When it comes to exploring the scenic rivers in Colorado, the state offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. From calm, picturesque floats to thrilling white-water adventures, Colorado’s rivers are a must-see for any nature lover. With years of experience leading rafting expeditions on the Arkansas River, Wilderness Aware Rafting is uniquely qualified to provide insights into the best scenic rivers in Colorado. Our expert guides have a deep understanding of these waterways, offering a front-row seat to the state’s stunning landscapes.
Table of Contents
Arkansas River
Why It’s Scenic
Flowing through the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the Arkansas River offers both serene stretches and thrilling rapids. As the sixth-longest river in the United States and the 3rd largest Tributary of the Mississippi River, it meanders through some of Colorado’s most stunning terrain, including the Royal Gorge and the Browns Canyon National Monument. The surrounding cliffs, rugged canyons, and towering peaks make this river one of the most scenic in the state.
Fun Fact
The Arkansas River is famous for being one of the best white-water rafting rivers in the country. It holds the distinction of being one of the longest commercially rafted rivers in North America! Experience Arkansas River Whitewater Rafting for yourself with a guided trip with Wilderness Aware!
Colorado River
Why It’s Scenic
The Colorado River is iconic, flowing through Glen Canyon, and winding its way into the famous Grand Canyon. But before it reaches the desert, the Colorado River in Colorado runs through North Park.
Fun Fact
The Colorado River used to be the lifeblood for the indigenous peoples of the region, with the Ancestral Puebloans building intricate cliff dwellings along its banks, some of which are still visible today while rafting the Colorado River.
Gunnison River
Why It’s Scenic
Known for its dramatic scenery, the Gunnison River cuts through the heart of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The steep cliffs, rugged terrain, and sheer rock walls create an awe-inspiring landscape. Rafting the Gunnison is like floating through a massive natural cathedral, surrounded by towering peaks and unspoiled wilderness.
Fun Fact
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of the steepest and narrowest canyons in North America, with some sections being as deep as 2,700 feet deep making the river deeper than it is wide.
It’s these precipitous dimensions that give the Black Canyon its name: Its walls are bathed in shadow, and some segments of its floor receive less than an hour of daily sunlight. – “From Rim to River.” National Parks Magazine.
Clear Creek
Why It’s Scenic
Clear Creek’s crystal-clear waters cut through mountain valleys, offering incredible vistas of the surrounding peaks and forests. The narrow, winding river is flanked by steep cliffs and dense forests, providing a picturesque and peaceful environment perfect for kayaking or rafting.
Fun Fact
Clear Creek is not only beautiful but also home to a rich history of gold mining. In the 1850s, it was one of the primary locations for placer gold mining in Colorado, and evidence of those gold rush days can still be found along the riverbanks.
Yampa River
Why It’s Scenic
Flowing through the Yampa River Canyon near Steamboat Springs, this river offers dramatic cliffs and expansive wilderness. The Yampa River is one of the last free-flowing rivers in the western United States, and its untamed path through the rugged terrain makes for an unforgettable journey.
Fun Fact
The Yampa River is the longest undammed tributary of the Colorado River. This means it’s one of the last truly wild rivers in the American West!
San Juan River
Why It’s Scenic
The San Juan River flows through the heart of Navajo Nation, showcasing some of the most stunning desert landscapes in the Southwest. The river weaves through deep canyons, past ancient cliff dwellings, and through a desert landscape that’s nothing short of magical.
Fun Fact
The San Juan River doesn’t run through Chaco Canyon itself, but one of its tributaries, the Chaco River, does. This canyon was once home to the Ancestral Puebloans and is a significant archaeological site with ruins that are over 1,000 years old.
North Platte River
Why It’s Scenic
The North Platte River runs through northwestern Colorado, offering beautiful views of the Snowy Mountain Range and fertile valley landscapes. The gentle waters are perfect for a peaceful float or a more thrilling adventure, with plenty of wildlife sightings along the way. Experience a true wilderness or the remote rapids of North Gate Canyon.
Fun Fact
The North Platte River was an essential water source for settlers along the Oregon Trail in the 1800s, and its banks served as a rest stop for thousands of pioneers making their way westward.
Roaring Fork River
Why It’s Scenic
Running through the stunning Roaring Fork Valley, the Roaring Fork River offers a backdrop of the beautiful Elk Mountains and is a paradise for anglers and wildlife watchers alike. It’s a peaceful river, offering everything from calm floats to steep, technical rapids.
Fun Fact
The Roaring Fork River is named after the “roaring” sound the water makes as it rushes over the rocks in its turbulent sections.
Colorado’s scenic rivers offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking to embark on a peaceful float or experience the adrenaline rush of rapids. With its vast diversity of landscapes, each river presents a unique adventure waiting to be explored. At Wilderness Aware Rafting, we are proud to be your expert guides to the incredible rivers of Colorado. With years of experience navigating the state’s waterways, we ensure that your river adventure is not only safe but also an unforgettable journey through some of the most stunning scenery in the world. So, whether you’re planning a quiet paddle or a heart-pumping rafting experience, Colorado’s rivers are ready to offer you an experience of a lifetime.
