Enjoy a quiet float through serene waterways or get wet and wild through the rapids.  You can choose from the Colorado, Eagle and Arkansas Rivers with their class II – IV and even class V whitewater.  Trips are available on the Eagle and Colorado rivers and include transportation, equipment and an experienced guide.  Half day or full day trips with lunch are available. 

The Colorado River

Located west of Vail, Beaver Creek and Avon, the Colorado River is the most famous in Colorado.  The Colorado comes alive high up along the Continental Divide and begins its 1,440 mile journey through 3 states before ending at the Gulf of California.  The Colorado can accommodate the youngest of rafters to the most extreme.

Upper Colorado: Class I-II (Beginner)
Great for young families and mixed groups.  Remote peaceful stretch of river with fun, easy rapids along with breathtaking scenery and lots of wildlife.  This is the best option for families with young children and anyone who wants fun, easy rapids.  This is a great introduction to whitewater rafting.

Shoshone Rapids: Class II-III (Intermediate)
Fun rapids through spectacular Glenwood Canyon’s towering walls of red rimrock.

Gore Canyon: Class V (Expert)
Considered one of the TOP 3 MOST DIFFICULT commercial runs in the United States.  This is the ultimate river trip available in the state.  These rapids barrel through the 1,500 foot deep granite walls of Gore Canyon, providing non-stop whitewater thrills!

The Eagle River

Unlike its western counter-parts, the Eagle River is not dam controlled and therefore the Eagle demonstrates the classic mood swings of the spring snow melt.  Raging levels from the snow melt spills from the Divide in early June and then mellows in mid to late summer.

Dowd Chute: Class IV (Advanced)
Continuous rapids on a high altitude alpine river.  Action-packed!  Only 10 minutes away from Vail and Beaver Creek.  Participants should be in excellent health, have prior whitewater experience and be strong swimmers.

Middle Eagle: Class III(+) (High Intermediate)
Great intermediate run for first timers wanting a fun family raft trip.  Continuous rapids.

Lower Eagle: Class II-III (Intermediate)
Great intro for first timers with a sense of adventure.  Lively rapids and mild to moderate whitewater.  This trip is appropriate for people who may not have previous experience but are comfortable with water sports.

The Arkansas River

The Arkansas is considered the nation’s most popular whitewater destination by visitors to the state.  More than 100 boatable miles of whitewater, the Arkansas hosts over 250,000 rafters each year.  Located just one hour south of the Vail Valley.

Brown’s Canyon: Class III (Intermediate)
Beautiful, rocky canyon with pool drop rapids.  The beautiful Sangre de Cristo mountain range and the collegiate peaks provide a dramatic backdrop.

The Numbers: Class IV(+) (Advanced)
Steep, rocky, technical rapids.  Views of Colorado’s highest peaks.

Granite/Pine Creek/Numbers: Class IV-V (Advanced – Expert)
The most challenging rafting on the Arkansas River!  This section is continuous and is filled with steep drops.  This stretch offers views of majestic 14,000 peaks as it runs through the heart of gold country.

Local operators include:

Lakota River Guides: (970) 845-RAFT (7238)
Nova Guides: (970) 827-4232 or (888) 949-NOVA (6682)
Timberline Tours: (970) 476-1414 or (800) 831-1414