Colorado Rafting Company offers whitewater rafting near Vail, CO. Our boathouse on the Colorado River is a short 30 min drive from the Vail Valley. Experience this iconic section of the Colorado River on a guided whitewater rafting trip, inflatable kayaks, and/or stand up paddleboards. Half day and full day Vail rafting adventures depart daily from our Colorado River boat house.
A summer vacation in the Vail Valley wouldn’t be complete without taking your family on a whitewater rafting adventure. One of the closest options for rafting if your staying in Vail, is the world renowned Upper Colorado River. This stretch of scenic river consists of a mellow float with a few Class III rapids in the canyon section. Rated the best whitewater rafting trip for kids and families while staying in Vail.
A summer vacation in the Vail Valley wouldn’t be complete without taking your family on a whitewater rafting adventure. One of the closest options for rafting if your staying in Vail, is the world renowned Upper Colorado River. This stretch of scenic river consists of a mellow float with a few Class III rapids in the canyon section. Rated the best whitewater rafting trip for kids and families while staying in Vail.
Our Upper Colorado River raft trip is a family favorite! Mild and scenic, this fully guided adventure showcases the river’s pristine beauty, with ever-changing views of meadows, valleys, rolling ranch lands, and towering canyon walls.
Price: Starting at $89 per person
Location: CRC Boathouse at Rancho Del Rio
38 Miles | 45 Minutes From Vail
Duration: 1/2 Day | ~3-3.5 Hours
Class: I-II with occasional III at high water
Start Times: 9:00 am, 1:30 pm
Minimum Age: 5 years old (May vary with water flows)
A little lighter on the whitewater and heavy on the scenery join us on this iconic float down the mighty Colorado River! The diverse landscape also supports a variety of wildlife, so keep an eye out for bald eagles, deer, beaver, and bighorn sheep. With mostly gentle Class I-II rapids and some exciting Class III sections at higher flows, this trip offers something for every member of your family.
If you’re a first-time rafter or a family seeking an exciting introduction to whitewater, our Clear Creek Beginner trip is the ideal adventure. Amazing whitewater awaits with exhilarating class 2-3 rapids through the historic mining town of Idaho Springs.
Price: Starting at $69 per person
Location: CRC Boathouse @ Clear Creek
60 Miles | 1 Hour from Vail
Duration: 1/3 Day | ~2-3 Hours
Class: II-III
Minimum Age: 6 years old (May vary with water flows)
Spanning approximately 6 miles, this trip combines thrilling rapids, stunning scenery, and tranquil stretches of floating. Splash through Class II-III rapids while honing your paddling skills with our expert guidance. Enjoy a relaxing float through the historic mining town of Idaho Springs, passing the Argo Gold Mine and Charlie Taylor waterwheel. As you experience your Colorado adventure, keep an eye out for wildlife in the surrounding canyons. This trip is excellent for beginners, families, and large groups with diverse experience levels.
Looking for a step up from beginner rafting on Clear Creek? Our Intermediate trip is ideal for experienced paddlers and adventurous first-timers craving a whitewater thrill. Thrilling whitewater in close proximity to Denver!
Price: Starting at $84 per person
Location: CRC Boathouse @ Clear Creek
60 Miles | 1 Hour from Vail
Duration: 1/2 Day | ~2-3 Hours
Class: III-IV
Start Times: 8:30 am, 12:30 pm, 4:00 pm
Minimum Age: 12 years old (May vary with water flows)
This exciting Clear Creek run offers a steady dose of challenging Class III-IV rapids, including favorites like Nomad, Fall River, Phoenix, Deliverance, and the climactic Outer Limits.
Active paddling and teamwork are essential as we navigate this steep and narrow section, dropping about 75 feet per mile. While all are welcome, good physical condition and swimming ability are recommended. Get ready to get wet!
The Blue River is the best rafting experience in Summit County. The Blue River runs through a beautiful rugged landscape of Colorado ranch lands tucked up next to the mountains of the Gore Range. This gorgeous class III river is located North of Silverthorne, just 20 minutes from Breckenridge, 30 minutes from Vail, and only 1 hour from Denver. The Blue River trip is a great blast of excitement for people on a tight schedule or for those who want an iconic taste of Colorado fun!
