Whitewater rafting on the Blue River is an amazing way to experience the natural beauty of Summit County. Our Blue River rafting trips will get your adrenaline pumping but still suitable for the entire family. We guide rafting trips on the Blue River daily in the summer months depending on water flow.
The Blue River is the closest and 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 is a treasured Colorado river trip in the high country. The river rises south of Breckenridge near Quandary Peak at 14,200 feet, and flows downward through the town, then is collected in the Dillon Reservoir where it is retained for domestic water supplies and for recreation. In summer you’ll see sailboats, paddleboards, and kayakers crisscrossing the lake, but no swimming is allowed to help keep the water cleaner. In drought years, almost all of the river’s flow is stored in Lake Dillon, but in wet years, Denver Water can let the river flow, and we can raft it!
Certified professional river guides, river safety gear, wetsuits, and an amazing time on the river.
9:30 am & 1:15 pm
1/3 Day (2-3 hours)
I-III (IV during high-water)
Price:
$96 Adults & $91 Child (12 and Under)
7 years old (May vary with water flows)
Reserve your Blue River rafting adventure by booking online or calling us today. Prior reservations are required.
Silverthorne Basecamp. Please arrive at the designated rafting trip check in time.
Check In, Gear Up, and Get Thrilled! Equip yourself with the necessary gear and hop into our company vehicles for a brief ride to the put in.
Embark on a remarkable journey along the Blue River, where you can take in stunning scenery, encounter wildlife, and benefit from the expertise of exceptional guides!
After you arrive at the take-out location, the guides will pack up the rafts, and you will have a brief ride back to the boathouse.
The season for rafting the Blue River is May through July, depending on water levels. The river flows depend largely on the water released from Dillon Reservoir, so it’s probably a good idea to give us a call to see what the river is doing this year.
We do recommend wetsuits and/or splash jackets for this early season river. The water is cold so don’t be afraid to bring your long underwear and fleece jackets for this classic Colorado rafting trip.
The Blue River can be a tricky one to time. The river is dam-release controlled from Lake Dillon in the heart of Summit County. Some years the Blue won’t run due to water being diverted to the Front Range and beyond. It is best to always contact us to see if the Blue River is running, or follow along on our social media outlets for the most up to date information.
Yes. Due to the river classifications and difficulty of the Blue River we have an age limit of 7 years old. During times of high water, we reserve the right to increase the age limit. For all inflatable kayaks the age limit is 15 years old.
Nope! Even if you’re not a swimmer, you can still enjoy an incredible rafting adventure on Colorado’s Blue River. Except for advanced and expert trips, rafting is accessible to those with all levels of swimming experience. Every participant is equipped with a Type-V Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (life jacket) that must be worn at all times on the river. These life jackets are specifically designed to keep you afloat, positioning you on your back with your head above the water. Before embarking, guides will walk you through a thorough safety orientation, covering everything you need to know about using your life jacket effectively. While swimming knowledge can be beneficial—especially in some of the Blue River’s more thrilling sections—it’s not a strict requirement for most trips.
Our expert Blue River rafting guides are highly trained, certified by the state of Colorado, and prepared in first aid and CPR. While rafting is an exciting adventure sport, it involves some inherent risk, so we encourage groups to select trips that align with everyone’s comfort and experience levels. Colorado Adventure Guides is dedicated to guest safety, and all participants must review and sign a liability waiver, with minors needing a parent or legal guardian’s signature and a completed health history questionnaire before the trip begins. All information is kept confidential and would only be shared with medical personnel in case of an emergency. Emergency contacts must be over 18 and not participating in the same trip.
For your exciting Blue River rafting adventure, remember to pack a few essentials! Leave towels and a change of dry clothes in your car—you’ll be glad to have them after the trip. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses with straps, a waterproof camera to capture unforgettable moments, and water for hydration before and after rafting (staying hydrated in the Colorado Rockies is a must!). Bringing cash to tip your guide is also appreciated. For additional recommendations, check our gear list tailored for river trips.
Weather in the Colorado Rockies, especially along the Blue River, can change quickly—sunshine one minute, a sprinkle the next. With over 300 days of sunshine annually, chances are good for great weather, but we run our Blue River rafting trips rain or shine. Wetsuits, neoprene booties, and splash tops are available to keep you comfortable, no matter the conditions, so you can fully enjoy the experience. And remember, getting wet is part of the fun, even on the sunniest days! Weather won’t impact trip schedules.
Our guides earn a base salary similar to what bartenders or servers receive. Common practice for tipping follows the same guidelines as for these professions, typically ranging from 15-20%. If you support tipping and your guide provided excellent service, it is a thoughtful gesture to show your gratitude, provided your experience was enjoyable, safe, and informative. Should your experience fall short of expectations, we kindly ask that you inform our management. Feedback and guest letters are highly valued and aid us in upholding the utmost standards of customer service and appreciation.
