| THE GUIDE TO COLORADO WHITEWATER RAFTING |
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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. |
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| 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? | |
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| SPONSOR LISTINGS |
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| River Runners | | | | 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. Download Brochure Request a Brochure Download Coupon! | | |
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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. Download Coupon Download Brochure | | |
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| Bill Dvorak Kayak and Rafting | | | | 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.
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| AVA's Colorado Rafting | | | | 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. Download Coupon #1 Download Coupon #2 Download Brochure | | |
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| 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! | | |
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| 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. | | |
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| 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! Deals & Discounts Coupon! | | |
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| Telluride Outside | | | | 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. | | |
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