Royal Gorge – Canon City – Class IV & V
The Royal Gorge section of the Arkansas River is one of the most popular sections of river in Colorado. Granite walls rise nearly 1,000 feet above your head as you paddle through a roller coaster of rapids. Out of the ten miles through the canyon, 7 miles consist of nearly continuous intermediate and advanced white water. The Royal Gorge is not for the faint of heart and is reserved for ages 14 and up. The Royal Gorge is held close to Guide Zach’s heart since he grew up in the area, “This river really got me interested in rafting and I haven’t looked back since.” Not only can you look to the top of the gorge from the river, but after your rafting trip, you can cross one of the world’s highest suspension bridges (956 feet!) and get a different view of the beautiful scenery you just passed through.
Upper Animas River – Durango – Class II, III, IV & V
Considered to be the toughest commercially rafted river in the United States at high water, the Upper Animas draws river enthusiasts from all over the world, but if you have a sense of adventure and are looking for extreme rafting, no experience is necessary. Continuous whitewater surrounded by 14,000 foot peaks in a true wilderness setting (there is no road access so you will need to be shuttled in via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad), makes this one of the most amazing stretches of river you will ever experience! Being a high adventure trip, the Forest Service requires an on river orientation the evening before your trip and age requirements are 16 and older. “It’s one of the most exciting, scary, beautiful, amazing, intense rivers I’ve been on,” said Guide Zach, “…definitely for adrenaline junkies.”
Cache la Poudre – Fort Collins – Class II, III & IV
Of the approximately 107,403 river miles in the state of Colorado, the 76 miles of the Cache la Poudre are the only river miles to be protected under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers program. Guide Zach sounds quite proud of this fact, “I’m really glad a river in Colorado has received this status and I hope this isn’t the last one. I hope one day to even work as a park ranger up in the Cache la Poudre area and help preserve this and other beautiful rivers for generations to come.” This free flowing unimpeded river offers sections for beginners to intermediate and from intermediate to advanced. The milder section with Class II and III is designated for ages 7 and up, while the more advanced trips with Class III’s and IV’s are best for 14 and up during lower water levels and 18 and up during high water. This variance make the Cache la Poudre a great family option with a day trip for everyone!
Yampa River – Steamboat Springs – Class III & IV
If you’re looking for a multi-day trip, the Yampa River offers 4-5 days of whitewater and camping fun! The Yampa is known for its whitewater, with stretches of Class III, IV and, at high water, Class V, but it also offers calm stretches that meander through the pristine wilderness. You’ll get awesome and historical views through Dinosaur National Monument and can even explore some riverside hikes. Guide Zach agrees, “It’s one of my favorite rivers to raft in northern Colorado and it also offers great fishing spots in Steamboat Springs.”