Colorado.com Staff Writer

DFP Leaderboard: Article

<p>Each spring, gravity and sunshine draw Colorado’s beloved winter snow down from the high country and into Colorado rivers for some of the country’s most amazing whitewater rafting adventures.</p>


Complete Guide to Whitewater Rafting in Colorado

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Clear Creek whitewater rafting near Idaho Springs, CO

Animas River rafting and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

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<p>With so many rivers and expert guides, rafting in Colorado fits people of nearly all ages and abilities, with trips ranging from just a few hours to multi-day adventures. And with all our different waterways, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, whether you want to paddle hard or take a more leisurely float trip. </p>
<p>Here’s a rundown of Colorado’s most popular rivers for rafting — some just a short drive from Denver and others spread farther across our scenic state. For more information, visit our <a href="https://www.colorado.com/co/adventure-sports/whitewater-rafting">rafting outfitter listings</a> and the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/official-colorado-travel-resources/colorado-river-outfitters-association">Colorado River Outfitters Association</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.colorado.com/videos/colorado-whitewater-rafting">Watch a rafting video</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/adventurous-adaptive-summer-sports-colorado">Explore adaptive whitewater rafting in Colorado</a></p>
<h2>Arkansas River</h2>
<p>Cutting through central Colorado canyons and dropping 5,000 feet in the first 125 miles, the Arkansas is one of the nation’s most popular rafting rivers. From scenic and family-friendly <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/plan-your-visit-browns-canyon-national-monument">Browns Canyon National Monument</a> to boat-rocking Bighorn Sheep Canyon and <a href="https://www.colorado.com/other-tourism-organizations/the-royal-gorge-region">Royal Gorge</a> stretches, the Arkansas runs through beautiful geologic landscapes. Typical departure cities: <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/buena-vista">Buena Vista</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/salida">Salida</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/canon-city">Cañon City</a></p>
<h2>Colorado River</h2>
<p>The Colorado River, divided by the upper and lower sections, runs a gauntlet of canyons and ravines that provide exquisite sightseeing intermingled within rapids and calms. Like the Arkansas, it’s one of the most diverse, with various stretches that serve up adventures for both the daring and more timid. Typical departure cities: <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/glenwood-springs">Glenwood Springs</a>, <a href="/cities-and-towns/Grand-Junction">Grand Junction</a>, <a href="/cities-and-towns/Kremmling">Kremmling</a>, <a href="/cities-and-towns/Breckenridge">Breckenridge</a>, <a href="/cities-and-towns/State-Bridge">State Bridge</a></p>
<h2>Clear Creek</h2>
<p>One of the most convenient rafting rivers to Denver, Clear Creek is located right off I-70. Once on the river, however, the interstate goes entirely unnoticed as paddlers drop through the steep and narrow bed. Half- and full-day excursions satisfy those looking for a Class IV day or families seeking a quick splash of scenic whitewater. Typical departure city: <a href="/cities-and-towns/Idaho-Springs">Idaho Springs</a></p>
<h2>Animas River</h2>
<p>Trips on the lower Animas River are often packaged with rides on the <a href="/scenic-railways/durango-silverton-narrow-gauge-railroad-and-museum">Durango &amp; Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad</a> and nearby zipline tours. The upper Animas is an adventure, with challenging Class IV and V rapids that are considered among the toughest commercially rafted waters in the country. Typical departure city: <a href="/cities-and-towns/Durango">Durango</a></p>
<h2>Cache la Poudre River</h2>
<p>This river propels boaters on rapid-strewn runs that provide challenges for intermediate or advanced abilities. Not only does this river offer some great runs, but rafting here is also as unique an experience as you can have on Colorado waters — the Cache la Poudre River is Colorado's first and only federally designated National Wild and Scenic River. Typical departure city: <a href="/cities-and-towns/fort-collins">Fort Collins</a></p>
<h2>Yampa/Green River</h2>
<p>Winding through <a href="/articles/dinosaur-national-monument">Dinosaur National Monument</a>, this multi-day run floats you past fossils and archeological sites, Native American rock carvings, interesting geological formations and sandy spots perfect for overnight camping. Typical departure city: <a href="/cities-and-towns/Steamboat-Springs">Steamboat Springs</a></p>
<h2>Taylor River</h2>
<p>Views of the jagged Collegiate Peaks mountain range oversee three sections of varying difficulty on the scenic and narrow Taylor River, which is also popular with fishers. Typical departure cities: <a href="/cities-and-towns/Gunnison">Gunnison</a>, <a href="/cities-and-towns/Crested-Butte">Crested Butte</a></p>
<h2>Roaring Fork River</h2>
<p>The upper section of the Roaring Fork, known as "Slaughterhouse," is packed with challenging rapids and is home to one of Colorado's few commercially rafted waterfalls. The lower section is popular with families and inflatable kayakers for its mellower floats. Typical departure city: <a href="/cities-and-towns/Aspen">Aspen</a></p>


