A Guide To Choosing The Right Colorado Rafting Trip
How To Select The Best Rafting Trip For Your Group
Choosing the ideal river for a whitewater adventure in Colorado depends on several considerations. We frequently interact with tourists inquiring about Central Colorado’s premier rivers and help them choose the best trip for their group. In providing responses, we take into account their geographical location and the factors most significant to them.
These elements may encompass the challenge level, the aesthetic appeal of the environment, amount of time required, age/health restrictions, and other factors unique to their party. By engaging in these conversations with our visitors, we’re able to assist them in crafting a distinctive Colorado rafting journey that aligns with their specific needs.
Here are a few of the most common questions/concerns and corresponding river trip suggestions we discuss with folks booking their rafting adventure.
I’m going rafting for the majestic Colorado scenery! What rafting trips are the most scenic?
- Upper Colorado
- Our #1 recommendation for Colorado scenery. This river boasts changing vistas with expansive wide river valley pastures and dramatic mountains in the background, but alternates with beautiful canyons and gorges.
- Clear Creek
- Following down the I-70 and Hwy 6 corridor in a narrow, rocky valley, this fast flowing river boasts amazing rapids and flows through historical mining areas and through surrounding Idaho Springs.
- Blue River
- This pristine river runs through high elevation forests alternating with rolling hills and is followed by amazing rapids. A true Colorado mountain river!
I need all 3 generations to be able to go with me. OR I’m pregnant. OR Very young kids are participating. What river trip is the best suited for all ages and abilities?
- Upper Colorado
- This is a river trip that you can take the whole family on! Mild rapids with amazing scenery and kids as young as 5 years old will enjoy this run. This trip includes the opportunity for swimming in the river, jumping off boats, and enjoying a hot spring at certain flows.
- Clear Creek
- This river is steep and fast, and it runs directly from snowmelt. Our beginner trip is perfect for first timers or families with kids as young as 6 years old. During high water, early in summer, we may increase the age limit on the beginner trip.
- Blue River
- This 5-mile stretch of river is broken up between calmer waters followed by about 2 miles of class II and III rapids. We take kids as young as 7 years old on this stretch of river, flow dependent.
I want a particular rapids class. What are the different rapid classes offered on your trips?
- Upper Colorado
- Mostly Class I-II with a class III at higher flows typically found around mid-June.
- Clear Creek
- Three distinct levels to choose from: Beginner Trips Class I-III, Intermediate Trips Class III-IV; Advanced Trips Class IV-V
- Blue River
- This 5-mile stretch of river is broken up between calmer waters followed by about 2 miles of class II and III rapids. We take kids as young as 7 years old on this stretch of river, flow dependent.
I don’t want to drive far to get there. OR I have only half a day for rafting. OR I don’t want to get caught in a traffic jam on any interstates. What is the closest, fastest, and most convenient rafting trip for my group?
- Upper Colorado
- About an hour from Frisco, Silverthorne & Dillon; 1:20 from Breckenridge. Accessible yet avoids interstate highways.
- Clear Creek
- Close to almost everywhere in central Colorado. About half an hour from Frisco, Silverthorne & Dillon; an hour from Breckenridge; 45 minutes from Denver.
Interstates required.
- Blue River
- Only 20 minutes from Breckenridge; 5 minutes from Frisco, Silverthorne & Dillon; all on local roads.
I want to get away from other groups and crowds. What white water rafting trips offer the most solitude?
- Upper Colorado
- Can sometimes be busy at the put in and take outs, but the river is wide in many parts so you gain a sense of solitude.
- Clear Creek
- While this river does follow along the I-70 corridor you don’t see many public users. Outfitters typically stagger their trip times to alleviate river crowding.
- Blue River
- Few outfitters are permitted to run the beautiful Blue River. You’ll see mostly locals and a river that is seldom crowded.
I don’t mind getting a bit wet, but I hate being cold in the summer. What river section will I be the warmest on?
- Upper Colorado
- Colorado has plenty of sunshine but often afternoon showers. This river is wide enough that you can get plenty of sunshine between rapids, and, there’re some beach areas where you can land and dry off.
- Clear Creek
- This river rises directly from snowmelt and so can be very cold. Clear Creek also boasts the most rapids, and so you commonly get splashed a lot. Cold weather gear is recommended.
- Blue River
- The crystal clear water comes from a dam that can be quite cold. While the first half of the river is calm, on the second half of the river, you will likely get plenty of splashes. But the trip is not a long one.
We don’t want to be (very) scared. What is a fun and mild river section for my party?
- Upper Colorado
- Choose this one if you don’t want to be scared. This is our more family friendly float with mostly calm waters and a few milder rapids.
- Clear Creek
- This river is shallow, fast and cold and will require active paddling. The beginner run is perfect for first timers or the more apprehensive.
- Blue River
- Choose this one if you enjoy a little adrenaline. It has some great whitewater hits but nothing too scary.
I’m coming early or late season, and I want to be CERTAIN this river will be running when we get there. What rafting option is the best in early and late season?
- Upper Colorado
- Choose this one! The Colorado River has our longest season from May through September.
- Clear Creek
- This river flows are dependent on snowmelt, and so on average its season runs from mid-May through mid-August.
- Blue River
- This river has the most unknowns for flow. Navigation period is typically in mid-summer. In low snow years, it might not run at all.
I want an extended adventure with overnight camping, too! What rivers do you offer overnight trips on?
- Upper Colorado
- This is the river where we run overnight river trips. Two full days of river time including rapids, swimming time, and more with a night at a river-side camp. All meals and overnight gear included!
- Clear Creek
- This river can be combined with camping at a public campground. Raft the first day and book a spot in a public campground near Idaho Springs to enjoy an overnighter. Book another activity such as climbing, hiking, or mountain biking for the next day!
- Blue River
- This river can be combined with camping at a public campground. Raft the first day and book a spot in a public campground near Silverthorne to enjoy an overnighter. Book another activity such as climbing, hiking, or mountain biking for the next day!
