number of rafting trips in colorado

The Colorado Sun

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Colorado rafting outfitters had record traffic, revenue in 2021. Will it be enough to keep them afloat this summer?

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Colorado’s rafting industry hosted a record number of rafters in 2021, posting its largest annual increase in commercial raft trips, up 44% over the pandemic-hobbled 2020 season. 

The Colorado River Outfitters Association counted 619,968 commercial river trips on 20 Colorado rivers last summer, a record 189,793-visit increase from the previous summer.

“These are just staggering numbers, but we saw them coming,” said David Costlow, the director of the Colorado River Outfitters Association who still needs to add counts from five rivers to the total tally and expects the final number to land closer to 625,000.

But outfitters are hoping the boom from the pandemic rebound can float them through this summer, with a meager snowpack and more travel options for vacationers.  

This story first appeared in The Outsider , the premium outdoor newsletter by Jason Blevins. In it, he covers the industry from the inside out, plus the fun side of being outdoors in our beautiful state.

The rafting crowds were strong last summer. The bounce-back season was buoyed by travelers with limited travel options and more open school schedules that allowed for May and June rafting holidays. Colorado’s rafting outfitters have typically drawn visitors from within a six-hour drive, but last year they saw folks driving for 12 or more hours for summer holidays. 

And with students on a looser school schedule last summer, the flow of rafter traffic into Colorado in May and June was off the charts. 

“To compare to skiing, the chairlifts were full and the mazes were full in May and they were full in June, just like they always are in July,” said Andy Neinas, who owns Echo Canyon River Expeditions and Royal Gorge Cabins on the banks of the Arkansas River near Cañon City.

The past two years — an all-time high following a 20-year low — affirm that the rafting business is not that different from rubber flotillas bobbing down roiling rivers. The only certainty is a wild ride. 

Bad snow years mean low water and fewer paddlers. Big snow years can stir the stout flows that scare away some rubber riders. A few hot weeks in the spring can send a regular snowpack downstream in a torrent, which is happening right now. Dust blown in from the Utah desert can equally hasten snowmelt. Wildfires, high fuel prices and a bad economy also can pinch the flow of thrillseekers. 

The pandemic made 2020 even more challenging for Colorado’s rafting industry with visitation reaching its lowest point since 2002 , when wildfires and drought throttled summer tourism in Colorado. 

Rafting companies saw 112,000 fewer visitors in 2020 than in 2019. And outfitters spent more hosting those rafters, running buses and rafts at half capacity to comply with pandemic distancing restrictions. The economic impact of commercial rafting in 2020 fell to $148.7 million, down $36 million from 2019. 

“Last year helped us recover from 2020,” Costlow said. 

But will 2021 revenues be enough to help rafting companies survive this summer? 

Dusty warm winds ravaged the state’s snowpack in recent weeks and outfitters are bracing for a low-water season. Those low-flow summers — like 2002 and 2012 — see dramatic drops in visitation. 

And after the surge last year, maybe a little less demand will be good. 

“I don’t think we will see that kind of demand we saw last year, and honestly that’s good,” said Duke Bradford, who founded Arkansas Valley Adventures upstream of Buena Vista in 1998. “Last year we were dealing a lot with labor challenges. I think we will be able to manage slightly less demand much better this year with a slightly improved labor situation.”

Unless there’s a sudden shift with some late May snow or June rains, it’s unlikely the 2022 rafting season will set a new record. .

“To have another season like we had last year will be very, very difficult,” Costlow said. “I was telling my members last year when they were reporting record business, tuck that extra away because you will need it in the future.”

Snowpacks are decimated in southern Colorado . Snow in the San Miguel, Dolores, Animas and San Juan river basins is 4% of the long-term average. That number is 2% in the Rio Grande River basin and 39% in the Gunnison River drainage. It gets better moving north, with the headwaters of the Upper Colorado at 59% of normal, the South Platte at 67% and the Yampa at 73%. 

The only stretch of whitewater to see a decline last year was Glenwood Canyon, where the Colorado River was entirely blocked and Interstate 70 closed for a few weeks after devastating mudslides caused by torrential rain in late July in the Grizzly Creek fire burn scar. And that decline was only a couple hundred visits. 

Rafting traffic on Clear Creek doubled in 2021 over the previous year, topping 100,000 for the first time since CROA started counting in the 1990s.

Dale Drake said advanced reservations for rafting trips at his Clear Creek Rafting company in Idaho Springs are pacing ahead of last year. He suspects folks are booking earlier after being shut out due to big crowds and understaffed outfitters last year. 

“We think demand is going to sustain through this summer,” said Drake, who has seen the labor crisis ease this spring as he finds more commercial drivers and guides. 

And he’s not too worried about the meager snowpack. 

“We’ll have more family-friendly flows,” he said. 

The most rafted river in the country, the Arkansas River, has a dwindling snowpack measuring just 31% of normal. Traffic on the Arkansas River last year jumped 41% to a high of 256,650 commercial rafting trips. In 2020, rafting in the headwaters of the Arkansas River stirred a $63 million economic impact. (Costlow is still compiling the economic impact report for the 2021 season.)

The Arkansas River has a one-of-a-kind cooperative model — the Voluntary Flow Management Program — that maintains raft-floating flows of 700 cubic feet per second from July 1 through Aug. 15. The program, created in the early 1990s with a unique partnership of recreational interests, wildlife managers, water conservation districts and the Front Range cities of Pueblo and Colorado Springs. It’s more about timing the release of about 10,000 acre-feet of water to downstream users so it can benefit the Upper Arkansas River Valley’s $41 million rafting economy. 

Flows into Twin Lakes and Turquoise Lake in the headwaters of the Arkansas River are projected to be about 45,300 acre-feet, below the longtime average of 58,000 acre-feet. And that projection will likely be lower when the next update weighs the effect of that wind and dust.

The Pueblo Board of Water Works also works with the valley’s rafting companies to schedule an additional 4,000 to 5,000 acre-feet of water rolling into Pueblo Reservoir, which can help augment raftable river flows beyond the flow management program, or VFMP. 

“It’s best to delay the VFMP as long as possible,” said Bob Hamel, the director of the Arkansas River Outfitters Association, noting the costly, morale-draining hassles — like driving rafters down long canyon roads to access short stretches — outfitters must endure to float guests when flows drop below 700 cfs. 

Hamel’s association recently deployed a research firm to assemble an economic analysis of rafting in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. The 34-page report looked at visitors in 2020 and found rafters spent $15 million in the 100-120-day raft season, creating an economic impact of more than $41 million and supporting the equivalent of 455 full-time jobs in both Chaffee and Fremont counties. The researchers also surveyed rafters last year and will do the same this summer, building a three-year database that will include the worst, the best and what everyone expects to be a somewhat normal season of rafting on the Arkansas River. 

The idea is to be able to show the financial impact of not just rafting but all recreational flows in the river. 

“Maybe with this data we can go and involve other businesses,” Hamel said. 

It’s a page from outdoor recreation’s national playbook. The federal examination of outdoor recreation — determining it to be a $788 billion industry responsible for more than 3% of all country’s economic activity — has expanded the outdoor industry’s reach as more businesses and communities recognize the economic and political strength of recreation. 

The local studies will help the newly formed Arkansas River Conservation Cooperative foster stronger ties around the river, Neinas said. 

“Maybe we can find opportunities to ensure the quality of habitat, the quality of wildlife and the quality of recreation,” he said. “This report is our baseline for what we do and how we provide value. We are all cut from the same cloth in this valley and the recreation voice is so important for our economic livelihood and quality of life. We want to coalesce around the river and help insure that, frankly, the water we are protecting is around all year, not just the 100 days the rafting industry here is operating.”

Jason Blevins Outdoors Reporter

Jason Blevins lives in Eagle with his wife, daughters and a dog named Gravy. Job title: Outdoors reporter Topic expertise: Western Slope, public lands, outdoors, ski industry, mountain business, housing, interesting things Location:... More by Jason Blevins

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Rivers & Oceans

Rafting and Adventure Travel

Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

Colorado River Whitewater & Camping 2024 and 2025 Seasons

Grand Canyon White Water Rafting

With over 100 different Colorado River rafting options, planning the best Grand Canyon white water rafting trip can be challenging. Many people find it easiest and quickest to talk with one of our Adventure Specialists at (928) 526-4575 . We can help you narrow down the rafting trip options for the 2024 and 2025 seasons to those available vacations that fit into your schedule.

Since 1987 our service has been free and we work with all 16 Grand Canyon river outfitters. The cost is guaranteed to be the same rate you would get booking directly with an outfitter. See our quick reading step-by-step how to book a Grand Canyon rafting trip or read our more detailed information below.

2026 Grand Canyon, Arizona Rafting Dates

We are currently booking trips in 2024 and 2025. Launch dates for 2026 Grand Canyon rafting season will start being released in late fall of 2024. Get on our list to be contacted about 2026 dates meeting your criteria as they become available. Looking for something soon, you can even book a last-minute Grand Canyon rafting trip for this year.

Our Best Grand Canyon Rafting Advice

Select a trip that allows you to spend as much time as possible white water rafting in the Grand Canyon. The majority of guests wish they would have spent additional time on the river. If you aren’t sure where to start, a 7-day motor full canyon (see video ) is one of our most popular vacations. However, if you want a human-powered oar, paddle, dory, or hybrid trip (combo of oar, paddle, and sometimes dories), try rafting the Upper Canyon (approximately 6 days) and hike out to the South Rim. If you had fun, float the Lower Canyon next time.

Colorado River Rafting Basics

A Colorado River rafting trip through Grand Canyon National Park provides a whitewater rafting and camping vacation like no other. Towering cliffs, cool lush grottoes, thrilling rapids, and giant sand beaches can be experienced throughout the canyon corridor while guides share their knowledge of the natural and human history of the area. Colorado River white water rapids are rated from one to 10, with 10 being the hardest runnable rapid and equivalent to rafting class IV+ whitewater on the international scale.

Each day is different and full; a mix of rapids and smooth water, hikes to hidden side canyons, water falls, and remnants of ancient indigenous dwellings with pottery. Camp out under the canyon walls next to the Colorado River. Rafting permits you to experience the canyon from a unique and impressive perspective. Learn more in our Grand Canyon Rafting FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions).

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Map of Grand Canyon and Arizona

River Trip Length

Within Grand Canyon National Park, the Colorado River flows 277 miles from Lees Ferry, Arizona (below Lake Powell) to Pearce Ferry, Arizona (at Lake Mead). Between April and October it is possible to raft one (35 miles) to 18 days (225+ miles) in the canyon. For those that want a full Grand Canyon float trip, the typical itinerary is 8 days by motor rig or 14 to 16 days in dories, oar boats, or paddle rafts . At Rivers & Oceans, we break down rafting the Grand Canyon into three categories: one-day motor trip , two-day overnight tour , and 3 to 16-day expeditions (multi-day).

Rafting Down the Grand Canyon in One or Two-days

One and two-day Grand Canyon river trips float the lower part of the canyon. Rafters meet in Peach Springs, Arizona before launching from Diamond Creek on the Hualapai Indian Reservation. Trips take-out (finish) at Pearce Ferry. The one-day expedition is guided by Hualapai Native American guides on snout motor rigs . The two-day trips paddle raft and then motor raft after a night camping at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. In addition, there is no required hiking in or out of the canyon on these two trips. The longer 3 to 16-day expeditions are broken up by river section below .

Time of Year to Raft Grand Canyon

Every season in the Grand Canyon comes with unique beauties and challenges. In April and May the canyon has cooler temperatures. This means bringing extra layers for warmth, but allows for longer hikes while the wildflowers are in bloom. Spring can bring strong up-canyon winds. June through August are the hottest and busiest months to raft down the Grand Canyon, with temperatures ranging from 95-115°F. See current Grand Canyon temperatures .

Monsoon season starts in July and goes through August, bringing afternoon clouds and rain showers to cool the canyon. These two months also have the biggest whitewater, with the river running at its highest level for the season. As the Arizona rafting season winds down in September and October, expect cooler weather, longer hikes, and shorter days. We have more information on our blog about  monthly weather variations during the rafting season .

Colorado River Temperature in Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Colorado River water temperature at Lees Ferry (mile 0) varies between 48° and 56°F depending upon the season and depth of the water behind Glen Canyon Dam in Lake Powell. Near Diamond Creek (mile 225) towards the end of the Grand Canyon, the water ranges from 45°F during the winter to 65°F during the heat of the summer. Flash flooding side-canyons can temporarily increase the water temperature. Side streams are typically much warmer and ideal for swimming and soaking. See current river temperature at Lees Ferry .

Luxury Grand Canyon Vacations

Grand Canyon companies do not offer luxury rafting trips. However, all outfitters provide chairs in camp, and the food is nicer than what most expect when camping. Some companies offer cots to sleep on instead of pads on the ground. Lunches are picnic style riverside stops. Most trips are all-inclusive except for alcohol, but you can bring your own or order through the outfitter. Check out our packing list for Grand Canyon to see the gear and clothing you will want to bring.

For those that want a luxury trip, there are a few options. Sign-up for an expedition on another river in the western United States such as the Rogue River Canyon in Oregon, which has lodges, or Salmon River in Idaho, which offers luxury options. Otherwise,  charter a Grand Canyon trip  that can be customized to meet your group’s needs.

Charter Expeditions

It’s quite common for groups to inquire about chartering a private tour (called a Custom Charter or Private Trip ), preferring to vacation with their friends and companions. A chartered expedition to raft Grand Canyon, allows for a tailored experience. These trips are our specialty. If you’d like to learn more about planning a charter trip, check out Rivers & Oceans Custom Adventures (ROCA) .

Rafting by Motor versus Human-Power (non-motor)

Motorized expeditions (see picture below of J-rig , S-rig and C-craft motor options) typically cover more of the Grand Canyon in less time than the human-powered oar, paddle, dory, and hybrid trips. Motor rigs also usually run their engine for most of the expedition, which cause some to choose the non-motorized alternatives. Senior groups typically select motor rafts since they are more comfortable for the full days traveling down canyon. A small subset of human-powered expeditions have a motor support boat that usually travels behind the group. Please give us a call if you want to insure your Colorado River rafting trip has or does not have a motor support raft.

