The Upper Colorado River is one of the best river sections in the State to try out river toys. There are several stretches of moderate and slow moving water that are perfect to play around on an inflatable kayak. We offer kayak tours alongside guided river trips.

An inflatable kayak or “ducky” is a sit-on top style kayak made of rubber which has multiple chambers filled with air. This gives you a more personal experience with the river as you will follow your guides but navigate your boat down the river on our own. We have both single passenger as well as tandem duckys for those who prefer to paddle with a partner.

Upper Colorado River Rafting provides mild Class I-II rapids and occasional Class III rapids at higher water flow! Feel free to bringa big group or the entire family on this journey, as this trip has something for everyone to enjoy.

First timer? No problem! Our guides will help you get comfortable on your river craft.

Itinerary

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• Meet at our Rancho Del Rio boathouse at 4199 Trough Rd, Bond, CO 80423 (Drive into the area and look for the big white arch and blue storage containers)
• Trips leave twice daily at 9AM or 1PM
• Gear up & meet your guide(s)
• Shuttle ride to put-in location
• River time with fun, rapids, and swimming holes
• Arrive at your take-out location
• Shuttle back to the Rancho Boathouse

Trip Package Includes

• CRC professional and certified rafting guides
• All safety & rafting equipment
• Transportation from designated meeting place to the put-in
• A fun-filled experience!

Trip Package Does Not Include

• Lodging
• Clothing (See recommended gear under FAQs)
• Insurance (Trip or Rescue)
• Guide Gratuity

FAQs

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Do I need any prior training to participate?

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 12 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.

Altitude

When adjusting to altitude, the body needs to work a little harder. You might experience difficulty sleeping, difficulty catching your breath even during mild exertion, a racing heart rate, nausea, and a loss of appetite. To prepare for your trip, we recommend hydrating, eating well and getting a full-night’s rest. Try to avoid drinking alcohol on your first night. Altitude affects people differently, and can affect the same person differently on separate occasions. Sometimes altitude sickness symptoms are indicative of a more serious illness and you might need to consult a physician. If you deal with chronic pulmonary, cardiac, or other health issues like asthma, COPD, diabetes, CHF or if you are pregnant you should consult your doctor before your activity. Our guides are trained to recognize altitude sickness symptoms in the field.

Area Info

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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 with lots of wildlife including bald eagles, deer, beaver, 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. 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 intensifies through the famed and Class 5 “Gore Canyon”, and then below the river gentles. This is where our Colorado River Rafting experiences begin, with an introduction to white water rafting for families with children and grandparents, and groups looking to enjoy a true Colorado vacation.

About Your Guides

Colorado Adventure Guides and Colorado Rafting Company delivers 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!

Questions? Please call our office at 970-893-8007 or email info@coloradoadventureguides.com