Colorado is the perfect destination for outdoor adventures, including whitewater rafting. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, there is a river that is your speed. Now there are whitewater rafting locations all over the state, which also means that there are dozens of whitewater rafting companies offering guided adventures for beginners and families.
The best time to whitewater raft in Colorado is late May, June, and possibly July. The rivers in Colorado swell when the snow melts in May, making them more accessible for rafting. However easy floats are possible during July and August but don’t expect the most exciting rapids. Whatever rafting experience you desire, Colorado has incredible rivers perfect for whitewater rafting.
Colorado River
The Colorado River, which is an iconic river in America, begins in the state of Colorado. The Colorado portion of the Colorado River is divided up between upper and lower sections. This river has cut through the landscape, so rafters will see views of canyons and wildlife. When it comes to whitewater rafting the Colorado River, expect both exciting rapids and relaxing calm spots. Book a commercial rafting guide to take you through the Shoshone section of Colorado, which is bound to be an exciting ride.
Arkansas River
The Arkansas River is one of the most popular whitewater rafting spots not only in the state but also in the country. The Browns Canyon stretch of the Arkansas River is absolutely stunning and makes for a great whitewater rafting trip. However, view the massive canyon of the Royal Gorge by rafting the Royal Gorge section of Arkansas. There are sure to be exciting rapids along this famous rafting river.
Eagle River
The Eagle River is fed right from the snow off Vail Mountain. This river is particularly interesting because it is free-flowing, meaning that it is “un-dammed.” This river is great for first-time kayakers and whitewater rafters because it isn’t too technical but also offers some exciting rapids. There are commercial guides and trips available in the area that make for a perfect half-day of whitewater rafting.
Gunnison River
The Gunnison River has carved out the Gunnison Gorge, which is a towering canyon of red and black rock. Whitewater rafting the Gunnison is a more remote experience, so you won’t see as many rafters as you would on more popular river sections in Colorado. Also, horses and donkeys must haul down boats and other gear because this area is true wilderness backcountry. Head to the city of Gunnison to gain access to Gunnison River and to find the perfect rafting company to guide you through the Gunnison.
Animas River
There are two sections of the Animas River: the Lower Animas and the Upper Animas. The Lower Animas is tamer than the Upper Animas but still offers some fun rapids. The Upper Animas, however, is considered one of the most difficult commercially rafted waters in America. If you are interested in doing the Upper Animas with a guide, you must be physically fit and over the age of 16. Expect views of the Silverton Narrow Gauge Train that runs alongside the river. Access the Lower Animas in Durango or the Upper Animas in Silverton.
Cache la Poudre River
Fort Collins is the nearest big city to the Cache la Poudre River, referred to as simply the Poudre by locals. Now don’t speak your fancy French out here; the name of this river is pronounced “Poo-der.” This river offers great whitewater rafting spots, but if you’re a beginner, a guide is necessary because this river offers up challenging rapids for intermediate and advanced rafters and kayakers. This Poudre is actually the only river in Colorado that is federally designated as a National Wild and Scenic River.
Roaring Fork River
Like many rivers in the state, the Roaring Fork River is broken up into an upper and lower sections. The lower section is a mellow float, while the upper section offers more of a challenge. Known as “Slaughterhouse,” the Upper Roaring Fork River is for adventure seekers. This river stretch is one of the only commercially rafted river routes that has a waterfall run.
North Platte River
To escape the crowds found on more popular rivers, head to the North Platte River for a great whitewater rafting trip. Rafters are sure to catch some wildlife sightings, like otters, moose, and eagles, along this stretch of water. The two largest cities that are near the North Platte River are Steamboat Springs and Fort Collins. However, the access point is at a small town named Walden.
Clear Creek River
For those in Denver, Clear Creek River is an accessible whitewater rafting destination. Access to the river itself is right from Idaho Springs, a small town on the popular I-70 highway. If you’re seeking a rafting guide, there are some in the area, and trips vary from half-day to full-day excursions. Clear Creek offers both rapids for thrill-seekers or smoother sections for a family day.
Green River
Northwest Colorado may not have a huge population but it does have incredible scenery along the Green River. The Green River, which runs through Dinosaur National Monument, is perfect for the history buff that wants to do some whitewater rafting. The river floats past American Indian rock carvings along with fossil and archeological sites. Choose to float the Lodore Canyon because this stretch of river offers a handful of exciting rapids along with sandy beach spots perfect for a break or a campsite.
San Miguel River
For those looking for an easy family float, the San Miguel River is the perfect option. Now there are a number of exciting rapids along this river stretch that makes for a fun whitewater rafting adventure. However, you can even float the river in a tube near the town of Telluride if that is more your pace. Since San Miguel does run through the San Juan Mountains, expect to see the forest and red-rock canyons.
Taylor River
The Taylor River offers water from mild to wild. The river does run through Taylor Canyon, where the canyon walls rise high above the river below. However, you will also see the impressive Collegiate Peaks while rafting here. Hit up the Upper Taylor River where they are fun rapids yet manageable whitewater. Access points to Taylor River are usually at Gunnison or even Crested Butte.
Dolores River
The San Juan Mountains in the southwest corner of Colorado is home to the Dolores River. This river is actually the most southwestern rafting river in the state. This river is scenic and offers some easy water for rafting. But do keep in mind that the season for this river is short and only makes for a great rafting trip during late May. This whitewater rafting area does have some rapids but expect milder water than other rivers in the state.
