White Water Rafting in Colorado
The Colorado and the Arkansas river systems in Colorado are two of the best of the West. Colorado offers some of the best whitewater rafting and kayaking in the world. I-70 also cuts through its own small jewels, the Eagle River, Idaho Creek, Blue River and their dam-released rivers mean rafting all summer long, no matter what the weather conditions. During the May-through-June snow melt, 50 percent of the year’s entire water volume will run down the channels of these mountain streambeds. This is the equivalent of “powder” season for kayakers and river rafters.
(Photo: First Drop The Arkansas River - Colorado by Zaskoda)
River rafting is not always a white- knuckle sport as it is often presented; most of the time it offers a pleasant day with friends and family. Rafting trips are often now graded like ski runs. For example, an easy trip is denoted by a green circle, while an intermediate trip is a blue square and an advanced tour is a double black diamond. Rafting purists prefer the internationally acknowledged Class I (easy) to Class VI (impossible) rating system.Colorado professional rafting companies generally offer three different trips daily: a beginner Class I, such as the Upper Colorado; an intermediate Class II-III, such as the Lower Eagle or Shoshone Rapids in spectacular Glenwood Canyon; and a Class IV-V advanced trip for experienced paddlers, such as Down Chute or Granite/Pine Creek. You can raft on Colorado’s most popular river adventure on Brown’s Canyon of the Arkansas River, with stunning views and spectacular Class II-III whitewater. Trips vary according to runoff and time of year, however, many of the rivers are dam-released and can be run virtually all summer.
For a little twist try night-vision rafting trips. These trips go out every evening to the Upper Colorado Class I-II section. Guests use the latest state-of-the-art, third-generation night-vision goggles, experiencing the beauty and serenity of floating through a sea of dazzling stars.
Adults and children looking to experience all that the Rocky Mountains have to offer can take advantage of perhaps the most unique experience in Colorado- a combination of whitewater rafting and rock climbing tour. Guests paddle down the beautiful Upper Colorado River, while stopping to learn to rock climb in remote Yarmony Canyon.
Special rafting trips can be arranged to suit your needs, including kids’ camps, family-reunion parties, wedding groups and more. Outfitters generally provide all the equipment you need, including a regulation life vest. On the more challenging trips, wet suits and helmets are standard equipment. Bring a set of dry clothes so you can change when your adventure is over. Trips around Colorado range from half-day adventures to multi-day trips lasting 4 or more days. Make sure to ask lots of questions and know what to expect.
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