WHITEWATER
RAFTING GUIDE
START HERE
Whitewater rafting doesn't have to mean launching straight into huge rapids.
Guided rafting trips range from mellow scenic floats to technical whitewater adventures. The right trip depends on your group's ages, experience, comfort level, and how much excitement you're looking for.
This guide walks through the basics so you can understand rapid ratings, know what happens on a guided trip, prepare for the river, and choose the right Arkansas River section.
RAPID CLASSES
EXPLAINED
Rivers use a Class I through VI rating system. Higher numbers generally mean stronger currents, larger obstacles, and more technical whitewater.
SCENIC & APPROACHABLE
Moving water, smaller waves, and easy obstacles. Great for younger families, beginners, and guests who care as much about scenery as whitewater.
EXPLORE SALIDA VALLEY ›CLASSIC WHITEWATER
Bigger waves, faster current, and more active paddling. Class III is what many people picture when they think of a classic Colorado rafting trip.
EXPLORE BROWNS CANYON ›FAST & TECHNICAL
Powerful water, bigger drops, continuous rapids, and more technical maneuvering. Expect an active, physical rafting experience.
EXPLORE THE NUMBERS ›SERIOUS WHITEWATER
Highly technical and consequential whitewater. These classifications are beyond what most guests are looking for on a typical commercial rafting vacation.
WHAT HAPPENS ON A
GUIDED RAFTING TRIP?
If you've never rafted before, the process is much simpler than you might expect.
CHECK IN
Meet your guides, get organized, and get fitted with the river gear needed for your trip.
SAFETY TALK
Your guide explains paddle commands, river positioning, safety procedures, and what to do if you end up in the water.
HEAD TO THE RIVER
Transportation and river access logistics are handled so your group can concentrate on the experience.
GO RAFTING
Paddle the rapids, float the scenic stretches, listen to your guide, and enjoy the Arkansas River Valley.
WHICH TRIP
FITS YOUR GROUP?
You don't need to choose based on a rapid number alone. Start with the ages in your group and how adventurous you want the day to feel.
MOST RELAXED
SALIDA VALLEY
Gentle current, mountain scenery, and an easygoing river experience for younger families and guests who want a relaxing float.
EXPLORE SALIDA VALLEY ›
STEP IT UP
BEAR CREEK
A step up from a scenic float with playful rapids and more action while remaining approachable for many first-time whitewater rafters.
EXPLORE BEAR CREEK ›
MOST POPULAR
BROWNS CANYON
Exciting Class III whitewater, spectacular canyon scenery, and the classic rafting experience many Colorado visitors are looking for.
EXPLORE BROWNS CANYON ›
MOST INTENSE
THE NUMBERS
Continuous Class IV whitewater with powerful drops, technical maneuvering, and active paddling for guests ready for a serious challenge.
EXPLORE THE NUMBERS ›
WHAT SHOULD
YOU WEAR?
Think quick-drying, secure, and appropriate for the weather. You will probably get wet.
WHEN SHOULD
YOU GO RAFTING?
River conditions evolve throughout the season. There isn't one universally "best" time because different flows create different kinds of trips.
SNOWMELT SEASON
Mountain snowmelt can bring faster current, colder water, bigger waves, and more energetic river conditions.
CLASSIC SUMMER RAFTING
Warm weather and established summer flows can offer a nice balance between exciting rapids and family-friendly river days.
LOWER-WATER RAFTING
Lower flows can change how rapids feel and make river navigation more technical while Colorado's warm summer weather continues.
RAFTING
BASICS
Is whitewater rafting good for beginners?
Do I need to know rafting commands before the trip?
How do I choose between Class II, III, and IV?
Do I need to bring my own rafting gear?
FIND YOUR
ARKANSAS RIVER TRIP
From mellow family floats to continuous Class IV whitewater, we'll help you choose the river section that fits your crew.
