Colorado Rafting Guide
Colorado rafting or whitewater rafting is an adrenaline rush for some people and total intimidation for others. Thankfully, rivers in Colorado cater to everyone, offering adventures from mild to wild. Rivers are rated from Class I–V. Families and beginners usually choose Class I-II, which offers leisurely float trips with spectacular scenic views at every bend of the wide-open rivers. Class V gives you an exciting ride for your money. Your guide will thread your raft through narrow canyons for hold-tight, mind-clearing plunges for whitewater junkies. Classes II-IV are in between.
Featured Colorado Rafting Companies
Echo Canyon Rafting Adventures
Echo Canyon, based out of Cañon City, is one of the largest rafting outfits in Colorado. Their primary focus is on families looking for a gentle introduction to rafting and challenging whitewater excitement for thrill seekers. They offer half and full-day adventures, plus multi-day wilderness trips. They have seven start locations spread across Colorado. Whitewater trips are offered:
- Royal Gorge Canyon
- Bighorn Sheep Canyon
- Browns Canyon
- The Numbers
- Dolores River
- San Miguel River
- Colorado River
Raft Masters Adventures
Raft Masters, based out of Cañon City, takes pride in providing their guests with the highest quality rafting experience. Their whitewater Colorado rafting adventures are dedicated to your comfort, safety, and enjoyment. All river gear is included. They provide full and half-day trips in:
- Clear Creek Canyon
- Bighorn Sheep Canyon
- Royal Gorge Canyon
Your Colorado rafting trip includes wet suits, river boots, paddle jackets, and helmets. They also offer combination adventure packages.
Royal Gorge Rafting & Zipline Tours
Royal Gorge Rafting and Zipline Tours, based out of Cañon City, are focused on just what their name is all about. Rafting the Royal Gorge and or ziplining across the Royal Gorge either before or after. They offer half and full-day raft trips and include river gear free of charge. Their rafting trips are in:
- Royal Gorge Canyon
- Bighorn Sheep Canyon
Signing up for a combination raft and zipline is a seamless experience. Both activities are at the same location, the adventure hub.
Performance Rafting Tours
Performance Rafting Tours has been offering whitewater tours since 1986. They are dedicated to safety, pride in their crew, love for the river, and providing memorable experiences for their guests. They operate out of six destinations spread across Colorado. Trips are Available in the following locations:
- Royal Gorge
- Beuna Vista
- Breckenridge
- Colorado Springs
- Frisco
- Browns Park
In addition to their standard rafting trips, they have various options, including multi-day group trips. These trips include lodging options, team-building options, and planning tools. Check out their adventure packages. These packages combine rafting and another adventure, such as ziplining or a scenic train ride.
Arkansas River Tours
Experience the thrill of rafting the Arkansas River in Colorado! They have three locations: Cañon City, Cotopaxi, and Dumont, Colorado. The Arkansas River offers a range of exciting rafting opportunities in a beautiful, scenic mountain setting. Whether you’re looking for a scenic float or an extreme class V whitewater adventure, there’s a rafting trip for everyone. There are full—and half-day options.
Check out their package deals, which combine one of the following: the Royal Gorge Scenic Train, ATV Tours, and Aerial Park adventure with a half-day rafting trip.
- Bighorn Sheep Canyon
- Royal Gorge Canyon
- Cottonwood Canyon – perfect for families
Clear Creek Rafting
Rafting Clear Creek Canyon with this rafting outfit is just 30 minutes from Denver, right off I-70. If you’re in Denver, experiencing real Colorado rafting is just around the corner. They provide full and half-day trips in:
- Clear Creek Canyon (near Denver)
- Arkansas River (Cañon City)
All guests can access complimentary wet suits, digital photos of their trip, and lunch (lunch full-day trips only).
Colorado River Runners
River Runners is located near Buena Vista and Cañon City. Its two rafting outposts provide convenient access to the state’s most scenic and exciting river stretches. They can accommodate beginners through experienced whitewater rafting groups looking for the ultimate challenge. They even have specially designed rafting trips to accommodate your dog(s).
- Royal Gorge (Cañon City – Buena Vista)
- Browns Canyon National Monument (NW Colorado)
Defiance Rafting
Defiance Rafting is based in Glenwood Springs, central to Vail, Aspen, and Grand Junction. They specialize in group trips for families, corporate retreats, schools, faith-based groups, and the military.
- The Colorado River
- Roaring Fork River
Colorado Rafting – Be Prepared
Be prepared to get soaking wet! Splashing comes with the territory, even if you’re on a gentle float trip. So, try to wear quick-drying fabrics and bring a change of clothing for the return bus trip. Your driver will shepherd your belongings. (Many outfitters provide wet suits and shoes—a good idea if your trip is in late spring’s icy waters.) Because of whitewater rafting’s popularity, reservations are highly recommended.
Choosing an established rafting company is important. The Colorado River Outfitters Association can provide you with a list of companies staffed by certified, experienced professionals. Choose from half-, full– or multi-day trips that generally include bus transportation to the put-in and take-out point on your river journey. Get ready to have fun!
Colorado Rafting Questions to ask:
- Are you planning a half-day, full-day, or multi-day trip?
- Minimum age or height requirements?
- Can the outfitter accommodate special needs or large groups?
- What is included in the price of the trip?
- What do I need to bring?
