Half-Day Whitewater Rafting Upper Colorado River
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
This section of the Colorado River offers scenic views including meadows, valleys, rolling ranch lands, and steep canyon walls and wildlife including ducks, geese, bald eagles, deer, beavers, and big horn sheep -- always something fun to see.
The Colorado River is our favorite family-friendly rafting trip. Beginning as snowmelt high in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Colorado Rockies give birth to the legendary Colorado River. Downstream of the national park, the river character intensifies through the famed and Class 5 “Gore Canyon”, and then below the river gentles. This is where our Colorado River Rafting experiences begin, with an introduction to white water rafting for families, and groups looking to enjoy an iconic Colorado vacation.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Hop in a raft with your guide and friends, and paddle down the scenic Upper Colorado River! Sections of Class l & ll rapids in narrow canyons alternate with pasturelands and a riverside hot springs that we'll stop at, flows permitting. At higher flows there is a chance of a Class lll rapid or two.
Options
Half-Day Whitewater Rafting Upper Colorado River
What‘s Included
All safety equipment, guides, and rafting equipment included.
Splash jacket
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
107 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Tanner is your best travel guide!
shawnsE8018KX,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very low water on Colorado River this year but were referred to Colorado Rafting Company for my first time rafting. Tanner was not only experienced but friendly, experienced and knowledgeable! Got stuck a few times and he just hopped out on got us back on track. Would HIGHLY RECOMMEND Tanner for your rafting experience! Tip him well…he works hard and deserves it!
We had a great time.
I698UDbillw,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Terrell our guide worked really hard to give us a great experience. He’s very knowledgeable and at ease on the river. He had great control of our boat. We will do this trip again! Maybe next time in kayaks.
A lot of fun to be had despite low water flows
Melly M,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a splendid experience! The water flow was low but both guides brought great energy to compensate. Tanner and Jason were fun, engaging, humorous, and clearly very knowledgeable and passionate about all the things - safety, water fun, environmental impacts and historical values. Even with the low water flow, the experience still provided for a beautiful day to enjoy the views of nature, watch for wildlife (lots of birding to be had), chill and enjoy the sunshine, laugh it up with the guides, and appreciate what the water provides. Please take it from me, speaking as a local that lives in Vail, that Colorado Adventure Guides is definitely a fantastic guiding company!
River Rafting tour
Kera L,Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Getting there was truly an adventure, but once we found where we were going everything was great! Our guide Tanner was simply the best, he was top notch and very knowledgeable of the area and what he was doing. He made it a worthwhile tour. Curry and Kera
Kayaking on the Colorado River
Josamps,Sep 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tanner gave us a great experience kayaking on the Colorado River for a group of 4 friends. He was professional and experienced, but most importantly patient. A perfect day. Thank you Tanner!
Joe was our guide and he...
Bernard B,Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Joe was our guide and he is awesome. Very informative and was fun to be with. His dog Nomad is beautiful and great too.
AMAZING GUIDE - Tanner
Rob H,Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tanner was so cool! Very fun personality and a trouper! Still gave us an awesome trip even though his wrist was broken from a prior adventure! Hope you heal up Tanner! Thanks for the great time. -Rob
Rafting
Lynn W,Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Tanner and Dustin were our guides and did a fantastic job! We had a wonderful rafting trip and it was very safe.
Great Taste of Class 2 & 3 Rapids in a Kayak
Lynda S,Aug 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We kayaked the Upper Colorado River, 1/2 day in single duckies. Boats were great. Tanner & Dustin were fun guides, but took their jobs seriously. It was a very nice taste of class 2 & 3 rapids, which we hadn’t done before. And they got great pictures as we went down!
Great Day
Christina D,Aug 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Tanner did an amazing job taking us down the river. He was funny, informative, but most importantly focused on safety. 100% recommend!
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Operated by Colorado Adventure Guides