2022-12-03 09:00:55
Each spring, gravity and sunshine draw our winter snow down from the mountains for some of the country’s most amazing whitewater-rafting adventures. Arkansas River Cutting through canyons and dropping 5,000 feet its first 125 miles, the Ark is one of the nation’s most popular. Beautiful stretches run through family-friendly Browns Canyon, boat-rocking Bighorn Sheep Canyon and Royal Gorge wonders. Typical departures: Buena Vista, Salida, Cañon City, Nathrop Colorado River Divided by upper and lower sections, the Colorado runs a gauntlet of canyons and ravines that provide sightseeing intermingled with rapids and calms. There are stretches that serve the daring and the more timid. Typical departures: Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Kremmling, Breckenridge, State Bridge Taylor River Views of the jagged Collegiate Peaks range oversee three sections of varying difficulty on the scenic and narrow Taylor River, which is also popular with anglers. Typical departures: Gunnison, Crested Butte Clear Creek Clear Creek is right off I-70 — the closest whitewater to Denver. Once on the river, however, the interstate goes unnoticed as paddlers drop through the steep and narrow bed, perfect for those looking for a Class IV day or a quick splash. Typical departure: Idaho Springs Animas River Trips on the lower Animas can be packaged with the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and zipline tours. The upper Animas has Class IV and V rapids considered among the toughest commercially rafted waters in the country. Typical departure: Durango Cache La Poudre River This river propels boaters on runs that provide challenges for intermediate or advanced abilities. It’s also as unique an experience as you can have on Colorado waters — it’s the state’s only federally designated National Wild and Scenic River. Typical departure: Fort Collins Yampa/Green River Winding through Dinosaur National Monument, this typically multiday run floats past fossils and archaeological sites, Fremont Indian rock carvings, geological formations and sandy spots beloved by overnight campers Typical departures: Steamboat Springs, Craig, Maybell Whitewater Parks With more than any other state, these parks are built for kayaking, canoeing, SUP-ing, river surfing and tubing — hop in or just watch the action: To Name a Few: Golden • Denver • Buena Vista • Salida • near Kremmling (Gore Canyon) • Basalt • Eagle • Avon • Pueblo • Gunnison • Lyons • Longmont • Fort Collins • Montrose • Craig • Pagosa Springs 4 Things to Know About Rafting in Colorado 1. Almost anyone can go: While adrenaline seekers certainly get their fix on our rivers, rafting is safe and fun for people of nearly all ages and abilities. Additionally, Adaptive Sports Association in Durango and Adaptive Adventures in Lakewood both offer rafting and other watersports. 2. Our guides are experts: The rafting companies listed in this guide and on Colorado.com are state-certified, with all the expertise to lead you safely down river. 3. Difficulty varies: In May and June, melting snow makes the rivers run faster for more exciting rides. By August and September, many are much milder. 4. Customize your trip: Rafting companies offer options, like multiday adventures with camping, and can combine rafting with other activities like train rides, winery tours, ziplining and fly-fishing. LEARN MORE at Colorado.com/WhitewaterRivers and from the Colorado River Outfitters Association at croa.org.
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