Rafting on the Colorado River is one of the most spectacular ways to experience the Rocky Mountains. Our Colorado River rafting trips are family friendly and inviting to people of all ages. We offer half day, full day, and overnight experiences as well as the option to raft, kayak, or stand up paddleboard!
Here at Colorado Rafting Company we run and base all of our Colorado River Rafting trips out of the famous Rancho del Rio riverside community along the Colorado River Headwaters Scenic Byway. This small community houses a boat ramp, small general store, campsites, and more including the Colorado Rafting Company boathouse. Being riverside allows us to access the river quickly to make sure you get what you’re looking for, more river time! We run guided tours on rafts, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, and also rent boats to the public.
Located only 4 miles from CO-131 at State Bridge which is easily accessible From I-70 at Wolcott (Exit #157), Rancho Del Rio is only a 40 minute drive from Vail and about 1 hour from Summit County, Steamboat Springs and Winter Park.
Our most popular trip on the 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.
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.
For those looking for more time on the river our Upper Colorado River Full-Day trip offers mild Class I-II rapids, with occasional Class III rapids during higher water flows. This journey is perfect for the whole family, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Price: Starting at $159 per person
Location: CRC Boathouse at Rancho Del Rio
Duration: Full Day | ~6-7 Hours
Class: I-II with occasional III at high water
Start Times: 9:00 am
Minimum Age: 5 years old (May vary with water flows)
Come join us for an unforgettable full day rafting adventure on the Upper Colorado River, our favorite way to enjoy quality time with friends and family. This fully-guided experience includes a river-side lunch and takes you through the stunning, untouched beauty of the Upper Colorado River. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of meadows, valleys, rolling ranch lands, and towering canyon walls. The diverse landscape is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, deer, beavers, and bighorn sheep—there’s always something amazing to see.
Experience the thrill of rafting on the Colorado River, navigating both calm waters and exciting rapids. After a day on the river, camp under the stars for a true outdoor escape. It’s an unforgettable adventure you won’t want to miss!
Price: Starting at $450 per person
Location: CRC Boathouse at Rancho Del Rio
Duration: 2 Days w/ overnight
Class: I-II with occasional III at high water
Start Times: 8:30 am
Minimum Age: 5 years old (May vary with water flows)
Let’s go camping on the river! This is our all-time favorite way to spend time with our friends and family. This fully-guided and all-inclusive overnight rafting and camping adventure takes place on the beautiful and pristine Upper Colorado River in between Pumphouse and State Bridge. Trip includes 2 full days of rafting and exploring and one beautiful night of river-side camping. All meals will be provided and cooked by your professional river guides.
Location:
Colorado Rafting Company Boathouse at Rancho del Rio
4199 Trough Rd. Bond, CO 80423
Duration:
Half Day ~3- 3.5 hours
Class:
I-II rapids with occasional III at high water
Price:
$89 pp
Minimum Age:
5 years old (May vary with water flows)
Start Time:
9:00 am
Location:
Colorado Rafting Company Boathouse at Rancho del Rio
4199 Trough Rd. Bond, CO 80423
Duration:
Full Day ~ 8 Hours
Class:
I-II rapids with occasional III at high water
Price:
$159 per person
Minimum Age:
5 years old (May vary with water flows)
Start Time:
8:30 am
Location:
Colorado Rafting Company Boathouse at Rancho del Rio
4199 Trough Rd. Bond, CO 80423
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)
Experience the thrill of Colorado Rafting Company’s guided inflatable kayak trips on the scenic Upper Colorado River—a perfect alternative to traditional white water rafting! Paddle through gentle rapids and explore beautiful shorelines on your own while you’re supported by guides in rafts. This is ideal for adventure-seekers 12 years of age and up.
Price: Starting at $99 per person
Location: CRC Boathouse at Rancho Del Rio
Duration: 1/2 Day (~ 3 hours)
Class: I-II with occasional III at high water
Minimum Age: 12 years old (May vary with water flows)
Start Time:
9:00 am & 1:30 pm
Location:
Colorado Rafting Company Boathouse at Rancho del Rio
4199 Trough Rd. Bond, CO 80423
Duration:
Half Day ~3- 3.5 hours
Class:
I-II rapids with occasional III at high water
Price:
$99 pp
Minimum Age:
12 years old (May vary with water flows)
Start Time:
9:00 am
Location:
Colorado Rafting Company Boathouse at Rancho del Rio
4199 Trough Rd. Bond, CO 80423
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:
12 years old (May vary with water flows)
Looking for a real challenge? Try paddling a stand up paddle board through the Colorado River’s mild rapids. You’ll be supported by a nearby guide in a raft. Paddle through gentle rapids and stunning landscapes, ideal for adventure-seekers 12 years of age and up.
