moderate
3–4 hours
Participants should have moderate physical fitness; ability to paddle and balance is helpful but no prior experience required.
Experience the thrill of rafting combined with scenic boat floats on Colorado’s Colorado River. The Boots to Boats Adventure Package offers exciting rapids and peaceful views, perfect for adventure lovers in Silverthorne.
ACE: A Colorado Experience. Join us on this 2-day adventure package including hiking and rafting.
2 person minimum on packages
Hiking and rafting in Colorado go together like peanut butter and jelly. Let us show you a beautiful experience on this 2-day adventure package. Put the boots to the dirt and enjoy one of the many amazing half-day hikes here in Summit County. From wildflowers to stunning backdrops, it’s hard to be disappointed. Then on your other day you will raft down the mighty Colorado River or exciting Clear Creek on a 1/2 day rafting trip.
Day 1 - Rafting
Day 2 – Hiking
Colorado Adventure Guides is permitted to operate in a variety of terrain from Summit County to several adjacent counties, which allows us to access a variety of zones for trips.
Colorado Adventure Guides and Colorado Rafting Company, based in Silverthorne, CO, deliver four seasons of outdoor adventure and education. With operations in seven USFS and BLM ranger districts, we serve a dynamic and growing population of outdoor enthusiasts. Our all-season, guided operations include:
We have been providing incredible experiences to visitors of Summit County and surrounding areas for over 20 years. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned expert, let us take you on your next unforgettable outdoor adventure!
No prior training or experience is necessary to sign up for this trip.
Your guide/instructors work hard before, during, and after your course to provide you with a great experience, and while not expected, gratuities are always highly appreciated. If you had a safe, educational, and fun experience, gratuities typically range from 15-20%.
This depends on what you’re interested in. If big, exciting water is what your group is looking for, then high-water season is the best time. Mid-June to early July is traditionally the high-water season. When rivers run at their peak, it can make for a big ride. Keep in mind some sections may close due to high water conditions. Most people enjoy the normal runs in May then late July through September. Water levels and weather are very unpredictable, so book a date that best suits the group and be prepared for the unexpected. There really is no bad time to go white water rafting in Colorado.
Avoid cotton clothing, as it tends to get wet and stay wet – not to mention taking valuable warmth from your body’s surface. For rafting, bathing suits and shorts are recommended with comfortable, secure footwear. While not required, we do provide wetsuits, splash jackets, and booties at no additional charge. This equipment isn’t mandatory but it is designed to keep you warm. Towels are best kept in your vehicles and don’t do you much good on the river because there is no way to keep them dry. For rafting and other activities your best bet would be materials such as wool, polypro, fleece, micro fleece, polyester, waterproof jackets, and any other outdoor material that dries fast. There is limited space on the rafts, so you should limit what you bring to what you can wear. Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are included with all rafting adventures, and helmets are available. If you have any questions please give us a call and we can give you information so that you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.
Please see our equipment lists for activity specific gear. For rafting you will want to bring a few towels to leave in your car; you’ll be happy to have something to dry off with after your adventure. Bring a change of dry clothes to leave in your car. Our basecamps offer changing rooms so you can be comfortable after your Colorado raft adventure. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, sunglasses straps, and hats that protect from the sun. Bring water. Remember, you’re in the Colorado Rockies, and it’s important to stay hydrated!
All our guides go through extensive training, basic first aid, CPR, and all river guides are certified by the state of Colorado. Rafting is an adventure sport and involves a degree of risk on the part of the participant. Although we take precautions to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip, we cannot be responsible for lost or damaged articles and/or personal injury. It is important for the group to choose a trip within their entire group’s limits. Colorado Rafting Company/Colorado Adventure Guides is committed to the safety of our guests. Due to the inherently dangerous nature of some outdoor recreation activities in the backcountry, all participants are required to acknowledge these risks by reading and signing a liability waiver prior to trip departure. All participants under the age of 18 must have a liability/health history waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. In addition to this form, the health history questionnaire must be filled out for each participant. All information submitted is completely confidential; it is for the guide’s use and would only be shared in the event of an emergency with medical and/or rescue personnel directly caring for the guest. It is Colorado Adventure Guides’ policy that all Emergency Contacts be a person over the age of 18 and not participating in the same guided trip or course.
We typically accept participants 5 years or older, if they are accompanied by a legal guardian. You must be 18 years or older to attend a trip on your own.
Choose moisture-wicking clothes to stay comfortable during water activities and quick-drying gear for after the trip.
Apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring sunglasses to protect yourself from UV rays while on the water and onshore.
Carry plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, especially during warm summer months.
Reserve your spot early as this popular adventure fills quickly, especially during peak seasons.
The Colorado River has been a vital waterway for Indigenous tribes and early explorers, shaping the history of the region.
Colorado Adventure Guides promotes river conservation by following strict Leave No Trace principles and supporting local environmental initiatives.
Keeps you comfortable and dry during water activities while providing good sun protection.
summer specific
Provides grip and keeps your feet dry on boat decks and riverbanks.
Prevents sunburn during long hours on the water and in the sun.
Offers additional sun protection for your face and neck.