Types of Human Powered Rafting Trips

Non-motorized expeditions, also called human-powered, are broken into four categories: all paddle, oar, dory, and hybrid. All-paddle trips are where everyone participates by paddling in a raft with a guide in the back steering and calling commands through rapids and the flatwater. There are extra oar rafts to carry all the gear. Guests on oar and dory boat trips hold-on while a guide positioned on oars in the center of the boat rows downriver. Grand Canyon hybrid trip options typically have one paddle and five oar rafts. Guests take turns riding in the paddle boat. Some hybrid trips also bring a dory along, and guests rotate through that craft as well. Of the non-motorized Grand Canyon options hybrid trips are the most popular.

Variations in the Number of Guests and Days

A non-motor rafting trip has far fewer guests in each boat during the day, 5 to 7 versus 15 to 20 on a motor raft. Both types can have ample time for hiking along the canyon depending upon the number of days used to cover a section of the Colorado River. For example, 6-day Motorized Full Canyon guests have minimal time for hiking, while 9-day Motorized Full Canyon motor participants find ample time for hiking and exploring. Check out our blog post on the types of whitewater crafts in Grand Canyon to learn more.

Grand Canyon National Park: Rafting Costs

A vacation whitewater rafting in Grand Canyon ranges from $399 for a motorized one-day to $7000 for an 18-day oar trip. Colorado River rafting trips are all inclusive with no additional costs once on the water. Below is a table breaking down the trip options and cost ranges. If the trip costs seem prohibitive check out some more moderately priced rafting tours on other whitewater rivers in the western United States .

Choosing a Grand Canyon Outfitter

All the  Grand Canyon companies  are professionals, and we started working with them over 30 years ago. Since demand to raft down the Colorado River is high, we recommend selecting commercial river trip based on your time frame, budget, and trip type, rather than by outfitter. If there are itineraries with different outfitters that meet your needs, we can steer you towards the trip that will mesh best with your preferences. As licensed concessionaires by the National Park Service, Grand Canyon whitewater rafting companies are required to hire guides with extensive wilderness first aid, swiftwater rescue and food safety certifications. In addition, guides from all the companies are knowledgeable of the flora, fauna, geology and human history of the canyon.

Drought and the Colorado River

Since Lake Powell sits just upstream of Grand Canyon and it has to release water to Lake Mead for use by Las Vegas, Phoenix and California, there will be raftable flows for the entire season (April-October) going forward even in drought years. Trips can and have been run lower than the scheduled flows for the coming seasons. Learn more about how drought is affecting rafting in the west .

Choose the Best Trip for Your Group

Grand Canyon 1-Day Trip

One amazing day. Single-day rafting trips include whitewater, hiking, lunch & helicopter option.

Grand Canyon 2-Day Trip

Spend two days rafting through Grand Canyon and one night camping under the stars.

Grand Canyon Multi-Day Trips

Experience America’s great adventure. Spend 3 to 18 days rafting the Colorado River.

Custom & Charter Tours

Adventure connects people. We customize your adventure from start to finish. Call Us

Grand Canyon Whitewater: 3 to 16 Day Tours

The Grand Canyon has 4 sections, which are known as Full, Upper, Lower, and Western. These sections are defined by the river mile where you start (put-in) and the river mile where you end (take-out). While popular due to their length, Upper and Lower Grand Canyon Trips require a 7.5 to 9-mile hike at either the end (Upper) or start (Lower) . Click the “Read More” button below to see a break down of what rafting each section of the Colorado River has to offer. These are also referred to as multi-day rafting trips.

Upper Grand Canyon: Lees Ferry to Phantom Ranch by Raft, Hike to South Rim

Starting at Lees Ferry (mile 0), Upper Grand Canyon expeditions end at Phantom Ranch (mile 88). To finish your trip here in the deepest part of the canyon, it takes hiking 7 to 9-miles up the Bright Angel Trail to the South Rim while gaining 5000 feet of elevation. These trips float the Colorado River in around 5 to 6 days on oar and paddle rafts. Motor rafting trips rarely end here.

Upper Highlights

Highlights floating this section include limestone-walled Marble Canyon, ancient sea fossils, Stanton’s Cave, Vasey’s Paradise, Redwall Cavern, the Puebloan Granaries and ruins at Nankoweap Canyon, the aqua-blue Little Colorado River, and the geologist pleasing Great Unconformity. Whitewater enthusiasts will enjoy rafting House Rock Rapid, the Roaring 20’s, and Georgie’s Rapid in the upper canyon. The last full river day takes the expedition into the first Granite Gorge with 2-billion-year-old Vishnu Schist (oldest rock in the canyon) and the biggest rapids of Upper Grand Canyon River Tours: Hance, Sockdolager, and Grapevine.

Lower Grand Canyon: Hike to Phantom Ranch, Raft to Whitmore Wash, Diamond Creek or Pearce Ferry

Rafting adventures down the Lower Section of Grand Canyon  start at the South Rim with a 7 to 9-mile hike to the Colorado River at Pipe Creek (mile 89.5) or Phantom Ranch (mile 88). The hike descends 5000 feet of elevation along the   Bright Angel Trail to the bottom of the river canyon. Journeys will end at one of three take out points depending on the trip selected: Whitmore Wash (mile 188), Diamond Creek (mile 225), or Pearce Ferry (mile 280). The Whitmore Wash take-out consists of a 5-minute helicopter ride to Bar 10 Ranch on the North Rim followed by a small plane flight to Las Vegas or your starting point (Page, Marble Canyon, or the South Rim).

Lower Highlights

A Colorado River rafting trip on this section takes around 8-days for oar and paddle rafts. Motor tours rarely begin here. Common stops on this section include Blacktail Canyon, Elves Chasm, Shinumo Grotto, Stone Creek Falls, Tapeats Creek, Thunder River, Deer Creek Falls, Matkatamiba Canyon, and Havasu Creek . The pinnacle of Arizona river running is the whitewater in the lower section. Raft the Colorado’s most famous rapids, Lava Falls and Crystal , along with many other exhilarating drops like Horn, Hermit, Granite Falls, the Gems, Deubendorff, and Upset Rapid.

Upper vs. Lower

There are some minor differences between rafting the Upper and Lower canyon. The Upper begins in scenic Marble Canyon and travels down through each geologic layer of the canyon. The lower canyon trip floats through the biggest rapids of the Colorado River tours and includes some of the biggest hikes in the canyon. However, the most significant difference is hiking in from the rim versus hiking out of the canyon. Many people assume hiking into the Grand Canyon will be easier, and they are right to a degree – it takes less time. However, on the days following the hike, many people can barely walk because they are so sore from the pounding their bodies took. The hike out of the Grand Canyon may take longer, but feet and legs are less beat up from the ascent. Plus, when hiking out, you can be tired and sore for a couple of days when you are flying home or back at work. Being too sore to participate in hikes on the trip can be a bummer. While we love both sections, we typically encourage those interested in week-long oar and paddle trips to start with the upper canyon.

Colorado River & Grand Canyon Highlights Map

Full Grand Canyon: Raft from Lees Ferry to Whitmore Wash, Diamond Creek or Pearce Ferry

The grandest canyon expedition, floating the Full Grand Canyon allows river runners to experience the upper and lower canyons and sometimes the western canyon. Journeys launch at Lees Ferry (mile 0) and raft the Colorado River to one of three take out points: Whitmore Wash (mile 188 – by Helicopter), Diamond Creek (mile 225), or Pearce Ferry (mile 280). The most common human-powered trip takes 14 days to raft the full canyon. However, these trips can range from 12 to 18 days. The 8-day full canyon motor trip is our most popular for families.

Trip Exchanges

For the Full Canyon there may be an “exchange” during the river tour where a portion of the guests hiking will hike out and a new group of guests will hike into the canyon which can allow time for a short hike up the Kaibab Trail along Bright Angel Creek to the Phantom Ranch historical landmark. However, there is no required hiking on the full canyon and there is an opportunity to stop at the attractions on both the upper and the lower canyon as well as raft over 100 whitewater rapids of the Colorado River.

Western Grand Canyon: Helicopter to Whitmore Wash, then Raft to Pearce Ferry

The Western Grand Canyon trip begins with a small plane ride from Las Vegas, Nevada to Bar 10 Ranch in Arizona perched above on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Many rafting tours spend a night at Bar 10 Ranch before the 5-minute helicopter ride into the canyon to the launch point on the Colorado at Whitmore Wash (mile 188). The western canyon expedition rafts 92 miles downstream to Pearce Ferry (mile 280) over 3 to 5 days with one to 3 nights of camping by oar or motor raft.

Western Canyon Highlights

Attractions on this section of the canyon include the Whitmore Pictographs, Pumpkin Springs and the lower Granite Gorge. Fun whitewater includes Kolb Rapid, Mile 217 Rapid, Travertine Falls, and Killer Fang Falls (Mile 232 Rapid). One-day motor and two-day Grand Canyon raft trips also run the lower part of this section, launching at Diamond Creek (mile 225) and ending at Pearce Ferry. In addition, Western Grand Canyon river rafting trips have no required hiking .

Grand Canyon 3 to 16-Day Whitewater Rafting Sections

Full Canyon Rafting

The ultimate Grand Canyon rafting experience. Take the time to run the entire canyon in 6-18 days. From $2691 per person

Upper Canyon Rafting

Launch at Lee’s Ferry and raft the Colorado for 90 miles in 4-8 days. Hike out at Phantom Ranch. From at $1475 per person

Lower Canyon Rafting

Hike into Phantom Ranch & raft the Lower Grand Canyon in 5-12 Days. Experience Lava Falls. From $2045 per person

Western Canyon Rafting

Helicopter into the canyon. Run rapids of the Colorado, hike, and sleep under the stars in 3-4 days. From $1498 per person

Looking for a less expensive rafting alternative?

Due to their popularity, Grand Canyon whitewater expeditions are more expensive than most other rafting rivers in the western United States. Check out our article on the best rafting rivers outside Grand Canyon.

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Grand Canyon Rafting Reviews

An amazing blessing to be able to be apart of this adventure.

Can not say enough about how amazing this experience was. Primitive camping river side under the stars was unforgettable. All of Hualapai guides took great care of us. We were well fed. Abundance of water and they reminded us to stay hydrated. No complaints at all. Loved every minute of the journey. Highlight besides rafting of course, the big horn sheep, Travertine Falls, and getting to know all of the different people (patrons and guides and lodge staff).

Our guides were incredible

Super-fun, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience. Really appreciate Trevor, Paige, Nicole, and Oliver! The trip as a whole exceeded our expectations in every way.

Belle découverte

Organisme très bien structuré et très organisé. Le matériel mis à disposition est de qualité. Les repas simples, bons et variés. Le trajet de retour en bateau puis en bus semble long mais probablement dû à notre fatigue du chouette weekend.

See All Grand Canyon Rafting Reviews

Add Your Review

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Navigating Dietary Limitations on Multi-day Rafting Trips

Whether you have allergies, follow a specific diet, or prefer certain foods, planning ahead is key to ensuring everyone enjoys the journey. Here’s how outfitters typically handle dietary concerns to make your rafting experience both enjoyable and safe.

Keep Reading > Navigating Dietary Limitations on Multi-day Rafting Trips

Upper vs. Lower Grand Canyon: Which Section is Best for Your Rafting Adventure?

Which section of the Grand Canyon is better, the Upper or Lower? This question arises frequently for guests considering the “Split Canyon trips,” which involve a mandatory 8-10 mile hike on the Bright Angel Trail. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which section is best for your adventure.

Keep Reading > Upper vs. Lower Grand Canyon: Which Section is Best for Your Rafting Adventure?

Lees Ferry, Grand Canyon National Park

One question we are often asked at Rivers & Oceans is about the difference between taking a one-day and a two-day Grand Canyon rafting trip. Click here for the breakdown.

Keep Reading > Lees Ferry, Grand Canyon National Park

Experts in wilderness travel, we have extensive connections within the industry through our 60+ combined years guiding most of the trips we offer including hundreds of rafting trips in Grand Canyon.

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Rafting outfitters had record revenue in 2021. Will it keep them afloat?

Colorado’s rafting industry hosted a record number of rafters in 2021, posting its largest annual increase in commercial raft trips, up 44% over the pandemic-hobbled 2020 season.

The Colorado River Outfitters Association counted 619,968 commercial river trips on 20 Colorado rivers last summer, a record 189,793-visit increase from the previous summer.

“These are just staggering numbers, but we saw them coming,” said David Costlow, the director of the Colorado River Outfitters Association who still needs to add counts from five rivers to the total tally and expects the final number to land closer to 625,000.

But outfitters are hoping the boom from the pandemic rebound can float them through this summer, with a meager snowpack and more travel options for vacationers.

The rafting crowds were strong last summer. The bounce-back season was buoyed by travelers with limited travel options and more open school schedules that allowed for May and June rafting holidays. Colorado’s rafting outfitters have typically drawn visitors from within a six-hour drive, but last year they saw folks driving for 12 or more hours for summer holidays.

And with students on a looser school schedule last summer, the flow of rafter traffic into Colorado in May and June was off the charts.

“To compare to skiing, the chairlifts were full and the mazes were full in May and they were full in June, just like they always are in July,” said Andy Neinas, who owns Echo Canyon River Expeditions and Royal Gorge Cabins on the banks of the Arkansas River near Cañon City.

The past two years – an all-time high following a 20-year low — affirm that the rafting business is not that different from rubber flotillas bobbing down roiling rivers. The only certainty is a wild ride.

Bad snow years mean low water and fewer paddlers. Big snow years can stir the stout flows that scare away some rubber riders. A few hot weeks in the spring can send a regular snowpack downstream in a torrent, which is happening right now. Dust blown in from the Utah desert can equally hasten snowmelt. Wildfires, high fuel prices and a bad economy also can pinch the flow of thrill seekers.

The pandemic made 2020 even more challenging for Colorado’s rafting industry with visitation reaching its lowest point since 2002, when wildfires and drought throttled summer tourism in Colorado.

