If you missed our blog on the Top 5 Colorado River Rafting Trips blog, you can still check it out here, but for those river enthusiasts looking to break out of the great Colorful Colorado, here are the top 10 river rafting trips in the United States according to Guide Neil. These include some of his absolute favorite rivers to raft as well as a few still on his bucket list One-Day Trips 1. Gauley River – West Virginia The Gauley offers two fantastic sections of advanced whitewater rafting, mainly during “Gauley Season,” the time in which the Army Corps of Engineers schedules 22 controlled dam releases for the purpose of river recreation. The Upper Gauley boasts dozens of Class IV and V rapids with five Class Vs, while the Lower Gauley has fewer and more spread out Class IIIs, IVs and Vs. 2. Kaweah River – California The Kaweah is an intermediate to advanced white water river located in Sequoia National Park. Experience is recommended, as many of the Class III and IV+ rapids require technical and deft maneuvering. The trip can be split into two daily sections, though, allowing for a milder Class III section and the high adventure Class IV+ section. 3. Lower Box of the Piedra River – Colorado The Lower Box of the Piedra River offers high adventure whitewater rafting through a pristine wilderness that is highly regulated by the Forest Service. You won’t see many other boaters while you’re out there, which makes this Class III, IV and V pool-drop river a must do for adventure seekers. The scenery is unmatched as you are surrounded by 1,000 foot canyon walls and can even stop half-way down at a natural hot springs to warm up from the snow melt splashes! 4. Cherry Creek of the Tuolumne River – California The Class V Cherry Creek section of the Tuolumne is considered the most advanced commercially run trip in California with 15 Class V rapids! The headwaters of the river (accessible only to backpackers) flow through granite valleys down to the more accessible sections in the Sierra Nevadas. The Tuolumne is protected under the Wild and Scenic act and the 9 miles of Cherry Creek should be on the bucket list of any high adventure whitewater enthusiast.   Multi-Day Trips 5. Upper Salt River – Arizona The spectacular Salt River flows through a 2,000 foot deep canyon just 2 hours east of Phoenix. The one-day trip is great with 10-12 Class III rapids, but to really get the experience of the canyon (and some Class IV rapids) you have to try the overnight trips. Not only do you get more awesome Arizona whitewater and beautiful desert scenery, you also get memories of sleeping under the stars and relaxing around the campfire! 6. Middle Fork of the Salmon River – Idaho The Middle Fork tributary has 300 ratable rapids ranging from Class III+ to Class IV with only one Class V. The Middle Fork, along with the Salmon, River is designated Wild and Scenic, just over 100 miles in length and has six stops along the way where there are natural hot springs. With only 7 departures allowed each day during the season, be sure to plan your Middle Fork trip early! 7. Grand Canyon of the Colorado River – Arizona The Grand Canyon makes for a spectacular (albeit longer) multi-day Colorado River rafting trip. You can experience the beauty and wonder of the canyon on a quick 4 day guided raft trip, or make the whole trek downstream in 18-19 days. The multiple rapids are rated on a scale of 1-10 on this river and you’ll experience whitewater throughout those classifications. 8. Upper Animas River – Colorado The Upper Animas is considered to be the toughest commercially rafted river in the United States at high water. With over 100 rapids and continuous Class II and III with intermittent Class IV and V rapids, this river is not for the faint of heart! A multi-day trip gives you the experience of the Silverton and Needleton sections, the first being high adventure, and the second more of an advanced intermediate section. It also gives you the chance to relax and explore the Weimenuche wilderness in a semi-permanent 5-star camping environment. If you’re looking for an adventurous getaway, this is your ticket! 9. Rogue River – Oregon The Rogue is another one of those fantastic rivers protected under the Wild and Scenic Act of 1968. This Class III-IV river (with a couple IV+) is characterized by thrilling whitewater stretches with milder sections in between, peaceful pools, narrow canyons and towering cliffs. Wildlife is abundant throughout the canyon and you don’t want to miss a night under the stars while listening to the sound of the bubbling river. 10. Forks of the Kern River – California The Kern is also designated a Wild and Scenic River and proves it’s beauty mile by mile through the wilderness. The Forks of the Kern runs deep within Sequoia National Park through a solid granite walled canyon, so deep in fact that you will need to pack your gear in along a 3 mile rocky trail to the put in. The nearly continuous Class IV and V rapids and waterfalls call for boaters looking for serious fun and adventure.