Are you and your family looking for a fun and adventurous outdoor experience to enjoy this summer? If so, whitewater rafting in the gorgeous, sunny mountain town of Aspen, Colorado may be just what’s on the agenda.
While Aspen may be best known for its beautiful, snowy mountain peaks there are a number of rivers that make Aspen a world class destination for whitewater rafters of all ages.
Whether you are a whitewater rafting newbie or are a seasoned rafter looking for a more adventurous ride, there are plenty of options available to suit all levels of experience.
The Lift One Condos are perfectly located in the center of the whitewater action! The Roaring Fork River runs right through the town of Aspen and empties into the mighty Colorado River in Glenwood Springs. If you head east a couple of hours you will find the famous Arkansas River with rafting companies based out of Buena Vista. Lift One is your Aspen lodging home base to explore all of these areas on half-day, full-day and multi-day river rafting trips. Let us help you create your own river rafting + lodging package.
Take a look at the options below to see what white water rafting experience will best suit you and your family!
Aspen Whitewater Rafting
Located in Aspen Area: The Aspen Whitewater Rafting tour company is owned and operated by a small, professional staff of guides who have more than 25 years of experience rafting the local rivers. Trips offered range from mild to wild, and they even offer what they call a Ducky Trip, where each individual rides on their own inflatable kayak.
Current featured trips include the Slaughterhouse Falls “wild” trip, which runs down the Roaring Fork River. This trip is just a five-minute drive from downtown Aspen, and features the famous Entrance Exam, Slaughterhouse Falls, and Hell’s Half Mile rapids. An adventurous attitude, good physical fitness, and the ability to take directions are a must have for this run.
Another great trip offered by Aspen Whitewater Rafting is the Upper Roaring Fork. This is a half-day trip that is close to Aspen and is great for rafters of all ages.
All tickets include the raft trip, shuttle, splash gear, wetsuit, snacks and lunch when specified. Be sure to book online to save on your ticket! Visit Aspen Whitewater Rafting
Blazing Adventures
Located in Aspen Area: This is another great company that features guides with many years of professional experience rafting Colorado rivers. Adventures in Aspen include the Upper Roaring Fork half-day (am/pm), the Lower Roaring Fork half-day (am/pm); and the Slaughterhouse Raft half-day (am/pm).
The Upper Roaring Fork run features beautiful scenery and wildlife on the class III rapids, and is great for both beginners and experienced riders.
The Lower Roaring Fork are class II rapids that are great for families with young kids. This run offers spectacular views of Mount Sopris as riders float through eagle’s nests, heron rookeries and observe other beautiful wildlife scenes.
The Slaughterhouse Raft trip is a class IV ride that is ideal for advanced rafters. This ride is not for the timid as it requires good physical condition and continuous paddling! Visit Blazing Adventures
Colorado Whitewater Rafting
Located in Glenwood Springs: Just down the road from Aspen about 40 miles sits one of the states premier rafting companies, Colorado Whitewater Rafting. Sitting on the banks of the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs, this adventure tour company has a state of the art facility for launching your adventure.
Trips include both half and full day tours (3 or 6 hours on the water) that offer Class III rapids in the summer and Class IV rapids in the early season. You will hit The Wall, Tombstone, Maneater, and Superstition rapids and the world famous Shoshone Rapids!
Families with younger children, or visitors interested in a mellow trip can opt for a “short and mild” tour that offers all the scenery of the Glenwood Canyon without all the bumps. Adrenaline junkies can sign-on to one of the “Extreme” tours on smaller boats with guides that aim straight for the heart of the rapids. Visit Colorado Whitewater Rafting
AVA Whitewater Rafting
Located in Buena Vista: The trip over Independence Pass (12,095 ft) takes a couple of hours but the scenery is well worth the drive! Note the pass opens just before Memorial Day depending on snowpack. This company guides rafters on a spectacular ride through the Arkansas River, and offers trips for all ages and abilities. The Brown Canyon Sizzler trip is a great option for families as it provides lunch on the river.
If you’re looking for a more fast-paced option, the Gauntlet – Pine Creek & the Numbers are an excellent choice as they are the most advanced section on the Arkansas River. Visit AVA
So what are you waiting for? Book your whitewater rafting trip today and have the adventure of a lifetime!
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