Where to Raft in Colorado in 2026: A Guide to This Season’s Best Water
Colorado's Rivers
Every rafting season in Colorado is different, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most unique years in recent memory. While much of the Rockies experienced a historically dry winter, AVA still has plenty of rafting trips and outdoor adventures running throughout the summer. From scenic float trips and family-friendly rapids to brand new adventures in Moab, this season offers incredible opportunities to experience the Rocky Mountains and the Colorado River in a whole new way.
For more than 25 years, AVA Rafting & Zipline has guided guests on Colorado rivers through every type of season. Lower snowpack years can actually create some of the best rafting conditions for beginners, families, and first-time paddlers. Water temperatures are often warmer, rapids can feel more approachable, and river traffic is typically lighter than peak runoff years.
If you have been thinking about trying whitewater rafting in Colorado but wanted calmer conditions and scenic experiences, 2026 could be the perfect season to plan your adventure.
Our top pick for 2026
Upper Colorado River
The Upper Colorado River is our top rafting recommendation for 2026.
While some snowmelt-dependent rivers across Colorado may see shorter peak seasons, the Upper Colorado River near Kremmling is flowing consistently and delivering some of the best family rafting trips in Colorado. This section combines beautiful canyon scenery, mild whitewater rapids, and reliable conditions that make it ideal for beginners, families, and groups of all experience levels.
The river winds through canyon walls, open meadows, and remote wilderness areas filled with wildlife including bald eagles, bighorn sheep, deer, and beavers. Guests looking for a true Colorado outdoor experience will find incredible scenery from start to finish.
Class II rapids provide enough excitement for fun on the water while still remaining approachable for younger guests and first-time rafters. The Upper Colorado is also one of the best rivers in Colorado for inflatable kayaking. Intermediate paddlers can enjoy a more personal adventure while navigating the river in their own inflatable kayak.
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Canyon country on the Colorado River
Moab, Utah
New for 2026, AVA is now offering rafting and e-bike adventures in Moab, Utah.
The Colorado River through the Fisher Towers section near Moab operates on a different watershed system than many Colorado rivers and is expected to offer excellent rafting conditions throughout the summer season. Warm water, dramatic red rock canyon walls, and wide river views make this one of the most scenic rafting trips in the Southwest.
Unlike steep mountain rivers, the Moab section of the Colorado River offers a more relaxed rafting experience that is perfect for families, beginners, and travelers looking to experience the beauty of canyon country from the water.
This season also introduces AVA e-bike rentals in Moab. Moab is home to some of the most famous biking trails in the country, and e-bikes make it easier than ever to explore the terrain. Guests can combine a rafting trip with an e-bike rental for the ultimate full-day outdoor adventure in Moab.
Fisher Towers Half-Day Rafting Trip | Colorado River, Moab
If you’re picturing the Colorado River winding through towering red rock canyons, calm stretches of water, and just enough splash to keep things fun. [...]
Inflatable Kayaks Half Day | Moab, UT – Colorado River
Take control of your own river adventure with our Inflatable Kayaks Half Day trip in Moab, Utah! Paddle a stable, self-bailing inflatable kayak (also [...]
Moab E-Bike Rental
Explore the red rock landscapes of Moab, Utah with AVA Rafting & Zipline’s brand-new e-bike rentals. Whether you’re cruising along the Colorado River, riding [...]
Fisher Towers Full-Day Rafting | Colorado River, Moab
Take your time on the Colorado River with a full-day rafting trip through the stunning Fisher Towers section. This extended journey goes beyond the [...]
Stand Up Paddleboard Half Day | Moab, UT
Experience the beauty of Moab from a fresh perspective on the water with our Stand Up Paddleboard Half Day adventure! Glide across the iconic [...]
Whitewater Canoe Half Day | Moab, UT
Get ready for a hands-on river adventure with our Whitewater Canoe Half Day trip in Moab, Utah! Paddle your own inflatable canoe down a [...]
Fisher Towers Overnight Rafting | Colorado River Camping Near Moab
Slow down and experience the Colorado River the way few people do by spending a full day on the water and a night under [...]
Browns Canyon is running
Arkansas River
The Arkansas River rafting season is underway for 2026, and Browns Canyon continues to be one of the best whitewater rafting trips in Colorado.
Current water levels are creating fun and approachable Class III rapids that are ideal for families, first-time rafters, and adventure seekers looking for exciting whitewater without committing to extreme conditions.
Browns Canyon National Monument delivers beautiful mountain scenery, granite canyon walls, and nonstop rapids throughout the trip. AVA’s Buena Vista outpost is located in South Main, just steps away from the Surf Hotel, Eddyline Brewery, downtown Buena Vista, and the Arkansas River whitewater park.
Whether you are rafting, biking, dining, or exploring town, Buena Vista remains one of the top adventure destinations in Colorado.
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 [...]
Colorado Via Ferrata – Granite
Adventure awaits as you conquer the cliffside on this unique mountaintop climbing experience. Feel a rush of adrenaline as you traverse across and above [...]
Browns Canyon 1/2 Day
Get ready to experience the best of Colorado on our Brown’s Canyon half-day trip. This family-friendly adventure rushes you down the Arkansas River and [...]
