Colorado River

The Colorado River represents a spectacular force of nature, the lifeblood of the American West, and a whitewater rafting mecca. From the steep and intense Lava Falls and Crystal rapids in the Grand Canyon, to dark sky rafting in Canyonlands National Park, to the fun and floaty whitewater near Colorado’s Gore Range, the Colorado River offers every level of rafting over the course of its 1,450 mile journey. With easy access to this waterway from our outpost in Kremmling, AVA’s Colorado River trips offer a mix of splashy fun, relaxation, and stunning scenery.

The Mighty Colorado River

Meandering from the snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountains all the way to the deserts of Mexico, this river passes through five U.S. states and eleven National Parks. As one of the longest rivers in the country, it has etched some of the world’s most awe-inspiring features into the earth, including the Grand Canyon. Along its course, the Colorado River represents a vital water source for millions of people and agricultural areas and supports a rich diversity of wildlife.

Explore Colorado River

Top Trips

The Colorado River offers numerous opportunities for Whitewater Rafting amidst the backdrop of stunning scenery. From fun float trips appropriate for ages 2 and up to challenging, pulse-pounding rides, the Colorado River has river trips for everyone.

Join AVA in Kremmling, Colorado for a trip down this mighty river, where the area’s mellower waters make it the perfect destination for river adventure, with activities including rafting, fly-fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

group rafting on the upper colorado river
Fun & Mellow
Most Popular for All Ages & Abilities

Colorado Scenic Float-Half Day

This wonderful Colorado River float trip is a gently flowing section that is inviting to all ages. You’ll encounter a few small rapids as [...]

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Polaris RZR UTV with Colorado's fall leaves in the background.
Splashy & Moderate
Best Mix of Activities

Polaris RZR 2 Hour Rental+ Scenic Float Package

Looking to kick up a little dirt and then wash it off? Experience the best of Colorado’s outdoors on our full-day UTV Rental and [...]

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Woman paddling stand up paddleboard
Exciting & Active
Best for More Action on Mellow Water

Stand Up Paddleboard Half Day

Try the newest, most fun activity on the river – Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)! On this half-day trip, you’ll SUP 5 miles down the [...]

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woman paddling inflatable kayak
Splashy & Moderate
Best for Choose Your Own Adventure

Inflatable Kayaks Half Day

Looking to take charge of the river? On AVA’s Upper Colorado Inflatable Kayak ½ Day trip you can do just that! Whether you want [...]

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Splashy & Moderate
Best for Multi-Generational Adventure

Scenic Float Full Day

Experience the natural beauty of the Colorado River on our Full Day Upper Colorado Full Day Scenic Float trip! You’ll paddle a gently flowing [...]

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Two tents next to the river with the morning sun shining over the mountain in the background
Splashy & Moderate
Best for Immersion in Nature

24 Hours on the Upper Colorado

This trip offers something for everyone! Enjoy wildlife, serenity, and natural beauty that only the Colorado River can offer. You’ll have plenty of time [...]

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Colorado River Whitewater Rafting

Colorado River Trips

Our Colorado River trips provide an opportunity for all ages and abilities to get out on the water! With access from our Kremmling, Colorado outpost, our Colorado River trips will take you through stunning and rugged landscapes, offering opportunities to immerse yourself in beautiful Colorado scenery.

Our Upper Colorado Scenic Float Trip features mellow class II rapids perfect for all ages. Choose from a 1/2 day or full day adventure and float in between the walls of “Little Gore Canyon,” where wildlife and scenery abound. This trip provides opportunities to sunbathe, swim, and even leap from Jump Rock if water levels permit!

More River Fun

We additionally offer Inflatable Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard 1/2 day trips, allowing you to paddle your own kayak or paddleboard-no prior experience required! With a bit of guidance, it’s easy to learn to paddle these stable vessels through small riffles, wave trains, and tiny rapids that will keep the excitement flowing.

Our overnight Colorado River trip, 24 hours on the Upper Colorado, allows families and kids as young as 5 to explore the best of this river, day and night. This trip takes you through stunning landscapes, including waterfalls and canyons, with plenty of time on the river, opportunities to explore your riverside campsite, and a night spent camping under the stars.

AVA and the Colorado River

AVA began running trips on the Colorado River, near the Gore Canyon, in only our second season in 1999. Without an outpost it proved more difficult to manage and organize trips, and in 2008, AVA expanded to open a shop in Kremmling. We then acquired an outpost in Kremmling in 2016, expanding our Colorado River options to include Fly Fishing, UTV Rentals, and River Gear Rentals.

