White Water Rafting Near Denver Colorado: The 5 Best Tours

Rafting Trip

(rafting season is roughly late April to early September)



There’s nothing like an adventure that allows you to bond with your family and friends.

White water rafting near Denver Colorado offers some of the best options available in the US. 


Colorado is known for its outdoor activities and locations, like the Rocky Mountain National Park, the Garden of the Gods, the Arkansas River and Browns Canyon.


These spots are well-known for their ideal white water conditions – let’s look at some tours you can enjoy with your family and friends.

Half Day Colorado Whitewater Rafting Trip

Colorado White water Rafting


This is by far the most popular white water rafting trip in Colorado. 3 hours exploring beautiful Glenwood Canyon on the Colorado River!

You’ll navigate class III-IV rapids including The Wall, Tombstone, Maneater, Pinball, and many more.

This is such a fun trip. Bring your friends, family, or even co-workers!

What’s Included in your White Water Rafting Adventure by Whitewater Rafting, LLC

Guides, life jackets, and shuttles to and from the facility are included.

What to bring/wear

They provide all safety equipment and necessary gear including life jackets/PFDs and helmets. It’s recommend you bring the following items to maximize your fun:

  • Shorts or Swimsuits (Light nylon clothing is best as everything gets wet!)Old Tennis Shoes, sandals, or water shoes (Flip Flops not recommended as they float away!)Windbreaker or Fleece (if cool)Sunscreen/Lip balmSunglassesHatWater BottleChange of clothes (for after your trip)Towel (to take a warm shower at our riverside facility after your trip before hopping back in the car)
Full wetsuits, booties, splash jackets, and all other supplies are available in the gift shop for rent or purchase at very reasonable prices. DO NOT BRING any electronics such as smart phones, digital cameras, car keys or anything you would not want to get wet. These items have a tendency to be taken into the depths of the mighty Colorado! Please leave these items in your car and they will be happy to hold your car keys while you enjoy your trip!

Additional Information

  • Cancellations made 24 hours or more prior to trip departure receive full refunds with no penalties; just email or call and they will be happy to make any necessary changes. **You will receive a confirmation email with the tour provider’s contact info shortly after completing your booking.
  • Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure time are subject to a $20 per person cancellation fee.Trip times are the shuttle departure time. Please arrive 45 minutes before scheduled departure time for check-in, life jacket fitting, and safety orientation. Late arrivals cannot be guaranteed a spot on the raft and may be subject to the late cancellation charge.

Cost

  • Adults ages 13+: $69
  • Children ages 5-12: $62

Click the button below to see availability and book online!



The Browns Canyon Classic Tour

Browns Canyon Classic Raft Tour


Browns Canyon is renowned as one of the best white water stretches in the world. It’s a great spot for family and friends to experience white water rafting.

On this Browns Canyon Classic Tour by American Adventure Expeditions, your guide will entertain you with the history of the gorgeous Colorado scenery and intriguing geology facts about the canyon.

This 3-hour tour holds a balance of fast pace rapids and calm stretches to catch your breath while observing the scenery.


What’s Included in the Browns Canyon Classic Tour

  • Free wetsuit package (wetsuit, splash jacket, and river shoes)

Additional Information

  • Full refund for any cancellations made more than 72 hours before the departure time
  • Wear a swimsuit, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • Bring an extra set of dry clothes and a towel
  • Beginner to intermediate level rafting
  • Minimum age of 7 or older
  • Private guide for a more personal experience

Cost

  • Starting at $89.95 per person


Click the button below to see availability and book online!




The Numbers Classic Tour

The Numbers Classic Rafting Tour


This advanced tour is 3-hours long, and is only available if you are over 15 years of age.

If you’re an advanced group of rafters looking for a challenge – this tour is the one for you! The Numbers is one of the most difficult sections of rafted river in the whole of Colorado, so it goes without saying that The Numbers Classic Tour by American Adventure Expeditions is not for beginners.

This tour winds through steep drops and rapid sections. You’ll be busy paddling for the entire 3-hours, navigating through narrow, rocky, and non-stop white water.


What’s Included in The Numbers Classic Tour

  • Free wetsuit package (wetsuit, splash jacket, and river shoes)

Additional Information

  • Full refund for any cancellations made more than 72 hours before the departure time
  • Wear a swimsuit, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • Bring an extra set of dry clothes and a towel
  • Private guide for a more personal experience
  • Minimum age of 15 or older
  • Experienced level rafting

Cost

  • Starting at $99.95 per person

Click the button below to see availability and book online!



The Numbers Deluxe Tour

Numbers Deluxe Rafting Trip


Experience the best of Browns Canyon & The Numbers on this American Adventure Expeditions exclusive adventure!

This 6-hour tour has everything you could ask for, an adventurous white water rafting experience and a riverside lunch to indulge in Coloradan cuisine.

The Numbers Deluxe Tour will start with a white rafting experience through Browns Canyon. This route boasts Class III rapids with calm stretches and breathtaking scenery.

After your adventure on the river, enjoy a riverside BBQ lunch, prepared by your private guides. The lunch includes burgers, fresh fruit, kettle chips, lemonade, and even fresh cookies! The guides also accommodate most dietary restrictions.

After lunch, it’s time for the white water roller coaster “The Numbers.” This offers a more intense Class IV rafting experience with steep drops and tight passages. This tour is not particularly beginner-friendly.

What’s Included in the Numbers Deluxe Tour

  • Free wetsuit package (wetsuit, splash jacket, and river shoes)
  • River-side BBQ lunch

Additional Information

  • Full refund for any cancellations made more than 72 hours before the departure time
  • Wear a swimsuit, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • Bring an extra set of dry clothes and a towel
  • Experienced level rafting
  • Minimum age of 15 or older
  • Private guide for a more personal experience

Cost

  • Starting at $169.95 per person

Click the button below to see availability and book online!

The Family Float Tour


This family-friendly rafting experience is only Class I & II white water. Perfect for a beginner or first-time rafters and groups with small children.

The Family Float Tour by American Adventure Expeditions is a gentle 2-hour ride that boasts breathtaking scenery and a unique view of the Arkansas River. 

What’s Included in the Family Float Tour

  • Free wetsuit package (wetsuit, splash jacket, and river shoes)

Additional Information

  • Full refund for any cancellations made more than 72 hours before the departure time
  • Wear a swimsuit, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • Bring an extra set of dry clothes and a towel
  • Beginner-level rafting friendly
  • Minimum age of 5 or older
  • Private guide for a more personal experience

Cost

  • $59.95 per person


Click the button below to see availability and book online!


Final Thoughts

Don’t let a lack of experience deter you from enjoying the outdoors. There are plenty of options for white water rafting near Denver Colorado, for first-timers and experienced rafters alike.

Have a look here for more rafting options and other adventures available in Denver.