Adventure Collective
Full-Day Guided Rafting Adventure on Upper Colorado River - Aspen

Full-Day Guided Rafting Adventure on Upper Colorado River

Bondmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

6–8 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should have basic fitness to handle paddling and occasional lifting or hiking along the riverbank.

Overview

Experience an unforgettable full-day rafting trip on the Upper Colorado River with expert guides. Perfect for families and thrill-seekers, enjoy scenic views, mild rapids, and a relaxing riverside lunch.

Rafting
Walking Tour
Water Activities
Silverthorne, Colorado

Guided Colorado River Rafting: Full Day

Experience beauty and adventure floating the beautiful & scenic Colorado River- Raft or Kayak

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Adventure Photos

Guided Colorado River Rafting: Full Day photo 1

About This Adventure

Join us for a raft trip on the Upper Colorado River, our all-time favorite way to spend time with our friends and family. This fully-guided rafting adventure takes place on the beautiful and pristine Upper Colorado River. This section of the Colorado River offers scenic views including meadows, valleys, rolling ranch lands and steep canyon walls. This varied landscape is home to all kinds of wildlife, including bald eagles, deer, beaver, and big horn sheep - always something to marvel at.

We'll stop to see settlers' cabins, at a warm springs if flows allow, and for a delicious, river-side lunch.

Upper Colorado River Rafting provides mild Class I-II rapids and occasional Class III rapids at higher water flow! Feel free to bring the entire family on this journey, as there is sure to be something for everyone. Choose a kayak or tandem kayak if you're at least 12 years old.

Itinerary


  • Meet at our Rancho Del Rio boathouse at 4199 Trough Rd, Bond, CO 80423
  • Trips leave once daily at 9AM
  • Gear up & meet your guide(s)
  • Shuttle ride to Pumphouse on the Upper Colorado River
  • River time and rapids with a riverside lunch
  • Take out at the Rancho Boathouse

Trip Package Includes

  • CRC professional and certified rafting guides
  • All safety & rafting equipment
  • Riverside lunch
  • Transportation from boathouse to and from the river
  • A safe, fun, and educational experience.

Trip Package Does Not Include

  • Lodging
  • Clothing (See FAQs below)
  • Insurance (Trip or Rescue)
  • Guide Gratuity

Area Info


Upper Colorado River, Grand County, Colorado

This section of the Colorado River offers scenic views including meadows, valleys, rolling ranch lands and steep canyon walls and lots of wildlife. Upper Colorado River rafting provides mild Class I-II rapids and occasional Class III rapids at higher water flow. The Colorado River is our favorite family-friendly rafting trip.

Beginning as snowmelt high in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Colorado Rockies give birth to the legendary Colorado River. Downstream of the national park, the river character begins to intensify through the famed and Class 5 “Gore Canyon”, and then below the river gentles. This is where our Colorado River Rafting experiences begin, with a mild introduction to white water rafting for families and anyone looking for a true Colorado vacation.

About Your Guides

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:

  • Rock Climbing
  • Mountaineering
  • Hiking/Peak Accents
  • Mountain Biking
  • Whitewater Rafting/SUPing
  • Backcountry Skiing
  • Backcountry Splitboarding
  • Snowshoeing
  • Ice Climbing
  • AIARE Snow Safety

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!

#FAQs


Do I need any prior training to participate in this course?

No prior training or experience is necessary to sign up for this trip.

Should We Tip Our Guide?

Your guides work hard before, during, and after your trip 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%.

When Do White Water Trips Start in Colorado?

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.

What To Wear Rafting/SUPing/Kayaking 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 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. Secure footwear such as a strap sandal, water shoe, or tennis shoe. NO CROCS or FLIP FLOPS. Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are included with all rafting adventures and helmets are also included on all inflatable kayak and SUP trips. Additional sun protection such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also highly recommended. 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.

What Should We Bring on a Rafting/SUPing/Kayaking Trip?

Please see our equipment lists for activity specific gear. Our basecamps offer changing rooms so you can be comfortable after your Colorado raft adventure. 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. Bring a change of dry clothes to leave in your car. 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!

Is Whitewater Rafting/SUPing/Kayaking Dangerous?

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 and making sure your guides are aware of any pertinent medical information. All participants under the age of 18 must have a liability waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Is there a minimum age required for this trip?

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.

Adventure Tips

Wear quick-drying clothing

Dress in synthetic or moisture-wicking fabrics to stay comfortable when wet.

Bring waterproof protection for devices

Use waterproof cases or dry bags to protect cameras and phones from splashes.

Use reef-safe sunscreen

Protect your skin and the river ecosystem with environmentally friendly sunscreen.

Listen closely to safety briefings

Pay attention to your guide’s instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Bald eagles
  • River otters

History

The Upper Colorado River has long been a vital water source and travel route for Native American tribes and early settlers in the region.

Conservation

Colorado Adventure Guides actively supports river clean-up initiatives and educates guests on minimizing human impact to protect local ecosystems.

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Adventure Hotspots in Aspen

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Water shoes

Essential

Provide grip and protection while moving in and out of the raft.

summer specific

Quick-dry clothing

Essential

Keeps you comfortable when wet and helps regulate body temperature.

Wide-brim hat

Essential

Protects your face and neck from the strong Colorado sun.

summer specific

Light waterproof jacket

Useful if you encounter rain or cooler spring temperatures.

spring specific