COME TO LIFE / Rafting TOP RIVERS FOR COLORADO WHITEWATER RAFTING ARKANSAS RIVER Cutting through canyons and dropping 5,000 feet in the first 125 miles, the Arkansas is one of the nation’s most popular. From family-friendly Browns Canyon to boat-rocking Bighorn Sheep Canyon and Royal Gorge stretches, it runs through beautiful landscapes. Typical departure cities: 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 intermin-gled with rapids and calms, with stretches that serve the daring and more timid. Typical depar-ture cities: Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Kremmling, Breckenridge, State Bridge Each spring, gravity and sunshine draw Colorado’s beloved winter snow down from the high country and into Colorado rivers for some of the country’s most amazing whitewater rafting adventures. With so many rivers and expert guides, there’s an experience fit for people of nearly all abilities. CLEAR CREEK One of the most convenient rafting rivers to Denver, Clear Creek is located right off I-70. Once on the river, however, the interstate goes unnoticed as paddlers drop through the steep and narrow bed. Half-and full-day excursions satisfy those looking for a Class IV day or a quick splash. Typical departure city: Idaho Springs Continued on page 56. 54 / COLORADO.COM FROM TOP: WHITEWATER RAFTING THE ROYAL GORGE, KENNAN HARVEY; RAFTING NEAR CAÑON CITY, MILES/MATT INDEN; RAFTING THE ARKANSAS RIVER, JIM DAVID.
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2018: Page 54
