Book A Trip

The Best Kept Secrets of Breckenridge Rafting

People rafting down a river in rapids on the Blue River rafting near Breckenridge

The Best Kept Secrets of Breckenridge Rafting

Breckenridge is known for superior skiing, but did you know that the area is also famous for world-class whitewater rafting? Each summer, roughly 250,000 people grab a paddle, buckle their PFDs – A.K.A. personal flotation device or a life jacket – and splash their way down the mighty Arkansas River. Performance Tours Rafting has offered commercial rafting in Breckenridge for more than 30 years. With more than 3 decades of experience with Breckenridge rafting, we are eager to share fun facts and secrets of Breckenridge white water rafting.

A family whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River in Colorado, which offers rafting near Breckenridge Colorado throughout the summer months.

Secret #1:   The Arkansas River is one of the most popular rafting destinations in America.

The Arkansas River begins its journey not far from Breckenridge, in the Sawatch Mountain Range near Leadville, CO. It is 1,469 miles long and stretches east to Arkansas, traveling through Kansas and Oklahoma. The best whitewater rafting on the Ark (that’s what locals call it!) is found closest to its source, and spans a 152-mile section of the river, passing through river towns like Buena Vista, Salida, and Canon City, Colorado.

From Breckenridge, the best way to access rafting on the Arkansas River is from Buena Vista – a scenic 1+ hr. drive south. Browns Canyon National Monument is the closest, most popular whitewater rafting trip, and is home to exciting, moderate class 3 rapids.

Secret #2:   Rafting isn’t just for thrill seekers… There are family friendly options!

From mild to wild, there are lots of river trip options for guests of all ages and abilities. Don’t know how to swim? Not a problem! Opt for a mellow or moderate trip, let your guide know, and pay attention to the pre-river safety talk.

Colorado rafting graphic with three images of different levels of rafting trips in Colorado: mild, moderate and wild, with descriptions of each level.

Mellow & Mild: Families with children as young as 4 years old can enjoy small splashes and breathtaking scenery on the Mild and Scenic trip. Guests can relax and enjoy calm stretches of flat water and leave the paddling to the professionals.

Moderate: There’s a reason Browns Canyon National Monument is so popular. It’s probably the moderate class 3 rapids paired with stunning canyon scenery and frequent wildlife sightings. Seriously, this trip is amazing for first-timers and river-rats alike. We recommend doing this more than once, as it’s a completely different experience at varying water levels. It’s the perfect multi-generational trip for families with children 7 years and up.

Wet & Wild: The Numbers run will excite and satisfy the most daring thrill seeker! This trip requires rigorous paddling through technical and continuous class 4+ rapids, and is for guests 16 years+ – though at lower water levels, some rafting companies will take adults as young as 14.

Secret #3: Weather is different on the river.

You know what they say about Colorado… “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 10 minutes!” Well, the same is true for different areas in the mountains. At 60 miles south and 1,600 feet lower in elevation, the weather in Buena Vista can be very different from Breckenridge.

Though it’s always a good idea to check the Buena Vista weather forecast, guests can usually count on it being at least 10° warmer, and most of the time – sunny! With that said, the water in the river does come from snowmelt, so it can be colder in early season (May, June). If you’re concerned about temperature, many rafting guests opt for a wet suit, and are comfortable their entire trip.

Pro tip: Wet suits, splash jackets and booties are complimentary for Performance Tours Rafting guests!

Secret #4:  Water levels are guaranteed through mid-August.

Arkansas River flows generally follow the same rules as most snow fed, mountain rivers. As temperatures climb, the snow on the mountain peaks begins melting, bringing us higher flows as temperatures rapidly rise during early to mid June.

Thanks to the Arkansas River Voluntary Flow Management Program, there are guaranteed flows for whitewater rafting well into August. In fact, most companies will raft through Labor Day weekend, after the river returns to its native flow, but it’s a good idea to call and check river conditions. Don’t listen to your wild friend that says rafting is only fun during the spring run-off – most rafting in Colorado takes place during the months of July and August, when the rivers are experiencing average flows.

A boat of people whitewater rafting on the BLue River rafting near Breckenridge with paddles raised in the air for a paddle high five.

Secret #5:  Blue River rafting near Breckenridge offers the closest family-friendly rafting in June, but availability depends on the season's snowpack.

Blue River rafting near Breckenridge offers the closest family-friendly rafting experience in June, but availability depends on the season’s snowpack.

Unlike the Arkansas River, which provides rafting opportunities all summer, Blue River trips are available for a limited time. Located just 10 minutes from Breckenridge, this adventure features moderate, family-friendly Class III rapids—perfect for those seeking a quick early-summer outing.

Blue River rafting relies on water levels in Dillon Reservoir, which typically fills during early summer snowmelt following winters with heavy snow. In recent years, like in the summer of 2024, we’ve been fortunate to offer Blue River trips, but in some seasons with lower snowpacks, these trips may not run. For summers following strong snowpack winters, Blue River rafting trips typically launch from our Frisco office in mid to late June and can occasionally extend into early July. Don’t miss your chance to experience this seasonal adventure!


This article originally appears on the GoBreck blog. For the best tips and tricks about Breckenridge, CO, visit their website or stop by the Breckenridge Welcome Center for recommendations.

 

More Blogs

View all Blogs
chevron-downcross-circle