Upper Colorado River Guided Rafting
The Upper Colorado River, located just 20 minutes from Kremmling down Grand County Road 1 off US Highway 40, offers one of the most scenic and approachable rafting corridors in Northern Colorado. This stretch flows through the polished metamorphic walls of Hartman Canyon (Lower Gore Canyon), past the grassy hills and cottonwoods near Radium, and into the stunning sandstone cliffs of Red Gorge Canyon.
Class I–II rapids, comfortable midsummer water, and open canyon scenery make this one of the best rafting options for families, first-timers, scenic floaters seeking a relaxed adventure. Participants must weigh 35lbs or more.
This page covers every way to raft the Upper Colorado River, including half-day, full-day trips and our premier 2-day, one-night overnight trip.
- Explore Hartman Canyon (Lower Gore Canyon), Radium Valley, and Red Gorge Canyon
- Comfortable mid-summer water temperatures (typically low to mid 60s°F)
- Gentle Class I & II rapids ideal for families and beginners
- Access to Radium Hot Springs depending on flow levels
- Abundant wildlife: bald eagles, beavers, otters, herons, and trout
- Convenient to Kremmling, Silverthorne, Dillon, Breckenridge, Vail, and Steamboat Springs
- Great swimming with calm pools from late June through early fall
- A perfect introduction to river camping and multi-day rafting
More About Rafting the Upper Colorado River
Upper Colorado River Rafting Details
This stretch begins just downstream of the steep Class V Gore Canyon and flows into the more mellow but scenic Hartman Canyon / Lower Gore Canyon, where the river cuts through polished Precambrian gneiss, schist, and granite. At the Radium Recreation Area, the river emerges from these metamorphic walls into a meadowed valley. Halfway between Pump House and State Bridge, the river carves the beautiful Red Gorge Canyon, a sandstone-walled corridor with striking red cliffs. Because of the wide valley, slower gradient, and prolonged sun exposure, the Upper Colorado typically reaches comfortable mid-summer temperatures in the 60s to low 70s°F. These conditions allow for swimming, floating, and relaxing in the water from July through early fall.
Learn more about rafting on the full 1450 miles of the Colorado River on our Colorado River White Water Rafting Page.
Trip Options
2-Day Upper Colorado River Overnight Rafting Trip
The two day one night rafting trip is the most complete way to experience the Upper Colorado River. You’ll explore Hartman Canyon, float the sedimentary mid-valley, and finish in the red walls of Red Gorge Canyon. Enjoy comfortable currents and all inclusive catered camping with a 3 course dinner along the riverbank.
Day 1
The adventure begins at Pump House Recreation Area, the primary BLM access point for the Upper Colorado river area. After a safety briefing, the trip pushes off into Hartman Canyon also known as Lower Gore Canyon, where the river hugs polished granite and schist formations and forms Wake Up and Needle Eye Rapids .
The ½-day trip ends at Radium Recreation Area, located just downstream from Hartman Canyon where the 2 day trip stops for its first lunch. From here, the river widens into its open sedimentary valley offering beautiful views and wildlife spotting. A few more miles down river the trip stops for camp where guides handle dinner and guests have the opportunity for evening camp games, hikes, and relaxation.
The Upper Colorado river is an excellent area for brown and rainbow trout fishing. Guests wishing to fish should bring their own pole and purchase a license on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.
Day 2 – Red Gorge Canyon & State Bridge
Waking up to brewed coffee and a cowboy breakfast, the trip continues downstream into Red Gorge Canyon, a striking section of red sandstone cliffs and calm pools approximately halfway through the trip. This scenic stretch includes Red Eye and Yarmony/Hoyt rapids, plenty of swimming opportunities, and excellent wildlife habitat.
The take out is at State Bridge, near restaurants, lodging, and live-music venues during peak season. Here is where homesteaders originally landed to raise cattle near the Ute Native American settlements in the 1860’s.
Food & Gear
All meals and snacks from lunch on the first through lunch on the second day are included. We supply rafting equipment, dry bags, and group camp gear. Guests bring personal camping gear (tents, sleeping bags and sleeping pads) that is available for rent if needed.
Additional Upper Colorado Rafting Options Supplied by AVA
Through our partner AVA Rafting, we offer ½-day and full-day Upper Colorado rafting trips. These trips meet at 1606 Park Avenue Kremmling, CO 80459.
1/2-Day Upper Colorado Rafting Trip
This ½ day trip covers 4.5 miles of the river from Pump House to Radium Recreation Areas. The trip provides 2 – 2.5 hours on the water (depending on water flows). The ½ day trip has morning and afternoon departure options, meeting at 8:45 AM and 12:45 PM respectively.
