The Upper Colorado River is a classic Colorado rafting experience — sun on the water, canyon walls rising overhead, and just enough splash to keep things exciting. Flowing through the stunning lower section of Gore Canyon, this stretch delivers playful Class I–II rapids, wide-open float sections, and some of the best mountain scenery in the state.
Whether you're rafting with the whole family, introducing first-timers to whitewater, or just looking for a great day outdoors with friends, the Upper Colorado delivers real rapids, real scenery, and real memories — no experience necessary.
This stretch of the Colorado River cuts through towering canyon walls, open valleys, and postcard Rocky Mountain scenery. The river's pace gives you time to soak it all in — sun on your face, water splashing over the bow, and views around every bend. Wildlife sightings are a highlight of this trip: keep an eye out for bald eagles and ospreys overhead, Great Blue Herons along the shallows, river otters playing in the current, bighorn sheep on the canyon walls, and even the occasional black bear on the banks.
With lively Class I–II rapids and stretches of calm water in between, the Upper Colorado is the perfect mix of adventure and ease. It's exciting enough to satisfy groups looking for a fun day on the water, and approachable enough for young kids and first-time rafters. Families, friend groups, first dates, reunions — this river has room for all of it.
Our expert guides handle the rowing and safety, so you can focus on the ride. Paddle through the rapids for the full experience, or kick back and take in the canyon as it rolls by. Splashy water, sunshine, wildlife, and scenery — the Upper Colorado is Colorado rafting at its best.
For Summer 2026, the Upper Colorado River is shaping up to be one of the best mid-summer rafting options in the entire state. Thanks to water management and releases, flows are holding steady well into the heart of summer — when many other Colorado rivers have already dropped off. That means a longer window of great conditions, better rapids, and more chances to get out on the water this year.
9:30 AM and 1:30 PM
Closest to Breckenridge!
Complimentary wetsuits, booties, and splash jackets
Professional guides with extensive safety training
Cancel 72 hours in advance for a full refund
Happiest guests on the river since 1986
Where Your Upper Colorado River Adventure Begins
Breckenridge:
1 hr
Vail:
1 hr 10 mins
Denver:
1 hr 45 mins
Steamboat Springs:
1 hr
The Upper Colorado meets in Kremmling Colorado. The headwaters for the Colorado River start by Rocky Mountain National Park roughly 60 miles from the put in.
5.0
2550+ reviews
5.0
355+ reviews
This trip is a mild class 1-2 float trip.
This is a great trip for families with younger children. We take kids as young as 4 years old and 35 lbs.
We raft this river from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Colorado’s most experienced rafting outfitter since 1986.
Who Is Performance Tours? 
