Colorado Whitewater Rafting, What a Rush!Colorado whitewater rafting can range from a relaxing float down the river while enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery to a wild bumpy ride with the shoreline racing by and the river rages around you. This usually entails some loud yelling when I'm rafting (but never screaming like a girl, a little girl anyway). This can even be all in the same trip!
The level of difficulty in river rapids is determined by the amount of water flowing in the river. In Colorado the rivers are fed by the winter snow and the rain that falls in the mountains. With the melting snow in early spring a greater amount of run off is experienced making a calm stream a river with an attitude. Now it's time for whitewater rafting!
Whitewater rafting season begins in May and runs to September. The highest water flows are experienced in May and June. You experienced rafters will have the greatest challenge in early spring. Mid summer is the best time for family adventures in river rafting. Later in the year is always best for those new to the sport or people like me that like it a little slower.
Go with an experienced outfitter for your best whitewater rafting adventure. A good outfitter knows the river and can provide the safest and most enjoyable whitewater rafting trip. Age and physical limits are required for the more challenging runs.
The Colorado Rivers Outfitters Association members have a class rating for river rapids. The classes run from Class 1 "fast moving water" to Class 6 "virtually impassible". Check out the Colorado Rivers Outfitters Association (CROA) river and rapids ratings.
No need to worry about what equipment you will need the river rafting outfitter will supply all the equipment and gear for your trip. Be sure to wear shoes with a good grip for paddling, otherwise you may end up on the floor of the raft!
Remember, the water in the river comes from melted snow, so it will be very cold! Wear clothes that will dry quickly after getting wet and you will get wet! Take long some clothes to change into after your rafting experience. Plastic bags that zip closed work well for important items that you don't want wet, but need to take along. Leave the ipod behind. You won't miss it!
We have assembled a list of outfitters from the Colorado Rivers Outfitters Association (CROA). They are professionals that will provide you with an exciting (yet safe) rafting experience you will always remember. We have rafted near Glenwood Springs with a CROA member and they were great.
To see the list of outfitters select the raft button next to the region of Colorado that interests you.
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Use the Colorado river map to get an idea of where the nearest river rafting location will be for you. The outfitters are listed by region along with their phone numbers.