Getting to the Colorado River

Our Colorado River Outpost is located in the town of Kremmling, Colorado, just 37 miles north of Silverthorne and 53 miles south of Steamboat Springs. Our Colorado River trips are just about an hour away from Breckenridge and Summit County, under 2 hours from Denver, and 1 hour from Rocky Mountain National Park.

Other Colorado River Activities

There are a number of other activities you can also experience while in Kremmling near the Colorado River! Spend time with us perfecting your casts on our Colorado River Fly Fishing trips. Explore the mountains surrounding the town of Kremmling with our Off-Road UTV Rentals, and even experience the best of the land and water in a Raft + UTV Rental package. This full day adventure combines a rugged UTV experience with our 1/2-day scenic float! If you’d like to skip out on the guided experience and explore the Colorado River on your own, we also offer Gear Rentals.

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Rock climbing in the Colorado Mountains.
Heart Pounding
Best for a Full Day of Thrills

The Numbers 1/2 Day + Via Ferrata

This adventure will get your heart rate up and keep it up as you embark on our Numbers + Via Ferrata full-day excursion. This [...]

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Woman ziplining in the Colorado mountains.
Exciting & Active
Best for Families with Kids

Mountaintop Ziplining In Colorado – Half Day

Fly between towering old-growth pine trees and cliffs on our Mountaintop Zipline, a unique Colorado experience fun for all ages. This course may be [...]

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Blue River Colorado Whitewater Rafting
Splashy & Moderate
Great for Families in Summit County

Blue River Express White Water Rafting Trip

Join AVA on the Blue River on this 1/3-day family-friendly rafting trip! Splash through class II-III rapids and marvel at the scenery around you [...]

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Woman preparing to begin her rock climbing adventure.
Exciting & Active
Best for a Full Day of Excitement

Browns Canyon Half Day + Rock Climb

Rock climber with a spotter.
Heart Pounding
Best for Thrill Seekers

The Numbers Half Day + Rock Climb

Experience an action-packed day with two of Colorado’s best mountain activities! On this multi-adventure package, you’ll have the opportunity to raft the iconic Arkansas [...]

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A thrilling moment captured as a raft plunges down a steep drop, surrounded by cascading whitewater.
Exciting & Active
Best for the ultimate Colorado experience

24 Hours in Browns Canyon

Experience Colorado’s best overnight whitewater rafting. This trip provides a unique way to explore the most popular stretch of whitewater rafting in the country [...]

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group smiling and laughing as they paddle down the Arkansas River
Thrilling & Very Active
Best for a Day of Family Fun

Browns Canyon Sizzler

The full-day Browns Canyon Sizzler represents the ultimate Colorado rafting experience! This trip offers a full day of classic white water rafting through class [...]

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Splashy & Moderate
Best for Multi-Generational Adventure

Scenic Float Full Day

Experience the natural beauty of the Colorado River on our Full Day Upper Colorado Full Day Scenic Float trip! You’ll paddle a gently flowing [...]

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View over Rabbit Ears Pass.

Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs may be known for its powder and skiing opportunities, but it offers plenty of outdoor activities throughout the year! Nestled at 7,000 feet elevation, it is surrounded by Mount Werner, Sunshine Peak, Storm Peak, Thunderhead Peak, Pioneer Ridge and Christie Peak.

With the Yampa River running through town, Steamboat Lake State Park, and Pearl Lake State Park, Steamboat boasts water activities in addition to mountain fun. Visitors can tube, fish, and boat, nearby rivers offer plenty of opportunities for Whitewater Rafting. The town also hosts geothermal hot springs for relaxing after your outdoor adventure.

Image of the Colorado mountains at dusk.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

Rocky Mountain National Park encompasses some of the nation’s best peaks, lakes, wildflowers, reservoirs, and wildlife and includes a portion of the Continental Divide Trail. With over 300 miles of trail systems, Rocky Mountain National Park has incredible hikes for all levels from flatter scenic walks to multi-day back packing trips. Landscapes in the park vary greatly and include towering mountains, alpine tundra, crystal clear lakes, meadows, and evergreens, and provide the ecosystem for multiple endangered species.

Rocky Mountain National Park offers wilderness camping under the stars, and there are additional accommodations in the surrounding communities of Grand Lake and Estes Park. Although hiking may be the most common past time, it is not the only adventure you can find in the Rocky Mountain National Park area. From our Kremmling outpost, 40 minutes from the park, we offer Whitewater Rafting and Fly Fishing trips on the scenic Upper Colorado River, along with SUP and Inflatable Kayak trips and rentals.

