River Rafting In Colorado in Late July
Colorado is heaven for those who love to experience all that Mother Nature has to offer. The snow covered mountains offer skiing, snowboarding, and sledding all through the winter months. Once spring arrives and the snow begins to melt, nature enthusiasts hit the trails for a variety of outdoor activities including biking, horseback riding, hiking, and rafting. The early snow run-off results in exciting white water rapids, and as the season progresses, the conditions of the rivers begin to change. As a result, river rafting in Colorado in late July can be a much different experience than in the beginning of the season. Typically, the rivers are lower which leads to more exposed rocks and narrower chutes. Navigating the rapids in Colorado in late July often requires more technical maneuvers and is generally better suited to more experienced rafters.
That does not mean, however, that only experts can hit the rivers in July. There are many rafting companies that offer trips throughout the summer for rafters of all levels and abilities. Wilderness Aware Rafting offers trips down many rivers in Colorado in July including the Upper Colorado, the Arkansas, and the Gunnison. High in the Rocky Mountains lays the origins of the Colorado River and the Upper Colorado River is known for its peaceful and pristine waters perfect for scenic rafting tours. The rapids in this section do not exceed Class II making the Upper Colorado River perfect for families with small children, senior citizens, or anyone looking to spend a lazy day on the river. What this section of the river lacks in thrills, it more than makes up for in beauty. The scenery progresses from natural to rural and back again, and rafters are treated to sights of rich meadows, beautiful valleys, steep slopes, and rugged cliffs. Trips down the Upper Colorado River are generally offered from mid June to mid September.
The Gunnison is another of Colorado’s popular rivers for adventurers, and is full of exciting Class II, III, and IV rapids even in late July. Not accessible by car, rafters must take a short, mile long hike down into the Gunnison Gorge before beginning their adventure. Your rafting company will have brought the boats down on horseback, but you will need to carry down your own personal gear. Once you hit the green waters of the Gunnison River you are sure to delight in the striking black granite cliffs lining the river. Only two groups of twelve people are permitted on the river per day, so you can enjoy the beauty of the wilderness in complete solitude.
The Arkansas River is the most popular white water rafting destination in the world as it can accommodate rafters of all ages and skill levels. Trips down the Arkansas River run from early May through Labor Day and range in duration from half-day to multi-day. Families with small children are sure to enjoy a quick 4 mile trip through Class II rapids, and seasoned rafters will love the extreme 18 mile journey through the Class IV and V rapids of the Royal Gorge. With 95 miles of exquisite white water, the Arkansas River is guaranteed to have a rafting experience perfect for everyone.