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THE GUIDE TO COLORADO WHITEWATER RAFTING
 
Colorado Rafting

 

 
Sponsor Listings
Adventure Outfitters
MWD
Royal Gorge Rafting
RMOC
Rigs Fly Shop
Telluride Outside
 

THE VERY WORD ‘WHITEWATER’ is an adrenaline rush for some people,
and total intimidation for others. Thankfully, rivers in Colorado cater to everyone, offering adventures... from mild to wild, from float trips down the Colorado River with ever so small whitecaps, to the rough and ready Arkansas River with excitement galore in Brown’s Canyon.

Rafting season coincides with Mother Nature's calendar. When she melts snow from the high Rocky Mountain peaks in late April and May, the streams and rivers begin to gorge with a run-off that lasts throughout the summer. The rafting season is at its height late May through July, and, during abundant snow years, well into August.

Rivers are rated from Class I–V. Families and beginners usually choose Class I, which offers leisurely float trips with spectacular scenic views at every bend of the wide open rivers. Class V gives you an exciting ride for your money. Your guide will thread your raft through narrow canyons for holdtight, mind-clearing plunges for whitewater junkies. Classes II–IV are between. Your level of experience will define your trip.

Choosing an established rafting company is important. The Colorado River Outfitters Association can provide you with a list of companies staffed by certified, experienced professionals. Choose from half or full-day (with lunch) trips that generally include bus transportation to the put-in and take-out point on your river journey... and get ready to have fun!

Be prepared to get soaking wet! Even if you’re on a gentle float trip, splashing comes with the territory. So, try to wear quick-drying fabrics and also bring a change of clothing for the return bus trip. Your driver will shepherd your belongings. (Many outfitters rent wet suits and wet shoes - a good idea if your trip is in late spring’s icy waters. Because of rafting’s growing popularity, reservations are highly recommended, especially around summer holidays.

 
A FEW HELPFUL GUIDELINES:

1 What services does the outfitter provide?
2 Are you planning a half-day, full-day or multi-day trip?
3 What are the minimum age or size requirements?
4 Can the outfitter accommodate special needs or large groups?
5 What is the expertise level of the guides and what kind of
training do they receive?
6 How long has the outfitter owned and operated the business?
7 What is included in the price of the trip?

 
SPONSOR LISTINGS
 
Raft Masters
 
800.568.7238
www.raftmasters.com
 


Explore Colorado's Best Whitewater Rafting with the Masters in Whitewater Adventure!

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Echo Canyon River Expeditions 
 
800.497.0643
www.raftecho.com
 


"The most trusted name in rafting". One of the oldest, largest and most respected white water rafting companies in Colorado.

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River Runners
 
877-378-1972
riverrunnersltd.com
 

River Runners Hot Springs & Cool Rafting Packages. Raft with River Runners and get 2 for 1 Hot Spring Tickets. Visit River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort & Grill in Buena Vista, Colorado or River Runners Royal Gorge Rafting Center in Canon City, Colorado.River Runners the Whitewater Professionals Since 1972.

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Performance Tours
 
800.328.7238
performancetours.com
 


Rafting in Colorado on a scenic whitewater raft trip is genuine Colorado adventure at its best!

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Whitewater Adventure Outfitters
 
 
800.530.8212
 

No trip to Colorado is complete without experiencing the thrill of a whitewater rafting trip on the most popular river for rafting in Colorado the Arkansas river. Whitewater Adventure Outfitters is located one mile west of Canon City, Colorado, in the spectacular Royal Gorge region. Our seasoned guide staff is among the most experienced in the country, and is the reason we continue to boast of an outstanding safety record.

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Bill Dvorak Kayak and Rafting
 
800.824.3795
dvorakexpeditions.com
 


Since 1969, Bill Dvorak Kayak and Rafting Expeditions has offered active adventurers and families, top quality white water rafting and kayaking trips across many rivers in Colorado.


 
Buffalo Joe's Whitewater Rafting
 
866.BUFFJOE
www.buffalojoe.com
 


We have been in the business of Colorado rafting since 1978, this is twice as long as most of the outfitters in Colorado and on the Arkansas River.

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AVA's Colorado Rafting
 
877.RAFTING
coloradorafting.net
 


Find discounted rafting near you! We'll help you plan the adventure of a lifetime: world-class whitewater, guides and equipment. FREE wetsuits and splash jackets on every AVA-run trip. With trips on 8 Colorado rivers, we have the perfect adventure for you. All ages and abilities, all levels rafting.  Be sure to check out our AWARD-WINNING interactive website for information, discounts and videos. Call or email us today for a quote. Cabins, camping, rock climbing, fly fishing, horseback riding, ballooning, ATVs also available.

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Mountain Whitewater Descents
 
888.855.8874
 


We offer rafting adventures on the Cache La Poudre River near Estes Park Colorado. Come see what river rafting in Colorado is all about.

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mountainwhitewaterdescents.com

 
Royal Gorge Rafting
 
719.275.7238
 
There's a reason why we are Colorado's fastest growing outfitter 5 years running! Voted #1 Local Rafting Outfitter & Bar & Grill! Royal Gorge Rafting ~ River Ranch Vacation Rentals ~ the White Water Bar & Grill. Requiring a minimum of 4 years experience for our river guides! Free use of all river gear!  Exclusive kayak support and kayak photographers with every Royal Gorge trip!  See more about the incomparable experience we provide online at Call today! 719 275 7238 or visit online!
 
RMOC - Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center
 
800.255.5784
 
Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center has been the premier whitewater kayaking school in the Rocky Mountain West since 1982. Our kayak instruction facility is on the banks of the famous Arkansas River with whitewater out the door! Whether you are looking for a great day outing from Denver or Colorado Springs, a couple of days of adventure during your family vacation, or an extended period of instruction and adventure on your Colorado summer vacation we have the facilities, equipment, and experienced staff to provide you with fantastic experience.
 
Rigs Fly Shop
 
970.626.4460
 

RIGS Family Whitewater Rafting Trips are for everyone! As a family owned business, we believe in conducting each trip in a safe, fun and educational manner. Choose from: 2 Hour, Half-Day, Full-Day & Multi-Day River Trips with experienced, passionate, Certified Professional River Guides. Ride the Rapids!

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Telluride Outside
 
800-831-6230
 

Featuring trips on the San Miguel River and Dolores River. Running the San Miguel requires constant manuevering and excellent teamwork. Grab a paddle and jump in the raft! Dolores River: The Dolores, "River of Sorrows," ranks among the finest wilderness whitewater experiences in the United States. We run two distinct sections of the Dolores on multi-day float trips, described in greater detail below. 1-day trips are conducted on the first 19 miles of the Ponderosa Canyon.