Rafting companies saw 112,000 fewer visitors in 2020 than in 2019. And outfitters spent more hosting those rafters, running buses and rafts at half capacity to comply with pandemic distancing restrictions. The economic impact of commercial rafting in 2020 fell to $148.7 million, down $36 million from 2019.

“Last year helped us recover from 2020,” Costlow said.

But will 2021 revenues be enough to help rafting companies survive this summer?

Dusty warm winds ravaged the state’s snowpack in recent weeks and outfitters are bracing for a low-water season. Those low-flow summers – like 2002 and 2012 – see dramatic drops in visitation.

And after the surge last year, maybe a little less demand will be good.

“I don’t think we will see that kind of demand we saw last year, and honestly that’s good,” said Duke Bradford, who founded Arkansas Valley Adventures upstream of Buena Vista in 1998. “Last year we were dealing a lot with labor challenges. I think we will be able to manage slightly less demand much better this year with a slightly improved labor situation.”

Unless there’s a sudden shift with some late May snow or June rains, it’s unlikely the 2022 rafting season will set a new record..

“To have another season like we had last year will be very, very difficult,” Costlow said. “I was telling my members last year when they were reporting record business, tuck that extra away because you will need it in the future.”

Snowpacks are decimated in southern Colorado. Snow in the San Miguel, Dolores, Animas and San Juan river basins is 4% of the long-term average. That number is 2% in the Rio Grande River basin and 39% in the Gunnison River drainage. It gets better moving north, with the headwaters of the Upper Colorado at 59% of normal, the South Platte at 67% and the Yampa at 73%.

The only stretch of whitewater to see a decline last year was Glenwood Canyon, where the Colorado River was entirely blocked and Interstate 70 closed for a few weeks after devastating mudslides caused by torrential rain in late July in the Grizzly Creek fire burn scar. And that decline was only a couple hundred visits.

Rafting traffic on Clear Creek doubled in 2021 over the previous year, topping 100,000 for the first time since CROA started counting in the 1990s.

Dale Drake said advanced reservations for rafting trips at his Clear Creek Rafting company in Idaho Springs are pacing ahead of last year. He suspects folks are booking earlier after being shut out due to big crowds and understaffed outfitters last year.

“We think demand is going to sustain through this summer,” said Drake, who has seen the labor crisis ease this spring as he finds more commercial drivers and guides.

And he’s not too worried about the meager snowpack.

“We’ll have more family-friendly flows,” he said.

The most rafted river in the country, the Arkansas River, has a dwindling snowpack measuring just 31% of normal. Traffic on the Arkansas River last year jumped 41% to a high of 256,650 commercial rafting trips. In 2020, rafting in the headwaters of the Arkansas River stirred a $63 million economic impact. (Costlow is still compiling the economic impact report for the 2021 season.)

The Arkansas River has a one-of-a-kind cooperative model – the Voluntary Flow Management Program – that maintains raft-floating flows of 700 cubic feet per second from July 1 through Aug. 15. The program, created in the early 1990s with a unique partnership of recreational interests, wildlife managers, water conservation districts and the Front Range cities of Pueblo and Colorado Springs. It’s more about timing the release of about 10,000 acre-feet of water to downstream users so it can benefit the Upper Arkansas River Valley’s $41 million rafting economy.

Flows into Twin Lakes and Turquoise Lake in the headwaters of the Arkansas River are projected to be about 45,300 acre-feet, below the longtime average of 58,000 acre-feet. And that projection will likely be lower when the next update weighs the effect of that wind and dust.

The Pueblo Board of Water Works also works with the valley’s rafting companies to schedule an additional 4,000 to 5,000 acre-feet of water rolling into Pueblo Reservoir, which can help augment raftable river flows beyond the flow management program, or VFMP.

“It’s best to delay the VFMP as long as possible,” said Bob Hamel, the director of the Arkansas River Outfitters Association, noting the costly, morale-draining hassles – like driving rafters down long canyon roads to access short stretches – outfitters must endure to float guests when flows drop below 700 cfs.

Hamel’s association recently deployed a research firm to assemble an economic analysis of rafting in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. The 34-page report looked at visitors in 2020 and found rafters spent $15 million in the 100-120-day raft season, creating an economic impact of more than $41 million and supporting the equivalent of 455 full-time jobs in both Chaffee and Fremont counties. The researchers also surveyed rafters last year and will do the same this summer, building a three-year database that will include the worst, the best and what everyone expects to be a somewhat normal season of rafting on the Arkansas River.

The idea is to be able to show the financial impact of not just rafting but all recreational flows in the river.

“Maybe with this data we can go and involve other businesses,” Hamel said.

It’s a page from outdoor recreation’s national playbook. The federal examination of outdoor recreation – determining it to be a $788 billion industry responsible for more than 3% of all country’s economic activity – has expanded the outdoor industry’s reach as more businesses and communities recognize the economic and political strength of recreation.

The local studies will help the newly formed Arkansas River Conservation Cooperative foster stronger ties around the river, Neinas said.

“Maybe we can find opportunities to ensure the quality of habitat, the quality of wildlife and the quality of recreation,” he said. “This report is our baseline for what we do and how we provide value. We are all cut from the same cloth in this valley and the recreation voice is so important for our economic livelihood and quality of life. We want to coalesce around the river and help insure that, frankly, the water we are protecting is around all year, not just the 100 days the rafting industry here is operating.”

The Colorado Sun is a reader-supported, nonpartisan news organization dedicated to covering Colorado issues. To learn more, go to coloradosun.com.

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COLORADO RAFTING AT ITS BEST!

Providing white water rafting on two of colorado’s most popular rivers for over 25 years.

Top Choice on Trip Advisor!

Clear Creek Rafting Company offers daily Colorado raft trips on Clear Creek from mid-May through the 2nd or 3rd week in August depending on water conditions and through Labor Day on the Arkansas River . In addition to our more adventurous sections, we offer trips perfect for beginners and families with young children. Clear Creek Rafting Company guides rafting trips on two of Colorado’s most popular rivers— Clear Creek  just west of Denver and the Arkansas River  at the Royal Gorge near Colorado Springs.

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Book online or call  (800) 353 – 9901

ALL TRIPS INCLUDE

 photo package, take home digital photos of your rafting adventure at no additional cost,  use of a wetsuit, stay warmer with complementary use of a wetsuit and splash jacket..

Clear Creek offers some of Colorado’s most thrilling whitewater rafting. The whitewater professionals at Clear Creek Rafting Company will help all rafters from experienced paddlers to first time beginners find a stretch of Clear Creek suitable for your desired adventure level. With trips ranging from Class II to Class V, Clear Creek Rafting Company will help make a Colorado whitewater rafting trip the adventure highlight of your Colorado raftng vacation!  Whitewater rafting getaways and family rafting adventures on Clear Creek are our specialty.

Clear Creek is nestled in a historic mining valley where beautiful Colorado scenery complements your exciting whitewater adventure. On our more difficult trips the rapids come one right after another, but if you look carefully, you may spot muskrat, beaver, deer, bighorn sheep, or even an occasional bear or mountain lion! We are conveniently located near Denver and Breckenridge,

Clear Creek Rafting Company also offers daily guided rafting trips on the wild and scenic Arkansas River . Anyone traveling through the Royal Gorge region can sign up for a raft trip through the family friendly Bighorn Sheep Canyon or Browns Canyon National Monument or tackle the challenging Royal Gorge more than 1,200 feet below the canyon rim.

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The Grand Canyon - As Good as it Gets

On your Grand Canyon white water rafting trip you'll experience moments of pure thrill, times of absolute serenity, a feeling of togetherness with your group, and a deep connection with nature - all of which combine to create a truly life-changing experience. You'll learn about the history and geology of the mighty Colorado River. You'll make wonderful new friends and form bonds that can last a lifetime. And you'll do it all under the guidance and experience of the best guides in the business.

Best of Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

If you’re hungry for Grand Canyon River rafting, with loads of white water rapids and lots of miles, this is the Colorado Rafting Trip for you.  So relax and enjoy the grandeur of the Grand Canyon on one of our five Best of Grand Canyon Colorado River rafting trips.

Let Wilderness River Adventures show you the Colorado River like you’ve never seen it before on this thrilling 3 ½-day or 5 ½-day trips. On these Grand Canyon rafting expeditions, your journey will take you 86 miles from Lee's Ferry to Phantom Ranch (deep within the Grand Canyon).

Let Wilderness River Adventures be your guide on a 4 ½ and 6 ½-day trips.  On these Grand Canyon rafting expeditions, your journey will take you 102 miles from Phantom Ranch—deep within the Grand Canyon—to Bar 10 Ranch. 

Experience the best of the Grand Canyon-in grand style on our guided  5 ½ , 8  ½ and 14 day trips. If you simply can't get enough river rafting, this is the trip for you. Experience it all with over two weeks of Colorado River Adventures, spanning a full 225 miles, including 73 rated rapids, making for a canyon Grand Tour you'll never forget. 

A - Lees Ferry

Grand canyon rafting map, b - phantom ranch, c - whitmore wash.

The Adventure Begins

Each day, you'll wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee, and the sounds of rushing water mingled with the murmur of sleepy voices echoing through the canyon walls. Breakfast is hot and hearty-or as light as you want. After filling up, the group will form a "bucket line" to help load the gear back on the boats. Then the Colorado River beckons and you're off once again to experience a day of adventure as you continue on your journey onward.

Immersed in Nature

You'll enjoy the spectacular white water rapids and stretches of calm water, encouraging you to relax in the warm sun and enjoy breathtaking scenery. When lunchtime comes, you'll create your sandwiches, grab a cold drink, and relax with a book - or perhaps hike or fish - before shoving off again for an afternoon of surprises.

Settling in for the Night

Late afternoon finds you at camp for the evening. As your crew sets up the camp kitchen, everyone finds their ideal camping spot and sets up their home for the night. You'll relax with a cool drink and hors d' oeuvres and get better acquainted with your fellow river companions, as dinner sizzles on the grill. After a mouthwatering dinner and experiencing a gorgeous canyon sunset, you'll join in the conversation of the group, and listen to the quiet of the canyon as you settle into your sleeping bag under a blanket of stars.

Grand Canyon Dreams Come True

For many of our guests, rafting down the Colorado River though Grand Canyon is the dream of a lifetime. At Wilderness River Adventures, we pride ourselves in being the premier Grand Canyon adventure company—a reputation we’ve earned through unsurpassed guest satisfaction in Grand Canyon raft trips. Unimaginably beautiful scenery, the dramatic contrast of calm waters preceding the thrill of whitewater, spectacular meals and guides that know the Colorado River like none other—all setting the scene for the greatest adventure of your life.

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Rafting at the Grand Canyon

Ask any of the 22,000 Colorado River runners who brave Grand Canyon white water river rafting trips each year to describe the experience and you're likely to hear that it is "the trip of a lifetime." Licensed Grand Canyon river rafting companies vie with eager private boaters for the limited Grand Canyon Colorado River rafting permits the National Park Service makes available every year. Kayaks, dories, oar-powered inflatable rafts, and graceful motorized rigs are the watercraft of choice through this world-class Grand Canyon whitewater rafting wonderland. Trips are moderately expensive and last anywhere from one day to just over two weeks. There are also different levels of excitement available for these trips. Float trips tend to be milder and travel mostly on the smoother part of the Colorado River with fewer rapids. Other Grand Canyon river rafting trips take on the Class 5 rapids head-on! If you have the desire to travel through the Grand Canyon via water, there is a Grand Canyon river rafting trip for you.

Many Grand Canyon river rafting trips depart by van from Flagstaff or Las Vegas and put-in at points like Lees Ferry, located about 2 1/2 hours from Flagstaff and about 50 miles north of the North Rim entrance. These trips start booking up a year in advance, but it never hurts to keep an eye out for last-minute cancellations or unfilled spots. Grand Canyon river rafting trips are definitely one of the most memorable Grand Canyon experiences a person could ever experience.

How to Choose a Grand Canyon River Rafting Trip

Common elements of all trips.

Rafting through the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River is absolutely one of the best trips you will ever take in your life. The Grand Canyon is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, and the only one you can spend a week peacefully floating through. The scenery and geology change mile by mile, and the mood of the canyon shifts just as much as evolving clouds and light create a spectacle for the senses. A lack of cell phone service and Wifi will help bring your family closer together, and you will likely develop friendships with the other passengers that can last a lifetime. Kids struggle to comprehend how they can survive a week without interacting with their friends on social media, but it is beautiful to watch them blossom time and time again after just a couple of days of being present and engaged with the world around them. Guides do the majority of the work so that you can enjoy the canyon and quality time with each other. Still, everyone is expected to participate in loading and unloading the boats each day, and working together as a group is one of those intangible things that makes rafting through the Grand Canyon so memorable.

You will sleep on sandy beaches underneath one of the best night skies the country has to offer. On a night without a moon, the Milky Way lights up the sky between canyon walls a mile high. Have satellite races and count shooting stars with your loved ones as you lay in bed. You aren’t allowed to fall asleep until you’ve seen 2.

Days start early with the intention of packing up and leaving camp by 8 or so in the morning. This allows for ample time hiking upside canyons, to Ancestral Puebloan ruins, or to waterfalls, and for relaxation time at the next camp in the afternoon. Everyone will stop and have a deli-style lunch around lunchtime, and dinner around dinnertime. Leave your watch behind and embrace falling into a natural rhythm. The food is outstanding, but dietary accommodations can be made as long as ample notice is given to the company you book a trip with.

Most of the time spent on the river is in flatwater, providing plenty of time for guides to explain the geology, ecology, and human history of the canyon, as well as regale you with countless colorful stories from their previous river trips. This, of course, is punctuated by the thrill of whitewater rapids. There are over 80 named rapids and they are rated on the Grand Canyon scale of 1 - 10, but some days will be calm and some will feel like an adrenaline roller coaster.

@southwestmedia Have you ever gone whitewater rafting? This one of the most incredible experiences of a lifetime. #grandcanyon #grandcanyonrivertrip #grandcanyonnationalpark #bucketlist #adventuretime ? Acid Cowboy - Disco Lines

Grand Canyon White Water Rafting One Day Trips

Smooth water rafting below glen canyon dam (horseshoe bend float trip).

