Colorado Rafting FAQs

Yes! The price listed on our website is the total price you pay.
We don’t add booking fees, processing fees, land use fees, or surprise charges at checkout.

Some outfitters advertise a base price and add fees later in the checkout process.

We believe pricing should be clear from the start, so we show the real, all-in price up front.

This depends on what you’re interested in. If big, exciting water is what your group is looking for, then high-water season is the best time. Mid-June to early July is traditionally the high-water season. When rivers run at their peak, it can make for a big ride. Keep in mind some sections may close due to high water conditions. Most people enjoy a normal run off-season, which is mid-May to late-August. Water levels and weather are very unpredictable, so book a date that best suits the group and be prepared for the unexpected. There really is no bad time to go white water rafting in Colorado.

Avoid cotton clothing, as it tends to get wet and stay wet – not to mention taking valuable warmth from your body’s surface. For rafting, bathing suits and shorts are recommended with comfortable, secure footwear such as tennis shoes or sport sandals. While not required, we do provide wetsuits, splash jackets, and booties at no additional charge on the Blue River and Clear Creek. This equipment isn’t mandatory but it is designed to keep you warm. Towels are best kept in your vehicles at the office and don’t do you much good on the river because there is no way to keep them dry.  For rafting and other activities, your best bet is materials such as wool, polypro, fleece, micro fleece, polyester, waterproof jackets, and any other outdoor material that dries fast. A raft has limited space, so you should limit what you bring to what you’re wearing. Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are included with all rafting adventures, and helmets on all Clear Creek, Blue River, and inflatable kayak and paddle boarding river trips. If you have any questions please give us a call and we can give you information so that you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.

For your rafting trip, bring a few towels and a change of dry clothes to leave in your car- you’ll appreciate them after getting off the river. Our boathouses have changing rooms so you can get comfortable before heading out.

We also recommend sunscreen, sunglasses (with a strap), and a hat for sun protection. Bring water to stay hydrated before and after your trip — the Colorado Rockies are no joke at elevation.

If you’d like to tip your guide, cash is appreciated.

Our guides earn a base wage similar to hospitality professionals. If you’d like to tip, 15–20% is customary- much like you would for a bartender or server.

Gratuities are always appreciated when your guide delivers a safe, fun, and memorable experience. If anything falls short, we’d genuinely like to hear about it. Your feedback helps us maintain the highest standards on and off the river.

Mountain weather can change quickly, but Colorado sees over 300 days of sunshine each year. We operate rain or shine and provide gear to keep you comfortable in cooler or wet conditions, including wetsuits, neoprene booties, and splash tops.

You will get wet rafting- even on sunny days- so come prepared. Weather is not grounds for cancellation.

No- for most trips, you don’t need to be a strong swimmer. Everyone wears a Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times, and our guides provide a full safety orientation before heading out.

That said, being comfortable in the water is helpful, especially on more advanced sections.

Our guides complete extensive training, are certified in First Aid and CPR, and are state-certified river guides in Colorado.

Rafting is an adventure activity and carries inherent risk. Although we take precautions to provide a safe and enjoyable experience, participants assume responsibility for personal risk and personal belongings. We strongly encourage groups to select a trip appropriate for all members’ abilities and comfort levels.

All guests must review and sign a liability waiver prior to departure (minors require a parent or legal guardian signature) and disclose relevant health information so our guides can best support the group. This information remains confidential and would only be shared with medical professionals in the event of an emergency.

Emergency contacts must be over 18 and not participating in the same trip.

Breckenridge sits at 9,600 feet above sea level, and most of Summit County is above 9,000 feet. At this elevation, your body works harder to adjust to thinner air.

Visitors may experience mild symptoms such as shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, headaches, nausea, or fatigue while acclimating. Staying well hydrated, eating properly, getting a full night’s rest, and limiting alcohol on your first day can help.

Altitude affects everyone differently — and even the same person differently on separate trips. If symptoms feel severe or unusual, seek medical attention.

If you have chronic cardiac, pulmonary, or other medical conditions (including asthma, COPD, diabetes, CHF), or if you are pregnant, consult your physician before participating.

Our guides are trained to recognize signs of altitude illness in the field.

Cancel at least 48 hours before your trip for a 90% refund. Reschedule at least 48 hours in advance with a 10% admin charge.

All activities are rain or shine. In case of operational cancellation due to adverse or unsafe conditions prior to start time, first we will attempt to reschedule. If rescheduling is not possible, you will receive a full refund. Operators, including guides in the field, reserve the right to shorten or reroute an activity in the case of unmanageable hazards or the inability of guest to complete the objective. Completion of objective-based routes is not guaranteed. No-shows are nonrefundable.

River and rapid classifications are a great way to determine the suitable age for a river trip for your group. Remember that classification can change with weather and water conditions.

Beginner = first timers, young children, older adults

Intermediate = aggressive first timers, teens

Advanced = experienced paddlers looking for an adventure

Expert = very experienced paddlers only

This River Rapids Class Rating System is strictly a subjective scale. You can characterize a rapid by class or give a general class to a whole river even though it has several different classes of rapids within it. The class of a rapid or river can change at different water levels. The temperature of the water, the air temperature, the remoteness of the river, and the difficulty of a rescue can all influence the rapid’s class.

Class I – Easy. Small riffles. No significant waves or obstacles.

Class II – Novice. Moderate rapids with regular waves, small drops, clear passages and wide channels. Occasional maneuvering may be required.

Class III – Intermediate. Moderately difficult rapids with larger irregular waves, often narrow channels. Complex maneuvering to avoid obstacles is required.

Class IV – Advanced. Intense, powerful rapids requiring precise maneuvering in fast, turbulent water. Complex channels with many significant obstacles to be avoided.

Class V – Expert. Extremely long violent or obstructed rapids, often following each other almost without interruption. Drops may have large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with difficult routes. Steep gradient.

Class VI – Unrunnable.

*Classifications of river sections may change due to water levels. For information to help you choose a trip, or for any questions you might have, please contact us.