River Runners on Facebook River Runners on Twitter River Runners Videos On Youtube River Runners RSSBook Your Rafting Trip Online FREE QUOTE

First Time River Rafting in Colorado

If this is your first time rafting, have no fear

River Runners has been teaching people how to raft in Colorado since 1972.

Colorado River Guides

Colorado River Guides

Our expert guides make it easy for you to have a fun, safe and memorable first time rafting experience. You’ll have the time of your life with River Runners on a Colorado white water adventure.

Common questions and first time river rafting tips

Is previous rafting experience required?

No. Previous rafting experience is not required to go white water rafting with River Runners on the Arkansas River in Colorado. In fact, children as young as three years old who are at least 35 pounds can get their feet wet on a class II beginner Family Float. Adventurous first time rafters who are at least six years old and 50 pounds can experience the thrills of class III-IV rafting on Bighorn Sheep Canyon and Browns Canyon (age and weight restrictions fluctuate with water flows – please call for updates).

Where is the best place for river rafting in Colorado?

With so many options for river rafting in Colorado, there are a few things you should consider to narrow it down. Finding a convenient location, choosing the appropriate rafting trip and hiring a reputable rafting company are the most important factors when deciding where to go rafting in Colorado.

Finding a convenient rafting location

The River Runners Royal Gorge Rafting Center is just one hour from Colorado Springs and the River Runners Riverside Resort is only 2.5 hours from Denver. These locations are both located at the heart of Colorado’s two best rafting destinations on the world-renowned Arkansas River.  If you are looking for a more secluded rafting experience explore the wilds of Dinosaur National Monument. Adventurous first time rafters can enjoy luxury overnight rafting expeditions on the Green River and Yampa River through Adrift Adventures in Jensen, Utah (only 2.5 hours from Salt Lake City, Utah).

Choosing an appropriate rafting trip

River Runners offers the largest selection of beginner rafting trips in Colorado. Choose from half-day, full-day and overnight beginner rafting trips on the Arkansas River. Adrift Adventures offers exclusive multi-day rafting trips in Dinosaur National Monument. Here you can choose from one-day excursions on the Green River or four-day and five-day rafting expeditions on the Green River and Yampa River.

Hiring a reputable rafting company

River Runners has been teaching people how to raft on the Arkansas River since 1972 and is known throughout Colorado as the “white water professionals”.  An unwavering commitment to safety and customer service has made River Runners one of the most reputable river outfitters in Colorado.

What do you wear white water rafting in Colorado?

River Runners offers rentals on wetsuits, splash tops and booties for a small fee, but you should always wear a swimsuit underneath. Fleece, rain jackets and other quick dry layers (not cotton) are also appropriate – especially on cooler days. Heel-strap sandals (no flip-flops) or an old pair of tennis shoes are acceptable footwear. Last, but not least, be sure to wear plenty of sun screen and reapply throughout the day.

 

GD Star Rating
loading...
GD Star Rating
loading...

Whitewater Rafting Colorado & Utah

CENTRAL RESERVATIONS: 800-723-8987
Arkansas River | Green River | Yampa River

ABOUT TRUST ONLINE

River Runners & Adrift Adventures provides fully guided whitewater rafting trips
We raft every day May - September
Join us in Buena Vista, Colorado and Canon City, Colorado or Jensen, Utah in Dinosaur National Monument
Vacation Planner

Royal Gorge Rafting Center 44641 US Hwy 50 Canon City, Colorado 81212 Call: 800-723-8987

ROYAL GORGE RAFTING CENTER

44641 US Hwy 50
Canon City, Colorado 81212

Call: 866-938-7238

Call: 719-275-2291

Est: 1972
State of Colorado licensed river outfitter #W-0397

River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort 24070 County Road 301 Buena Vista, Colorado 81211

RIVER RIVERSIDE RAFTING RESORT

24070 County Road 301
Buena Vista, Colorado 81211

Call: 800-723-8987

Call: 719-395-2466

Est: 1972
State of Colorado licensed river outfitter #W-0397

Adrift Adventures Rafting 9500 East 6000 South Jensen, Utah 84035

ADRIFT ADVENTURES

9500 East 6000 South
Jensen, Utah 84035

Call: 800-824-0150

Call: 435-789-3600

Est: 1980
National Park Service Authorized Concessioner

Rafting Trips in Canon City, Colorado:

Royal Gorge Rafting Trips

Bighorn Sheep Canyon Rafting Trips

Rafting Trips in Buena Vista, Colorado:

Browns Canyon Rafting Trips

Family Float Tips

Numbers Rafting Trips

Pine Creek Rafting Trips

Arkansas River Overnight Trips

Rafting Trips in Dinosaur National Monument:

Split Mountain Gorge

Yampa River Rafting Trips

Green River Rafting Trips