Top Colorado White Water Rafting

The Clear Creek Classic trip offers fun for the whole family with splashy Class II–III rapids. Total activity time is 2 hours and 30 minutes from meet to return. Paddle through the scenic Clear Creek Canyon near Idaho Springs, surrounded by Colorado’s gold rush history and stunning mountain views. This fun, hands-on adventure is ideal for those looking to get wet and enjoy the outdoors without extreme intensity. Paddling is required, and all trips include safety orientation, paddle instruction, and gear (PFD, helmet, and wetsuit rentals available). A great way to cool off and experience Colorado’s whitewater!

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.

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.

A rafting adventure on the Upper Colorado River awaits, where the gentle currents and scenic views create a perfect escape from the everyday. This half-day trip, launching from 4 Eagle Ranch, is designed for families and friends looking for a relaxing yet engaging experience. Enjoy complimentary river toys like inflatable kayaks and paddleboards for a personalized touch, allowing you to navigate the river at your leisure. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, you’ll soak in the stunning landscapes, spot local wildlife, and even take refreshing swim stops. It’s a fun-filled day on the water that blends relaxation with light adventure, making it a must-do in the Vail Valley.

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.

Experience the adrenaline-pumping excitement of a whitewater rafting adventure in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains on this professionally guided, half-day excursion. Ride along the clear, crisp waters of the Arkansas River, from the river’s source in the beautiful Arkansas Valley, with dramatic 14,000 foot peaks to the bottom of the Royal Gorge. Crash through the Class II and III rapids of the Granite Gorge and Browns Canyon National Monument whitewater. All rafting equipment — self-bailing raft, paddle, lifejacket and helmet — are included.

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.

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.

Paddle through the Arkansas River’s whitewater rapids with a group of beginner and intermediate rafters led by a professional guide. All equipment, safety, guidance, and transportation is taken care of, so all you need to do is have fun. Pummel through rapids like Three Rocks, Spikebuck, and Shark’s Tooth, and in between rapids go for a swim and spot bighorn sheep and waterfowl. Journey Quest is a non-profit Christ-centered rafting ministry.

See sections of the scenic Arkansas River with a guide to lead the way and keep you safe on a half-day rafting adventure through Colorado’s Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Navigate class II and II whitewater rapids with an expert guide, and soak up the beauty of the surrounding high desert landscape, home to an abundance of native wildlife.

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. It is the first city 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.

Experience the thrilling Royal Gorge safely, without having to worry about hauling out your own gear, on this guided rafting trip. Experience the thrill of splashing down rapids with names like Sledgehammer Falls, and enjoy the pristine Colorado scenery from the seat of your whitewater raft. A professional guides help ensure your safety every step of the way.

This tour combines a zipline adventure and whitewater rafting trip in Colorado’s Clear Creek Valley. Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you zip from ridge to ridge along six separate runs at speeds of up to 30 miles (48 kilometers) per hour, and experience the adrenaline rush of navigating the river’s continuous class IV rapids. Plus, take your pick from other activities such as a jungle bridge and a cliffside free fall.

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.

Enjoy two Colorado adventures in one day with this combo tour that begins with whitewater rafting and ends with ziplining. You'll paddle down the Arkansas River through Browns Canyon National Monument, one of the most scenic sections of the river. Then take to the treetops for a zipline experience in the mountains.

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.

Fly down Class III to IV rapids on this challenging whitewater rafting course in the Royal Gorge. Take in views of the 1,000-foot (300-meter) tall canyon walls from the waters of the Arkansas River as a guide helps you navigate your way down the course. This tour includes all equipment and a morning and afternoon departure time.

Raft Browns Canyon with a trusted, family-owned outfitter that’s been guiding Colorado adventures for over 30 years. Mild to Wild combines top-tier safety with experienced professional guides (averaging 2,000+ river miles) and a genuine commitment to exceptional guest experiences. Enjoy a seamless trip with onsite bathrooms and changing rooms, free parking, round-trip transportation, and premium Coast Guard approved equipment. Neoprene wetsuits are included, with boots available for rent. Small group sizes and highly trained guides with advanced safety certifications make this a comfortable, worry free way to experience one of Colorado’s most iconic rafting trips.

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.

Head down the Upper Colorado River on a float trip that provides the chance to admire the natural beauty of the river in an outdoorsy way that's not too strenuous for the whole family. Aboard a group raft, you'll travel along a gentle section of the river with a few small rapids, passing through the Gore Range.

The Colorado River is one of the US’ most popular spots for whitewater rafting, but if you’ve never been before, the Class III rapids can seem a bit scary. Take the stress away from a trip that should be fun with this Glenwood Canyon half-day rafting trip. Not only will your guide safely lead the way down the river, but all equipment is included.

Extreme Colorado white water rafting on the Arkansas River in Buena Vista is for experienced rafters or adventurous beginners in good physical condition. The Numbers sections offers some of the most technical white water rafting in Colorado. Be prepared for a full body workout as your professional river guide directs your group through each back to back rapid. Enjoy scenic views of the 14,000 foot Collegiate Peaks and cottonwood lined riverbanks between paddle strokes