Do you enjoy the adrenaline rush of an afternoon spent doing a bit of white water rafting? Well, if you’re in Colorado there are a lot of great places where you can hit the rapids. We’ve looked all over the state and come up with our list of favorites for you to check out.
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1. The Royal Gorge of the Arkansas River
The Royal Gorge of the Arkansas River features gorgeous rock formations and an excellent view from below at the Royal Gorge Bridge. The canyon here features a series of waves, dips, and ledges.
2. Gunnison Gorge
Gunnison Gorge is a rafting trip that begins with a 14 mile journey. You then travel down a mile-long hike down the Chukar Trail. Horses and donkeys haul the boats and gear into a canoe. This is an overnight trip with the outfitters providing the food and gear for fishingl. This whitewater rafting experience offers the opportunity to hike up side canyons and observing the surrounding wildlife. Bighorn sheep and golden and bald eagles are a main attraction of this specific rafting experience.
3. Lodore Canyon on the Green River
This experience is set in northwestern Colorado. This whitewater rafting experience features three distinct canyons. These canyons feature beautiful waterfalls, ruins, grottos, and red rock. For first-timers and families, this is an ideal trip. There is also sandy-beach camping and many Class III rapids for some high energy paddling at the end of the rafting experience.
4. Animas River
The Lower Animas in Durango provides rafters with a lot of Class III fun. This river drops a total of 80 feet per mile over this stretch. Many of the wave trains are endless throughout this rafting experience. The Silverton Narrow Gauge Train runs by the river throughout part of the day. However, you might be too focused on paddling to notice it is there. This is an ideal way to go if you want to see all the sights the river has to offer without having to work so hard on your journey back. This is an overnight experience that offers a quiet and peaceful camping experience.
5. San Miguel River
The San Miguel River is a great whitewater rafting experience for those who are looking for a river that travels through town. This is a site of gorgeous sandstone and red rock walls. From this river, you can get some exceptional views of the forest of Mount Wilson. There are very few turbulent rapids on this rafting experience. This rafting trip is a half-day experience, giving you time to hike elsewhere in the area. This is an ideal location for those who want an easy-going float.
6. The Upper or Lower Colorado
The Upper or Lower Colorado offers a great experience for those who are searching for a calm experience. Although this specific site does not offer canyon walls, you will be able to raft without having to fight the crowds. The Upper Colorado has easy access and features elk, bald eagles, and bighorn sheep. You will also be able to view beautiful sandstone and have access to many fishing sites. The Upper Colorado is a multi-day trip while the Lower Colorado can be completed in a half-day or one full day.
image credit: Flickr, Wesley Flyer
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