Denver’s Best
WhiteWaterRaftingforAdventureSeekers
WhyDenverIsAStartingPointFor EpicWhiteWaterRafting?
Colorado is essentially wired for white water rafting. Snowmelt from the Rockies supplies thousands of rivers every spring and summer, making some of the best rafting in the nation.
And Denver, ideally located at the base of these mountains, provides you with unparalleled access to the state's top rafting hot spots.
Whether you’re a first-timer chasing Class III excitement or a veteran rafter, hungry for technical Class V drops, the rivers near Denver offer something for every level of daredevil.
In fact, many start with a Colorado rafting trip close to Denver, then work their way toward more challenging stretches across the state.
ClearCreek-TheBackyardRaftingPark
When everyone who's local thinks of White Water Rafting in Denver, the first river they think of is Clear Creek. Only 30-45 minutes outside of downtown, it's the fastest ride to a wild adventure without having to pack for days.
Clear Creek makes its way through historic mining towns and vertical canyon walls, providing dramatic scenery that's nearly as intense as the rapids themselves.
In early summer, snowmelt brings a surge of water, offering heartstopping Class III to Class V runs that will please even the most adventurous paddlers.
Intensity, though, is not all Clear Creek offers. The creek also has stretches suitable for families or beginners just getting into rafting, with more splashy waves and opportunities to see wildlife along riverbanks.
CombiningAtvToursWithYour RaftingTrip
If your adventure palate doesn't pause at the river shore, Denver's proximity to untamed backcountry assures you can easily combine it.
Many visitors enjoy combining a rafting trip with ATV tours in Colorado, where they can roar up dirt roads through timber and alpine meadows between days on the water.
This mix provides you with your own distinctive method of enjoying Colorado's varied landscape: one day running roaring rapids, the next throwing up dust on an ATV. It's ideal for bachelor parties, corporate events, or just those looking for a holiday filled with heart-thumping tales.
PlanningYour ColoradoRafting TripFromDenver
The greatest adventures begin with intelligent planning. As you're planning your White Water Rafting Colorado vacation, take into account the following useful details, which we've outlined below.
Seasonality: The optimal rafting period typically lasts from May to early September, when snowmelt is at its peak. If you're looking for big water, plan for late May to June.
WhyDenverRaftingIsThe AdventureRestartYouRequire
BeginYourWhiteWaterTale WithMadAdventures
If your heart's already pounding just considering paddles crashing into white froth, perhaps it's time to author your own Colorado rafting tale.
We at Mad Adventures have spent decades shepherding other thrill-seekers through some of the state's most iconic stretches, from the thrilling corridors of Clear Creek to multi-day epics that cut through Colorado's wild heart.
Want a brief splashy getaway from Denver or a week-long epic that combines rafting with tough ATV treks through Colorado's landscape? Our staff is here to assist in crafting the adventure that matches your personality.
