This is a guide to the best family rafting experiences in Colorado. Within this guide, we provide readers with the following:
- A description of the section of river.
- Pros & Cons of each rafting trip.
- Recommended Outfitters.
- Other family activities in the area.
Colorado, with its majestic mountains and pristine rivers, is a paradise for family adventure. Among its many attractions, the state offers some of the best whitewater rafting experiences in the country, perfect for families seeking a unique river experience and quality time in the outdoors.
When taking your family rafting, it’s important to emphasize fun, safety, and being comfortable. If you kids have a good time, it’s likely they’ll want to go rafting as a family again.
For more information on rafting essentials, check out these articles from Slackwater:
Top 12 Items Women Need for A Rafting Trip
Let’s dig right into our list of the best Colorado river trips for families!
Arkansas River near Buena Vista, CO
The Arkansas River near Buena Vista is a hotspot for family whitewater rafting, offering a mix of thrilling rapids and calmer stretches of water.
The Arkansas River near Buena Vista is our top pick for All-Around Best Family Rafting in Colorado.
Families can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Collegiate Peaks while navigating the river’s features.
The Buena Vista area provides a range of rafting options, from easy to moderate, making it suitable for beginners and those with younger children.
We also love spending time in Buena Vista for the excellent mountain biking near downtown and the opportunities to climb many of Colorado’s 14ers that blanket the Arkansas River Valley skyline.
There are various sections of the Arkansas River near Buena Vista which are great for families. These sections include:
– Milk Run (Class II)
– Browns Canyon (Class III-IV)
– Salida Town Run (Class II-III)
For more advanced thrill-seekers, there are several class IV rapids (Numbers & Fractions) and one class V rapid (Pine Creek) north of Buena Vista.
These whitewater sections are quite dangerous, typically not for children, and should only be run by highly experienced river runners or guides.
Arkansas River Pros:
– A reasonably short drive from Denver (about 2-2.5 hours).
– There are several rafting choices, from very mellow rapids to rowdy and exciting!
– There are dozens of rafting companies to choose from.
– The Riverside Bar and Grill from River Runners. What’s better than eddying out for a margarita and a burger?!
– Guided multi-day rafting trips are available through some outfitters.
– Buena Vista and Salida are two awesome mountain towns right on the river.
Arkansas River Cons:
– It can be hectic in the summer, as this is one of the most popular Colorado rafting locations.
– The river is dam released, meaning its season isn’t as reliant on natural snow melt.
Outfitter Recommendation:
Other Family Activities Near Buena Vista:
There are fantastic mountain bike trails that can be accessed from downtown Buena Vista. This summary from Mountain Bike Project details many of the popular routes.
And when your crew needs some R&R, check out one of the hot springs in the area.
Cottonwood Hotsprings Inn & Spa is a low-key destination approximately 10 minutes west of Buena Vista. Mount Princeton Hot Springs is a bit more expansive and approximately 20 minutes southwest of Buena Vista.
Taylor River Near Crested Butte, CO
For a more secluded and intimate rafting experience, the Taylor River near Crested Butte is an excellent choice for family rafting near Crested Butte.
The Taylor River is our top pick for Best Family Rafting in Central Colorado.
This river offers a combination of gentle flows and moderate rapids, perfect for families looking to enjoy a day surrounded by nature.
In addition to fly fishing, mountain biking, hiking, and wildflower viewing, we find that rafting on the Taylor River is one of the best things to do in Crested Butte.
The stunning landscape of the Gunnison National Forest adds to the experience, making it a memorable trip for all.
On the Taylor River, you will primarily encounter Class II and III rapids, making it a splashy and fun adventure.
We recommend the Upper Taylor section from Initiation (a large parking lot and boat launch just upstream of the Eleven Taylor River Lodge) to South Bank for the more adventurous type or for families with kids ages 10 and up.
This trip is about five miles and will take between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, depending on stream flows and how many stops you take.
If you are on a private trip, and are unfamiliar with the river, we recommend plugging the GPS coordinates of the South Bank boat ramp into your phone as it is easy to miss.
For a milder ride, consider the Lower Taylor section from the Five Mile Access point to Almont, CO. This section is also about five miles long and primarily consists of Class II rapids. Other family-friendly rafting options near Crested Butte include cruises down the Gunnison River.
Taylor River Pros:
– More of a “wilderness feel” than other rivers, with beautiful scenery the entire way.
– Easy to access from Gunnison or Crested Butte.
– The river is less technical at higher flows.