Duration: Around half a day. Route: This trip often begins below the Glen Canyon Dam, near Page, Arizona. It covers the smooth waters of the Colorado River as it winds through the canyon walls. Experience: Suitable for families and those looking for a more relaxed rafting experience without intense rapids.

White Water Rafting in the Grand Canyon

Duration: Full-day trips can last around 8-10 hours. Route: These trips venture into the Grand Canyon, tackling sections of exciting white water. Launch points can vary, and trips may cover different parts of the river. Experience: Geared toward those seeking a more adventurous experience, with the opportunity to navigate through challenging rapids.

Hybrid Rafting Trips

Duration: Some companies offer hybrid trips that combine smooth water rafting with a shorter section of white water rafting. Often these are combined with helicopter tours of other nearby attractions. Route: These trips may cover both calm and more challenging sections of the Colorado River. Experience: Provides a mix of relaxation and excitement, catering to a broader range of preferences.

Grand Canyon River Rafting - One Day Trips

Before choosing a trip, the first thing to consider is whether to do a private or commercial rafting trip. Private trips are for experienced river rafters who want to organize the whole adventure on their own. Permits are awarded through a lottery system, and the permit holder must have been on at least one Grand Canyon river trip before. Permits are applied for over a year in advance. For more information, please see https://grcariverpermits.nps.gov/

Commercial trips are run by professional outfitters and are typically booked 6 months - 1 year in advance. Outfitters provide the boats, guides, food, water, tents, waterproof bags, and sleep kits. Experienced guides know where the shade is when it’s hot, how to keep you drier when it’s cold, and understand the logistics of how to go on the best hikes during the day and still get the best camps at night. If you don’t want to figure any of that out on your own, keep reading!

The first thing to take into account before choosing a commercial Grand Canyon river trip is whether you want to do a motor or oar-powered trip. Motor trips are shorter and can carry more amenities, while oar trips are longer and a little more rugged.

Motor trips are generally considered more appropriate for all ages and ability levels. They typically consist of two 37’ rafts that are each powered by a 25 hp motor, allowing you to cruise through long flatwater sections and run more rapids in a given day. Grandma, Grandpa, little Billy, and even Aunt Esther with the trick knee are all welcome on a motor trip. If you want to get wet, you can sit in the front and be slapped in the face by the best waves the Colorado River has to offer. If Grandma prefers a smoother, drier ride and wants to watch little Billy get slapped by waves all day, she can do that too by sitting towards the back of the boat. Motor trips fall more on the ‘glamping’ side of outdoor recreation and have more storage for things like professional cameras and evening cocktail ice than oar trips do. Companies set their own policies on age restrictions, but 8 years old is often the minimum. There is no maximum and able people in their 80’s come on these trips every year.

Oar trips are longer, more intimate, and more appropriate for those with outdoor experience. Each boat is rowed by a trained boatman and typically carries 4 passengers, so the atmosphere is quiet and seems to facilitate conversation that meanders with the river. You’ll hear canyon wrens singing as you float by, spot trout swimming beneath you, and feel your adrenaline pump at the growing thunder of an approaching rapid. Although it doesn’t happen every trip, there is always a risk of oar boats flipping in a rapid. (Please note: f-l-i-p is the worst four-letter word on the Colorado River, followed closely by w-i-n-d.) It is considered one of the safer rivers to unintentionally swim, but is certainly not an experience recommended for the faint-hearted.

Oar trips have a lot of variation in the number and types of crafts offered. The most common boat is the 18’ long raft. Dories are also rowed with oars by a single boatman, but are slightly smaller and made of wood or fiberglass, so they tend to slice through the water and fly up the faces of waves. Paddle boats are run by a paddle captain, who steers from the back and gives commands to 6 paddlers. They are great for a workout and usually the most fun boat on the river, plus there is always the option to participate on easier or harder days. Each company has a different combination of oar boats, paddle boats, and dories, so check before you book. Some companies will also send along a motor boat strictly for carrying gear to provide you with the same camp amenities enjoyed by motor trip passengers.

This is where it gets a little more complicated. The length of trip you can do is highly variable and depends mostly on whether or not you hike in or out of the canyon. Both motor and oar trips may exchange passengers at Phantom Ranch, who must hike the Bright Angel Trail 10 miles with a mile of elevation change. This allows you to participate on half of a 12-16 day oar trip or 7-10 day motor trip, although the lower half of the canyon takes slightly longer than the upper half.

The hike itself is spectacularly beautiful, but very challenging even for those in shape. Steep switchbacks near the river called the Devil’s Corkscrew are notoriously difficult. Heat radiates off the black Vishnu Schist when temperatures in the shade during June and July can already be 120 degrees. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even hyponatremia are common problems along this stretch of the trail when hiking in. Indian Gardens is the halfway point and offers bathrooms, ample shade beneath large cottonwood trees, and a creek to cool off in. Beyond Indian Gardens, the trail is steep and very sun-exposed. There are more frequently spaced water spigots, but also another long set of switchbacks to climb before reaching the South Rim. It is not recommended to do this hike during June or July because of extreme temperatures that make it by far the most dangerous part of the entire river trip. Young children, the elderly, those with heart conditions, and those unaccustomed to steep terrain or hiking at altitude tend to suffer on this hike. It is not uncommon for people to miss their river trip by underestimating this challenge and not being able to complete the hike. Go at your own risk.

You don’t have to hike at all. Full-length trips without exchanges are the best to do because it gives the whole group more time together and no time is wasted waiting for everyone to hike in or recover from the hike. However, this may not be realistic due to time or budgetary constraints. Upper half trips start at mile 0 and end at mile 88. Lower half trips start at mile 88 and can end in several different places depending on the company you book through. Many companies have passengers take a helicopter flight out of the canyon at Whitmore Wash, mile 188, after surviving the grand finale rapid, Lava Falls. Some companies take you downstream to Diamond Creek at mile 225 where you can bus out. Others take you all the way to the Grand Wash Cliffs at the very end of Grand Canyon, mile 280. Alternatively, those looking for a quick adventure can helicopter in at Whitmore Wash, experience a few moderate rapids and camp for just 1 night.

The last stretch of the canyon below Whitmore Wash is the hottest with the least to do, but the helicopter ride and charter flight back to civilization from the Bar X Ranch do add substantial costs to the price of the trip.

Both the upper and lower halves of a Grand Canyon river trip are unforgettable, but there are a few differences worth noting. The upper half has the potential for more hikes to archeological sites and more interesting geology. Although both halves feature the same rock layers, the colors are a little bolder in the upper half. Additionally, since you observe each one rising from the Earth around you as the canyon grows deeper on the upper half, you tend to hear more about each layer from your guides. The lower half has more big rapids and more waterfall hikes. You run most of the biggest and baddest rapids in Grand Canyon right after hiking into the lower half, but will still enjoy more tranquil days once you survive the Upper Granite Gorge. If price is a big concern, do the upper half, but if the thrill of whitewater is more important, do the lower half.

Trips vary extraordinarily in the number of days they take to complete the upper half, lower half, or whole canyon. This makes a huge difference in the quality of the trip. Longer trips offer more time for hiking, more time with a beer in hand and toes in the sand at camp, and fewer long days on the water. You simply don’t have as much time to see all the hidden gems in Grand Canyon’s side canyons on a short trip, and it can make the whole experience feel more like a bus tour. Unless the whole point of going is only to prove to family and neighbors you did something adventurous, I highly highly recommend taking the longer trip when presented with different options.

One last thing to consider are trips with a certain focus. Some companies offer yoga specials, hikers’ specials, kayaker support trips, etc. There is one string quartet trip every year, where they search for the best acoustics in Grand Canyon’s labyrinth for making music. Guides will always tailor their trips to the group they have, but if a focused trip will significantly enhance your experience, ask about options before booking.

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Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas with VIP Skywalk & Pontoon Boat Ride

Book the ultimate Grand Canyon getaway with this combo tour that begins with a helicopter flight from Las Vegas. Get a birds-eye-view of Hoover Dam and the Grapevine Mesa Joshua Trees en route to the West Rim. Then descend to the canyon floor for a pontoon boat cruise on the Colorado River. Finish with VIP access to the Skywalk, a glass-bottom deck that hovers above the sandstone walls. A souvenir photo and coach transfers are included. ** Please note: Effective for travel prior to April 1, 2024, the price displayed does not include a USD30 per person fuel fee. This fee is payable direct to the supplier on the day of your tour **

• Grand Canyon helicopter combo tour from Las Vegas
• View Hoover Dam and the sandstone canyon walls on a helicopter ride
• Land on the floor of the Grand Canyon Take a pontoon boat cruise along the Colorado River
• Marvel at the breadth of the canyon from the glass-bottom Skywalk at Eagle Point with skip-the-line admission
• Hotel transport and souvenir Skywalk photo included

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8 Best Rivers to Raft in Colorado

June 18, 2024 By //  by  Matt Thomas

The Rocky Mountains are well known for the epic whitewater rivers they produce, and Colorado boasts its fair share of top places to raft. From the Arkansas River to the Animas, there are more than a dozen commercially rafted rivers.

We’re highlighting some of the most popular and best rivers for whitewater rafting in Colorado . You can find these bodies of water in all corners of the Rockies. The main whitewater rafting season is from around June to September, depending on conditions. The earlier in the season the more fierce the whitewater because of the resulting snowmelt.

There are floats for everyone on these rivers, from novice and first-timers to seasoned adrenaline junkies and families looking for a thrill. You can choose half-day or full-day trips, even some rivers provide overnight trips combined with camping. Whatever type of raft trip you’re looking for you can find it here. All necessary equipment is provided by commercial guides.

Here are among the top places to go whitewater rafting in Colorado , in no particular order:

Arkansas River

The mighty Arkansas River is the most rafted in the state and one of the most well-known in the country. The headwaters of the Arkansas River begin near Leadville and flow south past Buena Vista and Nathrop, to Salida, before venturing east to Cañon City, Pueblo, and the plains.

It features many epic sections and trips you can take, none more popular than the Royal Gorge . This advanced trip leads through the narrow canyon, encountering some Class IV and V rapids along the way. You’ll pass under the stunning suspension bridge and possibly by the train.

During its long journey in the Rockies, there are other notable rafting sections besides Cañon City’s Royal Gorge. Thrill seekers will enjoy tackling The Numbers by Buena Vista, before enjoying a family-friendly float down the scenic Browns Canyon , Browns Canyon, a national monument located between Nathrop and Salida.

Another beginner/intermediate section is Bighorn Sheep Canyon by Cañon City. Choose from half and full-day adventures on the Arkansas River.

Neaby Towns:  Buena Vista | Salida | Cañon City

Animas River

Durango is Southwest Colorado’s largest mountain town in terms of population, and one of the biggest in the state at around 20,o00 residents. The historic town may be most known for its narrow gauge railroad, but the Animas River provides a surge of energy and recreation throughout the year.

What’s cool about the Animas River is both lazy floats and raging whitewater can be found on half and full-day trips .

The Lower Animas River runs through downtown Durango offering the easier of the two sections. It’s a family-friendly float with thrills assured by passing through the manmade rapids of the Durango Whitewater Park .

The Upper Animas River begins to the north of town near Purgatory, Durango’s mountain resort. It has the honor of being the longest, continuous stretch of commercial run Class IV-V rapids in the United States of America, 30+ miles. The thrills keep on coming!

Nearby Town: Durango

Yampa River

Northwest Colorado’s most notorious river is the Yampa River . It’s the longest non-dammed river in the state. The rafting trips down the Yampa River are usually relaxing, multi-day lazy floats, perfect for a peaceful retreat and sightseeing through Yampa Canyon.

There are some whitewater thrills along the way. It meets up with the Green River in Dinosaur National Monument .

Because Vernal, UT is the most popular town around Dinosaur National Monument , many of the overnight trips meet up there and shuttle out. Rafting trips down the Yampa River provide a chance to encounter Class III and IV rapids, the best run from May through July. They are mostly multi-day camping and rafting trips, some either 4 or 5 days.

Some shorter half-day trips launch out of downtown Steamboat Springs . These provide some Class II and III whitewater from May to early June.

Nearby Towns: Steamboat Springs | Dinosaur

Colorado River

The Colorado River runs its course from near Kremmling to the southwest past Radium, Glenwood Springs, and onto Utah and beyond. There are many great sections of the Colorado River to raft , from family-friendly trips down Glenwood Canyon near Glenwood Springs, to super gnarly, raging whitewater in Gore Canyon .

Widely regarded as the most fierce, commercially rafted whitewater in Colorado, Gore Canyon is far from your typical float. This epic, advanced whitewater section near Kremmling is reserved only for experienced rafters with knowledgeable guides. It boasts numerous Class IV and V rapids that are monstrous when the CFS and water are high.

Downstream from Kremmling and Gore Canyon lies the Pumphouse Recreation Site . It features 3 boat launches for a variety of trips down its Class II and III rapids. It’s located a few miles upstream from Radium and its notorious primitive hot springs pool .

Much further downstream will bring you to Glenwood Canyon near Glenwood Springs. It’s really popular for groups of friends and families looking for half and full-day trips . Your guide might even lead you to primitive hot springs on the banks of the river (not Radium). Due to the long length of the river, people notoriously raft shorter sections, though this is a suitable river for overnight camping/rafting trips as well.

Neaby Towns: Kremmling | Glenwood Springs

Piedra River

The aforementioned Animas River is a tributary to the San Juan River, which passes right through downtown Pagosa Springs. It may not offer the longest stretch of river to raft, or most whitewater, but for a few months each season, it makes a great beginner, introduction-to-rafting trip.

It passes directly through Pagosa’s whitewater park downtown. Then after you have a river under your belt, tackle one or both sections of the other local river.

On top of the in-town San Juan River, there’s another tributary to it nearby, the Piedra River . It has its headwaters north of town deep in the national forest. From high up in the central San Juan Mountains, the Piedra River flows southwest of Pagosa Springs, about 20 miles west of Pagosa and 40 miles east of Durango. It joins the San Juan River there in Arboles, emptying into the Navajo Reservoir.

There are two great trips on the Piedra River: the Upper and Lower.

