Where to Raft in Colorado in 2026: A Guide to This Season’s Best Water

Our top pick for 2026

Upper Colorado River

<p data-start="1183" data-end="1251">The Upper Colorado River is our top rafting recommendation for 2026.</p> <p data-start="1253" data-end="1642">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.</p> <p data-start="1644" data-end="1906">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.</p> <p data-start="1908" data-end="2251">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.</p>

1. 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.

2. 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!  

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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!

Canyon country on the Colorado River

Moab, Utah

<p data-start="2369" data-end="2447">New for 2026, AVA is now offering rafting and e-bike adventures in Moab, Utah.</p> <p data-start="2449" data-end="2792">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.</p> <p data-start="2794" data-end="3025">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.</p> <p data-start="3027" data-end="3322">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.</p>

• Moab e-bike rentals

1. Fisher Towers Half-Day Rafting Trip | Colorado River, Moab

   <p data-start="342" data-end="502">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. This is it.</p> <p data-start="504" data-end="684">The Fisher Towers section delivers the classic Moab river experience: warm desert sun, dramatic canyon walls, and gentle rapids that make it accessible for just about everyone.</p>

2. 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 known as a “duckie”) down a scenic stretch of the Colorado River, navigating fun Class I–II rapids and calm sections surrounded by towering red rock canyons. This hands-on experience delivers the perfect mix of independence, excitement, and unforgettable desert scenery.

3. 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 through downtown Moab, or heading toward the scenic roads near Arches National Park, our fleet of high-performance e-bikes makes it easy to see more with less effort. Perfect for beginners, families, and experienced riders alike, our Moab e-bike rentals give you the freedom to explore at your own pace while taking in some of Utah’s most iconic scenery.

4. 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 typical float covering more mileage, entering quieter canyon stretches, and giving you a deeper, more immersive experience in Moab’s red rock wilderness.

5. Stand Up Paddleboard Half Day | Moab, UT

   <p data-start="246" data-end="720">Experience the beauty of Moab from a fresh perspective on the water with our Stand Up Paddleboard Half Day adventure! Glide across the iconic Colorado River surrounded by towering red rock canyons and desert landscapes as you paddle 5 miles downstream. Whether you’re standing tall or kneeling for balance, this half-day trip offers both excitement and serenity with plenty of chances to dip into the cool river along the way.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1d7kyaf" data-start="722" data-end="749"></h2>  

6. 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 scenic stretch of the Colorado River, navigating fun Class II–III rapids and calm sections through towering red rock canyons. This trip is perfect for those who want more excitement and control than a traditional raft while still enjoying the safety and guidance of expert river guides.

7. Fisher Towers Overnight Rafting | Colorado River Camping Near Moab

   <p data-start="310" data-end="585">Slow down and experience the Colorado River the way few people do by spending a full day on the water and a night under the desert stars. This overnight rafting trip through Fisher Towers combines scenic floating, riverside camping, and total canyon immersion just outside Moab.</p>

Browns Canyon is running

Arkansas River

<p data-start="3453" data-end="3596">The Arkansas River rafting season is underway for 2026, and Browns Canyon continues to be one of the best whitewater rafting trips in Colorado.</p> <p data-start="3598" data-end="3814">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.</p> <p data-start="3816" data-end="4115">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.</p> <p data-start="4117" data-end="4247">Whether you are rafting, biking, dining, or exploring town, Buena Vista remains one of the top adventure destinations in Colorado.</p>

• See all Buena Vista adventures

1. 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 the most incredible way to see the Arkansas River valley as you experience Colorado from a unique vantage point.  

2. 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 the Arkansas River Valley, using iron rungs, bars, and other features to ascend. Your stomach will drop on our hanging bridge and freefall flight line!

3. 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 through Browns Canyon National Monument on exciting yet mellower class III rapids.  

4. 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 most scenic locations for a Colorado horseback ride. You'll get views of Mt. Princeton, Mt. Yale, Ht. Harvard and Mt. Antero on this ride.  

5. 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 then rush the rapids on our Brown's Canyon whitewater adventure.

6. 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 mighty Arkansas River.

Plan early, stay ready

Clear Creek

<p data-start="4384" data-end="4532">Clear Creek rafting conditions are highly dependent on rainfall rather than snowpack, making it one of Colorado’s most unpredictable rafting rivers.</p> <p data-start="4534" data-end="4821">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.</p> <p data-start="4823" data-end="5066">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.</p> <p data-start="5068" data-end="5228">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.</p>

• See Idaho Springs aerial adventures

1. Cliffside Zipline Half Day

   <p class="isSelectedEnd">Experience one of the most unique zipline adventures near Denver on our Cliffside Zipline Course in Idaho Springs. Your adventure begins in historic downtown Idaho Springs before boarding our signature Safari Truck for a scenic ride up the mountain. From there, you'll soar across six exhilarating ziplines built directly into the rugged Rocky Mountain landscape above Chicago Creek.</p> As you travel from platform to platform, you'll fly past towering granite cliffs, forested slopes, and sweeping mountain views while tackling exciting aerial features including a hanging bridge, log cross, jungle bridge, and dual race line. This half-day adventure combines adrenaline, incredible scenery, and family-friendly fun, making it the perfect Colorado mountain experience for first-time zipliners and thrill seekers alike.

2. Mount Blue Sky, Colorado Via Ferrata

   <p class="isSelectedEnd">Get your heart racing on one of Colorado's most unique aerial adventures. Our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata takes you high above Chicago Creek on a guided cliffside climbing experience built directly into the rugged mountains surrounding historic Idaho Springs. Clipped into a continuous safety system, you'll traverse exposed rock faces, cross suspended bridges, and navigate a series of exciting features while taking in sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains below.</p> Throughout the adventure, you'll move across dramatic granite cliffs overlooking the canyon and downtown Idaho Springs, experiencing terrain typically reserved for technical climbers. Combining hiking, climbing, and aerial elements, the Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata delivers an unforgettable mountain adventure just 30 minutes from Denver.

3. 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 adventure offers a fun outdoor adventure that everyone in your group will enjoy.

4. 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 outpost, paddle Clear Creek's best family-friendly whitewater and soar through the trees on our cliffside zipline course.  

5. 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 AVA's same cliffside zipline course after dark, with the moonlight zipline taking place under a full moon.

6. 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 scenery, and keep your eyes peeled for big horn sheep, otters, and other native wildlife that are commonly spotted on many of our Colorado whitewater rafting trips.

7. 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 and the Chicago Creek on Via Ferrata course, a unique form of climbing with features built into the mountainside. You'll then cool off over the course of 7 miles of moderate rapids on the historic Clear Creek.