Mt. Princeton 2 Hour Ride
The Arkansas Valley is lined with 15 14,000-foot peaks – the most in one concentration in Colorado – which makes for one of the [...]
Browns Canyon Half Day + Zipline Package
This multi-adventure package will keep you energized and smiling the entire day, as you fly through the trees on our Mountaintop Zipline course and [...]
Browns Canyon Rafting + Via Ferrata
Excitement and scenery await on your Browns Canyon + Via Ferrata full-day adventure. Climb into the Rocky Mountains and rush the rapids of the [...]
Plan early, stay ready
Clear Creek
Clear Creek rafting conditions are highly dependent on rainfall rather than snowpack, making it one of Colorado’s most unpredictable rafting rivers.
Heavy summer rainstorms can quickly create exciting rafting opportunities throughout the season, and AVA closely monitors conditions to provide real-time river updates. Guests planning a Clear Creek rafting trip should check current river conditions regularly for the latest information.
Even when rafting conditions are limited, AVA Idaho Springs offers some of the best aerial adventures near Denver. The Idaho Springs outpost features cliffside zipline tours and via ferrata courses built directly into the mountains above town.
Guests travel by safari truck through historic Idaho Springs before spending the day high above the canyon on one of Colorado’s most unique mountain adventures.
Cliffside Zipline Half Day
Fly through the trees on our exciting 6-line zipline course in Idaho Springs. This trip includes features such as a dual race line, hanging [...]
Mount Blue Sky, Colorado Via Ferrata
Get your heart up on one of our most daring adventure trips! On our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata course, you will traverse the [...]
Gold Rush Clear Creek Rafting Adventure
Splash down the Clear Creek mining valley on our 1/3 day Gold Rush trip. Just a short half-hour trip from Denver, this family-friendly rafting [...]
Gold Rush Rafting+ Zipline
Join us on one of our best family trips, and experience Colorado fun on the river and in the air. From our Idaho Springs [...]
Starlight & Full Moon Zipline
Join us for one of the most exciting and popular Colorado mountain summer adventures – ziplining! The starlight zipline adventure allows you to experience [...]
Upper Clear Creek Half Day Rafting Trip
Our Upper Clear Creek adventure will keep your paddle moving and your heart pounding as you crash through class IV rapids. Enjoy the beautiful [...]
Gold Rush Rafting + Via Ferrata
On our Gold Rush rafting and Via Ferrata multi-adventure package, adventure starts strong and keeps coming. Climb high into the cliffside above Idaho Springs [...]
How to Choose the Best Colorado Rafting Trip
Best rafting trips for families and young kids
The Upper Colorado River is the best option for families with children under 8 years old and first-time rafters. Warm water, scenic canyon views, and manageable rapids create a comfortable and exciting introduction to rafting.
Best whitewater rafting in Colorado
Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River remains one of the best overall whitewater rafting trips in Colorado. Guests looking for advanced Class V rafting can also ask about Pine Creek rafting trips.
Best rafting near Breckenridge and Vail
The Upper Colorado River is located less than an hour from Breckenridge, Vail, and Summit County, making it one of the most convenient rafting trips for mountain visitors.
Best outdoor adventure in Moab
Combining a Colorado River rafting trip with a Moab e-bike rental creates one of the best full-day outdoor adventures in Utah.
Best mountain adventure near Denver
AVA Idaho Springs aerial adventures offer ziplining and via ferrata experiences unlike anything else near Denver and the Front Range.
Most reliable rafting conditions in Colorado
The Upper Colorado River is expected to provide some of the most reliable rafting conditions throughout the 2026 season.
A Note From AVA About the 2026 Rafting Season
AVA has guided guests through drought years, high water years, and everything in between. One thing remains true every season: great adventures are created by experienced guides, proper planning, and choosing the right activity for your group.
This summer, AVA is focused on delivering the best outdoor experiences possible across Colorado and Utah. From rafting through the canyons of the Upper Colorado River and Browns Canyon to exploring Moab by raft and e-bike, there are still incredible opportunities to get outside and experience the best of the Rockies and the Southwest in 2026.
See all 2026 trips and availability →
Check current river conditions →
Explore All Adventures
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 [...]
Browns Canyon 1/2 Day
Get ready to experience the best of Colorado on our Brown’s Canyon half-day trip. This family-friendly adventure rushes you down the Arkansas River and [...]
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 [...]
Fisher Towers Half-Day Rafting Trip | Colorado River, Moab
If you’re picturing the Colorado River winding through towering red rock canyons, calm stretches of water, and just enough splash to keep things fun. [...]
Cliffside Zipline Half Day
Fly through the trees on our exciting 6-line zipline course in Idaho Springs. This trip includes features such as a dual race line, hanging [...]
Gold Rush Clear Creek Rafting Adventure
Splash down the Clear Creek mining valley on our 1/3 day Gold Rush trip. Just a short half-hour trip from Denver, this family-friendly rafting [...]
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 Via Ferrata – Granite
Adventure awaits as you conquer the cliffside on this unique mountaintop climbing experience. Feel a rush of adrenaline as you traverse across and above [...]
