Aspen Colorado Kayak Trips, Kayaking

In short, Aspen, Colorado is a true boater’s paradise. Short, however, is the prime boating season for some of Aspen’s best river sections. Most kayaking near Aspen occurs on the Roaring Fork river, the Frying Pan River, and Castle Creek. Much of the water that would be destined for the Roaring Fork is diverted into the Arkansas River before it ever reaches the Aspen area. This means that big whitewater lovers have to settle for a mediocre flow and a short season unless Aspen is blessed with an incredible snow pack.

Regardless of water levels, kayaking in Aspen is fun. With sections ranging from class I to class V+, beginners, experts and everyone in-between can find whitewater that is challenging, interesting, beautifully scenic, and easily accessible. The Upper Roaring Fork is 3.2 miles of V+ creek rapids that will keep any extreme boater on their toes and smiling from ear to ear. On the other hand, the Cemetery run on the Lower Roaring Fork is 6.2 miles of easy class II rapids that would help an intermediate kayaker build confidence.

If you are vacationing in Aspen and would like to learn how to kayak, there are several guide services that will take you on a trip down the Roaring Fork in a “duckie” boat. These rubber inflatable kayaks fit 1 or 2 people and offer a kayaking experience for beginners. In order to advance into a hard plastic boat, you need to learn how to “combat roll”. Individual lessons are available, as well as multi-day clinics that will teach you all the basics of kayaking in a hard boat and get you on to the river.

Canoes are available for rent in Aspen. Either Sylvan Lake or the Reudi Reservoir would be excellent places to go canoeing.