Top Colorado Rafting

The backcountry of Western Colorado is often unreachable by footpath, making river rafting one of the best ways to soak up the rocky cliffs and canyon views. But many rafting excursions can be intimidating for young or inexperienced travelers. Ideal for the whole family (from young children to grandparents), this 2-hour rafting trip features gentle waves and calm stretches—and lets you spot wildlife and even hop in the water.

Raft through the heart of Glenwood Canyon on the Colorado River, where dramatic canyon walls, playful Class II–III rapids, and calm scenic sections come together for a well-rounded on-water experience. Located just minutes from Glenwood Springs and an easy drive from Vail and Beaver Creek, this half-day trip blends excitement with incredible scenery. It’s our most popular option for a reason—offering just the right mix of splashy fun and relaxed floating, making it a great fit for all ages and experience levels.

If you've always wanted to try rafting, grab a paddle for this thrilling half-day whitewater tour through Glenwood Canyon. Expert guides help you navigate the roaring Colorado River, from floating along gentle class I stretches to splashing through exciting class II and III rapids. Along the way, get a new perspective on the canyon’s ancient layers and keep an eye out for Colorado wildlife. This tour is available in English and Spanish.

Get on the wild and wonderful Animas River with this 2.5-hour whitewater rafting tour. With your guide at the helm, take to the swirls, churns, and rapids, zooming away from Durango—an epic journey fit for both beginner and experienced paddlers. The panoramic canyon scenery along the Animas adds a sense of relaxation to the thrills!

Experience the excitement of a whitewater rafting adventure on this guided, 3-hour excursion. Choose from a morning or afternoon departure time, then ride along Shoshone Rapids in Glenwood Canyon on the Colorado River. Challenge Class III-IV rapids including Baptism, Tuttle's Tumble, The Wall, Tombstone, Superstition and more. All the necessary rafting equipment, including a life jacket and helmet, are included.

Get ready for a splash of adventure on the Buena Vista Beginner Family Rafting Trip! Cruise the famous Arkansas River's 'Milk Run', surrounded by the towering Sawatch Range and endless mountain beauty. Perfect for families and first timers, you'll enjoy gentle Class I and II+ rapids with excitement and amazing views at every turn. Our knowledgeable guides share fun stories about the area's geology and wildlife - keep an eye out for Mule Deer and Bighorn Sheep! Your small group adventure includes all required equipment, wetsuits, and a convenient round trip from the meeting spot. With about one hour on the river and guided support every step of the way, this is the perfect way to dip your toes into rafting fun and make Colorado memories together.

The Colorado River is our favorite family-friendly rafting trip. This section of the Colorado River offers scenic views including meadows, valleys, rolling ranch lands and steep canyon walls with wildlife including bald eagles, deer, beavers, and big horn sheep - always something to see. Upper Colorado River Rafting provides mild Class I-II rapids and occasional Class III rapids at higher water flow. Beginning as snowmelt high in Rocky Mountain National Park, the \ Rockies give birth to the legendary Colorado River. Downstream of the Park, the river intensifies through the famed Class 5 “Gore Canyon”, but below, the river gentles where our Colorado River Rafting trips begin. An introduction to white water rafting for families with small children and grandparents, any group looking for a scenic Colorado adventure will enjoy this raft trip. We are proudly a smaller operation offering intimate Colorado adventures. Our raft guides are highly trained, experienced, and State certified.

Embark on an exhilarating whitewater rafting adventure on Clear Creek, just 30 minutes from Denver. This intermediate trip offers over 3 hours on the water, navigating continuous Class III–IV rapids that challenge and thrill. You'll tackle notable rapids such as “Nomad,” “Fall River,” “Deliverance,” and the formidable “Outer Limits,” all set against the stunning backdrop of Clear Creek Canyon. Midway through the journey, enjoy a well-deserved, deli-style riverside lunch, providing a moment to relax and take in the surrounding natural beauty. Our guides average 5 years of experience and all necessary personal equipment is included: personal flotation devices, helmets, and wetsuits. This trip is perfect for adventure seekers aged 15 and up, seeking a memorable rafting experience close to Denver.

