Whitewater Rafting

A Beginner's Guide

Whitewater Rafting

White Water Rafting Trips are typically available from late April through late September. The weather is warmest and most predictable from June through August. Whitewater River Rafting begins with the spring snowmelt as pristine mountain streams plunge into the river valley, the water is colder during snowmelt and wetsuits are always recommended early in the season. The rivers are typically biggest early in the summer with large waves and faster rapids. Later in the summer lower water volume usually means steeper and more technical rapids but less mileage overall. Guided Fishing Trips are better in early May and again from late July through September. Early and late season trips will be more secluded with fewer people and less river traffic. Whitewater Rafting Vacations in Colorado offer the best variety of options for great White Water Rafting any time of the season

Multi-Day Vacations

Whitewater Rafting Vacations can include half-day and full-day rafting adventures for families, challenging whitewater excitement for the adventurous, and two, three, and four day wilderness trips for those looking to get away from it all. Multi-Day Whitewater Rafting Adventures provide the ultimate Western river experience; complete solitude, some great White Water Rafting Trips, and incredible scenery that only Colorado can provide.

Whitewater Rafting Trips go rain, snow, or shine. Getting wet is the one thing we count on when we are White Water Rafting. We may wait out a shower before departing or seek shelter when appropriate, but usually our paddling jackets or wet suits will keep you warm and comfortable during our Whitewater Rafting Adventures. Guides carry extra warm clothes and rain gear for emergencies in their dry bags. When the weather is chilly it's best to dress in layers that you can take off (polypro, fleece, or wool are better than heavy cotton garments) and of course, don’t forget the sunscreen.

The Guides

Whitewater River Rafting Trips include well-trained, personable guides, river and safety equipment, and transportation to and from our base. Full-Day and Multi-Day trips include meals and beverages.

Custom White Water Rafting Vacations allow trip itineraries, meals and camping arrangements to be made according to your group's interest.

The guides on your White Water Rafting Trip can make or break your trip so we hire only well-rounded, intelligent, personable guides who will both educate and entertain you.

Whitewater River Rafting Rating System

The River/Rapids Rating System helps you understand and prepare for a White Water Rafting Trip. Class IV and V Whitewater River Rafting trips are for the adventure seeker. Class II and III trips are for families and beginners. Use the classifications below to understand what you will experience then talk to us to help select the proper trip for you. Understand that classifications of various river sections may change at different water levels.

Class I

- Easy. Small riffles. No significant waves or obstacles.

Class II

- Novice. Moderate rapids with regular waves, small drops, clear passages and wide channels. Occasional maneuvering may be required.

Class III

- Intermediate. Moderately difficult rapids with larger irregular waves, often narrow channels. Complex maneuvering to avoid obstacles required.

Class IV

- Advanced. Intense, powerful rapids requiring precise maneuvering in fast, turbulent water. Complex channels with many significant obstacles to be avoided.

Class V

- Expert. Extremely long violent or obstructed rapids, often following each other almost without interruption. Drops may have large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with difficult routes. Steep gradient.

Class VI

- Commercially unrunnable. Reserved for teams of experts only, with every available safety precaution, and only at very specific water levels.

The class of a rapid or river can change at different water levels. The temperature of the water, the air temperature, the remoteness of the river, and the difficulty of a rescue can all influence the rapid's class.