Whitewater Rafting around Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Steamboat Springs is surrounded by amazing Colorado Rivers that are just waiting for you to explore on a whitewater rafting trip. Professional guides ensure safety and fun. All levels of excitement are available, from the fun, smoother Class I-II rapids, to bigger, faster Class III-IV rapids, or even the heart-pounding Class IV-V rapids. Rafting season begins in mid-June and goes until early September, depending on water levels.
Steamboat Whitewater Rafting Trips
Five different rivers, varying from mild to advanced rafting, offer unforgettable rafting adventures.
Mild-Moderate Rafting Trips (Class I-II Rapids, small-scale rapids and float trip)
- Yampa River at Steamboat, CO
- Rafting available early May through early June
- 45-minute trip - starts at Walton Creek Road in Steamboat
- Yampa River at Juniper Canyon (Lay, CO)
- Rafting available early May through mid-July
- All day trips available - transportation and lunch included
- Colorado River at State Bridge, CO
- Rafting available mid-May through late August
- 3- and 6-hour trips available
- Saddle & Paddle option with a 3-hour horseback ride, a picnic on the trail, and a 3-hour raft trip
- Colorado River at Kremmling, CO
- Rafting available mid May through late August
- 3- and 6-hour trips available
Moderate to Intermediate Rafting (Class III-IV Rapids and Whitewater)
- Elk River at Clark, CO
- Rafting available mid-May through early June
- 1-hour trips available
- Daily Double Trip option with a 2-hour horseback ride, lunch at the ranch, a 45-minute raft trip
- Eagle River at Eagle, CO
- Rafting available mid-May through early July
- 3- and 6-hour trips available
Intermediate to Advanced Rafting Trips (Class III-V Rapids and big whitewater)
- North Platte River at Walden, CO
- Rafting available late May through late June
- Full-day trips available - transportation and lunch included
- Yampa River at Cross Mountain (Dinosaur, CO)
- Rafting available late May through early July
- Full-day trips available - transportation and lunch included
River rafting trips provided by the following companies:
- Bucking Rainbow Outfitters/High Adventures
- Colorado River Center
- Colorado River Guides
- Colorado River Runs
- Mad Adventures Inc.
- AVA Rafting
What to Wear and Bring for Whitewater Rafting
Most rafting companies provide the essential cold water gear, including wetsuit (if early season), booties, helmets, dry bags for extra layers and life jackets. You should bring your swimsuit, an extra towel for when the trip is over, sunglasses, and a warm layer.
