Plan your perfect Colorado whitewater rafting trip!

Are you looking into planning a Colorado whitewater rafting getaway, but don’t know where to start? Between finding the right rafting company, the right deal, and the right trip location, pulling a rafting vacation together can be overwhelming. Here’s a quick breakdown of our different rafting locations and trip specials to help you find everything you need in one place. Once you’ve got a feel for what we have to offer, you can find more Colorado rafting trip information here or book a rafting trip.

The more, the merrier… Planning a large trip? If you have a group of 21 people or more, and you want to stay together as a group on the river, your best options will be trips on the Arkansas or Upper Colorado rivers. White water rafting Colorado with a large group can double your fun and adventure when you’re on the right river with the best guides—and Wilderness Aware can give you both.

…But size isn’t everything. For groups smaller than 21 people, a more intimate wilderness setting is a great choice. The North Platte River in northern Colorado or the Dolores River in southern Colorado may be just what you’re looking for. With frequent wildlife sightings, unmatched scenery, and a slower pace, these rivers can offer you a retreat you’ll talk about for years to come.

If you’re going even smaller with 10 people or less, start by taking a look at our trips on the Gunnison River. With a setting that’s stunning as well as intimate, this trip gives visitors the most remote and exclusive rafting experience Colorado has to offer. A smaller group allows you to have a trip that can be a bonding experience as well as a great adventure.

Weekend warrior? If you’re looking for rafting near Denver, you’ll want to consider our trips on the Arkansas River. Made the most popular river in Colorado by its continuous rapids and ready access to Colorado’s front range cities such as Denver and Colorado Springs, these trips provide a shot of adventure and still allow you to get home and unwind. The best choice for white water rafting near Denver and Colorado Springs!

Whether you’re looking for Colorado horseback riding or Royal Gorge rafting, we’re here to make it happen. Don’t forget to check out our information on planning trips for youth groups, Boy and Girl Scout troops, or other special groups. The above rivers can serve as a great starting place for planning your trip, but for more information on rafting Colorado or planning a Colorado rafting vacation, give us a call at 719.395.2112 or visit us at www.inaraft.com.

Stay classy in the water- read on to see which rapids are right for you.

It’s a cold, hard fact: whitewater rafting in Colorado is a fantasy shared by many. Whether you haven’t yet had the chance to get on the river or you’re a seasoned professional, you may find that as summer draws nearer it’s hard to keep rafting in Colorado off your mind. But before you hit the waves, it’s vital to understand what class of rapids you’re prepared for. In whitewater rafting, if you take on a river that’s outside your skill level as a rafter, you can quickly get in over your head—so before you head out on your Arizona rafting adventure, read on for a quick brush-up on what class is right for you.

If you are looking for a mild float down the river you may consider Class I rapids. They allow you to take in the beautiful surrounding scenery and catch some sun without having to focus too much on paddling. This is a perfect place to start with more mature family members or young kids who are just looking to get their feet wet.

Class II rapids - at this level, you can expect quicker water with occasional rocks and wave trains. Class II sections might require maneuvering, which means they’re a great way to start learning your paddling commands.

If this is your first time rafting and you want to see some moderately difficult rapids look to Class III rapids. With irregular waves and obstacles to maneuver around, this classification provides a great ride while still being suitable for all levels of experience. Get ready for a great time!

When you bump it up a notch to Class IV, you’ll meet long and powerful rapids, with standing waves and hydraulics—all which require quick, linked maneuvers in order to navigate through it. At Class V, those with advanced whitewater rafting experience can take on long, continuous violent rapids, filled with obstructions and the potential for large drops and steep gradient that require mandatory precise maneuvers.

Rapids ranking, Class VI are considered unrunnable. This is due to irregularly water surges, obstacles that make the passage unclear, potentially huge drops, and other hazards that may or may not be visible. These sections are dangerous even for expert paddlers, and come with the warning of “danger to life or limb”— not to be taken lightly.

Use these guidelines when picking your trip. With rafting vacations covering five of these classes, you’re bound to find the perfect river for you. Whether you’re looking for Colorado Springs whitewater rafting or Salt River rafting trips, our expert guides will keep you afloat and having the time of your life. For more information on rafting in Colorado, visit us at www.inaraft.com.

What Do Colorado Whitewater Rafting and Snow Sports Have in Common?