– Can be run at low flows (around 250 cfs coming out of the Taylor Reservoir Dam).
– The Taylor River is also excellent for trout fly fishing near Crested Butte. Check out our fishing report from the Taylor River here.
Taylor River Cons:
– Commercial trips don’t offer any runs over Class III.
– Long drive from the Front Range (4 hours or longer to get there).
– Flows rely on dam releases, sometimes cutting the season short in low-water years.
– Guide companies don’t often recommend helmets for the Upper Taylor, which seems pretty silly considering the hazards throughout the river. Rafting the Taylor River involves navigating rapids with numerous rocks that could easily harm you should you fall out of the boat. We recommend requesting a helmet when rafting on the Upper Taylor.
Recommended Outfitter:
Other Family Summer Activities Near Crested Butte:
Crested Butte is a mountain mecca located in central Colorado. During a Crested Butte summer, you’ll find hundreds of miles of trails for hiking and biking, big mountains for climbing, and some of the most beautiful vistas in Colorado.
In the winter, Crested Butte Mountain Resort in the town of Mt. Crested Butte is a skier’s paradise. With plenty of family-friendly green and blue runs, it’s also one of the steepest lift-serviced ski areas in the country.
When you’re day of rafting is over, we recommend grabbing a cocktail on the patio at Harmel’s on the Taylor. And for more river time, consider a guided fly fishing trip. Click here to learn more about guided fly fishing in the Crested Butte and Gunnison area.
Since we’re locals and have an intimate knowledge of the area, feel free to email us at info@slackwaterco.com for more information on what to do in Crested Butte.
Bighorn Sheep Canyon near Salida, CO
East of Salida, Colorado, Bighorn Sheep Canyon presents an exceptional rafting experience on the Arkansas River.
Bighorn Sheep Canyon is our top pick for Best Colorado Family Rafting Trip To See Wildlife.
This section of the Arkansas River is known for its wildlife, notably bighorn sheep. Because of its gentle nature and the ability to spot wildlife, Bighorn Sheep Canyon is one of our favorite places for whitewater rafting for kids.
The rapids in Bighorn Sheep Canyon are generally class II and III, providing a balance of excitement and safety for families.
On a commercial rafting trip, you can do half or full-day trips, ranging from two to five hours, depending on stream flows.
Some commercial rafting companies offer overnight trips from Upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon through Lower Bighorn Sheep Canyon.
If you are looking for a long, private trip, it is possible to link together sections of the Arkansas River near Buena Vista (see section on Arkansas River, above: Milk Run, Browns Canyon, Salida Town Run) to the Upper and Lower sections of Bighorn Sheep Canyon.
Downstream of Bighorn Sheep Canyon is the adventurous Royal Gorge section of the Arkansas River with Class III and IV rapids.
Bighorn Sheep Canyon Pros:
– Wildlife sightings are likely.
– Ample camping opportunities.
– Proximity to the front range via Hwy 50 from Pueblo/Cañon City.
– Ability to link up to other sections upstream and downstream.
Bighorn Sheep Canyon Cons:
– There’s not much to not love about this place! It can get busy at times, but it is an excellent, family-friendly adventure close to Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Denver.
Recommended Outfitter:
Other Family Activities Near Salida:
When not rafting, we recommend hiking along the Continental Divide Trail. The trail is relatively inviting for families and is easily accessed from the top of Monarch Pass. This trail is approximately 30 minutes west of Salida.
Lunch at the Boathouse Cantina in downtown Salida is also a memorable experience. Their patio overlooks the whitewater park, which can provide amusement as boaters play in the waves.
Cache la Poudre River near Fort Collins, CO
Otherwise known as the Poudre River (pronounced “Poo-der” by us silly Americans), the whitewater on this river makes it one of our favorites for family rafting near Fort Collins.
The Poudre River is our top pick for Best Family Rafting near Fort Collins and Denver.
The Poudre’s whitewater opportunities are exceptional, and its sheer beauty is unmatched as it’s Colorado’s only nationally designated “Wild and Scenic” river.
Per the Forest Service’s USDA website, the designation as a wild and scenic river is the nation’s most robust protection for free-flowing rivers and streams. These public stretches of water are persevered to run wild and be free of dams.
Because dam releases do not control the quantity of water running through the Poudre Canyon, every day on the river is different and completely dependent on snow melt and precipitation at higher elevations.
We attribute the spring run-off vibes on the Poudre to that of checking the powder report after a big storm cycle in mid-winter.
Poudre River enthusiasts check the water level daily and flock to the river when flows get a bump.