The Upper Piedra River is located northwest of Pagosa Springs. Trips are technical so it’s best suited for children 12 years and up. It includes numerous Class II, III, and IV rapids. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to experience the best of Colorado, combine it with an overnight rafting trip , which hits the Lower (box of the) Piedra River the next day. Outfitters guide trips, set up tents, and cook your meals for you.

After warming up on the Upper Piedra, spend another day on the Lower Piedra River . It’s even more extreme with several huge drops during its run in a thousand-foot-deep box canyon. This section has big thrills and is suited for ages 16 and up. Piedra means “rock” in Spanish, so it. gets the name “The River of Stone Wall”. The action-packed trip down the Lower Piedra has Class IV+ rapids, descending multiple deep box canyons.

Nearby Town: Pagosa Springs

Cache La Poudre River

Conveniently serving the northern front range, the Cache la Poudre River offers great whitewater rafting just west of Fort Collins. Known simply as the Poudre (“Poo-der”), this river has a limited number of outfitters guiding trips on it, so it’s much less crowded than some of the others.

You can find a couple of trips both milder and wilder for each type of rafter. They usually meet just west of Fort Collins and will shuttle you further west to your launch-in point.

Poudre Canyon is an extremely scenic place. It’s located on the Cache La Poudre-North Park Byway , a national scenic byway drive west to Walden from Fort Collins. The river itself is the only one designated a national wild and scenic river. Choose from a beginner/intermediate half day on Class II and III rapids and/or a half day of advanced Class III and IV rapids on the Poudre River.

Rafting generally starts around mid-May and goes to early September for easier floats and early August for harder ones.

Nearby Towns: Estes Park | Fort Collins

Dolores River

The Dolores River is another scenic Southwest Colorado rafting hotspot when it’s permitted. This one is a little more hit or miss though as there are only limited trips available, usually starting in April and finishing in June. Those in the know, know it as one of the top multi-day rafting trips available in Colorado and beyond. It leads you down some exciting canyons and drops during its 175-mile raftable section.

Raft the Dolores anywhere from 3 to 10-day trips . Most trips generally depart from nearby Cortez, but the longer trips meet up in Durango, departing further upstream on the Dolores River . The wilderness is remote and gorgeous along its route.

Remember the window is limited for this river, depending on the conditions and water level, so it’s generally around May. You’ll hit Class III rapids on the way, suitable for ages 10 years and older.

Nearby Town: Cortez

Clear Creek

In Denver’s mountain backyard of sorts, Idaho Springs offers an exciting rafting opportunity closest to the Metro. Only 30 miles west of downtown I-70 leads you to this historic former mining town. Both half and full-day trips are available rafting Clear Creek . You can arrange trips suitable for beginners, intermediates, and advanced paddlers.

Clear Creek is the steepest river in the state that’s commercially rafted. It flows through a narrow canyon within Clear Creek Canyon, shaping numerous technical rapids and steep drops. You’ll never know it from the highway, but this river features a wild ride. 80% of the county is public lands, so nature and wildlife are always present.

Nearby Town: Idaho Springs

More Colorado Rivers to Rafting

The snow produced high in the Rocky Mountains provides the perfect recipe for a maze of rivers running on both sides of the continental divide . Come springtime they fuel the whitewater found in more than a dozen commercial rafted rivers. In addition to the ones above, the following are other great places to experience the sport of rafting.

Here are some other places to go rafting in Colorado :

• Blue River – Silverthorne
• Eagle River – Vail
• Gunnison River – Delta
• North Platte River – Walden
• Rio Grande River – Creede
• Roaring Fork River – Aspen
• San Juan River – Pagosa Springs
• San Miguel River – Telluride
• Taylor River – Crested Butte, Gunnison

Have a safe and thrilling whitewater rafting trip to one of these Rocky Mountain rivers! Remember, each river has its own season within the range of May to September, some early rivers are just a shorter stint while the whitewater is at its peak, so plan accordingly.

You can check the water data levels at USGS for the Colorado rivers. Compare that to the appropriate CFS levels for the river you plan on rafting. Naturally, your guide will handle this for you, so give one a call to schedule a trip of a lifetime.

About Matt Thomas

Matt is an avid writer and explorer, who loves to showcase this wild, wondrous world. His favorite place to be is right here in the Centennial State.

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Numbers Half Day Raft Trip

Set in the headwaters of the Arkansas River, this Colorado raft trip takes you down a series of rapids so jam-packed, they were numbered instead of named.

Numbers Full Day Raft Trip

Raft the Arkansas River and explore Colorado in a jeep rental or side by side rental. Home to the incredible Arkansas River, Four Mile Recreation Area and the Collegiate Peaks. Buena Vista is the perfect home-base to explore Colorado by rafting and ATV rentals. Choose from 2 door or 4 door vehicles.

Rafting the Numbers   – A Scenic Adventure on the Arkansas River

If you’re looking at white water rafting in Colorado , you’ve undoubtedly heard of rafting The Numbers . The Numbers is a pristine section of the Arkansas River located near the river’s headwaters, making it one of the most powerful and exhilarating runs on the Arkansas River. 

Located in Buena Vista, CO , The Numbers is the epitome of high-adventure Colorado white water rafting trips and offers scenery, adventure and adrenaline all in one!

What To Expect

White water rafting on The Numbers ranges from Class III-IV rapids, and you’ll experience bumps, drops and everything in between. 

The Numbers is a seven-mile stretch of continuous rapids so intense they’re numbered instead of named. So get ready to experience some for the most beautiful scenery, along with the most adrenaline-pumping adventure that Colorado has to offer!

Half Day Numbers Rafting Trip

Our half day Numbers white water rafting trip is an estimated 1 ½ hour on the water. It  will take you through swift currents and extreme gradient drops as you master eight heart-pumping rapids that comprise The Numbers.

Full Day Numbers Rafting Trip

The full day Numbers rafting trip is double the fun – and after rafting The Numbers rapids, pull over to the side of the river for a riverside lunch prepared by your guide! Afterwards, hop back on the river and experience some of the more technical rapids not covered in the half day Numbers trip, such as House Rock and Frog Rock.

Tips For White Water Rafting The Numbers

1. prepare for the elements.

Rafting The Numbers can last several hours, depending on which trip you choose, so it’s important to be ready for sun and rain.

2. Dress to get wet

You’ll definitely get wet on this intense ride, so wear quick-drying clothes or synthetics, as cotton gets colder when wet. Don’t worry, we have wetsuits and splash tops we can issue you just to cover the bases.

3. Don’t bring valuables 

Leave the expensive jewelry, hats and other accessories in the car. You’re likely to donate them to the river unintentionally while you’re intensely paddling from number to number.

Cell phones are also common casualties on white water rafting trips, and we recommend leaving them behind.

4. Hydrate and Fuel

Rafting The Numbers will work you out, so be hydrated and if you are on a half day trip make sure you have eaten something beforehand. We don’t stop for snacks and discourage generating potential trash on the river. full day trips include a riverside lunch.

5. Listen to your guide

Your guide has extensive river navigation, rescue and medical training. So help them do their job (which is to keep you safe!) by listening to them at all times.

Schedule Your Numbers White Water Rafting Trip Today!

As one of the most iconic stretches of white water on the Arkansas River, advanced reservations are required.  Give us a call at (877) 747-RAFT to reserve your spot today!

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Rafting outfitters had record revenue in 2021. Will it keep them afloat?

Colorado’s rafting industry hosted a record number of rafters in 2021, posting its largest annual increase in commercial raft trips, up 44% over the pandemic-hobbled 2020 season.

The Colorado River Outfitters Association counted 619,968 commercial river trips on 20 Colorado rivers last summer, a record 189,793-visit increase from the previous summer.

“These are just staggering numbers, but we saw them coming,” said David Costlow, the director of the Colorado River Outfitters Association who still needs to add counts from five rivers to the total tally and expects the final number to land closer to 625,000.

But outfitters are hoping the boom from the pandemic rebound can float them through this summer, with a meager snowpack and more travel options for vacationers.

The rafting crowds were strong last summer. The bounce-back season was buoyed by travelers with limited travel options and more open school schedules that allowed for May and June rafting holidays. Colorado’s rafting outfitters have typically drawn visitors from within a six-hour drive, but last year they saw folks driving for 12 or more hours for summer holidays.

And with students on a looser school schedule last summer, the flow of rafter traffic into Colorado in May and June was off the charts.

“To compare to skiing, the chairlifts were full and the mazes were full in May and they were full in June, just like they always are in July,” said Andy Neinas, who owns Echo Canyon River Expeditions and Royal Gorge Cabins on the banks of the Arkansas River near Cañon City.

The past two years – an all-time high following a 20-year low — affirm that the rafting business is not that different from rubber flotillas bobbing down roiling rivers. The only certainty is a wild ride.

Bad snow years mean low water and fewer paddlers. Big snow years can stir the stout flows that scare away some rubber riders. A few hot weeks in the spring can send a regular snowpack downstream in a torrent, which is happening right now. Dust blown in from the Utah desert can equally hasten snowmelt. Wildfires, high fuel prices and a bad economy also can pinch the flow of thrill seekers.

The pandemic made 2020 even more challenging for Colorado’s rafting industry with visitation reaching its lowest point since 2002, when wildfires and drought throttled summer tourism in Colorado.

Rafting companies saw 112,000 fewer visitors in 2020 than in 2019. And outfitters spent more hosting those rafters, running buses and rafts at half capacity to comply with pandemic distancing restrictions. The economic impact of commercial rafting in 2020 fell to $148.7 million, down $36 million from 2019.

“Last year helped us recover from 2020,” Costlow said.

But will 2021 revenues be enough to help rafting companies survive this summer?

Dusty warm winds ravaged the state’s snowpack in recent weeks and outfitters are bracing for a low-water season. Those low-flow summers – like 2002 and 2012 – see dramatic drops in visitation.

And after the surge last year, maybe a little less demand will be good.

“I don’t think we will see that kind of demand we saw last year, and honestly that’s good,” said Duke Bradford, who founded Arkansas Valley Adventures upstream of Buena Vista in 1998. “Last year we were dealing a lot with labor challenges. I think we will be able to manage slightly less demand much better this year with a slightly improved labor situation.”

Unless there’s a sudden shift with some late May snow or June rains, it’s unlikely the 2022 rafting season will set a new record..

“To have another season like we had last year will be very, very difficult,” Costlow said. “I was telling my members last year when they were reporting record business, tuck that extra away because you will need it in the future.”

Snowpacks are decimated in southern Colorado. Snow in the San Miguel, Dolores, Animas and San Juan river basins is 4% of the long-term average. That number is 2% in the Rio Grande River basin and 39% in the Gunnison River drainage. It gets better moving north, with the headwaters of the Upper Colorado at 59% of normal, the South Platte at 67% and the Yampa at 73%.

The only stretch of whitewater to see a decline last year was Glenwood Canyon, where the Colorado River was entirely blocked and Interstate 70 closed for a few weeks after devastating mudslides caused by torrential rain in late July in the Grizzly Creek fire burn scar. And that decline was only a couple hundred visits.

Rafting traffic on Clear Creek doubled in 2021 over the previous year, topping 100,000 for the first time since CROA started counting in the 1990s.

Dale Drake said advanced reservations for rafting trips at his Clear Creek Rafting company in Idaho Springs are pacing ahead of last year. He suspects folks are booking earlier after being shut out due to big crowds and understaffed outfitters last year.

“We think demand is going to sustain through this summer,” said Drake, who has seen the labor crisis ease this spring as he finds more commercial drivers and guides.

And he’s not too worried about the meager snowpack.

“We’ll have more family-friendly flows,” he said.

The most rafted river in the country, the Arkansas River, has a dwindling snowpack measuring just 31% of normal. Traffic on the Arkansas River last year jumped 41% to a high of 256,650 commercial rafting trips. In 2020, rafting in the headwaters of the Arkansas River stirred a $63 million economic impact. (Costlow is still compiling the economic impact report for the 2021 season.)

The Arkansas River has a one-of-a-kind cooperative model – the Voluntary Flow Management Program – that maintains raft-floating flows of 700 cubic feet per second from July 1 through Aug. 15. The program, created in the early 1990s with a unique partnership of recreational interests, wildlife managers, water conservation districts and the Front Range cities of Pueblo and Colorado Springs. It’s more about timing the release of about 10,000 acre-feet of water to downstream users so it can benefit the Upper Arkansas River Valley’s $41 million rafting economy.

Flows into Twin Lakes and Turquoise Lake in the headwaters of the Arkansas River are projected to be about 45,300 acre-feet, below the longtime average of 58,000 acre-feet. And that projection will likely be lower when the next update weighs the effect of that wind and dust.

The Pueblo Board of Water Works also works with the valley’s rafting companies to schedule an additional 4,000 to 5,000 acre-feet of water rolling into Pueblo Reservoir, which can help augment raftable river flows beyond the flow management program, or VFMP.

“It’s best to delay the VFMP as long as possible,” said Bob Hamel, the director of the Arkansas River Outfitters Association, noting the costly, morale-draining hassles – like driving rafters down long canyon roads to access short stretches – outfitters must endure to float guests when flows drop below 700 cfs.

Hamel’s association recently deployed a research firm to assemble an economic analysis of rafting in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. The 34-page report looked at visitors in 2020 and found rafters spent $15 million in the 100-120-day raft season, creating an economic impact of more than $41 million and supporting the equivalent of 455 full-time jobs in both Chaffee and Fremont counties. The researchers also surveyed rafters last year and will do the same this summer, building a three-year database that will include the worst, the best and what everyone expects to be a somewhat normal season of rafting on the Arkansas River.

The idea is to be able to show the financial impact of not just rafting but all recreational flows in the river.

“Maybe with this data we can go and involve other businesses,” Hamel said.

It’s a page from outdoor recreation’s national playbook. The federal examination of outdoor recreation – determining it to be a $788 billion industry responsible for more than 3% of all country’s economic activity – has expanded the outdoor industry’s reach as more businesses and communities recognize the economic and political strength of recreation.

The local studies will help the newly formed Arkansas River Conservation Cooperative foster stronger ties around the river, Neinas said.

