Colorado River Rafting

With its beautiful mountain vistas and scenic rivers fed by the runoff of the melting snows of the Rockies, Colorado river rafting might be the best in the world.

Colorado is one of the premier river rafting locations in the entire United States. It is a rapidly growing sport. Back in 1998, Colorado river rafting outfitters reported that over half a million people had used their services and there is no doubt that the numbers have been rising ever since. It is now considered a very essential element of the State’s tourist industry. One of the reasons for the sports popularity in Colorado is the scenic settings of most of the rivers. The towering peaks of the Rockies provide a back drop for most of the best river runs while the melting snows provide high water and exhilarating action.

River rafting uses a classification system to rate the difficulty level of various runs. These classifications run from Class 1 which is an easy slow moving river to Class 6 which contains rapids that are virtually un-runnable except for the most skilled and professional teams. Colorado boasts rivers that provide runs of every Class and this adds to the allure of the State as a rafting hot bed. Regardless of experience or age, there is a run ideal for every group.

The three most popular Colorado river rafting rivers are the Arkansas, the Colorado, and the Dolores rivers. The Arkansas River features the best variety of runs and is the most popular with families and youth groups. It has its share of more challenging runs, however, with many sections featuring Class 4 and 5 runs.

The ideal time for Colorado river rafting is May and June. During these months, the runoff from the mountains is at its peak making for high waters on the rivers. This is the time of excitement, but the waters are also still quite frigid despite the warmer air temperature. It is necessary to dress accordingly because you are going to get wet. Most outfitters provide wet suits and other protective clothing as part of their services. In the later months of the summer, the rivers calm a bit and lower water levels make some sections harder to travel, but it is also a better time for beginners to tackle Class 2 and 3 runs. The season might be said to run from May to September.

Colorado is famous for its guides as well. A good guide is an essential element to a successful river rafting trip. Colorado’s guides are combinations of teachers, safety experts, history experts, storytellers, and even cooks. The best guides are well trained and often much in demand. It is a good idea to plan your Colorado river rafting trip well in advance. Many of the guides are requested by name by satisfied customers returning for another season and the best ones are usually booked by the start of the year.