Ask any whitewater enthusiast where they'd like to go rafting, and there's a good chance they'll mention a river in Colorado. The craggy mountains, swirling rivers, and sweeping vistas have long made this state one of the world's premier whitewater destinations.
Whitewater rafting in Colorado perfectly blends adrenaline-fueled adventure with a chance to take in landscapes of awe-inspiring natural beauty, making it one of the state's most popular outdoor activities.
Looking for the best place to go whitewater rafting in Colorado? With countless rafting options in Colorado, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. We've simplified the search for you by highlighting our picks for the top rafting rivers in Colorado.
The cry of the river beckons to those who crave exploration and excitement. Whitewater rafting is not merely a sport but a journey through the veins of nature's wild heart. Colorado’s rivers present a spectacular canvas for this thrilling escapade, promising a perfect fusion of adventure and natural splendor.
Colorado’s rugged landscapes and ample snowfall create some of the most exhilarating whitewater in the nation. The state offers a wide range of rivers, from family-friendly Class I-II floats to challenging Class V rapids for the more experienced rafting enthusiasts. And with approximately 300 days of sunshine annually, Colorado is the truly ultimate whitewater paradise!
Typically lasting from May through early September, the rafting season's exact timing can vary annually due to snowpack and weather patterns. Consequently, some rafting locations may open earlier or later than others based on water flows. Colorado’s peak rafting season, generally considered the best time to go whitewater rafting in Colorado, spans from June to mid-August, offering ideal air temperatures and river conditions.
Rafting is more than just an adventure; it connects you with nature and provides a welcome escape from everyday stresses. That said, it’s imperative to choose the right rafting trip to deliver the best rafting for your group. Choosing the best river to fit your needs can make all the difference in your trip. So, what should you consider when picking the perfect rafting spot?
Whether you’re a whitewater veteran or a rafting rookie, Colorado offers a diverse array of rivers and rapids to suit every skill level. Some of the state’s best rafting spots are conveniently located just a few hours from Denver.
With its thrilling rapids and breathtaking scenery, Colorado’s world-famous Arkansas River, stands as North America's premier whitewater rafting destination! Spanning roughly 1,450 miles, the Arkansas is renowned for sections like Browns Canyon National Monument and the Royal Gorge, boasting awe inspiring surroundings and unique whitewater features that draw whitewater enthusiasts from around the world.
Browns Canyon National Monument offers a mix of moderate rapids set against the backdrop of majestic 14,000-foot peaks and dramatic canyon views, making it ideal for beginner whitewater rafting guests to intermediate rafters seeking both thrills and scenic beauty. Paddlers of all experience levels will enjoy paddling through iconic rapids like Pinball, Zoomflume, Bigdrop, Staircase, and Punchbowl.
As you float through Browns Canyon you’re likely to spot bighorn sheep, peregrine falcons, elk, and golden eagles, all thriving in the protected habitat of the monument. The unique wildlife and geology of Browns Canyon make it one of the most distinctive trips you'll ever experience.
For the more adventurous rafters, the Royal Gorge is the place to be. Known for its steep and fast-flowing waters, the Gorge offers adrenaline pumping class IV-V rapids through a stunning canyon—making it the best extreme rafting close to Colorado Springs. Rapids like Sunshine Falls, Sledgehammer, Squeeze Box, and Boat Eater will excite even the most seasoned whitewater enthusiast. This advanced section of river is ideal for strong swimmers in good physical condition, at least 16 years+.
A haven for whitewater enthusiasts of all skill levels, Clear Creek is just a short drive from Denver making it one of the most accessible rafting spots in the state. From advanced runs to beginner-friendly stretches, Clear Creek has a lot to offer. The beginner sections offer mild rapids, perfect for those new to rafting or families with young children. Intermediate sections ramp up the excitement with more technical rapids and tighter turns, while advanced sections promise a high-octane experience with rapid succession, steep drops, and narrow passages.
Located in the heart of Summit County near Breckenridge, the Blue River stands out for its tranquil beauty, providing an ideal rafting experience for your first whitewater rafting adventure and families. The Blue flows through lush forests and open meadows, offering scenic views of the impressive Gore Range alongside its gentle Class II and III rapids. With flows dependent on releases from the Dillon Dam, this river isn't raftable every season, adding to the uniqueness of the experience.