With winter in full swing, snow sport enthusiasts are flocking to Colorado to ski, board, and snowshoe to their heart’s content. For those of you who bleed powder, we wanted to say two things: first, you should get that checked out, and second, snow sports and Colorado white water rafting trips may be more similar than you think.

Adrenaline fix: As anyone who’s tried Royal Gorge rafting can tell you, skiing isn’t the only way to get your blood pounding. (Check out our Royal Gorge rafting trips and try it for yourself if you don’t believe us.) There’s nothing quite like navigating down a lightning-quick series of rapids with just your strength and wits—and your experienced instructor, of course—to guide you. If pushing yourself physically and mentally is your thing, get out there and ski to your heart’s content. And this summer, when you’re starting to go into low-level adrenaline withdrawal, book one of our Colorado raft trips. We’ll make sure you have the adventure of a lifetime.

Beautiful scenery: We’ve all heard about the skiing at Breckenridge, but you might be surprised to know the rafting near Breckenridge is in a class all its own as well. Check out this stunning area of Colorado when it’s not covered in snow, and you might be surprised by the view. Wind through stunning canyons and vistas, spot wildlife in the Rockies, feel the sun on your face, and enjoy this iconic Colorado location when you can feel all of your extremities. There’s just no doubt about it—Breckenridge rafting is a hard act to follow.

Strength training: Rafting and skiing are indisputably two of the hardest workouts available in outdoor sports. Both involve turning, twisting, flailing, and general intense physical activity until you’re either out of the water or at the base of the mountain. If you’re worried about your sculpted snowboarding abs disappearing with the snow, remember that rafting has no match for working your core muscles. Not to mention it has the added benefit of going easy on your knees.

Superior instruction: Remember that ten-minute intro you had when you started skiing? Sure, it was great at the time—but when push came to shove and it was time to hit the bunny slopes, it was all you. With our Colorado river rafting trips, you get the benefit of an experienced guide who stays with you through the good, the bad, and the flat-out scary. Our guides lead your trips, serve as medics, cook your meals using only fresh ingredients…you get the picture. Outdoor sports are good. Outdoor sports when someone else is making you dinner are great.

We hope you now have a different perspective on how boarding Colorado and river rafting Colorado aren’t so different after all—except for warmer weather and better tan lines. For more information on whitewater rafting near Buena Vista, or to book one of our Colorado raft trips, go to www.inaraft.com. Have fun on the slopes this winter, and we’ll see you on the river.

Summer Whitewater Rafting Discount!

We know that one of your resolutions for this New Year was to get out on the river this summer for some Colorado white water rafting—so we decided to make it even easier for you. Starting now, book a Colorado whitewater rafting adventure before February 1st, and we’ll take 10% off your trip with our Summer Whitewater Discount!

So when you’re braving traffic in the midst of a snowstorm or shoveling your driveway before leaving for work, don’t despair. Take that time to plan your debut into Dolores River rafting, or imagine the way that Colorado sun will feel on your face while you sail over those Royal Gorge rapids. Your friends may mock you for daydreaming about rafting Colorado while the weather forecast predicts record-setting snowfall, but when summer rolls around you’ll get the last laugh. (You can even invite them along, if you feel like taking the high road.)

If you want to pick a multi-day trip, this deal just got even better. This discount allows you to keep your trip dates as flexible as possible, which means in a matter of months you could be rafting the Arkansas River from top to bottom, or exploring Browns Canyon one day and Lower Bighorn Sheep Canyon the next. Whether it’s a five-day wilderness adventure on the Arkansas River or fly fishing in the Gunnison River Gorge, Wilderness Aware Rafting has the experience and resources to make your trip the adventure of a lifetime.

And for those who want to keep their feet on the ground this summer, don’t forget this discount also applies to our downhill mountain biking adventures! Book a trip this month and you could be basking in the alpine beauty of the Rockies while heading down the Continental Divide, or exploring a mountain biking trail meandering along the historic Midland Railroad Grade.

Remember: this offer applies to the adult rate on new rafting and biking reservations only, and it can’t be combined with other discounts or group rates. If you have any questions, or want to take the plunge and schedule your trip using this discount, give us a call at 800-462-7238. You can also book online and enter our Summer Whitewater Discount promo code, WINTERFUN.

With our Colorado whitewater rafting discount, book a rafting trip, save some cash, and feel free to pat yourself on the back for keeping the most important New Year’s resolution on your list. For more information on Buena Vista whitewater rafting, or to check out our Colorado white water rafting trips, visit us at www.inaraft.com. See you in the water!