Colorado whitewater rafting: best summer activity?
With so many activities to choose from in the Gunnison and Crested Butte areas, how does whitewater rafting rank? We say it’s the #1, must-do activity for visitors wanting an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Ok, ok, sure we operate Three Rivers Outfitting, a rafting and fishing business, so why wouldn’t we say “We’re Number One?!” Despite our bias, customers tell us often that whitewater rafting was the highlight of their Colorado vacation.
Whitewater Rafting 101 
For the uninitiated, “whitewater rafting” may sound scary or too strenuous. Maybe it seems too athletic for the average couch potato or weekend warrior. Fear not, because “whitewater” does not necessarily mean you’re in for a human washing machine event!
Here are some basic things to help you take a step towards whitewater rafting:
- Rivers are rated on a scale of difficulty with Class I being the calmest waters and Class VI being virtually impossible to navigate. Check out the descriptions here: Colorado River Outfitters Association River Ratings
- A “scenic float” trip will likely involve a guide using oars rowing you down a calm stretch of river while you just sit back and enjoy the ride. Usually, this will be a Class I or II rated stretch of river like our Lower Taylor trip.
- A “paddle trip” involves participation by everyone on the boat in order to direct and control the boat’s movement through whitewater rapids. The guide typically sits in the back of the boat giving out paddling commands. It can involve any class of moving water with rapids. Our Upper Taylor trip is the most popular paddle trip, rated a Class III. This is an intermediate level; not too hard but involves some effort.
- River volume and velocity (flow) are measured in cubic feet per second, or “cfs.” You may want to ask what the “flow rate” or cfs is on the day you are rafting and whether that is average, above or below average. The Taylor River, where most of our trips take place, can be runnable at a very low 250 cfs and yet during spring snow runoff, it could exceed 1200 cfs which is a completely different river experience! Dam-controlled rivers like the Taylor River can also fluctuate based on what is currently being released from the dam.
- In Colorado, commercial outfitters for whitewater rafting are governed by state regulations. This involves a uniform set of standards that includes minimum training requirements for guides before they can take clients on the water.
- Read your waiver and ask the outfitter what safety gear is included or available for a fee. We include all gear in the trip price!
- In Colorado, whitewater rafting trips are going to be on rivers fed by snowmelt. This means that water temperatures are very cold. This is why protective clothing is so important to ask about.
Is Whitewater Rafting Safe?
Whitewater rafting can be safer than crossing the street (depending on your street). At Three Rivers Outfitting, we take children as young as two years old. If you can walk and weigh at least 30 lbs., we will row you down the Lower Taylor for an enjoyable river ride. We have taken people with disabilities on the Upper Taylor for a real thrill. We just modify the seat and depending on ability, they may or may not paddle. On the older end, we have taken people in their 80’s and 90’s for their first whitewater rafting experience!
That being said, there is no activity that is 100% safe, so know the risks and weigh your tolerance for those risks. If you are a tentative first timer, try a scenic float trip first where the guide rows you down the river. Or if you want more activity, try a whitewater paddle trip that is in the Class II to Class III range so you can experience paddling through a rapids but minimize falling out of the boat. Ask questions before you go and don’t ever let a booking agent talk you into something outside your comfort level.
The BEST Activity of Summer!
So, why do so many of our customers say this one activity was the highlight of their entire trip? Simply put, it is a thrill! Plus, the views you see when you’re ON the river are so much better than just driving BY the river. Also, every time you go down the river, it is a different experience. The water levels often change, exposing more or less rocks and obstacles. There can be wildlife sightings such as birds, bighorn sheep and if you’re lucky, a bear or moose! You may notice new rock features you didn’t see before. Your skill level will improve over time providing a sense of accomplishment. Finally, if you’re open to trying different guides, each one will offer a unique perspective with different ways of running the river, like spinning in circles through a rapids. Come and see for yourself!
Three Rivers Outfitting is located at Three Rivers Resort on the Taylor River in Almont, Colorado. Book raft trips online or call our office 970-641-1303. We would be happy to help you find the trip that is right for you!