Plus, only a few local rafting outfitters offer rafting trips on the Blue River, which is also the closest whitewater rafting in Breckenridge. Performance Tours Rafting has been bringing guests whitewater rafting since 1986, and has been named the best rafting outfitter in Breckenridge for 13 years, making them the best option for rafting the Blue River in Breckenridge.
One of the state’s most iconic waterways, the Colorado River offers diverse rafting opportunities across its various sections. Renowned for its versatility, the river caters to everyone, from beginners to seasoned rafters. Popular sections include the Upper Colorado, or “Upper C,” which provides a calm, family-friendly experience with gentle Class I and II rapids. In contrast, the Colorado River’s Gore Canyon section is famous for its intense Class V rapids, and a mecca for expert boaters looking to test their skills.
During certain times of the year, rafters on the Upper C may enjoy dipping in a warm springs pool located on the riverbank near Radium.The Colorado is also a popular destination for anglers of all skill levels and offers year-round fishing opportunities.
In the southwest corner of Colorado, the Dolores River offers a very special, remote rafting experience for the lucky few who get the opportunity to paddle the Dolores River. The Dolores River offers class II to class IV whitewater rapids, which vary with water levels and river flows.
The ability to go whitewater rafting on the Dolores is dependent on snowmelt and releases from McPhee Reservoir. It has a short rafting season, from late May to early June, and flows can vary substantially. Unfortunately, water flows in the Dolores River are not reliable for commercial rafting each year, and in some low water years, there may not be a commercial rafting season on the Dolores River.
Just a short drive west of Fort Collins lays the Cache la Poudre River, which runs through Poudre Canyon. With rapids that range from class II to class IV, there are several sections of the river that are suitable for beginner, intermediate and advanced whitewater rafting. Like all rivers in Colorado, the Cache la Poudre’s rafting season is dependent on snowpack and typically runs from late May to early August, with peak flows in June.
The Animas River begins deep in the San Juan Mountains near Silverton, CO and flows south through the town of Durango, CO, which is the main hub for whitewater rafting trips on the Animas. The Upper Animas is known for its continuous technical class IV+ rapids and offers some of the most challenging whitewater in Colorado. The Lower Animas is the section of the river that runs through the heart of downtown Durango, and is popular for families and first-timers alike.
The Roaring Fork River provides thrilling whitewater rafting trips near Aspen, CO and has sections for varying abilities. The Upper Roaring Fork and the Middle Roaring Fork balance splashy rapids with scenic floats, making it a good option for family-friendly rafting near Aspen. The Slaughterhouse Falls section of the Roaring Fork River is best for thrill-seekers, and those in good physical condition prepared to paddle off a six-foot drop.
Rafting in Colorado offers an extraordinary way to embrace nature's beauty while engaging in an exhilarating activity. As you ride down Colorado's rivers, the sweeping vistas, rugged landscapes, and vibrant ecosystems make each moment on the water unforgettable. The blend of thrill and tranquility is what makes rafting in this state truly special.
From the serene to the savage, Colorado's many scenic rivers cater to all levels of adventurers, all around the Centennial State. From Clear Creek and Cache la Poudre offering rafting near Colorado’s Front Range, to the Arkansas River, Colorado River, Roaring Fork River and Blue River in Central Colorado, and the Dolores River and Animas River in the southwest part of the state, there are many rivers to experience in Colorado. Each river brings its own blend of adventure and stunning natural beauty. Embrace the thrill, revel in the beauty, and experience all that a Colorado whitewater rafting trip has to offer for yourself!
For premier whitewater rafting in Colorado on the Arkansas River and Blue River, look no further than Performance Tours Rafting. Since 1986, this family-run Breckenridge-based business has offered personalized rafting adventures in Summit County and Chaffee County, led by some of the most experienced guides in the industry. Founded by Kevin and Mary Jo Foley in 1986, Performance Tours has an unmatched safety record while delivering exceptional service and memorable river experiences. Raft with Performance Tours and experience pure Colorado adventure!
