by Hannah Kopicky, Reservations Manager at Alpine Meadows Management
One of my most memorable trips whitewater rafting in Breckenridge was on the Arkansas River with my co-workers. We went whitewater rafting in Browns Canyon National Monument, just outside of Buena Vista, Colorado. There were 10 of us in two different boats with professional raft guides from Performance Tours Rafting. From the moment we got on the bus and started driving to the river put-in, our guides alternated between informing us of all the safety precautions and making us laugh hysterically with their hilarious rafting jokes. Once we were all in the boat and practiced our paddle strokes, I knew that whitewater rafting with Performance Tours was an excellent team-building rafting trip in Breckenridge.
I work at Alpine Meadows Management, a property management company in Breckenridge, CO. Every day, my co-workers and I talk to guests about their vacations and make recommendations for Breckenridge activities, dining and more. As Breckenridge locals and experts on things to do in Breckenridge, it’s important that we experience every activity so that we can provide thoughtful and authentic recommendations to our guests. I try to go whitewater rafting as often as possible so that I can tell our guests about my favorite Breckenridge outdoor activity.
As of this blog, I’ve been whitewater rafting in Breckenridge 5 times! From exciting team-building paddling adventures to mellow family river days, I’m sharing stories, tips and tricks for choosing the perfect rafting adventure in Breckenridge.
After going whitewater rafting in Browns Canyon several times, a few of my co-workers and I wanted to step it up a notch. Performance Tours recommended that we try a half-day tour on the Numbers. The Numbers is another rafting adventure near Breckenridge on the Arkansas River with more challenging, class 4 rapids.
We had so much fun rafting the Numbers together! It was a thrilling team-building experience, with fast-paced paddling and technical moves that required the entire boat to work as a team. Before approaching the first rapids, our experienced raft guide would call out different paddle strokes so that we could practice responding as a team. When navigating challenging rapids, it’s important that everyone listens, works together and paddles at the same time, which makes rafting an incredible bonding experience.
Some of our co-workers decided to stick to Browns Canyon National Monument, which is also an excellent team building rafting trip. Every time we are able to get out on the river, we always have a great time whitewater rafting together!
I am a mom to my two incredible sons, Quinn and Silas. We went rafting as a family when Quinn was 11 and Silas was almost 5 on the Bear Creek family float section of the Arkansas River. We went with Performance Tours Rafting, one of the most experienced rafting companies in Breckenridge, and the only rafting company I would trust with my family.
Our Breckenridge family rafting trip was the highlight of my summer. The weather was perfect, and the sun was shining with a warm breeze counteracting the chilly river water. The kids were loving the stories and (family-friendly) jokes that our raft guide shared. The Bear Creek family float was ideal for our family because it was Silas' first time and we were not ready for real rapids quite yet. It was a great balance of scenery, small splashes, and stories about the river.
Since I was not sure how Silas was going to do on the river, we decided to start with a half-day rafting trip. The half-day trip gave us about 2 hours of river time, which was perfect for our first time with him. The full-day rafting trip includes a riverside lunch, which makes planning the day a little easier since you don’t have to think about when, where, and what to feed the kids.
Based on my experience whitewater rafting in Breckenridge in Browns Canyon, Bear Creek, and The Numbers, I think that Browns Canyon National Monument offers the perfect rafting trip for most guests. It is a short and scenic drive from Breckenridge down to Buena Vista, where the weather is almost always at least 10 degrees warmer and the sun is almost always shining. The section of the river has some class 2 and 3 rapids, with calmer sections in between that give you time to relax and enjoy the scenery around you.
Browns Canyon is a great rafting trip near Breckenridge for families with kids that are at least 7 years old and 50 lbs., though the minimum age may change based on the current river conditions and water levels. Rapids like Pinball and Zoom Flume provide unforgettable memories without being overwhelming.
It’s important to look at the current conditions when choosing a rafting trip that is suitable for your group. Water levels tend to be higher in early to mid-June, which often means different minimum ages. When in doubt, I recommend giving your rafting outfitter a call to ask about the current conditions on your trip. Performance Tours has been running raft trips in Breckenridge since 1986, and they have a great grasp on seasonal averages and projections for water levels throughout the season.
Group dynamics also play a huge part in selecting a raft trip. Listening, understanding and working as a team is critical for rafting in more challenging sections of the river, and it’s important that the group is able to work together to take on the rapids. If some of your group members don’t know how to swim, or are not in great physical condition, it is best to opt for a moderate to mild rafting tour and avoid the more challenging rafting trips.
Breckenridge is a magical place that offers not only breathtaking mountain views but also quick access to some of Colorado’s most scenic and thrilling rivers. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, Breckenridge’s central location makes it the ideal starting point for rafting excursions. The Arkansas River is just a short drive away, with options ranging from mild family-friendly float trips to adrenaline-pumping whitewater adventures.
Breckenridge also provides so much more than just rafting. If you're looking for more options for outdoor adventure, Breckenridge has it all: hiking, biking, world-class skiing, and so much more. Whether you're exploring the town or seeking thrills in nature, you'll have plenty of options to make the most of your time here.
Having gone rafting with Performance Tours Rafting multiple times, I can confidently recommend them for anyone looking for a safe, fun, and memorable experience. They’ve been operating since 1986 and have a deep knowledge of the local rivers, ensuring that every trip is tailored to your group’s skill level and preferences.
Performance Tours offers a variety of trips, from beginner-friendly floats to more intense whitewater adventures, all with top-notch guides who are knowledgeable, professional, and committed to safety. For anyone visiting Breckenridge, I highly recommend starting with Performance Tours for an unforgettable rafting experience that’s perfect for any group, whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the river or a thrilling team-building challenge.
