Half-day rafting trips are ideal for adventurers seeking a shorter yet unforgettable experience on Colorado’s pristine waterways. The Upper Colorado River provides gentle stretches of scenic beauty punctuated by more mild rapids, making it a favorite for families and first-timers. Clear Creek trips offer a stronger taste of whitewater, and when the Blue River is in season, its invigorating waters deliver an exhilarating ride surrounded by some of the most breathtaking mountain landscapes in the state. These half-day excursions are a gateway to the natural wonders of Colorado, offering fun, adventure, and lasting memories.
Whether you’re navigating the classic rapids of the Upper Colorado or catching the peak run-off on Clear Creek, or even the limited-time rush of the Blue River, these trips are designed for adventurers of all skill levels. Guided by our expert team, you’ll not only enjoy the thrill of whitewater rafting but also gain insights into the region’s ecology, history, and unique features. Perfect for busy schedules, half-day rafting trips allow you to immerse yourself in nature without committing to a full-day excursion—making them an accessible and thrilling option for anyone looking to add a little adventure to their day.
Our Upper Colorado River raft trip is a family favorite! This fully guided adventure showcases the river’s pristine beauty, with ever-changing views of meadows, valleys, rolling ranchlands, and towering canyon walls. Want to add some more adrenaline to the trip? Check out our inflatable kayak or stand up paddleboard options!
Price: Starting at $89 per person
Location: CRC Boathouse at Rancho Del Rio
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!
Price: Starting at $69 per person
Location: CRC Boathouse @ Clear Creek
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 to step up it up for more excitement and adrenaline? Our Clear Creek Intermediate trip is ideal for experienced paddlers and adventurous first-timers craving a whitewater thrill!
Price: Starting at $84 per person
Location: CRC Boathouse @ Clear Creek
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!
If you are looking to maximize your adrenaline and thrills then check out our Clear Creek Advanced rafting trips. Dropping over 100ft a mile for over 5 miles, the Advanced raft trip is for experienced paddlers only.
Price: $109 per person
Location: CRC Boathouse @ Clear Creek
Duration: 1/2 Day | ~2-3 Hours
Class: IV (V-)
Start Times: 9:00 am
Minimum Age: 16 years old and previous experience (May vary with water flows)
After a brief warm-up, you’ll quickly find yourself navigating the continuous Class IV-V rapids of Clear Creek Canyon. Prepare yourself, take a deep breath, and paddle with intensity as you face thrilling rapids such as Beaver Falls, Tricky Dicky, Guide Ejector, Double Knife, Hells Corner, the Terminator holes, and Corkscrew. This trip operates only under optimal water conditions, and we reserve the right to refuse participation at our discretion. It represents the most extreme, steep, and technically demanding section of Clear Creek, requiring strong swimming skills, excellent physical conditioning, and prior experience. For those ready for the challenge, an unforgettable adventure awaits!
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)
Our team is dedicated to supporting you throughout your entire experience. Whether you are collaborating with our reservation specialists to plan and prepare for your adventure or embarking on your journey down the river with our skilled and personable guides, you can trust that Colorado Rafting Company is committed to your safety and enjoyment.
We take pride in operating a more intimate, personalized service, offering truly unique Colorado adventures. Our Colorado River rafting guides are highly trained, experienced, and certified by the state, ensuring you can relax and fully immerse yourself in the stunning scenery, excellent company, and exciting adventure of your rafting trip.