Best Time To Raft
The Best Time to Go Rafting in Colorado in 2024
The best time to raft in Colorado is between May – September. It’s possible to raft in Colorado starting in the early spring all the way through early fall, and the best trip for you could fall at anytime throughout depending on what experience you are looking for on the river.
Colorado Rivers fluctuate throughout the season and from year to year. Therefore, the best time to raft can range depending on what you group wants, and what month you are rafting. Our rivers our fed by melting snow, so conditions are variable depending on the amount of snow that each region received the winter before rafting season.
What to Expect During Each Rafting Month
May Rafting
May is great time to go rafting in Colorado to avoid crowds and typically high water. We offer rafting on the following rivers in May:
- The Arkansas River: Families with children ages 7+ as well as thrill seekers and experienced rafters.
- The Upper Colorado River: Families with children ages 2+ as well as those looking for a relaxing river trip.
- The Clear Creek River: Families with children ages 6+ as well as thrill seekers and advanced rafters.
June Rafting
June is a common month to raft in Colorado. Typically, we see peak run-off happen in June which means higher water. We offer rafting on the following rivers in June but the age minimums typically increase at some point during the month.
- The Arkansas River: Families with children ages 7+ as well as thrill seekers and experienced rafters.
- The Upper Colorado River: Families with children ages 2+ as well as those looking for a relaxing river trip or SUP/Kayak.
- The Clear Creek River: Families with children ages 6+ as well as thrill seekers and advanced rafters.
- The Blue River: Thrill seekers and advanced rafters. Minimum age for the Blue River may vary during June
July Rafting
This is the most popular time to raft in Colorado. Typically, water levels start to decrease and age minimums go back to their listed number. The following trips are typically offered during the month of July:
- The Arkansas River: Families with children ages 7+ as well as thrill seekers and experienced rafters.
- The Upper Colorado River: Families with children ages 2+ as well as those looking for a relaxing river trip or SUP/Kayak.
- The Clear Creek River: Families with children ages 6+ as well as thrill seekers and advanced rafters.
- The Blue River: Families with children ages 5+ as well as thrill seekers and advanced rafters.
August & September Rafting
August and September bring less crowds and tamer water. This is the perfect time to raft to really take in the Colorado scenery. The following trips are typically offered at this time:
- The Arkansas River: Families with children ages 7+ as well as thrill seekers and experienced rafters.
- The Upper Colorado River: Families with children ages 2+ as well as those looking for a relaxing river trip or SUP/Kayak.
- The Clear Creek River: Families with children ages 6+ as well as thrill seekers and advanced rafters.
Colorado Whitewater Rafting Locations
How to Choose the Right Trip for Your Group
The best time to raft for families with kids is between July and September, however, there are plenty of trip options in May & June such as the Upper Colorado River. We recommend the following trips for kids at the following ages throughout the entire summer:
- Kids between the age 2-4: Upper Colorado River Trips
- Kids age 5: Blue River and Upper Colorado River Trips
- Kids age 6: Clear Creek, Blue River, and Upper Colorado River Trips
- Kids between the age of 7-11: Arkansas River, Clear Creek, Blue River, Upper Colorado River Trips + ziplining packages
- Kids between age 12-14: Same as 7-11 + Via Ferrata packages
- Those 15+: All trips on all rivers
*Minimum ages are subject to change based on water levels.
The best time to raft for a relaxing experience is between July and September, however, there are plenty of trip options in May & June such as the Upper Colorado River. If you are looking for a more leisurely experience for your group sit back, relax, and enjoy the incredible scenery, then the following river trips are best for your group.
- Scenic Float Full Day Rafting on the Upper Colorado River
- Scenic Float Half Day Rafting on the Upper Colorado River
- 24 Hours on the Upper Colorado River
- 3 Day Upper Colorado River Float
*Age minimum for all of these trips are 2 years+
The best time to raft for families with kids is between the end of May until Mid July. However, there are plenty of trip options the entire summer to get your adrenaline pumping. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush for your rafting trip, then the following rivers and trips are best for your group.
- Clear Creek River
- The Blue River
- The Arkansas River
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Kayaking on the Upper Colorado River
The best time to raft for experienced rafters is typically June. However, those who have never rafted before can also raft in June just different sections of each river. If you have been out on the river a few times before, and you are looking to work hard and go out on the hardest rapids that Colorado has to offer then the following rivers are the best for you to visit.
