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
<p class="p1">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.</p> <p class="p1">Join <span class="s1">AVA</span> in <span class="s1">Kremmling, Colorado</span> for a trip down this mighty river, where the area’s mellower waters make it the perfect destination for river adventure, with activities including r<span class="s1">afting,</span> f<span class="s1">ly-fishing</span>, k<span class="s1">ayaking,</span> and <span class="s1">stand-up paddleboarding</span>.</p>
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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 the Colorado River winds through the Gore Range and Mountain Ranchland.
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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 Scenic Float adventure package!
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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 Colorado River. You'll stand up or kneel on a large, surfboard-shaped board and steer with a long paddle as you navigate down the river. Prepare yourself for falling into the water, as it's highly likely that you'll go for a swim!
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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 to try something new or are seeking a little extra excitement or independence, the Upper Colorado Inflatable Kayak trip is perfect for you!
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Whitewater Canoe Half Day
Craving adventure and epic views? On AVA’s Upper Colorado Half Day Whitewater Canoe trip, you’ll paddle through scenic canyons and mild rapids for a hands-on, unforgettable river experience. The Upper Colorado Half Day Whitewater Canoe trip is perfect for those seeking freedom, fun, and a fresh perspective.
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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 section of the Colorado River that is inviting to all ages, encountering a few small class II rapids, as you wind through the Gore Range and mountain ranch land.
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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 to take in historic cabins, scenic waterfalls, and steep canyon walls towering over 100′ above your head. Bald eagles, black bears, and the endangered Colorado river otter are often seen on this fun section of the river.
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.
The Waterway of the West
The Colorado River embodies the great American West, as it stretches over 1,400 miles from the Rocky Mountains to the deserts of Mexico. It courses through diverse landscapes, carving spectacular canyons, supporting a rich array of wildlife, fueling agriculture, and offering unparalleled recreational activities like white-water rafting and fishing, and represents a vital component of the United States.
Colorado River for Thrill Seekers
For those looking for the ultimate rush, we recommend a scenic float trip coupled with our exciting UTV rentals! This raft and UTV rental package allows you to kick up some dirt, ride fast on a thrilling side by side, explore the scenery, and relax on our mellow float trip.
Colorado River Family Friendly Rafting
Rafting on the Colorado River can accommodate kids as young as 2 years old and is great for all ages and families. Just because the kids can join this trip doesn't mean the excitement stops! Whether you are a seasoned rafter or first-timer, you will enjoy a trip down the Colorado River with opportunities to relax, sunbathe, and jump into the river.
Colorado River Quick Facts
Location: Kremmling, Colorado Drive time from Denver: less than 2 hours Best time to raft: May – October Ages: 2 years old and up Duration: 1/2 day, full day, multiday Other Activities: Inflatable Kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboaring, Fly Fishing, Off-Road UTV Rentals, River Gear Rentals
Explore Colorado River Adventures
FAQs
When Can I Raft on the Colorado River?
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.
How Far Away is the Colorado River?
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.
What is the Minimum Age for Rafting on the Colorado River?
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.
What Should I Wear?
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.
What Should I Bring?
FAQs
Where are you located?
AVA has locations across the state of Colorado. Our primary outposts are located in Idaho Springs, Kremmling, Buena Vista and Breckenridge. For more information on getting to your adventure with us, please visit our Getting Here page.
Is transportation to and from the outpost provided?
Transportation to the outpost is not included. You can enhance your experience and add our shuttle service as an additional offer during the booking process. If you add this transportation to your adventure, a private car will pick you up at your address and transport your group to our outpost, and our driver will be ready to take you home at the conclusion of your tour!
When is the best time to go rafting?
If you’re planning a vacation to Colorado you likely have a limited time window from which to choose – and that’s just fine. Depending on the type of challenge, length of time you want to be on the river, and the location you’ll be visiting, we have multiple options for beginner to advanced paddlers. The Best Time To Enjoy River Trips at AVA: Arkansas River: May – Sept Clear Creek: May – Sept Colorado River: May – Sept Blue River: June Dolores River: May – June Salt River: Late February – mid-May
When can I go ziplining?
You can zipline with AVA from March through November each year! The Cliffside Zipline in Idaho Springs near Denver will open the first weekend of March and stay open on a limited schedule through the end of November. The Mountaintop Zipline in Buena Vista will open between the end of April and early May and stay open through Labor Day. During the summer there are zipline trips hourly starting at 8:00am at both locations.