Expert Whitewater Guides
Wilderness Aware guides are a cut above with engaging personalities and contagious passion for the remarkable places they call home. Extensive preparation goes into ensuring guides can navigate Colorado’s rivers.From hour-long and half-day floats to multiday journeys in designated wilderness areas lasting two to 10 days, the team is expertly equipped for any itinerary. Each trip is defined by an exceptional level of organization, planning, responsibility and care, ensuring a seamless experience whether you're on a half-day trip or or a multiday getaway.
Safety on the river is the highest priority. Wilderness Aware incentivizes guides to hold advanced medical training, such as Wilderness First Responder, and they put guides through Swiftwater Rescue Training.
Take a Tour of Colorado Rivers
From the towering peaks of the Continental Divide to the deep, red-rock canyons of the Western Slope, Colorado’s waterways offer a diverse playground for every level of adventurer.
Central Rockies: Arkansas River Valley
There’s a reason the Arkansas River is one of the most popular whitewater rivers in the United States — and Wilderness Aware is the only rafting company offering trips along its entire 100-mile stretch. The outfitter provides world-class rafting with options for every skill level or group, from picturesque floats ideal for kids and grandparents to beginner-friendly, splashy whitewater trips and routes for experienced and advanced rafters.
Location: Close to Buena Vista
Milk Run is the gentlest stretch of the Arkansas River, featuring smooth currents, small Class I and Class II waves and striking canyon views perfect for young kids and beginner rafters.
Location: Close to Salida and Buena Vista
Lower Browns Canyon is a relaxed introduction to whitewater with gentle rapids, calm pools and frequent wildlife sightings.
Location: Close to Salida and Buena Vista
One of Colorado’s most popular rafting trips, Browns Canyon combines fun Class III rapids, granite-canyon scenery and a balanced mix of excitement and relaxation.
Location: Close to Cañon City
Running beneath the iconic Royal Gorge Bridge, Royal Gorge rafting delivers longer rapids, bigger waves and striking canyon walls.
Location: Close to Buena Vista, Leadville, Vail, Copper Mountain and Frisco
The Numbers is a fast-paced, technical stretch known for continuous rapids and high-energy paddling.
Experience the best of the Arkansas River in a single trip, whether it’s a quick weekend excursion or a five-day journey along the river’s full length. Paddle an inflatable kayak through friendly rapids, enjoy fresh, gourmet meals prepared for you by guides and relax around the campfire while taking in the Milky Way in Browns Canyon National Monument — an International Dark Sky Park. Cap it all off with an exhilarating, fast-paced finale in the Royal Gorge.
The Inn-to-Inn trip is a comfort-focused option from 2 to 5 days, pairing daytime rafting with cozy lodging each evening for guests who want adventure without traditional camping. Included in the trip is a soak at Mount Princeton Hot Springs, an afternoon round of golf or a two-hour horseback ride through the great blue heron nesting grounds of Chalk Creek.
Western Colorado & Desert Canyon Region
Location: Close to Black Canyon National Park, Montrose, Delta and Grand Junction
Located within the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, this remote two- or three-day trip features a mile-and-a-half scenic hike down to the river, dramatic canyon walls, exciting rapids and peaceful riverside camps ideal for unplugging in the outdoors. Limited to just two commercial launches per day and group sizes of fewer than nine people, this experience ensures a true sense of solitude.
Location: Close to Durango, Cortez and Telluride
When seasonal flows arrive in late May and June, the Dolores River transitions from the rapids and tall pines of Ponderosa Gorge to the slower pace of tranquil waters in the red-sandstone Slickrock Canyon, ideal for gazing at unique Colorado geology, cultural sites and sandy beach camps. The Dolores trip can be organized as a three, six or 10-day outing.
Northern Colorado Rockies
Location: Close to Fort Collins, Estes Park, Steamboat Springs and Walden
Experience a two-day adventure through Northgate Canyon in the stunning Routt National Forest, where only primitive means of travel are allowed. Tackle exhilarating whitewater on the first day, then fish in Gold Medal trout waters and unwind with no distractions other than the cool breeze.
Upper Colorado River — Little Gore Canyon
Location: Close to Steamboat Springs, Silverthorne, Frisco, Breckenridge and Kremmling
This two-day excursion on the Upper Colorado River is specially crafted for families and beginners seeking a mild whitewater experience in a beautiful setting surrounded by mountain vistas and soaring bald eagles. Don’t miss the famous Radium Hot Springs along the way.
Sustainability, Premium Gear & Transportation
Wilderness Aware Rafting is true to their name. The outfitter’s Arkansas River base is 100% powered by on-site solar- and wind-generated energy. Guests receive top-of-the-line gear at no extra cost, including wetsuits, helmets, splash jackets, waterproof day bags and booties. The fleet of rafts is meticulously maintained with foot cones at every paddling position and a polished, professional appearance. Transportation to and from the river is handled through a new fleet of comfortable buses with seatbelts and vans, helping customers ride in both safely and in style.
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