Whitewater Rapids Classification Scale

If you are planning a whitewater rafting trip, you must know the difficulty levels of the rapids you will be rafting. A rapid classification system has been created, but this river classification system can only be used as a guide. Rapid difficulty will fluctuate depending on water levels and the type of boat that is used to raft, so you have to take these factors into consideration when deciding which rapid classes to run.

The rapid classification numbers that represent degree of rafting difficulty were determined subjectively by experienced rafters. They were not arrived at by using a set-in-stone formula. The rapid classes are used to help guides and rafters know which rapid classes will work best for which rafters. You should defer to experienced rafters and guides if you are not sure what rapid classification you belong in.

Rapid Classification System

The International Scale of River Difficulty is the most common rapid classification system used today. This system rates rapids from least difficult (Level I) to most difficult (Level VI). Keep in mind that a rapid’s grade can change since its rafting difficulty depends on factors like water depth and speed of flow.

Here are the whitewater rapid classes according to the International Scale of River Difficulty:

Class I: Easy, smooth water with clear passages; occasional sand banks and gentle curves.
Class II: Moderate. Medium-quick water and rapids with regular waves; clear and open passages between rocks. Maneuvering required. Best for intermediates that can maneuver canoes and read water.
Class III: Moderately difficult. Numerous irregular, high waves; rocks and eddies with passages clear but narrow and requiring experience to run. If rapids are unknown, visual inspection is required.
Class IV: Difficult. Long and powerful rapids and standing waves; souse holes and boiling eddies. Precise and powerful maneuvering is required and visual inspection is mandatory. Flotation bags are a must. Advanced preparation for possible rescue is necessary.
Class V: Extremely difficult. Long and violent rapids that follow with no interruption. River filled with obstructions. Violent current and extremely deep gradient. Rescue preparations are mandatory. Can only be run by top experts in specially-equipped whitewater canoes, decked craft and kayaks.
Class VI: Extraordinarily difficult. Paddlers face constant threat of death due to extreme danger. Not recommended for anyone except Olympic-level rafters.

I had an AWESOME time saturday on our Browns Canyon Sizzler!! Pepto was a great guide. We also enjoyed being the first to enjoy dinner then on to the zip lining course. The course was absolutely amazing and Jason and Brother Seamus were great guides — Andy R.

Arkansas Valley Adventure offers a thrilling whitewater rafting experience that everyone can enjoy. Please contact us today for more information about various rafting trips and levels of rafting difficulty.

AVA’s Colorado Zip Line Tours: 2 locations!

Zoom through the Colorado treetops on a zip line adventure! Now is the time to experience AVA’s exciting zip line tours. One of the most thrilling and popular Colorado mountain summer adventures, zip line adventures are safe, exhilarating, and suitable even for first timers. AVA offers two zip line courses: one at our Granite Outpost between Buena Vista and Leadville and one at our Idaho Springs Outpost just 30 minutes west of Denver.

Download our Zipline Brochure as PDF file.

Idaho Springs Zipline Tour

Course Open Year Round!

This course is weaved into our forested, 9-acre property an easy 30-minute drive from Denver or just one hour from Boulder, Winter Park or Summit County. After a scenic nature hike to get to the start of the course, take on six ziplines of varying length through the trees and cliffs before crossing over Chicago Creek for an exhilarating finish. See the Google map of this zipline tour.

Fly through the Colorado mountains at speeds up to 30 miles mph. (Personal weight varies speed).Choose from half day zip line adventures as well as rafting/zipline packages and more (see below). Minimum age 7, minimum weight 50 lbs, maximum weight 250 lbs. Idaho Springs zipline course is open Year Round!

Idaho Springs Half Day Zipline Tour $79 adults, $69 children 7-12

Save with Rafting/Zipline Packages! See below for details on our packages or check out our Trip Discounts page.