“Maybe we can find opportunities to ensure the quality of habitat, the quality of wildlife and the quality of recreation,” he said. “This report is our baseline for what we do and how we provide value. We are all cut from the same cloth in this valley and the recreation voice is so important for our economic livelihood and quality of life. We want to coalesce around the river and help insure that, frankly, the water we are protecting is around all year, not just the 100 days the rafting industry here is operating.”

The Colorado Sun is a reader-supported, nonpartisan news organization dedicated to covering Colorado issues. To learn more, go to coloradosun.com.

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12-18 Day Colorado River Trips

Are you ready to experience the ultimate extended Colorado raft trip in Grand Canyon? This 12 - 18 day trip options are available in all non-motorized raft types;Oar, Paddle, Hybrid and Dory.There are three end points: Whitmore Wash, Diamond Creek, and Lake Mead. If you are looking for rafting the full canyon with highly challenging rapids of Colorado River, this trip is for you!

• Canyon Route

12-18 Day  Trips

12-18 day full canyon non-motor trips.

• Cost Range: $3,210 – $5,630
• Raft: Oar/Paddle/Hybrid/Dory
• Meet: Las Vegas NV, Flagstaff AZ, Page AZ or Marble Canyon AZ
• Route Begins: Lees Ferry – Mile 0
• Route Ends: 3 options – Whitmore Wash – Mile 188, Diamond Creek – Mile 225, Lake Mead – Mile 280
• Rapids: 38-47 major rapids rated 5 or above (1-10 rating scale)
• Required Hike: None at start or end

12-18 Day Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

The Grand Canyon National Park is the second most popular national park in the United States. As a result, it should come as no surprise that visiting the Grand Canyon and rafting the Colorado River are two experiences that are often at the top of people's minds when planning a lifelong bucket list.

A 12-18 day rafting expedition is arguably the best way to explore the length and breadth of the Grand Canyon. In comparison to shorter 3-5 day or 6-9 day tours, a 12-18 day trip offers more than enough time to experience everything the Grand Canyon has to offer, from its thrilling whitewater rapids and stunning river vistas to the ancient canyon geology and fascinating Native American cultural sites.

12-18 Day Rafting Trip Routes

There are three different routes available for a 12-18 day Colorado River trip, with each trip beginning at Lees Ferry near the magnificent Marble Canyon. The Marble Canyon region is a great place to start, with the towering vermillion walls clearly showcasing the natural beauty and geological history of the Grand Canyon. From Lees Ferry, you'll be traveling the entire length of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River. When you're not powering through whitewater rapids, you'll be disembarking to explore remarkable systems of side canyons.

After passing from the Upper Canyon to the Lower Canyon, you'll stop below the South Rim, where passengers may depart or join your tour group via a hike along the Bright Angel Trail. After 12-18 days have passed and you're nearing the end of your tour, your trip will terminate at one of three pre-established take-out locations along the Colorado River. Keep reading for a more detailed breakdown of your trip route and post-take-out transportation options.

Lees Ferry to Whitmore Wash (River Mile 188)

The Lees Ferry to Whitmore Wash route offers passengers an exciting opportunity to end their Grand Canyon river rafting adventure with a bang. Once passengers conclude their trip at Whitmore Wash, they will leave their raft behind before taking a short helicopter ride out of the Lower Canyon and to Bar 10 Ranch. There is no better way to take in the majesty of the Grand Canyon AZ than with the panoramic views of a helicopter ride. Depending on your helicopter ride operator, you may even have the chance to fly deep into the Grand Canyon, dipping down some 4,000 feet below the Grand Canyon Rim to land in one of several idyllic, ultra-isolated fly-in locations. Once at Bar 10 Ranch, you can take a small charter plane back to Marble Canyon. Alternatively, a charter plane can be arranged to return you to Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport for further travel or for your flight home.

Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek Road (River Mile 225)

Starting at Lees Ferry, this route extends your journey from Whitmore Wash by another 37 river miles, concluding your trip at Diamond Creek Road. From Diamond Creek Road, air-conditioned ground transport will ferry you back to one of two locations. Firstly, you can take transportation back to Flagstaff AZ airport for flights further on to Pheonix, Denver, or Dallas. Alternatively, you can choose to board an air-conditioned coach to be transferred back to Las Vegas. Once you arrive in Las Vegas, you'll have an opportunity to farewell your raft mates before being dropped off at either your Las Vegas accommodation or at McCarran International Airport.

Lees Ferry to Lake Mead (River Mile 280)

The Lake Mead take-out point offers a unique opportunity to see the entirety of the Grand Canyon. Not only does this mean that you'll see more sites and explore more side canyons, it means you'll be able to take advantage of some of the Colorado River's best rapids at the mouth of Lake Mead. If that wasn't enough, the Lake Mead take-out point also offers another exciting addition to your trip. Once you reach river mile 240, you'll leave your raft behind and take a speeding jet boat across the lake, finishing up your experience at river mile 280. From here, air-conditioned trip transportation can either take you back to Lees Ferry and the Marble Canyon area, or it can transport you further on to Las Vegas.

Raft Options for 12-18 Day Grand Canyon Trips

Because of the relatively quick cruising speed of Grand Canyon motor rafts, canyon outfitters are not able to logistically support 12-18 day motorized rafting trips. Fortunately, there are many different options when it comes to selecting a non-motorized raft for your Grand Canyon rafting experience. Read on for a more comprehensive breakdown of how different trip transportation options and raft styles can influence your tour.

Oar rafts are the second most popular raft option for full Grand Canyon rafting trips . In most cases, oar raft trips generally consist of a group of between 18 and 24 people, with approximately 5 people per raft. Your river guides will be seated at the center of the raft with two long oars; these will be used by your river guide to power and steer the oar raft for the duration of your trip. Passengers are never expected to paddle on an oar raft. However, in calmer waters, your river guide may allow you to try your hand at paddling. Please note, this privilege is at the discretion of your outfitter and is not guaranteed.

An oar raft usually travels at the same pace as the current of the Colorado River, averaging at 3-4 mph. Despite traveling at half the pace of a motorized raft, it's important to remember that a slower boat means you'll become better acquainted with the ebb and flow of the river. You'll also have more time and opportunities to bond with your raft mates and soak up relevant information from your river guide.

Out of our 15 river outfitters, 12 offer 12-18 day Grand Canyon trips. Please note, depending on your outfitter, multi-day canyon rafting trips will have a minimum age requirement of between 10 and 12 years.

Paddle Rafts

Paddle rafts offer passengers the ultimate whitewater experience. With only 6 to 8 passengers per boat, each individual is expected to pull their weight and paddle the raft all day, every day. Like an oar-powered boat, a paddle raft travels at roughly the same pace as the Colorado River, covering around 3-4 mph. As with oar raft tours, this experience offers passengers a more intimate rafting experience, providing you with plenty of opportunities to get to know your river guides and learn more about canyon geography and the region's diverse collection of flora and fauna.

Unfortunately, paddle rafting is in short supply from our outfitters, with only 4 of our 15 outfitters offering 12-18 day paddle rafting trips. Paddling and steering a raft for up to 18 days can be extremely tiresome and taxing on the body. If you're thinking of undertaking a Grand Canyon paddle rafting trip, we recommend that you only consider this option if you have previous paddle rafting experience under your belt. The minimum age requirement for paddle rafting trips will vary depending on the outfitter. However, in most cases, children under the age of 12 are not permitted on paddle rafting trips.

Unlike other Grand Canyon rafts, dory rafts use a wooden or rigid carbon fiber construction rather than an inflatable rubber construction. This allows for much greater agility and gives passengers the ability to 'feel' more of the river when traversing whitewater rapids. More often than not, dory rafts will accompany oar rafts on a longer multi-day Grand Canyon river trip. This not only allows guests to experience two different raft types, but it also fosters a friendly atmosphere between you and your raft mates. These trips usually consist of a flotilla of around 5 boats, with passengers rotating between the oar rafts and the dory boat on a day-to-day basis. As with oar rafts, guests may be given an opportunity to try their hand at paddling a dory raft. However, this is at the discretion of your river guide (who will be doing the vast majority of the paddling).

As you might expect, dory raft outfitters have a minimum age requirement of 10 to 12 years of age. For specific age restrictions, speak directly with your outfitter.

Hybrid Rafts

A hybrid rafting trip consists of a mixture of 5-6 oar boats and 1 paddle raft. Over the course of your rafting adventure, you and your raft mates will rotate between the oar boats and the paddle raft, thereby giving every passenger the chance to try their hand at paddling through the Colorado River. Hybrid trips are a perfect one-size-fits-all option, ideal for both inexperienced rafters who want to begin paddle rafting more seriously as well as people who simply want to give paddle rafting a go without stressing about the physical exertion of paddling every day.

Hybrid rafting trips are not widely available amongst our outfitters, with only 4 out of the 15 offering hybrid trips. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted on hybrid trips.

What's Included On a Grand Canyon Rafting Trip?

You can rest assured knowing that your river outfitter will provide almost everything you'll need for your trip. Broadly speaking, the equipment provided for rafting trips is generally the same amongst outfitters. However, there may be some variation depending on your trip length and river vessel selection. After you confirm your trip with your outfitter, you'll receive a more specific list of items that will be included, as well as more information on what you'll need to pack yourself. In the meantime, read on for a more detailed introduction to trip inclusions for Grand Canyon river tours.

Food and Drinks

During 12-18 day canyon rafting trips, your rafting outfitter guides will be responsible for the storage, preparation, and distribution of all meals, snacks, and drinks, whether you're socializing at camp or relaxing on the Colorado River. Fortunately, your tour operators are not only ultra-competent canyon rafting guides, but they're also highly skilled when it comes to cooking for a large group. When it comes to food and drinks, your outfitter will take care of the following:

• All meals (your outfitter will do everything they can to accommodate for dietary requirements).
• An assorted range of snacks, including candy, chips, and trail mix.
• Unlimited water and a plentiful supply of non-alcoholic beverages, including sports drink, soda, juice, tea, and coffee.

Rafting Equipment and Dry Bags

In addition to equipping you with all relevant paddling and river safety paraphernalia, most outfitters also provide at least 3 different-sized dry bags to keep your personal belongings safe and dry throughout your trip. Each dry bag set uses an assigned number system to ensure quick and private identification. Specifically, your outfitter will provide the following safety equipment and dry bags:

• A fitted life vest.
• 1 large dry bag for personal belongings, such as dry clothing and personal hygiene products. This dry bag will only be accessible when you are at camp.
• 1 large dry bag for your outfitter provided camping equipment. This dry bag will only be accessible when you are at camp.
• 1 small dry bag for your essential belongings. This bag will be accessible to you at every stage of your trip, including while you're out on the Colorado River.

Most necessary bedding and sleeping items will be supplied by your outfitter. The main benefit of this inclusion is that it saves you the hassle of packing and carrying around several pounds of bedding for the duration of your trip. Before departing for Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, be sure to check with your outfitter whether a pillow is included as not all outfitters will provide one. In short, your outfitter sleep kit will include the following items:

• Groundsheet/tarp.
• Sleeping bag.
• Sleeping sheet.
• Cot or rubber mattress pad.

Camping Gear

You won't have to forego any of your usual camping comforts on Grand Canyon rafting trips. This is because your river guides bring all the camping equipment required for a comfortable camping experience, including but not limited to:

• Cooking facility and kitchen equipment.
• Plates and cutlery.
• Private Groover toilet system and hand wash station.

What Should You Be Packing?

Your packing requirements for a whitewater river trip will be heavily dictated by your season of travel and the weather forecast for your trip. To give your packing list a headstart, we've listed some general recommendations for what you should bring along with you on multi-day Grand Canyon rafting trips.

• Sun protection: To ensure that you have adequate sun protection while on the rive, you'll need to bring a hat, a long-sleeved shirt, a pair of lightweight trousers, and a tube of sunscreen with at least a 30+ SPF rating.
• Weather appropriate clothing: Be sure to pack appropriately for your season of travel. In most cases, it's a good idea to bring a range of cool clothing options for daytime use and a couple of pairs of warm clothing for cooler nights. In our experience, forgetting to pack at least one set of warm clothes can quickly spoil your Grand Canyon trip.
• Tech: Be mindful that bringing cameras or any other handheld tech with you will expose these devices to an outsized chance of water damage. Remember, while you're in the Grand Canyon, you will not have access to any cell reception. Given these conditions, it's worth considering the pros of leaving your phone behind.
• Reading materials: If you enjoy relaxing over a good book, it's a good idea to pack one or two pieces of reading material for your Grand Canyon trip. There will be plenty of opportunities to sit back, relax, and read during afternoon and evening downtime. Please note, tablet-style e-Readers face the same risk of damage as other electronic devices — bring along these devices at your own risk.
• Alcoholic beverages: Adult passengers over the age of 21 are permitted to bring a modest amount of alcohol on their trip. These beverages can only be consumed in the evening while at camp. Under no circumstances will the consumption of alcohol be permitted while passengers are on the river. Finally, before purchasing alcoholic beverages for your trip, be sure to check if there are any additional alcohol restrictions with your outfitter.

Top 5 FAQ: 12-18 Day Rafting Trips

How much does it cost to go rafting in the grand canyon.

For a 12-18 day trip, you can expect to pay between $3,210 and $5,630. At first glance, this may seem like a hefty price to pay for a simple rafting holiday. However, it's important to remember that this cost will cover pretty much everything you'll need once you arrive at Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. This coverage includes air-conditioned trip transportation at the beginning and end of your trip, daily meals and snacks, rafting and camping equipment, as well as experienced onboard river guides. If you're looking for a less expensive canyon river trip, you might be interested in a slimmed-down tour of the Upper, Lower, or Western Canyon routes. These trips usually take 3 to 5 days , and typically cost between $1,080 and $2,314.

Remember, specific costs for a Grand Canyon rafting adventure are dependent on a number of factors, namely your chosen trip length, your route preference (including your route end choice), and your raft type selection. If you'd like a personalized trip quote, you can get in touch with our friendly team by calling 888-244-2224 / 928-351-7711 or emailing us at [email protected] .

Can you raft the entire Grand Canyon?

