Whitewater rafting is broken down to five different classes: Class one and class two range from a mild float trip to mellow rapids, great for family activities and normally children as young as age 6. Class three rapids are fine for the inexperienced but expect midsize rapids and getting wet. Class four and class five whitewater are big rapids, technical, are for the experienced.

Colorado whitewater can be found on the Colorado River and the upper Colorado which is typically class one and class two rapids. The most popular river is the Arkansas which ranges from class three in the Browns Canyon section to class four and class five in the numbers section, as well as Pine Creek and the Royal Gorge. Clear Creek in Idaho Springs offers class two and class three whitewater. The Cache La Poudare River outside of Fort Collins is for intermediate and expert abilities. Right outside of Breckenridge, Frisco and Dillon is the Blue River great for early season rafting. In Vail is the Eagle River excellent in June for class three whitewater.

With companies located near dozens of Colorado towns, including Buena Vista, Salida, Steamboat Springs, Winter Park, Vail, Grand Junction, Durango and Fort Collins, it’s never hard to find a good place to get on the water.

Check out our recommended Outfitters that includes:
Summit County: Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Keystone, Frisco, Silverthorne & Dillon Vail Valley: Vail, Avon, Beaver Creek, Eagle & Edwards Grand County: Winter Park, Grand Lake, Granby, Fraser & Kremmling Aspen Area: Aspen, Snowmass, Glenwood Springs, Basalt & Carbondale Steamboat & Steamboat Springs Front Range: Denver, Boulder, Golden and Estes Park.

Do your research check out the outfitters experience, safety records. Insurance, what they provide (wet suits, helmets, snacks, water or lunch)

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