My family and I went rafting with AVA this past Saturday afternoon and I would like to recognize the outstanding performance of Johnson. This was our first rafting trip and my wife, our sons (8 and 13), and myself were the only four occupants of the raft. Throughout the trip Johnson’s primary concern was for the safety of Collin (our 8 year old son). Johnson had Collin sit in the back of the raft near him and during the middle of the trip strongly emphasized the outcome if the rest of the family did not improve our paddling efforts. All of which my wife and I really appreciate. Additionally, Johnson was very knowledgeable about the area, very easy to speak with, and enhanced our overall rafting experience. We had a great trip and look forward to returning next year. Thank you. — Kevin and Valeri Reynolds

Trip Highlights

First Timers Welcome
Minimum age 7
Maximum weight 250 lbs, minimum weight 50 lbs
Speeds up to 30 mph
Trained, Professional Guides certified by ACCT

Granite Zipline Course

Our Granite Zipline course is built into the wooded and craggy surroundings of our mountainous 44-acre property. Take in the views of snow-capped peaks and the Arkansas River as you zip through pine and aspen trees. Zipline tours require a hike of approximately 10 minutes. Minimum age 10, minimum weight 75 lbs, maximum weight 250 lbs. A great combination with any of our Arkansas River rafting trips. Check out the Google Satellite image of our Granite Zipline Course!

Granite Zip Line: 1/2 Day Tours $79 adult, $69 child

Granite Zipline Video!

Whitewater Rafting & Zipline Packages:

Maximize on your fun and your budget with our rafting/zipline packages. Choose from family rafting trips or advanced rafting trips that are half-day, full-day or overnight in length and add a zipline tour. Poof! It’s an instant adventure of a lifetime!

Family Rafting Packages with Zipline:

Clear Creek Beginner + Zipline Package
1/3-day rafting, 1/2 day zipline
$124 adults, $112 kids 7-12
Idaho Springs Outpost

Enjoy the best of Clear Creek’s beginner section and the thrill of zip lining in one action-packed day. Our zip line course is perched above our Idaho Springs office just 30 minutes outside of Denver. After a scenic nature hike to get to the start of the course, take on six zips of varying length through the trees and cliffs before crossing over Chicago Creek for an exhilarating finish. After a break for lunch, get ready for a whirlwind introduction to whitewater! This trip packs in eleven Class III rapids as your raft tumbles its way through a small scenic gorge on the Creek. The perfect option for all ability levels! Raft trip: minimum age 6, min weight 50 lbs. Zipline: minimum age 7, minimum weight 50 lbs, max weight 250 lbs.

Brown’s Canyon Half Day + Zipline Package
1/2 Day raft, 1/2 day zipline
Intermediate Class III
$145 adult, $126 child 7-12 (zipline min age 10 & 75 lbs.)
Check in: 8:30 am, includes lunch
Granite Outpost: See Map

Combine and save! Enjoy the best of Brown’s Canyon with the best of our ziplining in one action-packed day! Start the morning with America’s favorite stretch of whitewater. A great section for all ages and experience levels, Brown’s Canyon delivers a mix of exhilarating whitewater and stunning scenery. Break for a gourmet lunch, then get ready for one of the most exciting and popular Colorado mountain summer adventures – ziplining! Our zipline course is integrated into the wooded and craggy surroundings of our mountainous 44-acre Gold Camp property. Take in the views of snow-capped peaks and the Arkansas River as you zip from cliff to cliff thorugh the pine and aspen trees. Zipline: minimum age 10, minimum weight 75 lbs, max weight 250 lbs. Rafting: minimum age 7 & 50 lbs.

Brown’s Canyon Sizzler + Dinner Zipline Package!
Full Day Raft + Zipline + Dinner
Intermediate Class III
$179 adults, $160 kids age 7-12 (zipline minimum age 10 & 75 lbs)
Check in: 9:30 am
Granite Outpost: See Map

What a day! Enjoy the best of Brown’s Canyon with the best of our ziplining in one action-packed day! Start the day with America’s favorite stretch of whitewater. A great section for all ages and experience levels, Brown’s Canyon delivers a mix of exhilarating whitewater and stunning scenery, and you’ll get to experience the entire canyon with a full day of rafting. You’ll break mid-trip for a riverside, hot chicken fajita lunch. After returning to our Granite Outpost, you’ll have time to relax or take a hike before your next adventure: a zipline tour. Get ready for one of the most exciting and popular Colorado mountain summer adventures – ziplining! Our zipline course is integrated into the wooded and craggy surroundings of our mountainous 44-acre Gold Camp property. Take in the views of snow-capped peaks and the Arkansas River as you zip from cliff to cliff between the pine and aspen trees. Follow it all with a hot, delicious dinner. Zipline: minimum age 10, minimum weight 75 lbs, max weight 250 lbs. Rafting: minimum age 7 & 50 lbs.

