Aspen Whitewater Rafting, White Water Trips

Although the state of Colorado is landlocked, there’s no shortage of water within the state. Colorado boasts some of the most challenging whitewater rafting in the country with more than a dozen mountain towns harbors some sort of whitewater activity. Whether you’re in search of Class V rapids or are more interested in enjoying a leisurely float surrounded by scenic vistas, whitewater rafting is a must do on any visitors summer list.

With rapids that would make the strongest waterman whimper, Colorado is a river rat’s paradise. From organized trips to exploring the essence of running a section of a river on your own, the numerous waterways throughout the state are for both adventurous novices to season rafting veterans. Although the notion of floating down a river under your own guidance sounds appealing, the best and safest way to enjoy a day of whitewater rafting is to sign up for a guided trip where professionals who know the river will instruct on confidence, proper technique and local history, and much more. Given that the state consists of hundreds of gallons of freshwater that pumps through its arteries, Colorado’s waterways are so diverse that no matter where your travels take you, you are most likely bound to land in a location where summer whitewater rafting is one of the more popular outdoor activities.

With the coming of summer in Colorado also comes a change for many of the stepping off towns that are known for their whitewater rafting. Although rivers throughout the state offer top notch whitewater rafting, most of the state’s major river running is concentrated in central Colorado (Arkansas River), the Four Corners area (Animas and Dolores Rivers) and the northwestern area (Green and Yampa Rivers).

While trying to secure yourself on the rubbery rafts as the vessel drives through fast flowing rapids poses as the main attraction and thrill, the landscape that your trip takes you through is just as important and impressive. Tens of thousands of decades of erosion have created the scene through which you will be floating. Just as mind-boggling is the amount of wildlife and wilderness that is present. From bald eagles to strands of bright neon green lichen gingerly hanging from the limbs of trees like an old man’s beard to different strata of exposed rock, most of Colorado’s rivers are a burst of interesting geographic history and creature viewing.

Regardless of where your paddle hits the water in the state, one thing is for sure: you’ll have fun whitewater rafting in Colorado.