Your Ultimate Guide to Colorado White Water Rafting
Are you ready to embark on a thrilling adventure through Colorado's raging rivers? It's perhaps one of the most thrilling ways to see the incredible beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Whether you're a seasoned rafter or a newbie eager for adventure, we’ve got just what you need - the ultimate guide to help you gear up for an unforgettable rafting experience.
If you're gearing up for an epic Colorado rafting trip, here's the inside scoop on how to plan like a pro. These essential tips will have you fully prepped and ensure that your adventure goes off without a hitch:
Wear sunscreen with at least 50+ SPF to protect your skin from the sun's rays.
Whitewater rafting usually takes place between May and August, so be prepared for cold waters. Most companies include wetsuits and water shoes in ticket pricing.
Stay hydrated, especially at higher elevations, by drinking plenty of water before the trip. This is especially important if you flew in from a lower elevation and are rafting within the first day or two of arriving.
Wear thermal rashguards under your wetsuit for added warmth during the adventure. This isn’t necessary, but if you are someone who gets cold easily, it may be worth considering.
Avoid bringing electronics, except for mounted GoPros, as they might get damaged or lost. Most rafting companies will include GoPro and shore shots as an add-on.
Opt for motion sickness prevention meds like Dramamine if you're prone to discomfort on waves or motion sickness.
Pay attention to your rafting guide’s safety tips and protocol in case something happens or someone falls overboard.
Top Rapids and Rafting Experiences
Colorado offers an array of rapids suitable for all skill levels. If you're up for a thrilling challenge, consider these popular rapids:
Sunshine Falls and Sledgehammer in Royal Gorge: Class III-V rapids that provide an exhilarating adventure.
Three Rocks Rapid in Bighorn Sheep Canyon: A fun, exciting rapid suitable for beginners.
Siedel's Suckhole in Browns Canyon: A wicked Class III-IV rapid that surprises even seasoned rafters.
Pine Creek Rapid in Arkansas River: A complex Class IV-V rapid that tests expert rafters.
Gore, Tunnel Falls, and Kirschbaum's Rapid in Gore Canyon: Rewarding Class V rapids for advanced rafters.
Rigor Mortis in Clear Creek: A challenging stretch with sharp rocks, suitable for experienced rafters.
Age and Weight Limits for Whitewater Rafting
While whitewater rafting is a fun activity for all, there are some restrictions based on age and weight.
Most commercial outfitters require participants to meet specific requirements so be sure to check these before purchasing tickets. Generally, you must be at least a certain age to participate in rafting trips, and there might be weight limits to ensure safety during the adventure.
Depending on the time of year, which impacts the CFS (cubic foot per second), some rapids that may have been open for children will be restricted. This is because as mountain snow melts and feeds into the river, it increases the rate of water flow (CFS).
Therefore, if you are planning a trip with children or hesitant beginners, you will want to go earlier in the season (late April-May).
Essential Items for Your Rafting Trip
Before setting off on your whitewater rafting journey, make sure you have these essential items packed:
Sunscreen and protective clothing to shield yourself from the sun
Properly fitting life jackets and helmets for safety on the water (included in ticket)
Appropriate clothing, like thermal rashguards and wetsuits, to stay warm (included)
Motion sickness prevention medications if needed
Choosing Your Rafting Destination
Colorado boasts more than 30 commercially rafted rivers, offering a variety of rafting experiences. Some of the best rivers for rafting in the state include the Arkansas River, the Animas River, and more.
Each river provides a unique adventure, from beginner-friendly stretches to technically challenging rapids. Perhaps the most beautiful and thrilling is the stretch of Arkansas River that flows through the Royal Gorge. You’ll flow through the massive gorge and under the 1,000 foot bridge for some breathtaking views.
Becoming a Whitewater Rafting Guide
If you're passionate about the river and want to turn your love for rafting into a career, becoming a whitewater rafting guide in Colorado could be a perfect fit.
Requirements may vary depending on the outfitter, but certain basic standards must be met to pursue this thrilling career. Many of these guides rotate throughout the year to other states as the seasonality changes depending on where you are.
To put it simply, white water rafting in Colorado is an absolute must-do if you want to experience jaw-dropping landscapes and get your heart racing with excitement.
No matter if you've never set foot in a raft before or you're a seasoned pro, this handy guide has got everything you need to make sure your adventure on the water is truly unforgettable.
So, gear up and get ready for an epic journey through Colorado's roaring rivers!
