Diverse sections of whitewater in the heart of Colorado

Roaring Fork River

yellowgraphic

Search Our Trips:

State

Rivers

Trip Length

Difficulty Level

roaring fork river overview

At 12,000 ft. on Independence Pass, the Roaring Fork begins its journey through the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains ending in Glenwood Springs as one of the major tributaries of the Colorado River. From the town of Aspen to the confluence of the Colorado River the Roaring Fork offers up nearly 30 miles of boating and a variety of sections suitable for everyone from the beginner to the adventure seeking adrenaline junkie right in the heart of Colorado’s high country.

• Difficulty: Class II-V (What does this mean?)
• Season: May – August

White Water Rafting Trips on the Roaring Fork River:

Trip Lengths: 1/2 Day
Outfitter: Aspen Whitewater
Learn More: www.aspenwhitewater.com ~ 970.920.3511

Wilderness Aware Rafting does not operate trips on the Roaring Fork River. Information regarding the Roaring Fork River on this website is strictly informational. Please click here for a complete list of trips that we offer, or use the search filter to the left. Thanks!

roaring fork river sections

Slaughterhouse
Class IV-V 
Challenging and technical, this section of white water near Aspen includes narrow channels and an intricate maze of rapids.

Woody Creek & Toothache
Class III-IV 
This section is a great combination of mild float water and continuous, semi-technical rapids and fun wave trains.

Cemetery
Class II-III
Moderately-paced section featuring a handful of small rapids and one larger rapid that flows through the town of Glenwood Springs before flowing into the Colorado River.

reviews

yellowgraphic4

What people are saying

  • Lydia filled us with confidence. She was skilled and knowledgeable and explained each set of rapids so we knew what to expect. She was great company and we had the best experience. She was brilliant.

    Dwight W. Rafter
  • I cannot wait to come back! Also loved how funny all the guides were. It was the most I’ve seen my sister laugh in a long time! Thank you so much for this amazing experience.

    Lexi R. Rafter
  • I spent several days researching various rafting options and after speaking w/your team was sold. We were not disappointed-the trip is spectacular and our guide Sean was informative, lively professional and entertaining.

    Lauren C. Rafter

resources

Information for Roaring Fork River Self-Guided Boaters:

Slaughterhouse and Woody Creek & Toothache

The Roaring Fork River (Slaughterhouse and Wood Creek & Toothache sections) are in Pitkin county and is managed by the City of Aspen.

  • Boating Permit Required: NO
  • Permit Details: No fee of any kind is required to float this section of river.
  • River Manager: City of Aspen and Pitkin County Open Space and Trails
    123 Emma Road, Suite 106, Basalt, CO 81621
    970.920.5200 ~ www.pitkincounty.com/772/Properties-Trails
Cemetery

The Roaring Fork (Cemetery section) is managed by the Bureau of Land Management out of Silt, CO.

  • Boating Permit Required: NO
  • Permit Details: No fee of any kind is required to float the river, but you do need to buy a pass to use the BLM managed and private access sites.
  • River Manager: U.S Bureau of Land Management – Colorado River Valley Field Office
    2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO 81652
    970.876.9000 ~ www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/crvfo.html

Shuttles:
If shuttle service is available, information is listed under the specific section page.

stuff we are proud of

Start typing and press Enter to search