Price: Starting at $99 per person
Location: CRC Boathouse at Rancho Del Rio
Duration: 1/2 Day (~ 3 hours)
Class: I-II with occasional III at high water
Minimum Age: 12 years old (May vary with water flows)
The Colorado River is our favorite family friendly rafting trip. Beginning as snowmelt high in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Colorado Rockies give birth to the legendary Colorado River. Downstream of the national park, the river begins to intensify through the famed Class 5 “Gore Canyon,” and then below, the river develops a more gentle nature.
This is where our Colorado River Rafting experiences begin, with an introduction to white water rafting for families with children, older adults, and folks looking to enjoy the beauty of a more remote-feeling Colorado location. Colorado river trips are perfect for many groups looking for a scenic raft float on a river wide enough that you can play and socialize during the adventure.
Our staff are here to help you from beginning to end. Whether you are working with our reservations specialists to plan and prepare for your adventure, or traveling down the river with our experienced and friendly guides, you can rest assured that Colorado Rafting Company is looking out for you.
We pride ourselves in maintaining a smaller operation where we can provide truly intimate Colorado adventures. Our Colorado River rafting guides are highly trained, experienced, and certified by the State. That means you can relax and enjoy the scenery, company, food, and fun on your Colorado River rafting trip.
For those seeking intense and dynamic rapids, the period from mid-June to early July, known for high water levels, is perfect. During this time, the river surges at its fullest, offering an exhilarating ride for even the most experienced rafters, although some parts may temporarily close due to extreme conditions. If a more laid-back adventure is what you seek, consider the regular season from mid-May to late August, which typically features gentler waters ideal for relaxed rafting. September brings amazing fall colors to the river and its shores. Remember that water levels and weather can be unpredictable, so pick a date that aligns with your group’s comfort and readiness for unexpected twists. There’s truly no bad time to embark on a Colorado River rafting trip; each season delivers a distinct and unforgettable journey.
Yes. We have a minimum age of 5 years old for the Colorado River trips. During times of high water, we typically bump the minimum age to 7 years old. For all stand up paddleboard and inflatable kayaks participants must be at least 12 years old.
Our guides work hard to make your Colorado River rafting experience enjoyable and memorable, earning a base wage similar to a bartender or server. A tip of 15-20% is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for their dedication, especially if they provided a safe, fun, and informative trip. If you feel they went above and beyond, a tip is a great way to express your gratitude. However, if your experience fell short of expectations, please let our management know. Your feedback is invaluable, helping us maintain top-tier service and ensure future guests have the best possible rafting adventure.
For a comfortable and safe rafting trip on the Colorado River, it’s best to avoid cotton clothing since it absorbs water and can sap warmth from your body. Instead, opt for bathing suits, shorts, or quick-drying, long-sleeved and long-legged clothing. Secure footwear like water sandals or tennis shoes are essential—flip-flops and Crocs won’t stay on! Towels are best left in your vehicle, as there’s no way to keep them dry on the river. For the best rafting experience, choose materials like wool, polypro, fleece, microfiber, or polyester, and wear waterproof jackets that dry quickly. Keep in mind, space is limited on the raft, so only bring what you’re wearing. Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are included for all rafting adventures. If you have any questions, feel free to call us—we’re here to help you prepare for an unforgettable day on the river!
Our guides are rigorously trained, certified by the state of Colorado, and skilled in first aid and CPR to ensure a safe rafting adventure on the Colorado River. Rafting is an exciting sport but comes with inherent risks, and while we take every precaution to create a safe, enjoyable experience, participants are responsible for their own belongings and personal safety. It’s essential to select a trip that aligns with your group’s skill level and comfort. To maintain the highest safety standards, Colorado Rafting Company/Colorado Adventure Guides requires all participants to review and sign a liability waiver before embarking on the trip. Participants under 18 need a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. Additionally, relevant health information must be provided to guides. It remains confidential and is only shared in emergencies. We also require that emergency contacts be individuals over 18 who are not participating in the same rafting adventure. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities, so you can focus on enjoying an unforgettable day on the Colorado River.
Weather along the Colorado River in the Rocky Mountains can be highly unpredictable, changing from mile to mile and minute to minute. However, with Colorado averaging over 300 days of sunshine a year, the odds are in your favor for great rafting conditions. We operate our rafting adventures on the Colorado River in all weather, rain or shine. Remember, you’re going to get wet rafting, even on the sunniest days! Please note that weather is not a cause for cancellation of our rafting trips.
