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Whitewater Rafting Upper Colorado River

a man riding a wave on a surfboard in the water

The Colorado River is one of the most majestic waterways in North America, and the Upper section of river from Kremmling to Glenwood Springs is one of the most requested whitewater trips for adventure seekers. The section presents an enjoyable ride down the river, through some gorgeous canyons and valleys with spectacular views and easy waters. There are even parts of the river for swimming and cliff jumping.

About the Upper Colorado River

The river originates high in the central Rocky Mountains near Lake Granby and meanders to the west through Grand County, past the towns of Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs and Parshall. At Kremmling, the Colorado River turns slightly to the southwest and continues through a remote section of the Rockies. The river continues southwest before taking a sharp curve to the northwest just east of the unincorporated community of Bond.

By the unincorporated town of McCoy, the river moves west-southwest before meeting up with Interstate 70 at Dotsero. From there, the interstate follows the river west through the canyons to Glenwood Springs.

The river is exceptionally accommodating to rafters and kayakers. The Colorado River can be rafted most of the year, but April through September is the best time to go. There are commercial rafting companies that operate on the river once the water warms in early May and continue until it is too cold – typically late September or early October if the weather is favorable.

Rafting Season on the Upper Colorado

Peak season is June and July. This is the most popular time for a trip because the weather is warm, and the river waters are at an ideal temperature. It’s not uncommon for rafters to enjoy 70-degree waters and 80- or 90-degree temperatures outdoors during these months.

Since the river maintains its water levels longer than most rivers, there are still excellent runs through the month of October. There are still stretches of rapids that are exciting during this time, and crowds are usually at a minimum. (Less crowds can mean a better chance to see wildlife as you move down the river).

Witnessing the amazing fall colors of Colorado from the river is a one-of-a-kind experience. Early and late-season outings can be a little brisk, but fun! Never fear: Outfitters provide comfy wet suits that help keep you dry and warm during the cooler stretches.

Upper Colorado Half-Day Whitewater Rafting

a group of people on a raft in a body of water

Half-Day Rafting Near Kremmling

A popular choice for a rafting experience on the Colorado River in Kremmling is the half-day adventure. The Upper Colorado run starts near the headwaters of the river on the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The trip offers beautiful canyon scenery, bluebird skies and easy rapids that are rated Class I and Class II. Along the way, paddlers can take in the many gems of nature: spectacular wildflowers, wildlife, sheer granite canyon walls and stately Blue Spruce and Douglas fir trees.

Half-day trips are usually about 2-3 hours in length. Rafting companies will typically offer a morning or afternoon run, so you can pick a departure time of around 9 a.m. or around 1:30 in the afternoon. The trip can accommodate small children as young as 3 years old.

When the river is low, there is access to an other-worldly natural hot spring that’s perfect for a stop-off and soak! Appreciate a true natural phenomenon of nature and warm your bones at the same time. It’s educational, therapeutic and downright awesome!

Half-Day Adventures at Glenwood Springs

Half-day rafting trips in Glenwood Springs are a hit because there’s so much to do in town. With beautiful Glenwood Canyon just outside of town, it’s easy to hit mild (or wild) rapids in the morning and still have time for golf, sightseeing or a visit to the Glenwood Canyons Adventure Park in the afternoon.

Just up the river about 9 miles from Glenwood Springs is the Class III- and Class IV-rated Shoshone Rapids, one of the most exciting stretches of rapids in the state. The 3-hour trip takes you through the many highpoints of the section, including The Wall, Tombstone, Maneater and Superstition. There is also a natural hot spring that’s terrific for a tranquil soak. Trips originate in downtown Glenwood Springs.

Upper Colorado River Full Day Raft Trips

Full-Day Rafting Near Kremmling

Need more than just a couple hours to get your whitewater fix? Then a full-day raft trip is the way to go. Depart early in the morning and head to the river for an entire day of whitewater rafting with new thrills around every bend. Full-day trips are like half-day adventures, except more ground is covered as you delve deeper into the Colorado wilderness.

A full day jaunt is ideal for families with younger kids who are looking to relax and catch some rays. The journey takes paddlers past dinosaur tracks that have existed for millions of years. Steep and rugged Gore Canyon just southwest of Kremmling presents 1,000-foot canyon walls and is one of the most scenic spots in the Centennial State. Along with awe-inspiring views, riders can enjoy a dip in the hot springs and scarf down tasty riverside lunch.

a man riding a wave on a raft in a body of water

Half-Day Rafting Near Kremmling

A popular choice for a rafting experience on the Colorado River in Kremmling is the half-day adventure. The Upper Colorado run starts near the headwaters of the river on the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The trip offers beautiful canyon scenery, bluebird skies and easy rapids that are rated Class I and Class II. Along the way, paddlers can take in the many gems of nature: spectacular wildflowers, wildlife, sheer granite canyon walls and stately Blue Spruce and Douglas fir trees.

Half-day trips are usually about 2-3 hours in length. Rafting companies will typically offer a morning or afternoon run, so you can pick a departure time of around 9 a.m. or around 1:30 in the afternoon. The trip can accommodate small children as young as 3 years old.

When the river is low, there is access to an other-worldly natural hot spring that’s perfect for a stop-off and soak! Appreciate a true natural phenomenon of nature and warm your bones at the same time. It’s educational, therapeutic and downright awesome!

Half-Day Adventures at Glenwood Springs

Half-day rafting trips in Glenwood Springs are a hit because there’s so much to do in town. With beautiful Glenwood Canyon just outside of town, it’s easy to hit mild (or wild) rapids in the morning and still have time for golf, sightseeing or a visit to the Glenwood Canyons Adventure Park in the afternoon.

Just up the river about 9 miles from Glenwood Springs is the Class III- and Class IV-rated Shoshone Rapids, one of the most exciting stretches of rapids in the state. The 3-hour trip takes you through the many highpoints of the section, including The Wall, Tombstone, Maneater and Superstition. There is also a natural hot spring that’s terrific for a tranquil soak. Trips originate in downtown Glenwood Springs.

Upper Colorado River Full Day Raft Trips

Full-Day Rafting Near Kremmling

Need more than just a couple hours to get your whitewater fix? Then a full-day raft trip is the way to go. Depart early in the morning and head to the river for an entire day of whitewater rafting with new thrills around every bend. Full-day trips are like half-day adventures, except more ground is covered as you delve deeper into the Colorado wilderness.

A full day jaunt is ideal for families with younger kids who are looking to relax and catch some rays. The journey takes paddlers past dinosaur tracks that have existed for millions of years. Steep and rugged Gore Canyon just southwest of Kremmling presents 1,000-foot canyon walls and is one of the most scenic spots in the Centennial State. Along with awe-inspiring views, riders can enjoy a dip in the hot springs and scarf down tasty riverside lunch.

a group of people riding on the back of a boat

Much More Than Rafting

One of the main attractions to rafting the Upper Colorado is the wide variety of outings you can do off the river. The Kremmling community embraces the outdoor lifestyle, so there’s ample hunting, fishing, target and clay shooting, hiking, biking, ATVs and longboarding – just to name a few. Enjoy Championship golf during the warmer months, and make plans to fish the state’s many Gold Medal rivers – like the mighty Colorado!

Glenwood Springs is another town with a wonderful array of things to do. First, the entertaining Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park has rides and activities for kids of all ages. You can explore the unique caves or ride the scenic gondola, giant canyon swing or thrilling alpine coaster. Glenwood Springs is home to an amazing hot spring, the iconic Hotel Colorado and is the burial site of legendary Old West icon Doc Holliday. There’s also tons of great restaurants and extensive shopping around town.

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