The Upper Colorado River is one of the best river sections in the State to try out river toys. There are several stretches of moderate and slow moving water that are perfect to play around on an inflatable kayak. We offer kayak tours alongside guided river trips.

An inflatable kayak or “ducky” is a sit-on top style kayak made of rubber which has multiple chambers filled with air. This gives you a more personal experience with the river as you will follow your guides but navigate your boat down the river on our own. We have both single passenger as well as tandem duckys for those who prefer to paddle with a partner.

Upper Colorado River Rafting provides mild Class I-II rapids and occasional Class III rapids at higher water flow! Feel free to bringa big group or the entire family on this journey, as this trip has something for everyone to enjoy.

First timer? No problem! Our guides will help you get comfortable on your river craft.

Itinerary

• Meet at our Rancho Del Rio boathouse at 4199 Trough Rd, Bond, CO 80423
• Trips leave twice daily at 9AM or 1:30PM
• Gear up & meet your guide(s)
• Shuttle ride to put-in location
• River time with fun, rapids, and swimming holes
• Arrive at your take-out location
• Shuttle back to the Rancho Boathouse

Trip Package Includes

• CRC professional rafting guides
• All safety & rafting equipment
• Transportation from designated meeting place to the put-in
• A fun-filled experience!

Trip Package Does Not Include

• Lodging
• Clothing (See recommended gear under FAQs)
• Splash jackets and booties available for an additional rental fee
• Insurance (Trip or Rescue)
• Guide Gratuity

Area Info

Upper Colorado River, Grand County, Colorado

This section of the Colorado River offers scenic views including meadows, valleys, rolling ranch lands, and steep canyon walls with lots of wildlife including bald eagles, deer, beaver, and big horn sheep - always something to see.

Upper Colorado River Rafting provides mild Class I-II rapids and occasional Class III rapids at higher water flow. The Colorado River is our favorite family-friendly rafting trip. Beginning as snowmelt high in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Colorado Rockies give birth to the legendary Colorado River. Downstream of the national park, the river character intensifies through the famed and Class 5 “Gore Canyon”, and then below the river gentles. This is where our Colorado River Rafting experiences begin, with an introduction to white water rafting for families with children and grandparents, and groups looking to enjoy a true Colorado vacation.

About Your Guides

Colorado Adventure Guides and Colorado Rafting Company delivers four seasons of outdoor adventure and education. With operations in seven USFS and BLM ranger districts, we serve a dynamic and growing population of outdoor enthusiasts. Our all-season, guided operations include:

• Rock Climbing
• Mountaineering
• Hiking/Peak Accents
• Mountain Biking
• Whitewater Rafting/SUPing
• Backcountry Skiing
• Backcountry Splitboarding
• Snowshoeing
• Ice Climbing
• AIARE Snow Safety

We have been providing incredible experiences to visitors of Summit County and surrounding areas for over 20 years. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned expert, let us take you on your next unforgettable outdoor adventure!

FAQs

Do I need any prior training to participate?

No prior training or experience is necessary to sign up for this trip.

Should We Tip Our Guide?

Your guide/instructors work hard before, during, and after your course to provide you with a great experience, and while not expected, gratuities are always highly appreciated. If you had a safe, educational, and fun experience, gratuities typically range from 15-20%.

When Do White Water Trips Start in Colorado?

This depends on what you’re interested in. If big, exciting water is what your group is looking for, then high-water season is the best time. Mid-June to early July is traditionally the high-water season. When rivers run at their peak, it can make for a big ride. Keep in mind some sections may close due to high water conditions. Most people enjoy the normal runs in May then late July through September. Water levels and weather are very unpredictable, so book a date that best suits the group and be prepared for the unexpected. There really is no bad time to go white water rafting in Colorado.

What Do I Wear Rafting/SUPing/Kayaking in Colorado?

Avoid cotton clothing, as it tends to get wet and stay wet – not to mention taking valuable warmth from your body’s surface. For rafting, bathing suits and shorts are recommended with comfortable, secure footwear i.e NO FLIP FLOPS. While not required we do provide wetsuits free of charge if needed (may be a little overkill unless on a kayak or paddle board). Splash jackets and booties are available for an additional small fee. This equipment isn’t mandatory but it is designed to keep you warm. Towels are best kept in your vehicles and don’t do you much good on the river because there is no way to keep them dry. For rafting and other activities your best bet would be materials such as wool, polypro, fleece, micro fleece, polyester, waterproof jackets, and any other outdoor material that dries fast. There is limited space on the rafts, so bring what you can wear. Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are included with all rafting adventures, and helmets are available. If you have any questions please give us a call and we can give you information so that you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.

What Should We Bring on a Rafting/SUPing/Kayaking Trip?

Please see our equipment lists for activity specific gear. For rafting you will want to bring a few towels to leave in your car; you’ll be happy to have something to dry off with after your adventure. Bring a change of dry clothes to leave in your car. Our basecamps offer changing rooms so you can be comfortable after your Colorado raft adventure. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, sunglasses straps, and hats that protect from the sun. Bring water. Remember, you’re in the Colorado Rockies, and it’s important to stay hydrated!

Is Whitewater Rafting/SUPing/Kayaking Dangerous?

All our guides go through extensive training, basic first aid, CPR, and all river guides are certified by the state of Colorado. Rafting is an adventure sport and involves a degree of risk on the part of the participant. Although we take precautions to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip, we cannot be responsible for lost or damaged articles and/or personal injury. It is important for the group to choose a trip within their entire group’s limits. Colorado Rafting Company/Colorado Adventure Guides is committed to the safety of our guests. Due to the inherently dangerous nature of some outdoor recreation activities in the backcountry, all participants are required to acknowledge these risks by reading and signing a liability waiver prior to trip departure. All participants under the age of 18 must have a liability/health history waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. In addition to this form, the health history questionnaire must be filled out for each participant. All information submitted is completely confidential; it is for the guide’s use and would only be shared in the event of an emergency with medical and/or rescue personnel directly caring for the guest. It is Colorado Adventure Guides’ policy that all Emergency Contacts be a person over the age of 18 and not participating in the same guided trip or course.

Is there a minimum age required for this trip?

We typically accept participants 12 years or older, if they are accompanied by a legal guardian. You must be 18 years or older to attend a trip on your own