Whitewater Vacations in Colorado

Colorado may be most known for its mountains; it is the highest state in the nation, after all. But in the valleys of those famed mountains runs a variety of rivers that host whitewater rapids from mild to expert. River towns across the state host day and multi-day rafting trips, whitewater parks and multi-sport whitewater excursions.

  1. Destination Towns and Rivers

    • Colorado has a variety of whitewater rivers throughout its mountain and plateau regions. Whitewater rivers include the Arkansas River in southern Colorado, the Animas River in southwestern Colorado, the Yampa River in western Colorado, Cache la Poudre River in the Fort Collins/northern Colorado region and the Roaring Fork River in the Aspen area. Some of Colorado's biggest whitewater destination towns include Buena Vista, Glenwood Springs, Salida and Canon City. In 2009, Forbes included Durango in its list of "U.S. Whitewater Spots Worth a Visit," as the Animas River runs right through town and offers both Class I and Class V rapids.

    Types of Rafting Trips

    • The Colorado Rafting Association, a membership organization of rafting operations across the state, outlines three types of rafting trips in Colorado: oar rafts, paddle rafts and inflatable kayaks. As is true for any state, oar boats are the least interactive, letting you relax and take in the mountain views while your guide rows. Paddle boats let you get involved in the paddling and inflatable kayaks are a good option for those that want to be in total control of their whitewater experience. Some outfitters also offer kayak instruction, and many offer multi-activity trips that combine rafting with other popular mountain sports like mountain biking, off-roading and fishing.

    Season

    • Much like the ski season, the whitewater season is dependent upon the weather and can fluctuate from year to year. In fact, the whitewater season and ski season are related, since it's the melting snow from the mountains that fuels the whitewater rapids of the rivers. Mountain rivers usually become runnable in May, reach their peak (fastest, most challenging rapids) in June and remain runnable until late-summer/early fall. Desert rivers on the Colorado Plateau have an earlier season that often starts in April. Early-season is best for the highest water, while late season is better for calm, relaxing trips.

    Whitewater Parks

    • Whitewater parks provide features for whitewater kayakers to do tricks and practice. Many of Colorado's resort towns have whitewater parks that visitors can enjoy while also taking advantage of the other attractions and amenities of town. Glenwood Springs is one town that offers a variety of attractions like the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. Its whitewater park is located on the Colorado River. Other resort towns like Durango and Gunnison/Crested Butte also have whitewater parks.