Colorado Whitewater Rafting Classifications
Below you will find Colorado whitewater rafting information on whitewater classifications, these will aid you in choosing a white water rafting trip that is appropriate for your group dynamic. Please look at our Whitewater Class Chart below or call us at 719 275-2890 with any questions. Our friendly and helpful staff can assist you in choosing a trip that is best suited for your group.
Class I (Easy)
Small waves, clear passages and no serious obstacles.
Class II (Easy)
Small waves, easily maneuverable rapids with small to no obstacles.
Class III (Beginner)
Big navigable waves that are exciting but not difficult to run, with swift currents and easy to miss obstacles. Fun for everyone from first-timers to veterans.
Class IV (Intermediate)
Long rapids, big drops, numerous obstacles. Powerful and precise maneuvering required. Excellent for experienced rafters and adventurous first timers.
Class V (Advanced)
Maximum intensity whitewater rapids. Extremely long and complicated rapids with very steep gradients, requiring strong and precise paddling and expert maneuvering. Good physical condition is essential. Previous paddle rafting experience strongly recommended.
Which Trip is Right for Me?
We have Colorado white water rafting trips designed for everyone ages 4yrs & up. This includes all ability levels, the question is how active do you want to be? Our most popular trips are Browns Canyon and The Numbers.
Browns Canyon is a great trip for first time and experienced rafters alike. This is a fun splashy trip that is scenic and non-stressful with many fun rapids.
The Numbers is a challenging and exciting trip where everyone needs to paddle, it has big drops, technical moves, and continuous whitewater.
We offer a wide variety of whitewater rafting trips, check these out here.
Arkansas River White Water Rafting Trips – Colorado White Water Rafting.
Our flagship whitewater rafting outpost is located about 2 hours west of Denver and 1hr 15min west of Summit County, in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains on the Arkansas River.
Browns Canyon Rafting
30375 US Hwy 24 N
Buena Vista, CO 81211
Experience Rafting Colorado on the Arkansas River, Colorado’s best white water rafting experience! People have traveled from all over the world to experience the amazing whitewater rafting and majestic views Colorado’s Arkansas River has to offer. Try a mild float trip for your first rafting Colorado experience. Sit back, relax and enjoy, as your guide takes you gently down the Arkansas River. If your looking for the next step up on your rafting Colorado adventure, grab a paddle and raft your way down the Arkansas River through the world famous Browns Canyon wilderness. Want even more Whitewater excitement? Then join us on The Numbers or Pine Creek, where you will be rafting Colorado through heart pounding class IV-V whitewater rapids!
You can enjoy rafting the majestic Arkansas River from the headwaters near historic Leadville, down through the Sawatch, Collegiate and Sangre De Cristo Mountain Ranges all the way into Canon City. The Sawatch mountain range has the highest concentration of 14,000 in the state offering majestic mountain views.
Visitors rafting Colorado also enjoy fishing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, Inflatable Whitewater Kayaking and many more adventures. The area is truly an outdoor playground for anyone looking for adventure. Come and play along the river shores, towering mountain peaks, deep canyons, and broad valleys found within the upper Arkansas River valley.
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Browns Canyon
The most popular Arkansas River, Colorado white water rafting trip in the Rocky Mountains. A perfect trip for everyone in your family or a group of friends.
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The Numbers
The Numbers section offers some of the most continuous white water rapids on the Arkansas River. A truly exciting Colorado white water rafting experience.
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Mild & Scenic
Enjoy a relaxing day of Colorado white water rafting as you float down the Arkansas River and soak in the Colorado sun. This trip offers something for everyone, ages 4 to 94!
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Pine Creek
Pine Creek on the Arkansas River is a heart bounding and adrenaline pumping experience, Paddle Hard! This is the most thrilling Colorado rafting trip we offer.
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Summit Express
For our guests in Summit County who don’t have transportation or just don’t want to drive. These Colorado white water rafting trips include transportation.
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Clear Creek Beginner
A great Colorado white water rafting experience for the whole family! Enjoy rafting thru Colorado’s historical Idaho Springs’ mining district. Close to Denver.
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Clear Creek Intermediate
Enjoy rafting in continuous class III-IV whitewater, a perfect Colorado white water rafting trip for thrill seekers and adventurous first time paddlers. Close to Denver.
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Clear Creek Advanced
Surrounded by Clear Creeks steep canyon walls and designed with the true thrill seeker in mind, this Colorado white water rafting trip will keep your adrenaline pumping! Close to Denver.
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