COME TO LIFE | Whitewater Rafting Arkansas River Top Rivers for Whitewater Rafting Each spring, gravity and sunshine draw our winter snow down from the mountains for some of the country’s most amazing whitewater-rafting adventures. Cutting through canyons and dropping 5,000 feet in the first 125 miles, the Arkansas is one of the nation’s most popular rivers. From family-friendly Browns Canyon to boat-rocking Bighorn Sheep Canyon and Royal Gorge stretches, it runs through beautiful landscapes. Typical departure towns: 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 departure towns: Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Kremmling, Breckenridge, State Bridge Taylor River Views of the jagged Collegiate Peaks mountain range oversee three sections of varying difficulty on the scenic and narrow Taylor River, which is also popular with fishers. Typical departure towns: Gunnison, Crested Butte 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 town: Idaho Springs Animas River COLORADO RIVER NEAR GLENWOOD SPRINGS Trips on the lower Animas are often packaged with rides on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and zipline tours. The upper Animas has challenging Class IV and V rapids that are considered among the toughest commercially rafted waters in the country. DOLORES RIVER NEAR GATEWAY Typical departure town: Durango Cache La Poudre River This river propels boaters on runs that provide challenges for intermediate or advanced abilities. Not only does it offer great runs, but 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. FROM TOP: BLAINE HARRINGTON III; KENNAN HARVEY. Typical departure town: Fort Collins Yampa/Green River Winding through Dinosaur National Monument, this multiday run floats past fossils and archaeological sites, Fremont Indian rock carvings, geological formations and sandy spots perfect for overnight camping. Typical departure towns: Steamboat Springs, Craig, Maybell CONTINUED ON PAGE 56. 54 1-800-COLORADO
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2022: Page 54
