Best Rafting Trips in Colorado Rockies: 7 Worth Booking

1.Half-Day Whitewater Rafting in Browns Canyon

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 999 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) Our pick

Join Noah’s Ark in Buena Vista for a 2 to 3 hour rafting trip through Browns Canyon National Monument. After a safety briefing and gear fitting, you’ll paddle class III rapids such as Raft Ripper, Zoom Flume, and Pinball. Guide Seth is praised for calm, clear instruction. The trip begins and ends at Noah’s Ark.

“Noah’s Ark was recommended to us by a local friend and we couldn’t be more happy. From the time you walk onto their property, through the end of your trip, you are treated with some of the best customer service I have ever experienced. Our guide Seth was an amazing leader: clear, specific and respectful with all his instructions. Even when we got off a little on timing he always remained calm, showing the leadership skills one would want from a guide. Amazing day with an amazing staff pretty much sums it up!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Durango Half Day Rafting Trip – Lower Animas River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 942 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $107

Paddle the Lower Animas River on a four-hour rafting trip for ages 4 and up. Your guide handles the raft through Train Bridge, Baby Smelter, Class III Smelter, Sawmill, Santa Rita, and Pinball rapids, depending on water flow. Guides such as Sam, Nina, Anna, and Rob are known for clear instructions, local stories, and a relaxed approach.

“It was a fun and exciting trip on the river with Sam Cook. He gave excellent instructions while reminding us to relax and enjoy the trip. He pointed out the trees and wildlife of interest. Safety was a priority along with fun. The entire staff at Mild2Wild was friendly and helpful. Very glad that I added this trip on the river to my itinerary while on vacation in Durango.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Half Day Browns Canyon Rafting Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 903 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $99

Spend about three hours rafting the Arkansas River through Browns Canyon National Monument with an experienced guide such as Emma, Justin, Sam, or Julia. You’ll paddle through rapids including Toilet Bowl and Big Drop, float past mountain scenery, and use provided wetsuits, splash jackets, river shoes, helmets, and life jackets.

“Going through the class three and four rapids Our guide Sam was very good and knowledgeable and kept us safe and had fun with us as a group”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Browns Canyon Full Day Rafting Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 825 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $169

Spend about six hours rafting the Arkansas River through Browns Canyon near Buena Vista. Your guide teaches paddling, leads you through family-friendly rapids, and serves lunch beside the river. You may also have time for swimming, a creek-side walk, and optional jumps from 10 and 20-foot rocks. Guides such as Kayla and Jade have led this trip.

“Great trip and our guide, Kayla was fantastic. Lunch was great and we stopped to jump off 10’ and 20’ rock. Thoroughly enjoyed the trip and highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Glenwood Springs Half-Day Rafting Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 596 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $78

Meet Whitewater Rafting, LLC at 2000 Devereux Rd for a three-hour Colorado River run through Glenwood Canyon. You’ll tackle Shoshone Rapids such as The Wall, Tombstone, and Superstition, then float past canyon scenery and possible riverside hot springs. Guides including Franco, Misael, Ed, and Nick add safety, stories, and humor. Equipment is included.

“It was a blast! Our guide was awesome. Super funny and did a great job keeping us informed and entertained.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Durango 1/4 Day Rafting Trip – Lower Animas River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 583 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $75Best value

Spend about an hour on the Lower Animas River, paddling through Class II rapids and one Class III drop near Durango. Guides such as Kaleb, Dylan, Stephen, Riley, and Trey have earned praise for clear instruction and good humor. Trips suit ages 4 and up, with milder summer water and bigger spring splashes.

“Our rafting trip was so fun!! Beautiful river, knowledgeable and fun guide. We loved it and cannot wait to join this company on The Salt River!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Browns Canyon Intermediate Rafting Trip Half Day

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 498 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Paddle through Browns Canyon National Monument on a three-hour Arkansas River trip with The Adventure Company. You will tackle Pinball, Zoom Flume, and Big Drop with a guide handling the boat and safety. The trip suits ages six and up, includes equipment, and offers a wetsuit package for purchase. Corey and Collin have guided memorable trips, though guide assignments can vary.

“This was our first time ever doing white water rafting. We chose the right place to do so. Our guides, Corey and Collin, were amazing and hilarious. They were very professional and made our experience very memorable. We definitely recommend and hope to do this again soon with The Adventure Company.”

Check availability →Read our full review