Best Time To Raft
The Best Time to Go Rafting in Colorado in 2025
The best time to raft in Colorado is between May – September. It’s possible to raft in Colorado starting in the early spring all the way through early fall, and the best trip for you could fall at anytime throughout depending on what experience you are looking for on the river.
Colorado Rivers fluctuate throughout the season and from year to year. Therefore, the best time to raft can range depending on what you group wants, and what month you are rafting. Our rivers our fed by melting snow, so conditions are variable depending on the amount of snow that each region received the winter before rafting season.
What to Expect During Each Rafting Month
May Rafting
May is great time to go rafting in Colorado to avoid crowds and typically high water. We offer rafting on the following rivers in May:
- The Arkansas River: Families with children ages 7+ as well as thrill seekers and experienced rafters.
- The Upper Colorado River: Families with children ages 2+ as well as those looking for a relaxing river trip.
- The Clear Creek River: Families with children ages 6+ as well as thrill seekers and advanced rafters.
June Rafting
June is a common month to raft in Colorado. Typically, we see peak run-off happen in June which means higher water. We offer rafting on the following rivers in June but the age minimums typically increase at some point during the month.
- The Arkansas River: Families with children ages 7+ as well as thrill seekers and experienced rafters.
- The Upper Colorado River: Families with children ages 2+ as well as those looking for a relaxing river trip or SUP/Kayak.
- The Clear Creek River: Families with children ages 6+ as well as thrill seekers and advanced rafters.
- The Blue River: Thrill seekers and advanced rafters. Minimum age for the Blue River may vary during June
July Rafting
This is the most popular time to raft in Colorado. Typically, water levels start to decrease and age minimums go back to their listed number. The following trips are typically offered during the month of July:
- The Arkansas River: Families with children ages 7+ as well as thrill seekers and experienced rafters.
- The Upper Colorado River: Families with children ages 2+ as well as those looking for a relaxing river trip or SUP/Kayak.
- The Clear Creek River: Families with children ages 6+ as well as thrill seekers and advanced rafters.
- The Blue River: Families with children ages 5+ as well as thrill seekers and advanced rafters.
August & September Rafting
August and September bring less crowds and tamer water. This is the perfect time to raft to really take in the Colorado scenery. The following trips are typically offered at this time:
- The Arkansas River: Families with children ages 7+ as well as thrill seekers and experienced rafters.
- The Upper Colorado River: Families with children ages 2+ as well as those looking for a relaxing river trip or SUP/Kayak.
- The Clear Creek River: Families with children ages 6+ as well as thrill seekers and advanced rafters.
Colorado Whitewater Rafting Locations
How to Choose the Right Trip for Your Group
The best time to raft for families with kids is between July and September, however, there are plenty of trip options in May & June such as the Upper Colorado River. We recommend the following trips for kids at the following ages throughout the entire summer:
- Kids between the age 2-4: Upper Colorado River Trips
- Kids age 5: Blue River and Upper Colorado River Trips
- Kids age 6: Clear Creek, Blue River, and Upper Colorado River Trips
- Kids between the age of 7-11: Arkansas River, Clear Creek, Blue River, Upper Colorado River Trips + ziplining packages
- Kids between age 12-14: Same as 7-11 + Via Ferrata packages
- Those 15+: All trips on all rivers
*Minimum ages are subject to change based on water levels.
The best time to raft for a relaxing experience is between July and September, however, there are plenty of trip options in May & June such as the Upper Colorado River. If you are looking for a more leisurely experience for your group sit back, relax, and enjoy the incredible scenery, then the following river trips are best for your group.
- Scenic Float Full Day Rafting on the Upper Colorado River
- Scenic Float Half Day Rafting on the Upper Colorado River
- 24 Hours on the Upper Colorado River
- 3 Day Upper Colorado River Float
*Age minimum for all of these trips are 2 years+
The best time to raft for families with kids is between the end of May until Mid July. However, there are plenty of trip options the entire summer to get your adrenaline pumping. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush for your rafting trip, then the following rivers and trips are best for your group.
- Clear Creek River
- The Blue River
- The Arkansas River
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Kayaking on the Upper Colorado River
The best time to raft for experienced rafters is typically June. However, those who have never rafted before can also raft in June just different sections of each river. If you have been out on the river a few times before, and you are looking to work hard and go out on the hardest rapids that Colorado has to offer then the following rivers are the best for you to visit.
- Clear Creek River
- The Arkansas River
How will High Water Affect My Rafting Trip in 2024
MINIMUM AGE
RIVER CLOSURES
Our Main Adventure Outposts
Buena Vista South Main
924 South Main Street
Buena Vista, CO 81211
924 South Main Street, Buena Vista, CO 81211 is our rafting address. If you’re visiting for ziplining or via ferrata, make sure to use our 40579 US-24, Buena Vista, CO 81211 address.
