Colorado River Adventures

Colorado summer means it’s time for river adventures. Whether that time is spent yee-hawing through whitewater waves, paddleboarding, or reeling in gold medal river trout from the shore, you’re making quality soul-quenching Colorado memories.

Here are five river adventures to get you going.

River Adventure: Whitewater rafting
River: The Arkansas River

For the quintessential remember-it-always Colorado whitewater experience, call on rafting outfitters on the Arkansas River near Buena Vista. This is where you go big and go with the pros. Choose from trips that span continuous whitewater waves in Browns Canyon and the scenic Royal Gorge run, or sign on for a more mellow, family-friendly stretch through Bighorn Sheep Canyon.

River Adventure: Stand-up paddleboarding or laid-back floating
River: The Upper Colorado River

The upper section of this grand river is great for getting out on stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) or enjoying a chilled-out raft float with younger kids. New to SUP-ing? There are companies that will hook you up with gear, training, and guided tours down the remote river canyon on two- to three-hour SUP excursions, or consider a family rafting-SUP combo trip.

River Adventure: Fly fishing
River: Frying Pan River

Colorado’s gold medal waters draw fly fishing enthusiasts from all over. Unspoiled mountain streams, rivers, and lakes are loaded with rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout. Plus, expert anglers are on-tap to help you access these bounties. Book a fishing trip or take lessons with master casters on the world-class Frying Pan River near Aspen. Customize your trip to include access to private waters, overnight backcountry horse trips, rafting float trips, and more. Don’t forget your valid Colorado Fishing License.

River Adventure: Riverside camping
River: Dolores River

Head to the San Juan National Forest in Colorado’s southwest corner and camp at the West Dolores Campground. Choose from 18 campsites spanning RV to tent spots on 10 acres near the river. Hike, bike, and play along the river during the day. Build a fire, count shooting stars, and let the river lull you to sleep at night. The campgrounds rest at 7,800 feet among shady spruce and ponderosa pine, ensuring a comfortable summer respite.

River Adventure: Tubing
River: Yampa River

Floating on an inner tube down the Yampa River is a summer tradition in Steamboat Springs. The family-friendly, refreshingly cool river flows from June through September, and small rapids, standing waves, and rock features add a Colorado splash to the float. Tubing outfitters line the Yampa River as it flows through the town, offering rental tubes, life jackets, dry bags, river shoes, and shuttle services. Put in at the 5th Street Bridge and take out at the James Brown Bridge, making pit stops at parks, restaurants, and bars along the way.

By Lisa Blake