Get your whole family out on the rapids with this whitewater rafting trip down the Animas River in Durango. Spend two hours in the company of an adventure guide, paddling over Class I, II, and III rapids, suitable for novices and experts alike (including children). Shoot down the river and take in the scenery, coming away with a sense of accomplishment and a better understanding of Colorado's wilderness.

Embark on an exhilarating 2.5-hour whitewater adventure on Clear Creek, just 30 minutes from Denver. This intermediate rafting trip is perfect for adventurous first timers and seasoned paddlers alike, offering a thrilling ride through continuous Class III–IV rapids. Navigate challenging sections like “Nomad,” “Fall River,” “Deliverance,” and the grand finale, “Outer Limits,” as you descend through the scenic Clear Creek Canyon. The steep gradient and technical maneuvers require active paddling and teamwork, making for an adrenaline filled experience. Our professional guides provide comprehensive safety briefings and all necessary gear, including personal flotation devices, helmets, and wetsuits. After conquering the rapids, enjoy the historic charm of Idaho Springs, a town rich in Colorado's gold mining history. This trip is ideal for those seeking a dynamic and memorable rafting experience close to Denver

Take advantage of the rapids of the Royal Gorge on Colorado’s River Arkansas to hone your rafting on this advanced half-day adventure. Designed for experienced rafters and adventurers in good physical shape, the rafting expedition lets you brave waves, steep technical drops, and near-continuous Class IV-V white water rapids, with equipment—excluding wetsuits and wetsuit boots—provided for convenience. Prebook to guarantee your preferred time slot on your ideal date.

Colorado's most popular whitewater rafting trip trough Brown's Canyon National Monument. Enjoy spectacular scenery and thrilling whitewater on this professionally guided river trip.

See what makes Bighorn Sheep Canyon one of the most popular rafting locations near the Royal Gorge on a half-day whitewater adventure that’s suitable for both novices and experienced rafters. Soak up views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains and pristine Colorado scenery in between tackling class II-IV rapids. At just a half day, it's an easy way to fit in a favorite Rocky Mountains outdoor activity.

When it comes to Colorado whitewater, hardly anyone knows about the San Miguel River. Which is kind of a surprise! Given how much fun it is, on top of being in proximity to bougie and beloved Telluride. The rafting section is gorgeously scenic, exciting for all experience levels, and pretty much a must if you want to spend the afternoon like a local. Its red sandstone canyon juxtaposed by flourishing pine forests make for a picturesque setting to recreate on this Rocky Mountain river. Anyone who loves the outdoors will have an absolute hoot on this tour, whether it’s your first or hundredth time rafting. Just ask our guides, most— if not all!— will agree that the San Miguel is their favorite river to run.

Experience the ultimate in Colorado whitewater on this full-day Royal Gorge rafting trip from Cañon City. Warm up with a run down Bighorn Sheep Canyon, then put your paddling skills to the test while tacking the thrilling whitewater flumes of the Royal Gorge. A riverside picnic lunch is included on this wet and unforgettable adventure.

If you’re looking for a river rafting adventure that’s easy to fit into a busy schedule, this Royal Gorge Whitewater Rafting Half-Day Adventure from Canon City is a perfect choice. In just a couple of hours, head out onto the water with a guide who knows how to handle more advanced rapids such as Class IV and Class V ones. Plus, easy transport to and from the river from Canon City is included, too.

Traverse the thrilling rapids of Brown’s Canyon National Monument on a half-day whitewater rafting tour. With one morning and two afternoon tours offered, you can easily find a departure time to fit with your schedule. In addition to an included helmet and life vest, you also enjoy instruction from your guide before the adventure begins.  Once everyone is ready, paddle down Devil’s Punchbowl, Pinball, Big Drop, and more.

