If you love outdoor adventure.  Colorado is the perfect place for you.  From Camping to fishing, from skiing to rafting, there is an abundance of outdoor adventure in this state.  Here we are going to explore rafting and camping, so sit back, relax and let’s get going!

The Rocky Mountains are extremely well known for whitewater rivers. Colorado definitely has its share of places to raft. There are more than a dozen commercially rafted rivers.  There are rivers are spread out throughout the  Rockies. The main whitewater rafting season is from June to September, depending on conditions.

Camping is a BIG thing in Colorado.  Whew, there are 830 Colorado RV Parks & Campgrounds.  SERIOUSLY?  WHO KNEW? And, Colorado’s state parks manage more than 4,000 campsites throughout the state.  Colorado is a camper’s dream, full of places to camp, both in campgrounds and campsites. Some sites are free, while others charge a fee.

Also, make sure to check out the Colorado Trail Explorer which can help you navigate your routes!

Let’s take a look at some of the BEST rivers to experience rafting!

1. Arkansas River
2. Animas River
3. Colorado River
4. Yampa River
5. Piedra River
6. Cache La Poudre River
7. Dolores River
8. Clear Creek

Let’s Break this down a bit more for you and give you just a bit more information on each of the Rivers above

Arkansas River

The Arkansas River is the most rafted river in the state of Colorado.  It’s also one of the most well-known rivers in the country. The headwaters of the Arkansas River begin near Leadville and flows south past Buena Vista and Nathrop, to Salida, before venturing east to Cañon City, Pueblo, and the plains.

It offers many epic and exciting sections, especially the Royal Gorge. This is an advanced trip that leads through a narrow canyon, with some Class IV and V rapids along the way. Remember there are many different trips you can explore along the Arkansas River. 

Animas River

The Animas River provides recreation throughout the year.  The Animas River offers fabulous whitewater but also offers areas to simply float.  both lazy float.  As with almost all locations in Colorado you can experience either 1/2 or full-day trips!  

The Lower section of the Animas River runs through downtown Durango.  Here where you’ll find a family float section and an easier experience of rapids.   

The Upper Animas River begins closer to Durango’s mountain resort.  At 30 plus miles, It’s the longest, stretch of commercial run Class IV-V rapids Country!

Colorado River

 There are many great sections of the Colorado River to raft, from family-friendly trips to raging whitewater in Gore Canyon.

Yampa River

The Yampa River is Northwest Colorado’s most notorious river! It’s actually the longest non-dammed river in the state. Many come the Yampa River for multi-day rafting trips where they can relax and enjoy the amazing scenery.  There are some whitewater thrills along the way for those looking for a bit of excitement.  

Piedra River

There are two great trips on the Piedra River: the Upper and Lower.

The Upper Piedra River, located northwest of Pagosa Springs is best suited for children 12 years and up. It includes numerous Class II, III, and IV rapids. The Lower Piedra River is also exciting and suggested for those 16 years old and up.  There are several BIG drops along the way.  The trip along the Lower Piedra has Class IV+ rapids and multiple deep box canyons.

Cache La Poudre River

This River known as the Poudre is much less crowded than most other spots in Colorado.  It offers great whitewater rafting but has few outfitters guiding it. There are a couple of different trips here suited for all types of “rafters”.  There are beginner and intermediate trips here on the River as well as advanced class III and IV as well.  

The Poudre Canyon is known for its scenery. The river itself is the only one designated a national wild and scenic river. 

Dolores River

There are very limited trips here along the Dolores River.  Rafting usually starts in April and is finished by June.  It is a gorgeous spot and rafters do love it when trips are available.  Those who actually know about this spot absolutely love it.   Here you raft down some exciting canyons and drops.  The Dolores River offers about 175 miles of rafting. 

Raft the Dolores anywhere from 3 to 10-day trips. You read right, some go as long as 10 days.  Here,  the wilderness is remote to say the least, but it’s also spectacular to see the sights along the way.   

Clear Creek

Here on Clear Creek, you can experience trips for all types of rafters,  beginners, intermediates, and advanced paddlers.  Located 30 miles west of downtown I-70 there are half and full-day trips available.

Clear Creek is the steepest river in the state that’s commercially rafted.