Full-Day Upper Colorado Rafting Trip
The Full-Day rafting trip covers the full 14 miles from Pump House to State Bridge, including 4 class II rapids, a riverside lunch, and Hartman and Red Gorge Canyons. The trip takes out at Rancho Del Rio Campground for a 9 mile run or State Bridge for the full 14 mile section depending on water levels. The full day trip meets daily at 8:45 AM.
Upper Colorado River Conditions & Seasonality
The Upper Colorado experiences distinct seasonal changes:
Spring (April–June):
Flows rise with snowmelt, often 1,200-3,000+ CFS. Air temperatures range 45-75°F, and water remains cool (45-52°F). At peak flows, Needle Eye Rapid and Yarmony (Hoyt) approach class III ratings.
Summer (Late June-July):
This is the most popular season. Air temps reach 65-90°F, and water commonly rises into the low- to mid-60s°F, especially downstream of Radium where the valley widens and sunlight basks the river for many hours of the day. Flows stabilize to 800-1,800 CFS, producing excellent conditions for floating and swimming.
Fall (September–October):
Mild warm days (50-80°F) and comfortable water (60-70°F) make fall a favorite for scenic overnight trips. Flows drop to 600-1,200 CFS, revealing more beaches, calm water, and the Radium Hot Springs.
Current and historical water flows and temperatures can be checked at the USGS Monitoring location near Kremmling, CO
Trip Options
Upper Colorado 1/2 Day Scenic Float
Kremmling, CO
Float 4.5 miles covering the Hartman to Radium canyon sections. Time on the water: 2-2.5 hours. Meets at 8:45 am or 12:45 pm.
Youth: $89
Adult: $89
Upper Colorado Full Day Float
Kremmling, CO
Float 9-14 miles covering the Hartman to Red Gorge canyon sections. Time on the water: 6 hours.
Youth: $152
Adult: $157
Upper Colorado 2-Day Overnight
Kremmling, CO
Float 14 miles through Lower Gore and Red Gorge canyons. Camp beach side under the stars with friends and family.
Youth: $549
Adult: $599
Why Raft the Upper Colorado with Mild to Wild?
Trip Provisions
- Neoprene wetsuits & boots available for rent
- Custom, quality, & Coast Guard approved river equipment
- Round trip transportation from meet location
Professional, Interpretive & Entertaining Guides
- Trip leaders average 2,000 river miles
- Certified in CPR & First Aid
- Pay incentives for higher certification levels including WFR, EMT, & Swift Water Rescue
- Dedicated company division to risk management, guided training, and continuing guide education
Our Commitment
to You
Recent Reviews from our guests
What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789
Payments & Cancellations
Payment Options
- 1/2 down, 1/2 charged 30 days prior to trip.
- 1/3 down with remaining balance charged in thirds.
- Call for other arrangements!
Free Courtesy Hold
We don’t want you to miss out on this trip so we’ll hold your spots, payment-free, for 24hrs while you make your final arrangements & prepare for payment.
Fees
In addition to the listed trip cost, we collect an additional 9% for River and Land Access Fees (ie. Forest Service, BLM, City, Private Land Use).
Cancellation Policy
Receive a 90% refund with written notice 36 hours or more before the trip. Less notice, no refund.
Trip Change Option
Up to 12 hours prior to departure, trips can be rescheduled for a different day and/or time. The price of this change policy is 5% of the total trip cost. Upgrade only available at time of reservation and must be applied to each seat.
Longer trips subject to Cancellation Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Pump House from Kremmling?
Pump House Recreation Area is 27 minutes from south of downtown Kremmling via Grand County Road 1.
What class are the rapids?
The rapids are class I & II with occasional Class III at higher water.
Is the Upper Colorado good for kids?
Yes. The minimum weight to raft the river is 35lbs. This weight requirement typically fits children 4 years and older.
How comfortable is the water?
From late June to early fall, water reaches the low- to mid-60s°F. It is one of Colorado’s most comfortable mountain rivers for swimming.
Where is the ½-day trip take-out?
The ½ day trip takes out just downstream of Hartman Canyon.
Is this river safe for non-swimmers?
Yes. Calm pools and mild rapids make this one of the safest sections for non-swimmers (PFDs always required).
Are there hot springs?
Yes. The Radium Hot Springs is accessible at lower water levels. At higher waterflows it is submerged by the river.
Do you provide camping gear?
All group camping gear is included: rafts, kitchenware, groovers, and handwashes. Many guests have their own personal camping gear such as personal tents, sleeping bags, and pads. Personal camping equipment can be rented if you don’t have your own.
Where else can I raft the Colorado river?
Mild to Wild rafts the Colorado River on the Castle Valley/Fisher Towers section in Moab, Cataract Canyon, and Ruby Horsethief.
Where can I raft bigger rapids near the Upper Colorado River?
The Arkansas River near Buena Vista offers the best Medium and High adventure rafting trips with Class III and IV rapids. Trip options range from ½ – 3 days.