Experience whitewater rafting in Buena Vista from AVA’s South Main outpost, located just steps from the Arkansas River in the heart of downtown Buena Vista. With easy access to Browns Canyon and family-friendly river float trips and family-friendly float trips, this location puts you close to some of Colorado’s best rafting adventures while surrounded by the energy of South Main, the Surf Hotel, Eddyline Brewery, and the Buena Vista Whitewater Park. Whether you are looking for exciting rapids or a scenic day on the river, AVA’s Buena Vista rafting trips deliver the perfect Colorado adventure.
From our Buena Vista outpost, experience some of Colorado’s best outdoor adventures with whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, ziplining, Via Ferrata, rock climbing, horseback riding, and more. Located in the heart of South Main near the Buena Vista Whitewater Park, our outpost is the perfect starting point for a full day in the mountains. Looking to maximize your adventure? Our multi-adventure packages let you combine multiple activities into one unforgettable Colorado experience filled with scenic views, exciting action, and time on the river.
AVA’s Buena Vista Gold Coast Outpost is located just over an hour from Summit County and under two and a half hours from Denver, Colorado.
Buena Vista – Gold Camp
40579 US-24
Buena Vista, CO 81211
If using Google Maps, ‘US 24 North’ is incorrect and will take you 10 miles south of us. Type in the address exactly as listed above to ensure correct directions.
On the hunt for a true mountain adventure? Head to Buena Vista, Colorado and experience AVA Rafting & Zipline’s aerial adventures at our Gold Camp outpost. Fly high above the Arkansas River Valley on our Mountaintop Zipline or take on the cliffs of the Granite Gorge with our guided Granite Via Ferrata. Surrounded by stunning views of the Collegiate Peaks, Gold Camp offers an unforgettable Colorado mountain experience packed with excitement, scenery, and adventure.
AVA’s Buena Vista Gold Camp is located just over an hour from Summit County and under two and a half hours from Denver, Colorado.
Idaho Springs
431 Chicago Creek Road
Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Our Idaho Springs outpost offers beginner to advanced levels of whitewater rafting on whitewater rafting on Clear Creek, soar among the treetops on our Cliffside Zipline, or try our Via Ferrata course for an introduction to mountaineering. Enjoy an afternoon in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and catch some incredible sights of historic Idaho Springs- the location of Colorado’s first gold discovery!
Our Idaho Springs outpost is conveniently located near Denver, just 30 minutes west of downtown on I-70, and less than an hour from Summit County.
Moab Rafting on the Colorado River
825 Kane Creek Blvd
Moab, UT 84532
Welcome to AVA’s newest outpost in Moab, your basecamp for rafting the Colorado River in Utah. Whether you’re picturing calm red rock canyons or adrenaline-pumping rapids, Moab delivers both.
We focus on two distinct, high-demand rafting experiences:
- Fisher Towers → scenic, mellow, family-friendly float
- Westwater Canyon → powerful Class III–IV whitewater adventure
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.
Looking for a more Customized Answer?
NOT QUITE SURE WHICH ADVENTURE OR TRIP IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Give our Trip Specialists a call to build your perfect adventure: 1-800-370-0581
Don't just take our word for it
Mark and Devon were fantastic. They both obviously enjoy their jobs and (literally) hanging with other people. They have different personality types --both... Read More »
I had a lot of fun going zip lining there for my 24th birthday and would love to do it again in a heartbeat! Read More »
Drove 1hour to meeting point. Doors locked, they cancelled trip without notifying us. Promised immediate refund. When Viator attempted refund THEY DENIED... Read More »
The rafting trip was incredible! Even though the water level was lower, it was still a 10/10 experience. What truly made the trip unforgettable was the amazing team leading it — from the raft guides to the driver. Everyone was incredibly friendly, professional, and made the entire experience enjoyable from start to finish.
Read More »Laura & Dillon were great Zipline guides! Photos are few and of poor quality. Other than disappointing photos, all AVA staff were awesome!
Streamline process from start to finish. We all learned a lot about Zipline and had fun. We'll return for whitewater rafting! Thank you!
I took my husband and our three children ages 17, 13, and 12 and we had the experience of a lifetime. Parker was our guide and he was knowledgeable and professional, and has the best personality for what he’s doing. We booked the Browns Canyon Sizzler and we could not have been happier with our choice. We embarked on our adventure around 9am and were back at the outpost mid afternoon. Halfway through our float we stopped and had delicious fajitas prepared right there by the river by the guides. I’m so glad I decided to go with this company, we were not disappointed one bit. We definitely have AVA in mind the next time we come to Colorado, maybe I’ll try some zip-lining next time. Thanks for the awesome adventure!
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