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<h2>Blue River</h2>
<p>Winding through <a href="https://www.colorado.com/travel-information-associations/us-forest-service-arapaho-roosevelt-national-forests">Arapaho National Forest</a>, the Blue River runs below the Gore Mountain range. The river is most popular in the early season, as it relies heavily on spring-snow runoff. Typical departure cities: <a href="/cities-and-towns/frisco">Frisco</a>, <a href="/cities-and-towns/breckenridge">Breckenridge</a>, <a href="/cities-and-towns/dillon">Dillon</a>, <a href="/cities-and-towns/kremmling">Kremmling</a></p>
<h2>Gunnison River</h2>
<p>Cutting a swath through the Uncompahgre Mountain Range, the Gunnison River muscles its way through some of the most unique and picturesque scenery in the United States, including the Gunnison Gorge, a red-sandstone and black-granite beauty with virtually guaranteed wildlife sightings. Typical departure city: <a href="/cities-and-towns/Gunnison">Gunnison</a></p>
<h2>Eagle River</h2>
<p>One of the few free-flowing (un-dammed) rivers remaining in the West, the Eagle is fed largely from the snowpack on Vail Mountain. Because it relies on that snowpack, it is typically only run in spring and early summer when the snowmelt is at its peak. Typical departure cities: <a href="/cities-and-towns/eagle">Eagle</a>, <a href="/cities-and-towns/wolcott">Wolcott</a>, <a href="/cities-and-towns/edwards">Edwards</a></p>
<h2>San Juan River</h2>
<p>Flowing through some of the most spectacular canyon country on earth, the San Juan descends more than 400 miles to its confluence with the Colorado River. Rafting outfitters on the lower canyon offer three- to seven-day excursions. Typical departure city: <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/pagosa-springs">Pagosa Springs</a></p>
<h2>Rio Grande River</h2>
<p>Paddling through the San Juan Mountains, Rio Grande River rafters experience relatively moderate floats, with relaxing Class II and III whitewater rapids perfect for families. Typical departure city: <a href="/cities-and-towns/Creede">Creede</a></p>
<h2>San Miguel River</h2>
<p>Alpine forests, desert red-rock canyon walls and fast-paced water typify this diverse river through the San Juan Mountains. Its Class II and III rapids and amazing scenery make for great family trips. Typical departure city: Outside <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/telluride">Telluride</a> near <a href="/cities-and-towns/Placerville">Placerville</a></p>
<h2>North Platte River</h2>
<p>The secluded North Platte River flows through the Northgate Wilderness Area deep in the Medicine Bow Mountains. Often combined with fishing adventures, the North Platte's mountain setting also offers up prime wildlife sightings. Typical departure cities: <a href="/cities-and-towns/fort-collins">Fort Collins</a>, <a href="/cities-and-towns/Steamboat-Springs">Steamboat Springs</a></p>
<h2>Dolores River</h2>
<p>The southwestern-most rafting river in Colorado, the Dolores is perfect for a multi-day backcountry trip. Over 50 miles, the river offers steady Class III and IV (on a one- to six-rating scale). Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep who live on steep embankments in Dolores Canyon. Typical departure city: <a href="/cities-and-towns/Cortez">Cortez</a></p>
<h2>Piedra River</h2>
<p>The Piedra River is one of Colorado's most scenic, running through towering ponderosa forests home to lots of wildlife. The upper portion is quite technical, with big drops and stairsteps. The lower section has even bigger drops for more excitement. The upper and lower are often combined into two-day rafting trips. Typical departure cities: <a href="/cities-and-towns/Durango">Durango,</a> <a href="/cities-and-towns/Pagosa-Springs">Pagosa Springs</a></p>
<h2>Uncompahgre River</h2>
<p>Floating through <a href="https://www.colorado.com/state-parks/ridgway-state-park">Ridgway State Park</a>, the upper Uncompahgre River is a great start for beginner or timid rafters amid San Juan Mountain scenery. A 15-mile section of the remote lower Uncompahgre turns up the excitement with Class II and III rapids throughout the summer. Typical departure city: <a href="/cities-and-towns/Ridgway">Ridgway</a></p>
<h2>Want More?</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/6-river-canyons-colorado-whitewater-rafting">Check out six canyons perfect for whitewater adventure</a></p>