Experience the Upper Colorados remote wilderness by raft, The surrounding scenery is unparalleled, and guests often spot otters swimming along the rafts, eagles spring the skies and Big Horn Sheep scaling the cliffs. Even bears and moose have been spotted hanging riverside. The playful class 2 whitewater offers light splashes that aren’t too overwhelming, perfect for first-timers and families. For the more adrenaline seeking individuals in your party, stop at the 25ft cliff jump for some additional thrills. And did we mention Radium Hot Springs? Our groups often are able to eddy out and enjoy the natural thermal wonders along the river bank.

Clear Creek is one of the best whitewater rafting rivers in Colorado, and for great reasons. The canyon offers all levels of whitewater challenge, and easy access. The setting includes scenic flats, mining ruins, wildlife, and, of course, exciting whitewater flowing over rocks. This trip is your chance to participate in an unusually challenging raft trip close to Denver, Breckenridge, Silverthorne, Dillon, and Winter Park. Canyon scenery is dramatic, and adrenaline will be high! Nearby is Idaho Springs, where the gold rush began. Founded in 1859, this quaint town is nestled in the foothills of some of Colorado’s best mountains and holds a unique place in the state’s history. As the place where the Colorado Gold Rush started, this little town holds a lot of secrets, including one of the best river rafting areas in the state! The season for advanced rafting on Clear Creek is normally June and July, but is dependent on water flows.

Clear Creek is one of the best whitewater rafting rivers in Colorado, and for great reasons. The canyon offers all levels of whitewater challenge, and easy access. The setting includes scenic flats, mining ruins, wildlife, and, of course, exciting whitewater flowing over rocks. Nearby is Idaho Springs, where the gold rush began. One of the first cities founded in Colorado, in 1859, this quaint town is nestled in the foothills of some of Colorado’s best mountains and holds a unique place in the state’s history. As the place where the Colorado Gold Rush started, this little town holds a lot of secrets, including one of the best river rafting areas in the State! Conveniently located about 30 minutes West of Denver, and close to Breckenridge, Silverthorne, Dillon, and Winter Park, Clear Creek has rafting trip options for varying ability and experience levels.

Choose Mild to Wild for your Lower Animas River Full Day rafting trip and experience our unique commitment to excellence. Our highly trained professional guides ensure your enjoyment and fun. Benefit from a low guide-to-guest ratio for a personalized experience. We streamline your adventure with free parking, changing rooms, and a storefront for essentials. Complimentary splash jackets and helmets are standard. Enjoy a riverside locally made deli-style lunch midway. Whether paddling or relaxing, your day is crafted for lasting memories. Enhance your trip with a kayak instructor or explore packages including Jeep tours. Mild to Wild prioritizes your satisfaction and an unforgettable journey.

The Numbers section of the Arkansas River is renowned for its thrilling Class 4 rapids, delivering nonstop excitement and challenges for experienced rafters and daring newcomers alike. This exhilarating stretch features rapids like “Pinball,” where paddlers bounce between boulders, demanding sharp skills and teamwork. The journey unfolds amid stunning scenery, with granite boulder gardens and the towering Collegiate Peaks providing a dramatic backdrop. As you navigate the river's whitewater, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and rugged landscapes, making each rapid a visual and physical adventure. The Numbers isn’t just a rafting trip; it’s a fusion of adrenaline and natural beauty, creating an unforgettable experience.

Push your limits with one of Colorado’s most legendary whitewater rafting experiences. This full-day Gore Canyon adventure is designed for experienced rafters and adrenaline seekers ready to tackle advanced Class IV to V rapids on the wild Colorado River. With towering granite canyon walls, relentless whitewater, and expert guide leadership, this is the quintessential Colorado rafting challenge. Downstream Adventures Gore Canyon is famed for its steep gradient and sustained big water, delivering rapid after rapid through a dramatic wilderness setting. This stretch includes some of the most technical river features commercially rafted in the United States, demanding focus, teamwork, and physical effort throughout your journey.