check out potential outfitter's web pages to see what resort towns they service.
- When you're choosing and outfitter, go to their website, read the testimonials and watch and listen to the videos. If price is important check out our deals and discounts coupon section.
What will you need to raft?
Most outfitters have everything you need when it comes to wet suits, splash jackets, helmets, transportation and full day raft trips usually stop and serve lunch. Be prepared to get wet. The smart rafters don't wear cotton but on hot day it's not a big deal. Most companies will hold your car keys. There's no reason to bring a wallet or purse. Sun Screen is always a good idea when you're in Colorado. And a
Can we bring a camera?
You will want to have photos to show your friends and family so they know how col you are to whitewater raft. Bringing a water proof camera is a good idea as long as you don't stop to take pictures when you should be paddling. Most companies have made arrangements for your photos to be taken while you're going over the big rapids and some even take video. You can either check out and buy the photos after you raft at the company's office or view and order them on a website.
How much time will it take?
Some trips are short. Rafting the Blue River during its peak season may only last 45 minutes. Most full day trips want to you to show up at the outfitter's office between 9 and 9:30 and most of the time you're back in the outfitter's office by 2:00 or 4. If time is a factor, check with your outfitter. Some rafting times are flexible.
How much money can you expect to spend?
A half day or full day trip can vary from $50 to $175 per person. A multi-day trip varies a lot, so check with outfitters. It's good karma to tip your guide - raft guides are rare breed and we are blessed to have them as a member of the human race. "Embrace the time you spend with your raft guide and shower him with gifts when he brings you back safe." Unknown, circa 1978
Questions to ask your outfitter:
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1. What services does the outfitter provide?
2. Are you planning a half-day, full-day or multi-day trip?
3. What are the minimum age or size requirements?
4. Can the outfitter accommodate special needs or large groups?
5. What is the expertise level of the guides and what kind of training do they receive?
6. How long has the outfitter owned and operated the business?
7. What is included in the price of the trip?
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