moderate
6–8 hours
Participants should have basic fitness to handle paddling and occasional lifting or hiking along the riverbank.
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.
Experience beauty and adventure floating the beautiful & scenic Colorado River- Raft or Kayak
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.
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.
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!
#FAQs
No prior training or experience is necessary to sign up for this trip.
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%.
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 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.
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!
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.
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.
Dress in synthetic or moisture-wicking fabrics to stay comfortable when wet.
Use waterproof cases or dry bags to protect cameras and phones from splashes.
Protect your skin and the river ecosystem with environmentally friendly sunscreen.
Pay attention to your guide’s instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
The Upper Colorado River has long been a vital water source and travel route for Native American tribes and early settlers in the region.
Colorado Adventure Guides actively supports river clean-up initiatives and educates guests on minimizing human impact to protect local ecosystems.
Provide grip and protection while moving in and out of the raft.
summer specific
Keeps you comfortable when wet and helps regulate body temperature.
Protects your face and neck from the strong Colorado sun.
summer specific
Useful if you encounter rain or cooler spring temperatures.
spring specific