Yes! Through the 15 rafting outfitters that partner with Advantage Grand Canyon, there are several different ways that you can raft the full Grand Canyon. To check out both the Upper and Lower Canyon in a single trip, you'll need to book either a 6-9 day motor tour or a 12-18 day raft tour.

How long is the wait to raft the Grand Canyon?

If you plan on traveling to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon outside of the peak tourism months, you'll usually have very little trouble booking a spot on a multi-day raft trip. On the other hand, if you plan on arriving at the Grand Canyon in June or July, make sure you're ready to compete with peak Summer Holiday vacationer demand. In the latter situation, we recommend that prospective rafters book their trip at least six months in advance to ensure they get a spot with one of our outfitters.

What is the best tour of the Grand Canyon?

This is a tricky question! Making a concrete decision on the single 'best' rafting tour in the Grand Canyon is a near-impossible task. For starters, the characteristics of the 'best' tour will vary significantly depending on your fitness level, personal recreational preferences, and prior experiences with rafting and/or outdoors adventuring.

Keeping that in mind, we're still confident enough to say that a 12-18 day Grand Canyon river tour is one of the best, if not the best, options for rafting and exploring the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon National Park Service keeps the entire National Park in pristine condition, making it suitable for guests almost all year round. By taking a longer trip, you'll have a chance to immerse yourself in the Grand Canyon's rich history, from its towering vermillion walls to its biodiverse ecology.

What else can you experience after completing a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon?

As well as its world-renowned whitewater rapids and river raft tours, the Grand Canyon also boasts a wide range of exhilarating post-trip activities and scenic tourist sites. Upon completing a river raft trip in the Grand Canyon, your river guides will be more than happy to sit down and give you an insider's take on the Grand Canyon National Park's other well-known attractions and adventure activities. To kickstart your post-trip itinerary planning, we've listed five of the best non-rafting experiences currently on offer in Grand Canyon National Park.

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the Grand Canyon, and for good reason. In addition to providing you with spectacular views of the Grand Canyon, all of the canyon's major hike trails are superbly maintained by the region's diligent National Park Service, an organization that works tirelessly to provide hikers with safe, accessible, and well-marked trailheads.

When it comes to hiking in the Grand Canyon, it's hard to look past the internationally acclaimed Bright Angel Trail. This 9.5-mile trek is not for the faint-hearted, descending down into the Grand Canyon from the South Rim all the way to the Colorado River at the canyon floor. While veteran hikers will likely be able to complete the Bright Angel Trail in a single day, less experienced hikers may be better off tackling the full hike in two sections. Luckily, the Bright Angel Trail is outfitted with two mid-hike rest stops (at the 1.5-mile mark and 3-mile mark) that can act as a turn around point for casual hikers. Otherwise, day hikers can either camp overnight at the Bright Angel Campground or stay in pre-booked lodgings near the end of the hike trail at Phantom Ranch.

If you're really passionate about hiking side canyons, other notable hiking trails in the Grand Canyon include the South Rim Trail, the North Kaibab Trail, the South Kaibab Trail (often combined with the Bright Angel Trail), and the Havasu Falls Trail.

Ride Bikes on the South Rim

Not a fan of hiking trips? Opt for a Grand Canyon bicycle tour instead! Around the South Rim alone, cyclists can take advantage of more than 13 miles of well-maintained roads and dedicated bike trails. One of the most famous bicycle trails on the South Rim is the scenic Hermit Road Greenway Trail. Beginning at Hopi Point, Hermit Road runs for 7 miles, looping west following the South Rim and tracking between a medley of stunning Grand Canyon viewing platforms. Alternatively, if you're looking for a more time-effective bike route, we recommend the spectacular South Kaibab and Yaki Point trailhead.

If you're looking for another truly unique Grand Canyon experience to supplement your Colorado River trip, consider taking a mule ride under the North or South Rim of the Grand Canyon. During a mule ride tour, you'll get the chance to learn about the geological formations, rim ecology, and human history of the Grand Canyon from either your mule ride operator or National Park Service wrangler.

Mule rides along the South Rim are offered all year round. Visitors can opt for a three-hour day trip around the South Rim or, if you've got time for an authentic multi-day Grand Canyon experience, you can take a mule ride down to the canyon floor for an overnight stay at Phantom Ranch. Rest assured, these mules are sure-footed and surprisingly comfortable, making a mule ride a faster, more reliable, and — dare we say it — more luxurious alternative to trudging along a Grand Canyon hike trail. In terms of pricing, a single-day three-hour mule trip typically costs around $152, however, prices will vary depending on the season.

While not available all year round, North Rim mule rides can be booked between May 15 and October 15 each year. If you're short on time, take a 1-hour ride and enjoy the sun-drenched landscape of the North Rim. For a more involved ride, a half-day mule tour will provide you with a unique view of the Grand Canyon from within the North Rim. Unfortunately, you cannot take a mule ride down to the Colorado River from the North Rim. Due to the more limited route availability, the cost of a 1-hour North Rim mule ride is quite affordable, with prices typically starting at around the $45 mark.

Mule rides tend to book out quickly so be sure to purchase your tour ticket well in advance (you can book a mule ride up to 15 months ahead of time). Please note, mule tour operators have a minimum age requirement of 7-10 years for mule rides in the North Rim and 9 years for mule rides in the South Rim.

Grand Canyon Sky Walk

Perhaps the Grand Canyon's most popular tourist attraction, the Sky Walk offers a unique and memorable opportunity to appreciate the landscape of the Grand Canyon. Situated 4,000 feet above the floor of the Western Canyon, the Grand Canyon Sky Walk, made from four layers of reinforced see-through glass, extends 70 feet across a side canyon near Eagle Point. This glass cantilever bridge offers uninterrupted, panoramic views of the Western section of the Grand Canyon. Because of its glass floor design, the Sky Walk is the perfect attraction for anyone looking to face and conquer a fear of heights (don't worry, the glass structure is strong enough to hold 71 fully loaded 747 passenger jets.

Please note, handheld cameras and phones are not allowed on the Sky Walk. In addition to ensuring guest safety, this precaution means you'll be free to enjoy the view without worrying about having your phone blown out of your hands. If you'd like to memorialize your visit to the Sky Walk, professional photographs are available to purchase on-site.

Grand Canyon Visitor Center and Yavapai Museum of Geology

Located at the South Rim, calling in on the Grand Canyon Visitor Center is an excellent way to book activities or source information on rafting trips, hike trails, or helicopter ride operators. You'll also find plenty of information on the history of the Grand Canyon and its role as one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. You can easily spend half a day wandering through the Grand Canyon village, whether you're learning about the rich Native American history of the region or visiting the Yavapai Museum of Geology for more insight into the Grand Canyon's captivating geological past. While in attendance at the Yavapai Museum of Geology, you can enjoy various geography exhibits, a well-stocked bookshop, and panoramic picture windows that offer uninterrupted views of the Grand Canyon.

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Colorado Whitewater Rafting

Colorado Rafting Adventures

Hop on a raft in Colorado and you’ll truly experience those Rocky Mountain highs. In the northwest corner of the state, where OARS operates on the Green and Yampa Rivers , these legendary waterways will transport you back in time beneath towering peaks flowing through sandstone and limestone canyons with rock formations rich in prehistory. An incredible opportunity to explore the heart of Dinosaur National Monument from the unique vantage point of a raft, our multi-day Colorado whitewater rafting trips set an easy pace and feature an endless combination of exploratory side hikes, quiet beach camps, and fun Class III-IV whitewater that’s perfect for everyone from beginners to experienced river runners.

Find Your Perfect Trip

Adventures in Colorado

Yampa River Rafting

Location: Colorado & Utah Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 7 (10 – 12 during high water)

Green River Rafting through the Gates of Lodore

Location: Utah & Colorado Adventure Level: Moderate Minimum Age: 7 (10 – 12 during high water)

John Wesley Powell Retrace

Location: Utah & Colorado Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 16

The scenery was amazing, the guides were outstanding, and the food was excellent. The OARS team made it easy and enjoyable for our whole family. Mark, 2022 OARS Yampa River guest

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions?

Why choose OARS?

With more than 55 years of experience under our belts, our family-owned and operated company knows the rivers of northwest Colorado better than anyone. Colorado’s Yampa River was one of the first rivers our founder, George Wendt, ever ran. Today, Yampa river trips have become one of the most sought-out adventures in the U.S. OARS is proud to be able to offer commercial rafting trips down this legendary waterway, as well as many others throughout the U.S. and the world. Ask around, and you’ll quickly discover that we’re one of the most respected and trusted outfitters in the whitewater industry and our rafting guides are the most experienced and professional in the business.

When is the best time to go on a rafting trip in Colorado?

When it comes to planning a thrilling Colorado white water rafting trip, timing is everything. The best time to go depends on your preferences and appetite for adventure. If you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping rapids, the ideal time is during spring and early summer when the winter snowmelt swells the rivers. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience with milder rapids and more reliably warm weather, late summer and early fall are perfect.

Yampa Season

Rafting the Yampa River means experiencing the one major tributary in the Colorado River system that runs wild and free of upstream dams and relies entirely on run-off from the Rocky Mountains. The Yampa River rafting season generally runs from early May through June and sometimes into July, though conditions can change depending on the year’s snowpack. 

Gates of Lodore Season

The Green River through the Gates of Lodore has reliable flows throughout the spring and summer with commercial whitewater rafting trips available from late May through early September. High water is most common in May and June.

Where do rafters meet for OARS whitewater adventures in Colorado?

Our Yampa River and Green River trips begin in northwest Colorado, but guests meet at the OARS Dinosaur boathouse in Vernal, Utah. We then shuttle the group to the put-in locations in Colorado.

Are Colorado rafting trips good for families?

Rafting trips are an excellent choice for families seeking adventure and unplugged time together on a vacation that’s both exciting and educational. And when compared to a trip to Disney World or an all-inclusive resort, the cost of a river trip is perfect for family budgets. With so many options available, choosing the right family rafting adventure in Colorado will come down to how much time you have, your budget, river ratings and minimum age requirements.

For families looking for a multi-day trip, a Gates of Lodore trip through Dinosaur National Monument is an ideal family adventure that’s an easy drive from Denver or Salt Lake City, UT. Lodore Canyon is known to have some of the most dramatic scenery on any river in the Western U.S. This stretch of the Green River offers up fun and consistent Class II-III rapids perfect for paddle boats, inflatable kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Off the water, side hikes lead to waterfalls, swimming holes and stunning views of the river, and evenings under the stars are spent in some of the most incredible riverside campsites anywhere. Trips range from 3- to 5-days with regular departures all summer long. The minimum age is 7 (10-12 during high water).

As the big spring flows subside, the Yampa River is also great for adventurous families in mid- to late June or early July depending on the season.

What will I see while rafting in Dinosaur National Monument?

Beside the fossils and paleontological riches of Dinosaur National Monument , the riverbanks of the Green and Yampa protect Native American petroglyphs, pictographs and critical habitat for the endangered peregrine falcon, bald eagle, Colorado pikeminnow, and razorback sucker. Black bear, river otter, beaver, mule deer and moose are occasionally spotted from the river and bighorn sheep are a common site.

Does OARS offer whitewater day trips in Colorado?

While OARS focuses exclusively on multi-day river trips in Colorado, we do offer a number of 1-day rafting trips in California and Utah, including one of the most scenic day trips in the West on the Colorado & Utah border through Split Mountain Canyon on the Green River. Within a half day’s drive from Denver, a Split Mountain rafting trip is an idyllic Class III full-day trip in the heart of Dinosaur National Monument.

The most popular option for half day and full day rafting trips in Colorado is the Arkansas River due to its proximity to Colorado Springs. On the Arkansas, rafters can find everything from family-friendly floats in Bighorn Sheep Canyon to adrenaline-inducing adventures through Brown’s Canyon or Royal Gorge. There are also a number of whitewater day trips near Denver .

Does OARS operate on the Colorado River?

OARS offers a number of Colorado River trips , ranging from 2-day quick getaways to 18-day Grand Canyon adventures. The majority of these trips operate in Utah and Arizona, however our Westwater Canyon trips start on a mellow stretch on the Colorado River through Ruby Horsethief Canyon near Fruita, CO.

What can I expect on a multi-day rafting trip with OARS?

On any river trip with OARS, you can expect a high standard of customer service, top-notch equipment, delicious meals, and some of the best guides in the industry providing you with a trip of a lifetime. Check out our Multi-day River Trip FAQs for more information about the multi-day rafting experience OARS.

Related Blog Posts

8 of the Best Rafting Trips Near Denver

What Puts the “Dino” in Dinosaur National Monument?

Budget-friendly Alternatives to a Grand Canyon Rafting Trip

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Trips We Offer

Colorado river.

Beginner Ages 3+

Colorado River Info

The Colorado River offers something for everyone ages 3+, as a fun, splashy, and beautiful beginner whitewater rafting experience 1 hour South of Steamboat & 45 minutes Northwest of Vail. The Colorado River is perfect for the whole family.

Depending on water levels, this section of the Colorado River is more of a wilderness float trip, with a few splashy class II and small class III rapids - just enough to make everyone laugh and shout.

If you have some adventurous folks in your group, we offer two-man inflatable kayaks (duckies) at no extra charge. Duckies can really make things more interesting and challenging. They follow the larger guided rafts down river, we all stay in a group, and there will be an opportunity to switch between the larger raft and the ducky. Duckies are limited depending on river flows and availability. We try our best to have at least one available for every reservation. (You can look at the river and decide if you'd like to take an inflatable kayak once you arrive).

Come experience a scenic tour through the headwaters of the Colorado River today!

Colorado River Half Day

Nitty gritty:

Time on the water: 2 - 2.5 hours

Time in the van: 7 - 15 minutes

River miles traveled: 5 - 11 depending on water levels (feel free to call and ask current mileage)

Trip Details

Morning Half Day Trips: 9:15am - 12pm

Afternoon Half Day Trips: 12:45pm - 2:45pm

We meet our guests right on the Colorado River. Approximately 1 hour South of Steamboat Springs & 30 - 45 minutes Northwest of Vail.

Once we get guests checked-in we have a short van ride up river to our launch location. We will get everyone geared up and ready, give a short but detailed safety speech, and go rafting. We’ll be on the water ~ 2/2.5 hrs. We will end the trip right where your car is parked. (No long, stuffy bus rides here).

