Colorado River Rafting
Looking for Colorado River rafting adventures? AVA offers guided rafting trips on the Upper Colorado River near Kremmling, Colorado, with options for every age and skill level: from scenic family floats to more adventurous whitewater experiences. 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.
Quick Facts: Colorado River Rafting with AVA
Location: Upper Colorado River, near Kremmling, Colorado Trip Types: Scenic Floats, Whitewater Rafting, Inflatable Kayaks, SUP, Fly Fishing Difficulty Level: Class I-II (Beginner & Family-Friendly) Season: May - September Minimum Age: 2+ (varies by trip type) Distance from Denver: Under 2 hours Distance from Breckenridge: Approximately 1 hour
Our Top Colorado River Rafting 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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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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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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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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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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado River Rafting
What part of the Colorado River do you raft?
We guide trips on the Upper Colorado River section near Kremmling, Colorado. This area is known for its stunning scenery, Class I-II rapids, and excellent opportunities for families and first-time rafters.
How far is your Colorado River outpost from Denver?
Our Kremmling outpost is conveniently located under 2 hours from Denver, making it an easy and popular day trip for white water rafting. It's also about 1 hour from Breckenridge and Summit County.
What is the best time of year for Colorado River rafting?
The prime season for rafting the Colorado River is from May through September, when water levels are ideal, and the weather is warmest. Water levels are highest in early summer due to snowmelt.
Are your trips suitable for beginners and families?
Yes. Our scenic float trips are suitable for children as young as 2, and the Class I-II rapids are gentle enough for beginners while still being fun and splashy. We also offer more adventurous trips for experienced rafters.