Rafting Trips from Vail
For thrill seekers who are looking for a chance to get wet this summer, Vail whitewater river rafting offers the chance to do just that. Whether you are with your family, on a solo trip, or arriving with a large group, there are plenty of ways for you to experience the thrill of the current on one of Colorado’s many beautiful sections of river.
Why Vail?
Located at the base of Vail Mountain, this charming alpine village is mostly known for its world class skiing. However, as the summer months approach and the snowpack melts, it fills the local rivers and streams with fresh, clear water, making for some of the best white water rafting in all of Colorado.
When To Go
The best time for river rafting in Vail is generally between the months of May through September, with the highest water being from May through June. Summer and late summer months deliver ideal temperatures, and perfect river rafting conditions.
The Mighty Colorado River
The Upper Colorado River is absolutely one of the best spots for whitewater rafting near Vail, and it provides rapids that are suitable for all levels of experience. This beautiful stretch of river flows through scenic meadows, canyons, and valleys and offers class II and class III rapids that are perfect for all skill and excitement levels, even for children and older adults.
Glenwood Springs is home base for the Colorado River rafting scene, and delivers incredible stretch’s of the Colorado River. This section offers slightly more challenging rapids, including the class III-class IV Shoshone section, flowing deep into Glenwood Canyon.
Family Fun
Colorado Whitewater Rafting offers several rafting trips to explore this stretch of the river including its most popular trip, the half day trip, which is a three-hour trip that starts nine miles up the Shoshone, flowing through The Wall, Tombstone, Maneater, and Superstition sections of the river. As the river mellows out, rafters are treated to natural hot springs which flow directly into the river and given a chance to stop, relax, and soak in the warm natural water.
Another popular option is the full day rafting trip on the Shoshone, which covers twice as much mileage as the half day trip and offers a hot catered lunch. This tour gives rafters plenty of chances to hop into the water for a swim, as well as plenty of time to relax in the sun.
All trips meet at the tour company’s location in Glenwood Springs, which is just about a one-hour drive from Vail.