Price: Starting at $99 per person
Location: CRC Boathouse @ Silverthorne
Duration: 1/3 Day | ~2-2.5 Hours
Class: II-III
Minimum Age: 7 years old (May vary with water flows)
Location:
CRC Boathouse at Rancho del Rio
4199 Trough Rd. Bond, CO 80423
38 Miles | 45 Minutes From Vail
Duration:
Half Day ~3- 3.5 hours
Class:
I-II rapids with occasional III at high water
Price:
$85 pp
Minimum Age:
5 years old (May vary with water flows)
Location:
CRC Boathouse at Clear Creek
291 County Road 308 Dumont, CO 80436
60 Miles | 1 Hour from Vail
Duration:
1/3 Day ~2-3 hours
Class:
II – III
Price:
$79 Adult | $74 Youth (12 & under)
Minimum Age:
6 years old (May vary with water flows)
Location:
CRC Boathouse at Clear Creek
291 County Road 308 Dumont, CO 80436
60 Miles | 1 Hour from Vail
Duration:
Half Day ~3 hours
Class:
III-IV
Price:
$89 pp
Minimum Age:
12 years old (May vary with water flows)
Embark on an unforgettable whitewater rafting adventure with Colorado Rafting Company, just 45 minutes from Vail. Navigate the majestic Colorado River alongside our expert guides for a safe, exciting journey through thrilling Class II and III rapids—perfect for both first-time rafters and seasoned adventurers.
As you ride the current, you’ll take in sweeping views of Colorado’s rugged terrain and vibrant wildlife. Whether you’re in it for the adrenaline or a more relaxed float surrounded by natural beauty, our trips offer the perfect blend of excitement and scenery in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Join us for a day on the water you won’t forget—adventure, nature, and lasting memories await on the iconic Colorado River.
Experience the Upper Colorado River on an inflatable kayak! Colorado Rafting Company offers inflatable kayak rentals and guided trips on the Colorado River near Vail, CO.
This breathtaking section of the Colorado River is mellow enough to guide yourself down in an inflatable kayak. Add an inflatable kayak to your rafting trip to take turns on or book a guided half day kayak adventure.
Location:
CRC Boathouse at Rancho del Rio
4199 Trough Rd. Bond, CO 80423
38 Miles | 45 Minutes From Vail
Duration:
Half Day ~3- 3.5 hours
Class:
I-II rapids with occasional III at high water
Price:
$85 pp
Minimum Age:
5 years old (May vary with water flows)
Start Time:
9:00 am
Location:
CRC Boathouse at Rancho del Rio
4199 Trough Rd. Bond, CO 80423
38 Miles | 45 Minutes From Vail
Duration:
Full Day ~ 8 Hours
Class:
I-II rapids with occasional III at high water
Price:
$155 Adult | $150 Child (12 and under)
Minimum Age:
5 years old (May vary with water flows)
Start Time:
8:30 am
Location:
CRC Boathouse at Rancho del Rio
4199 Trough Rd. Bond, CO 80423
38 Miles | 45 Minutes From Vail
Duration:
2 Days w/ Overnight Camp
Class:
I-II rapids with occasional III at high water
Price:
$450 to 510 pp
Minimum Age:
5 years old (May vary with water flows)
Float down the Upper Colorado River on a Stand Up Paddleboard! Guided SUP trips and rentals in the Vail, CO area. We provide all the equipment, shuttles, and a guide to spend the day on the Colorado River paddle boarding.
Offering SUP grab & go rentals, guided SUP trips, or add a SUP for your rafting trip.
The Upper Colorado is one of the best options for rafting near Vail, Colorado. This section of river is approximately 30 minutes from Vail Village. The famous Upper Colorado River offers gentle rapids, magnificent views, and the chance to see local wildlife. This calm and scenic section of the river makes for the perfect adventure for kids and families.
The top months for whitewater rafting in Vail is May through August. The rivers close to the Vail Valley peak around June due to the winter snow melting. The warmer temperatures and peak water make the summer months the best time to book a rafting trip when visiting Vail.
Our half day Upper Colorado River whitewater rafting trips near Vail start at $79 Adult | $75 Child (12 and under).
The minimum age for whitewater rafting on the Upper Colorado River near Vail is 5 years old. The age requirement may increase during times of high water during peak runoff.