24 Hours in Brown’s Canyon + Zipline Package
Overnight Rafting Trip + Zipline
$312 adults, $283 kids 7-12 (zipline min age 10 & 75 lbs)
Granite Outpost: See Map

Enjoy the best of our 24 Hours in Brown’s Canyon overnight rafting trip and the best of our 1/2-day ziplining tour! This is a fantastic weekend getaway. Start the morning with one of the most exciting and popular Colorado mountain summer adventures – ziplining! Our zipline course is integrated into the wooded and craggy surroundings of our mountainous 44-acre Gold Camp property. Take in the views of snow-capped peaks and the Arkansas River as you zip from cliff to cliff between the pine and aspen trees. Break for a gourmet box lunch to refuel, then hit the river!
This trip is our Brown’s Canyon Sizzler trip set up as an overnight. You’ll arrive mid-afternoon the first day, raft into Browns Canyon, camp and have dinner in the canyon. A gear raft with all of your personal gear and provisions for the overnight will accompany you. You’ll awake to a delicious breakfast, then paddle out mid-morning through Class III whitewater fun. You’ll be back at your car early-mid afternoon the second day. Zipline: minimum age 10, minimum weight 75 lbs, max weight 250 lbs. Rafting: minimum age 7 & 50 lbs.

Advanced Rafting Packages with Zipline:

Clear Creek Intermediate + Zipline Package
1/3-day rafting, 1/2 day zipline
$139
Idaho Springs Outpost

Enjoy the best of Clear Creek’s intermediate whitewater and the thrill of zip lining in one action-packed day. Our zip line course is perched above our Idaho Springs office just 30 minutes outside of Denver. After a scenic nature hike to get to the start of the course, take on five zips of varying length through the trees and cliffs before crossing over Chicago Creek for an exhilarating finish. After a break for lunch, get ready to conquer some of the most intense whitewater on Clear Creek! Starting high in the canyon, there’s just enough time to warm up before you drop into the first class IV rapid. You will encounter 30 major rapids on this 8-mile trip dropping an incredible 1,300 vertical feet. This continuous, steep, technical section will keep your paddle moving and your heart thumping as your crash through pulsing, Class IV rapids such as Phoenix, Nomad, Falls Creek, and Outer Limits. This is a physically demanding trip requiring good physical condition and a minimum age of 15*. Zipline tour minimum age 7, minimum weight 50 lbs., max weight 250 lbs.

Numbers Half Day and Zipline Package
Half Day Raft + Zipline Adventure
Advanced Class III-V Rafting
$150 adult 15+ on the raft trip
Granite Outpost: See Map

Enjoy the best intermediate/ advanced whitewater with the best of our ziplining in one action-packed day at one convenient location! Start the morning with the notorious Numbers. Each Class III-V rapid is punctuated by continuous whitewater on this exhilarating section, including a steep ledge drop into Number 5. Break for a gourmet lunch, then get ready for one of the most exciting and popular Colorado mountain summer adventures – ziplining! Our zipline course is integrated into the wooded and craggy surroundings of our mountainous 44-acre Gold Camp property. Take in the views of snow-capped peaks and the Arkansas River as you zip from cliff to cliff between the pine and aspen trees. Minimum age 15 on The Numbers rafting trip. Zipline: minimum age 10, minimum weight 75 lbs, max weight 250 lbs.

The Gauntlet and Zipline Package
Full Day Raft + Zipline Adventure
$188 adult, 15+ on the raft trip
Check in: 8:30 am
Granite Outpost: See Map

Enjoy the best advanced whitewater and the thrill of ziplining into one action-packed day! Pine Creek is the steepest, most technical, and most continuous section of whitewater on the entire Arkansas River. We’ll get you warmed up in the beautiful Granite Gorge before the river narrows to half its width and drops 200 feet in the course of a single rapid. You barely have time to catch your breath before starting on the notorious Numbers. We’ll break for a hot chicken fajita lunch and then take to the skies with one of the most exciting and popular Colorado mountain summer adventures – ziplining! Our zipline course is integrated into the wooded and craggy surroundings of our mountainous 44-acre Gold Camp property. Take in the views of snow-capped peaks and the Arkansas River as you zip from cliff to cliff between the pine and aspen trees. Minimum age 15. Good physical condition required. Zipline: minimum age 10, minimum weight 75 lbs, max weight 250 lbs.