Vail Valley in the summertime.

Vail

Vail

Locals and guests in this quaint little town are spoiled with gorgeous surroundings and all the amenities of a bigger city. Winter brings skiing and boarding, yet summer offers endless sunny days and a chance to explore Colorado’s mountains and great outdoors. The White River National Forest and Gore Range surround the area, creating opportunities for hiking, biking and exploring the area’s trails.

The town of Vail has much to offer itself, including a variety of lodging and dining options, along with arts and culture opportunities. Catch a show at the outdoor Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, check out Vail’s festival schedule, or stroll around the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens!

Blue River near Breckenridge, Colorado.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge, CO 80424

The magic of summer in the mountains comes alive in Breckenridge, Colorado. Located within Summit County, Breckenridge offers skiing and snowboarding, alongside plenty of opportunities for winter sports, yet the temperate summer weather and high alpine environment transform Breckenridge into a mecca for summer adventure. Breckenridge, Colorado is the place to visit if you are looking for a hip mountain town with access to the best outdoor adventures the Colorado mountains have to offer. Best of all, you’ll find Whitewater Rafting trips near Breckenridge on 4 different rivers!

In summer, Breckenridge hosts several festivals, a vibrant downtown arts scene, and numerous high alpine adventures. Its downtown Main Street includes numerous restaurants, bars, and shops, and people flock from across Summit County and Colorado to try Breckenridge’s diverse food scene. The town also offers cultural and arts opportunities, including open galleries, arts classes, and multiple museums. Whether you’re looking to explore the mountains, the town’s rich history, or its unique food scene, Breckenridge has a plethora of diverse adventure opportunities for all!

Oars up on a Colorado River.

Kremmling

1606 Park Avenue
Kremmling, CO 80459

Kremmling is the perfect destination for families looking for a mountain getaway. Our Upper Colorado River Scenic Float rafting trip welcomes adventurers as young as 2 years old on a half day or full day adventure on mellow Class II rapids. While in Kremmling, be sure to also try one of our Fly Fishing excursions or kick up dirt on our UTV Rentals!

You will find our Kremmling outpost just 45 minutes from Summit County and just under two hours from Denver.

Rafters navigating intense whitewater and spray.

Colorado River

Kremmling, Colorado

The Colorado River, a spectacular force of nature, is the lifeblood of the American West. Meandering over 1,450 miles from the snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountains all the way to the deserts of Mexico, this river passes through five U.S. states and eleven National Parks. As one of the longest rivers in the United States, it has etched some of the world’s most awe-inspiring features into the earth, including the Grand Canyon.

Along its course, the Colorado River represents a vital water source for millions of people and agricultural areas, as well as supports a rich diversity of wildlife. It also serves as a recreational paradise, offering world-class opportunities for white-water Rafting, Fishing, and Camping, and its rich and enduring history makes the Colorado River a crucial aspect of the landscape of the western United States.

The Colorado River offers rafting numerous opportunities for Whitewater Rafting amidst the backdrop of stunning scenery. From fun float trips appropriate for ages 2 and up to challenging, pulse-pounding rides, the Colorado River has river trips for everyone. Join AVA in Kremmling, Colorado for a trip down this mighty river, where the area’s mellower waters make it the perfect destination for river adventure, with activities including Rafting, Fly-Fishing, Kayaking, and Stand-Up Paddleboarding.

FAQs

AVA Rafting operates guided trips on the Colorado River from May through October, weather dependent; however, you may also rent gear from us outside of that time frame and raft the Colorado River on a self-guided adventure.

Our Kremmling Outpost on the Colorado River is less than 2 hours from Denver, Colorado, about an hour away from Breckenridge and Summit County, and 1 hour from Rocky Mountain National Park.

With AVA Rafting, children as young as 2 years old can go on our Colorado River rafting trips. For overnight rafting trips on the Colorado River, the age minimum is 5 years old.

For your Colorado River rafting trip, we recommend wearing quick-drying clothes, a swimsuit and shoes that are secure to your feet-flip flops or crocs will not be permitted. You may have the opportunity to jump in and swim, so you’ll want to be wearing something that will dry quickly. Avoid wearing cotton material as it is slow to dry.

You may spend some time swimming in the Colorado River, as the calmer waters make for a great swimming. We suggest bringing an extra pair of clothes to change into after your trip. You should also bring waterproof sunscreen and sunglasses.