Having trouble choosing between AM or PM?

Remember there’s usually less crowds and better weather on morning half day trips. (Afternoon thunderstorms are a common occurrence in Colorado). Most guests’ report seeing more wildlife on our morning trips.

Colorado River Full Day

Time on the water: approx. 4 - 5 hours

Time in the van : 12 - 35 minutes

River miles traveled: 11 - 22 depending on water levels (feel free to call and ask current mileage)

Duration 9:15am - 2:30/3:00pm

Lunch: Included (see below)

Once we get guests checked-in for our full day rafting trip we will have a short 10-15 mile scenic van ride up river to our launch location. We will help you get geared up and ready to go. Your guides will give you a short but detailed safety speech, and we’ll go rafting! We will stop along the river about halfway through for a light lunch. We will end the trip right where your car is parked. (No stuffy bus rides here).

What’s for lunch?

We will provide light assorted refreshments such as mixed fruits, veggies, meats, crackers (think no nonsense picnic style grazing board). We will also bring extra water to refill your water bottles & sparkling water. We try to minimize the use of single use plastics while on the river and in the wilderness.

We will bring a cooler with hand sanitizer and extra space if you would like to bring your own lunches if you have strict dietary needs. This way, our guests are able to better accommodate their own specialty diets, allergies, and nutritional needs. If you have severe allergies please let us know during booking so we notify your guide and we can plan accordingly.

Extra Notes: We like our full day trips to be focused on what we're great at - rafting. Feel free to bring your own lunch, we will make sure there's some extra room in the cooler. It is your responsibility to notify us if you or anyone in your group has specific dietary/medical needs during booking.

Colorado River Private Trips

Private trips are typically structured as private half day trips, but we have the ability to offer private full day trips as well. Call us (970)875-4494 if your interested in a private full day trip.

Time on the water: 1 - 3ish hours. This varies due to the customizable nature of our private trips. We’ll work with your group directly to figure out what works best for you.

River miles traveled: 5 - 11 depending on water levels & group preference

*Due to the customizability of private trips, we require all private bookings be confirmed and reserved over the phone call us to get something scheduled.

We offer totally private rafts & private river transportation for your group and your group only.

For our private trips we typically offer 10:15AM & 3:00PM 1/2 day departures. We are happy to help plan and reserve customized private group trips for your family and friends. We are a small company, so advanced reservations are encouraged.

*Please note our private trips require advanced reservations and tend to book quickly

A $450 booking minimum applies to all private trips.

Private Groups of 15+ qualify for group rates - call to book

Once booked, we will send you a separate email with very detailed driving directions & arrival time. If you do not receive a second email from us, or have any questions regarding directions please do not hesitate to give us a call.

Saddles & Paddles

AM Horseback Ride

A 2 hour horseback ride about 40 minutes South of Steamboat Springs. Bring a lunch & drive another 20 minutes to the Colorado River for an afternoon half day rafting trip.

Pack your boots & bathing suit and saddle up for an unforgettable day of incredible mountain vistas on horseback, and an afternoon of splashy fun rafting down the Colorado River. We have exclusively partnered with Colorado’s High Lonesome Outfitter & Guides to provide an unparalleled Western experience.

Horseback rides are booked directly through Colorado's High Lonesome Outfitter & Guides, call (970) 638-4239 for questions, availability and reservations.

PM Half Day Whitewater Rafting Trip

Afternoon Half Day Trips: 12:45pm - 2:45/3pm

We meet our guests right on the Colorado River. Approximately 20 minutes from Colorado’s High Lonesome Outfitter & Guides' ranch.

Once we get guests checked-in we have a short van ride up river to our launch location. We will get everyone geared up and ready, give a short but detailed safety speech, and go rafting. We’ll be on the water ~ 2/2.5 hrs. We will end the trip right where your car is parked. (No stuffy bus rides here).

From Steamboat Springs

We meet all of our guests right on the Colorado River. From Steamboat it takes about an hour to get to the Colorado River.

Most of the summer the Colorado River will be the closest rafting to Steamboat (excluding spring runoff season).

When you book your reservation we will send you very detailed driving directions along with a google maps link for your whitewater rafting trip from Steamboat Springs.

Why don't you just list your address here? depending on the flow of the river our meeting location may change. This is why we will email you detailed driving directions with your reservation.

We meet all of our guests right on the Colorado River. From Vail, Beaver Creek, Avon, Edwards it takes approximately 30-45 minutes to get to the Colorado River.

Most of the summer the Colorado River will be the closest rafting to Vail, Beaver Creek, Avon, Edwards. Excluding spring runoff season - during spring runoff the closest option will be the Eagle River (see below)

When you book your reservation we will send you very detailed driving directions along with a google maps link for your whitewater rafting trip from Vail, Edwards, Avon & Beaver Creek.

Inflatable Kayaks

If you're looking for a bit more adventure on the Colorado River, we offer two-man inflatable kayaks (duckies) at no extra charge. Duckies can really make things more interesting and challenging. They follow the larger guided rafts down river, we all stay in a group, and there will be an opportunity to switch between the larger raft and the ducky. Duckies are limited depending on river flows, safety concerns & availability. When conditions allow we try our best to have at least one available for every reservation. Safety is always our top priority, our guides will assess ducky conditions before every trip.

*If your entire group would like to take inflatable kayaks, please call us. We cannot promise to have enough for your entire reservation unless you book a private trip.

Eagle River

Intermediate 

Eagle River Info

The Eagle River is one of Colorado's last truly untamed & un-dammed rivers in the state. The Eagle River's intermediate snow-melt rapids make for an exciting once in a lifetime experience. Continuous whitewater & adrenaline pumping rapids makes the Eagle River an adventure you shouldn't miss. Half day and full day departures available - trip departures are dependent on river flows (Spring Only). Class I-IV

Eagle River Half Day

Morning Half Day Eagle River Trips 9:45am - 12:15pm

Afternoon Half Day Eagle River Trips: 12:45pm- 2:30/3pm

Trip duration can sometimes be longer or shorter depending on river flows. Our Eagle River half day rafting trips will cover roughly 11 miles of continuous heart pounding class III-IV whitewater.

We meet our guests right on the Eagle River. Approximately 1.5 hours South of Steamboat Springs & 10- 20 minutes West of Vail.

Once we get guests checked-in We will get everyone geared up and ready. We will bring helmets, wetsuits, booties,& splash jackets for our guests. Your guides will give a short but detailed safety speech, and we’ll go rafting! Once we get to the take-out we hop in our vans and we will head back to your car about 10-15 minutes. (No stuffy bus rides here).

Remember there’s usually less crowds and better weather on morning half day trips. (Afternoon thunderstorms are a common occurrence in Colorado).

Eagle River Full Day

Full Day Eagle River Trips 9:45am - 2:30/3pm

Trip duration can sometimes be longer or shorter depending on river flows. Our Eagle River full day rafting trips will cover roughly 18 miles of continuous heart pounding class III-IV whitewater.

We meet our guests right on the Eagle River. Approximately 1.5 hours South of Steamboat Springs & ~20 minutes West of Vail.

Once we get guests checked-in We will get everyone geared up and ready. We will bring helmets, wetsuits, booties,& splash jackets for our guests. For full day trips we will drive you up river about 15 minutes. You guides will give a short but detailed safety speech, and we’ll go rafting! About halfway through we will stop for a light lunch. After lunch we will continue rafting into the afternoon. Once we get to the take-out we will hop in our vans and head back to your car - about 10-15 minutes. (No stuffy bus rides here).

Should we bring our own lunches?

We will bring a cooler with hand sanitizer and extra space if you would like to bring your own lunches or have strict dietary needs. This way, our guests are able to better accommodate their own specialty diets, allergies, and nutritional needs. If you have severe allergies please let us know during booking so we notify your guide and we can plan accordingly.

Eagle River Private Trips

Eagle River Private trips are typically structured as private half day trips, but we have the ability to offer private full day trips as well. Call us if your interested in a private full day trip.

River miles traveled: 11 - 18 miles depending on water levels & group preferences

We meet all of our guests right on the Eagle River. From Steamboat it takes about an hour and thirty minutes to get to the Eagle River.

Typically, we will meet you on the river, get everyone geared up and your guides will give you a comprehensive safety speech - then we will go rafting! At the end of your trip we will drive you back up to your car in our vans.

We meet all of our guests right on the Eagle River. From Vail, Beaver Creek, Avon, Edwards it takes about 10 - 25 minutes to get to the Eagle River.

When you book your reservation we will send you very detailed driving directions along with a google maps link for your whitewater rafting trip from the Vail area.

Top 4 Overnight Rafting Trips in Colorado

Overnight raft trips are the best way to disconnect from the stresses of daily life and take a break from technology. These trips will allow you to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the restorative qualities of that connection. Whether you are looking to connect with family young and old or experience a thrilling journey, we have the perfect trip for you.

24 HOURS OR 3 DAYS ON THE UPPER COLORADO RIVER

Location: Near Kremmling, Colorado

Level: Class II-III, mild

Length: 24 hours – 3 days

The upper Colorado river is the perfect destination for your first overnight rafting adventure. It is ideal for families with children as young as five and those with adventurous grandparents. This trip has something for everyone in your group. You will be able to take in the natural beauty that only the Colorado River can offer. Highlights of this trip include natural hot springs, historic cabins, scenic waterfalls and steep canyon walls.

There is time for plenty of stops to explore and at camp you will have no shortage of fun whether you decide to hike, fish or just relax by the river.

On this trip you leave everything in the hands of professionals, who cook, guide, and can be a great resource when learning about the historic canyon. Wetsuits and splash jackets are provided to keep you comfortable on the river and tents and sleeping pads to help you get a great night’s rest. Sleeping bags are also available for rent.

Dinner and breakfast will be prepared for you and our guides will give you time to try inflatable kayaks and learn how to paddleboard. Don’t forget to make some s’mores and enjoy the stars before settling in for the night.

Rafting the upper Colorado river is the perfect introduction to overnight rafting. It will give you time to connect with nature and family and leave you wishing it was two or more nights!

24 HOURS IN BROWNS CANYON ON THE ARKANSAS RIVER

Location: Near Buena Vista, Colorado

Level: Class III, mild and exciting

Length: 24 hours

Browns Canyon is one of the most historic and beautiful canyons in Colorado. It is known for fishing and hiking and is the most popular destination for white water rafting in the country. Browns Canyon is the perfect spot for adventure and family fun. It offers awe-inspiring views of the Arkansas River Valley and Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains with make your trip truly unforgettable.

An overnight in Browns Canyon is perfect for families with children age 7 and up looking for scenic beauty and the thrills of class III whitewater.

On this spectacular adventure, you will camp in the heart of Browns canyon. All your needs will be taken care of by our amazing staff giving you plenty of time to enjoy the canyon while hiking, fishing or relaxing riverside. Enjoy stories and s’mores by the fire before calling it a night and don’t forget to look up and the amazing stars on display. For those looking to enhance their connection with nature, feel free to sleep out under the stars.

With out experienced and professional team, 22 miles on the river is going to feel like a dream. Browns Canyon is ideal for an adventurous family overnight river trip. Come create lifelong memories on the river with us!

3 DAYS MILD TO WILD OVERNIGHT

Sections: Pine Creek, the Numbers, Narrows and Browns

Level: Class III – IV, physical exertion required

The numbers is an action packed stretch of the Arkansas River. It is the perfect spot for thrill seekers at age 15 and up. On our Mild to Wild three-day adventure, you start above Browns canyon working your way through class III rapids and enjoying the natural splendor. Your first day will find you lunching riverside and camping in the heart of Browns. Your guides will take the stress out of your trip by preparing your meals, keeping you safe, and facilitating your unforgettable experience.

Day two you will tackle some of the biggest rapids in Browns Canyon. After lunch, you will jump into inflatable kayaks to paddle to the takeout. From there you will be shuttled downstream to camp before going rock climbing in the Granite Gorge. Another delicious dinner and night under the stars will cap of this fun filled day.

Day three is when the excitement really starts. After a hearty breakfast, you will gear up and rappel into Granite Gorge to meet your rafts. From here you will face the Gauntlet! Take on call IV and V rapids in Pine Creek and the Numbers. Here you will find narrow channels, steep drops, and technical maneuvering through boulder-strewn canyons and gorgeous valleys. Don’t forget to look up at the picturesque views of the Collegiate Peaks in the distance. Your adventure ends with a hot riverside lunch before heading back to the outpost. This 3 day mild to wild adventure is calling your name!

The Mild to Wild trip combines the best of everything rafting has to offer. You will experience the thrill of class IV and V whitewater, the beauty and history of Colorado’s canyons, and the joy of connecting with nature.

2 DAY ADVANCED RAFTING TRIP

Sections: The Numbers, The Narrows, and Browns Canyon

Level: Class III-IV

Our two-day advanced trip is perfect for thrill seekers 15 years and older. Numbers and Narrows offer technical class III-IV whitewater in beautiful Granite Gorge. After a big first day, we will camp above Browns Canyon where you can enjoy a number of riverside activities. Your night under the stars would not be complete without stories and s’mores at the campfire. Wake up to morning coffee and a hot breakfast before heading into Browns Canyon. Here you will face class III rapids ending with Seidel’s Suckhole and Twin Falls. On this two-day adventures, you will cover 40 miles of world class whitewater.

This trip includes all the best rafting Buena Vista has to offer. You will experience all the fun of beautiful and continuous whitewater in two incredible Colorado canyons. The spectacular views and epic whitewater will make you wish this trip was longer! We hope you will be excited to try another one of our multi-day adventures.

Overnight rafting trips with AVA are perfect for experienced rafters and those first-time adventurers looking for something new. Our highly trained staff takes the stress out of planning and organizing leaving more time for fun and relaxation. We have trips for all ages and difficulty levels.

Marketing Dept.

• Best 3 Whitewater Rafting Trips for Large Groups in Colorado
• 7 Best Group Adventures You Can do in Colorado
• For an Authentic Colorado Experience, Visit these 5 Dude Ranches for an Unforgettable Vacation
• 10 Most Scenic Rivers in Colorado

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