10 places to whitewater raft in Colorado
The Rocky Mountains boast plenty of plunging waters as the snow melts in Colorado each year. Whitewater rafting can be the ultimate mountain experience for either families looking for a casual float or for experienced rafters looking for their next big thrill.
Here are 10 places to whitewater raft in Colorado:
Arkansas River, Echo Canyon River Expeditions (Photo) Courtesy of Echo Canyon River Expeditions
1. Arkansas River
Originating in the Sawatch Range near Leadville, the Arkansas River flows through Colorado and offers many places for whitewater rafting. Popular entry points for rafting the Arkansas River extend from Buena Vista to Salida and through the Royal Gorge in Cañon City.
Photo Courtesy of Echo Canyon River Expeditions.
Buena Vista riverwalk (Photo) Credit SWKrullImaging (iStock)
1. Arkansas River – Buena Vista
The Adventure Company offers rafting trips in Buena Vista with experienced guides. Rafters choose from different rafting trips, including beginner trips through the leisurely Milk Run section and intermediate half- or full-day tours in Browns Canyon. Experienced rafters can opt for The Numbers tour through the Royal Gorge, which feature Class IV and V rapids.
Photo Credit: SWKrullImaging (iStock).
Arkansas River, Salida (Photo) Credit Jacob Boomsma (iStock)
2. Arkansas River – Salida
Just north of Salida, Noah’s Ark offers guided rafting excursions along the Arkansas River through Browns Canyon. Whether you’re looking for a fun float for the family or seeking adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting, Noah's Ark offers access to it all with a variety of tours between Salida and Buena Vista.
Photo Credit: Jacob Boomsma (iStock).
Arkansas River, Royal Gorge (Photo) Credit Ty Wilson
3. Arkansas River - Cañon City
Calling experienced rafters to Cañon City. Rafting through the Royal Gorge, Colorado’s famous 1,250-foot canyon carved by the Arkansas River. Rafters can expect Class IV and V whitewater rapids, steep drops, huge waves, and more. Arkansas River Tours works with riders before the trip on paddling techniques to make sure everyone is ready for the ride.
Photo Credit: Ty Wilson.
Bucket List 2021 Tiger Wall Yampa River (Photo) Credit National Parks Service
4. Yampa River - Dinosaur National Monument
Raft through one of the biggest river canyons along the Yampa River at Dinosaur National Monument. Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Trail Tours takes rafters through big whitewater, especially during spring snowpack runoff. Class III and IV rapids are often encountered along the Yampa River, which carves through beautiful sandstone walls.
Photo Credit: National Parks Service
Cache La Poudre River, Fort Collins (Photo) Credit Richard Haro
5. Cache la Poudre River - Fort Collins
A sanctuary for Colorado Adventurers and wildlife alike, the Cache La Poudre River carves through a canyon visited by anglers, cyclists, hikers, kayakers, and more. Rafting trips on the Poudre River are offered by Mountain Whitewater in Fort Collins and Estes Park. Various guided trips are available on the Poudre River for beginners to experts looking for a great time on the water.
Photo Credit: Richard Haro, courtesy of Visit Fort Collins.
Animas River (Photo) Credit Different_Brian (iStock)
6. Animas River - Durango
Choose between a 2-hour or a 4-hour rafting trip with Durango Rafting Company along the Animas River through Durango. Guides maneuver through Class III rapids, which are great for first-time rafters.
Photo Credit: Different_Brian (iStock).
South Platte River, Deckers (Photo) Credit Nathan Van Dyne
7. South Platte River - Deckers and Denver
While more popular with tubers and kayakers thanks to its gentle flows, the South Platte River offers some whitewater features at Confluence Part in downtown Denver. Lazy floaters can start in Littleton while Deckers offers faster water and rocky rapids.
Photo Credit: Nathan Van Dyne, The Gazette.
Eagle River, Vail (Photo) Credit Edsel L (Flickr)
8. Eagle River - Vail
Tackle Class III to Class IV rapids along the Eagle River near Vail with AVA Rafting and Zipline. The Eagle River is a tributary of the Colorado in the western mountains of the state near Vail. Rafters with AVA guides can choose between a half-day trip to the most aggressive part of the Eagle River, the Dowd Chute, or between guided tours through the upper or lower river.
Photo Credit: Edsel L (Flickr).
San Miguel River, Telluride (Photo) Credit Walter Siegmund (Creative Commons)
9. San Miguel River - Telluride
One of the most beautiful spots to raft in Colorado is the San Miguel River in Telluride. The river is fed by snowmelt and plunges from the jagged peaks of the San Juan mountain range. The river boasts 40 miles of Class III whitewater. 4 Corners Whitewater offers guided rafting trips in the river’s upper-middle section, the upper section of the river, and through Rockwood Gorge.
Photo Credit: Walter Siegmund (via Creative Commons).
Piedra River (Photo) Credit RobertWaltman (iStock)
10. Piedra River
Experienced rafters can take on tough Class III and IV whitewater rapids on the Piedra River near Pagosa Springs. The steady stream of rushing rapids extends through an isolated canyon for more than 20 miles. Mountain Waters Rafting guides take rafters into the Lower Piedra Box, a 12-mile excursion featuring steep drops and dramatic scenery. The Upper Box features a continuous Class II rafting adventure.
Photo Credit: RobertWaltman (iStock).
River Tubing (Photo) Credit BluIz60 (iStock)
Looking For More?
Check out these eight spots in Colorado great for tubing.
Photo Credit: BluIz60 (iStock).
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