- Clear Creek River
- The Arkansas River
How will High Water Affect My Rafting Trip in 2024
MINIMUM AGE
RIVER CLOSURES
Our Main Adventure Outposts
Buena Vista
40671 US-24
Buena Vista, CO 81211
If using Google Maps, ‘US 24 North’ is incorrect and will take you 10 miles south of us. Type in the address exactly as listed above to ensure correct directions.
On the hunt for a true mountain excursion? Head to Buena Vista, Colorado to raft through a national monument on our Brown’s Canyon 1/2 day trip, fly above the Arkansas River Valley on our Mountaintop Zipline, or Rock Climb the majestic Granite Gorge Cliffs, where views of the majestic Collegiate Peaks will take your breath away.
AVA’s Buena Vista Outpost is located just over an hour from Summit County and under two and a half hours from Denver, Colorado.
Idaho Springs
431 Chicago Creek Road
Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Our Idaho Springs outpost offers beginner to advanced levels of whitewater rafting on Clear Creek, soar among the treetops on our Cliffside Zipline, or try our Via Ferrata course for an introduction to mountaineering. Enjoy an afternoon in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and catch some incredible sights of historic Idaho Springs- the location of Colorado’s first gold discovery!
Our Idaho Springs outpost is conveniently located near Denver, just 30 minutes west of downtown on I-70, and less than an hour from Summit County.
Kremmling
1606 Park Avenue
Kremmling, CO 80459
Kremmling is the perfect destination for families looking for a mountain getaway. Our Upper Colorado River Scenic Float rafting trip welcomes adventurers as young as 2 years old on a half day or full day adventure on mellow Class II rapids. While in Kremmling, be sure to also try one of our Fly Fishing excursions or kick up dirt on our UTV Rentals!
You will find our Kremmling outpost just 45 minutes from Summit County and just under two hours from Denver.
Looking for a more Customized Answer?
NOT QUITE SURE WHICH ADVENTURE OR TRIP IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Give our Trip Specialists a call to build your perfect adventure: 1-800-370-0581
Don't just take our word for it
We had an incredible experience with AVA Rafting & Zipline last weekend for our birthdays! My husband, two friends, and I went white water rafting in Buena... Read More »
An Absolute 10/10. We did a Full day Package, morning Via ferrata with Emma and Trey. It was so fun and they were awesome to hang out with! Then we did the... Read More »
We went whitewater rafting and had the time of our lives. Dan was our guide, he was great! It was a wild ride for sure but I wouldn't change it and can't... Read More »
We had an incredible experience with AVA Rafting & Zipline last weekend for our birthdays! My husband, two friends, and I went white water rafting in Buena Vista, and it was an adventure we'll never forget. Our guide, Todd, was absolutely amazing. His expertise and enthusiasm made the trip both thrilling and safe. We tackled class 4 rapids, and Todd’s guidance ensured we had an exhilarating and enjoyable time. The scenery was breathtaking, and the entire tour was perfectly organized from start to finish. If you're looking for a top-notch rafting experience with skilled and friendly guides, look no further than AVA Rafting & Zipline. We can't wait to return for another adventure!
Read More »We had a great and fun experience with AVA rafting company!! They did an amazing job from start to finish. The staff was professional, friendly, and made sure everyone had a fantastic time on the river. I highly recommend AVA for anyone looking for an adventurous and memorable rafting trip. Sean did an amazing job going over all the details of white water rafting before getting on the river. He was so fun and had so much energy. Oh yes, and his jokes were very funny! :-)
Aldon, our raft guide, was the best of the best!!! He made the trip so fun and so easy to get through the river!! Thank you Aldon!
We loved this rafting trip. We are staying in Vail, so it was a 1 hour 15 minute drive... but it was worth it. We had 2 - 50 year old adults and three teens in our group and we all loved it. The rapids were just thrilling enough for us as we were looking for class 3 rafting. And the trip was a great length. The views of the Canyon were gorgeous the entire way. The guides were very friendly and likeable. We had Elliot and our whole group thought he was great. They had good equipment too: wetsuits, water proof jackets, helmets and life jackets. Their rafts had good spots to lock in your feet so you felt safe and like you wouldn't fall out of the raft... unless you weren't being smart.
Just so folks understand the time commitment: 1 1/4 drive each way from Vail, 1/2 hour to check in and get suited up at their outpost; 1/2 drive to the launch spot; about 1 1/2 hours rafting; 45 mins back to outpost... we were scheduled for 9 and were done and heading out about 12:30.
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