Aspen White Water Rafting
A short journey from Aspen to the Arkansas River Valley offers access to some of the most well known and best white water rafting trips in Colorado. The journey requires a 1 hour and 30 minute drive over Independence Pass to Buena Vista, Colorado where 35 miles of ratable whitewater on the Brown’s Canyon National Monument and Numbers rafting sections awaits.
Brown’s Canyon is Colorado’s premier family-friendly white water rafting trip, featuring 13 miles of splashy Class II and III rapids. This adventure is a must-do for ages 7 and up, with ½-day, full-day, and overnight options available. For guests ages 15 and older, The Numbers offers a marquee whitewater experience – 7 miles of nearly continuous Class III and IV rapids that promise a plethora of excitement. The Numbers can also be paired with The Royal Gorge for a multi-day expedition, combining two of Colorado’s most iconic high-adventure rafting runs into one unforgettable trip.
The scenic drive from Aspen over Independence pass is not one to miss! The ascent begins almost immediately, heading south east on HWY 82 from Aspen. Following the head waters of the roaring fork river the drive reveals unparalleled views of Maroon Bells. These jagged summits have proved infamous, conquered by only the most talented mountaineering connoisseurs. The pass summits at 2,095ft crossing the continental divide before descending the Eastern Slope of the Sawatch Mountain Range and down into the Arkansas River Valley. While there are other white water rafting options closer to Aspen, rafting the Arkansas River is the best option as it packages a traverse of the most scenic mountain pass in Colorado with extraordinary whitewater in a wilderness river setting resting beneath 14,000ft mountain peaks.
Other white water rafting options around Aspen
The roaring fork offers some class II and III rafting options a 30 minute drive northwest of Aspen. Through the town itself, the river is more of a stream as the Aspen area is still generally the river’s headwaters. Below the town additional drainages quickly increase the river’s volume providing appropriate volume for rafting. However, its free flowing nature results in an early run off season with optimal flows usually fading by the end of June.
Continue down HWY 85 another 30 minutes to the town of Glenwood Springs, about 1 hour northwest of Aspen. Here the roaring fork meets the mighty Colorado River. Supplemental reservoir supplies keep rafting flows all year round here. A few minutes east up 1-70 the Colorado river provides a popular Class II and III stretch that runs along the interstate commonly referred to as “Shoshone” named after a hydroelectric power plant near the put-in.
Trip Options
Arkansas River Daily Rafting Trips
Arkansas River
Get ready to experience the best of Colorado on a Brown’s Canyon half-day trip. This family-friendly adventure rushes you down the Arkansas River and through Browns Canyon National Monument on exciting yet mellower class III rapids.
Arkansas River
The full-day Browns Canyon Sizzler represents the ultimate Colorado rafting experience! This trip offers a full day of classic white water rafting through class III rapids on the Arkansas River, complete with a riverside deli style lunch.
Arkansas River
The quintessential Colorado whitewater rafting experience. If you are an experienced rafter looking to take it to the next level or an adventurous beginner up for a new challenge, the Numbers rafting trip is the perfect exhilarating adventure.
Arkansas River
The full-day Numbers rafting trip is packed full with some of the most famous Class III-IV rapids on the Arkansas river, and includes a riverside deli style lunch.
Arkansas River Multi Day Rafting Trips
Browns Canyon National Monument
Numbers & Royal Gorge
This 2-day high adventure rafting trip goes through two of the most popular white water sections on the Arkansas River: the Numbers and the Royal Gorge. Tackle challenging Class IV-V rapids two days in a row!
Browns Canyon, Numbers, & Royal Gorge
The ultimate 3-day Colorado white water rafting adventure combines the intermediate Browns Canyon section with the infamous Numbers and Royal Gorge Sections. Three action-packed days of white water!
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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
Daily Trips:
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Receive a 90% refund with written notice 36 hours or more before the trip. Less notice, no refund.
Multi-Day Trips:
- 60+ days: Receive a refund less $200 per person unrecoverable fees.
- 45+ days: Reschedule for another trip/date, or receive Mild to Wild gift certificate less $200 per person.
- Less than 45 days, unfortunately there will be no refund. Substitutions/name changes are allowed.
- RoamRight Travel Insurance is recommended to help cover unforeseen circumstances, such as cancelled flights, sickness or medical evacuations.
- Guests needing to be evacuated from the canyon will be charged a minimum of $1,000 per person.
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How to Pack for a Multi-Day Rafting Trip
Meet Location & Directions
- Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours
- 970-247-4789
- 40671 US-24, Buena Vista, CO 81211
- Get Directions
White Water Rafting in Aspen, CO FAQs
When is the best time to raft in Aspen?
The best time to raft near Aspen is from late May through August on the Arkansas River. For those seeking peak water flows, late May and June offer the most exciting conditions. If you prefer a more relaxing family adventure with consistent water levels and warmer temperatures, July and August provide fantastic conditions for enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Arkansas River Valley.
When can I raft in Aspen?
Our rafting season for guests in the Aspen area typically runs from mid-May through August. While Aspen itself is nestled in the mountains, the best rafting is found on the nearby Arkansas River. Reaching the river involves a spectacular drive over Independence Pass—one of the highest and most iconic mountain passes in North America. We offer daily departures, making this an ideal full-day or half-day addition to any Aspen summer getaway.
What is the minimum age to raft in Aspen?
To prioritize guest wellbeing and manage the inherent risks of whitewater environments, minimum age requirements are established based on the specific section of the Arkansas River and current water levels:
- Browns Canyon National Monumnet (Class III): 7+ years old (and at least 50 lbs).
- The Numbers (Class IV): 15+ years old.
- High Water Peak (June): During periods of peak runoff, age requirements may increase to 10+ or higher for moderate and intermediate sections to better match the physical demands of the river.
These guidelines help align each paddler’s abilities with the river’s conditions to better manage the challenges of the rafting environment.
What should I wear and bring on my Aspen rafting trip?
Since the Arkansas River is fed by mountain snowmelt, staying warm is a priority! We provide complimentary wetsuits and splash jackets for all guests. We recommend:
- Clothing: A swimsuit or synthetic base layers (like polyester or spandex) to wear under your wetsuit. Avoid cotton, as it stays cold when wet.
- Footwear: Secure water shoes or sandals with a heel strap. Wetsuit boots are also available for rent at our check-in location.
- Essentials: Polarized sunglasses with a retention strap (like Chums), waterproof sunscreen, and a hat that fits comfortably under a helmet.
You can find a detailed list of what to wear and bring here.
Is white water rafting in Aspen safe?
White water rafting is an inherently dangerous activity with risks that cannot be entirely eliminated. As a result, we require all guests to sign a liability waiver and assumption of risk before departing. However, your experience is our top priority. To minimize risk, we employ professional guides that exceed state training requirements and trip leaders that average 2,000 river miles of experience. We utilize quality and well maintained self bailing rafts, U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation devices, and helmets.