The Poudre River has whitewater runs that range from Class I to Class V within a 30 to 45-minute drive of Fort Collins. For the most family-friendly experience, we recommend hiring a guide from Wanderlust Adventures.
The most family-friendly sections of the Poudre still contain numerous hazards, so it is best to go with a professional guide.
In the heat of the summer, you’ll notice some people tubing the Filter Plant section (class I and II+). Although you may see people without PFDs (life jackets), using a PFD is always recommended and can save your life.
Some of the best sections of whitewater on the Poudre include:
- Steven’s to Mishawaka (Class III-IV)
- Mishawaka to Pine View (Class IV)
- Bridges (Class (III-IV)
- Filter Plant (Class II+)
NOTE: There is a diversion dam near the base of the canyon, between the Bridges Run and the Filter Plant run that IS NOT navigatable in any sort of river boat or tub. Floating over this diversion dam can result in severe injuries or, more likely, death.
Poudre River Pros:
- Proximity to Fort Collins is exceptional.
- It’s wild and scenic nature, relying on nature’s snow melt and rain to determine its streamflow.
- Exciting rapids for many miles.
- Very few commercial outfits are permitted, making the river less busy than others.
- Ability to eddy out at the Mishawaka Amphitheatre for beers, sodas, and live music!
- Ease of scouting rapids from the road on your drive up the canyon.
Poudre River Cons:
- Only a few beginner-friendly sections. It’s best to go with a guide or a friend familiar with the river.
- During low snowpack years, the rafting season can be cut short, ending sometime in early/mid July.
- Swims out of a raft can be consequential, making it a better experience for families with older kids (10 or older) who are more comfortable in turbulent water.
Recommended Outfitter:
Wanderlust Adventures. Ask for Krista as your guide – she’s our favorite 🙂
Other Family Activities Near Fort Collins:
Outside of the Poudre Canyon, you’ll find the awesome town of Fort Collins, CO. Known for its robust brewery scene, you’ll also find a quaint downtown experience with plenty of restaurants.
For the best family-friendly breakfast and lunch experience, we recommend Rainbow Restaurant.
For an educational experience for younger kids, we recommend the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery.
Upper Colorado River below Gore Canyon
For families looking for a more relaxed rafting experience, the Upper Colorado River below Gore Canyon is a perfect introduction to floating western rivers.
The Upper Colorado is our top pick for the Best Whitewater Rafting for Kids.
This stretch is known for its scenic beauty and gentle rapids, making it a fantastic choice for families with small children or those who prefer a laid-back adventure.
Compared to other stretches of water in the state, the Upper Colorado (also referred to as the “Upper C”) is relatively mellow and suitable for younger children. As such, it is one of our favorite places for families to go rafting.
Nevertheless, we recommend checking with your commercial rafting outfitter to verify the age and weight limits for kids before booking a trip.
Launching at the Pumphouse boat ramp below Gore Canyon, rafters can float for approximately 60 miles of mellow water before the Colorado River meets I-70 in Dotsero, CO.
The location of the Upper Colorado makes it an excellent choice for people vacationing near Vail, CO, or any of the Summit County towns. Plan for a two-hour drive if you’re traveling from the Denver area.
The one major downside to the Upper C is that it attracts crowds unlike any other river in the state. On a busy day, the Pumphouse boat ramp is an absolute zoo.
To better avoid the crowds, consider launching 18 miles downstream from Pumphouse at the Two Bridges boat launch.
Launching at Two Bridges provides almost exclusively flat water (perfect for a family) but misses the excitement of Wake Up Rapid (Class II) and Needle Eye Rapid (Class III) in the canyon just a few miles downstream of Pumphouse.
For information about camping at Rancho Del Rio (a riverside oasis great for easy family camping), or booking a shuttle, visit their website here.
Here is a great guide from the BLM detailing the sections of the Upper Colorado River from Kremling to Dotsero.
Above Pumphouse is Gore Canyon, which involves serious Class V whitewater. This section is not family-friendly.
Upper Colorado River Pros:
- Ease of access, beginner friendly.
- Great fishing at times (check to make sure the water is cooler than 65 degrees before fly fishing for trout).
- Radium Hot Springs is a fun pit stop.
- Rancho Del Rio is a great spot for easy logistics camping and hiring a simple shuttle service.
Upper Colorado River Cons:
- It’s BUSY! Avoid the weekends, launch early in the day, or choose a location other than Pumphouse or Rancho Del Rio to avoid the crowds.
- There aren’t many rapids on this stretch, which can be a positive, depending on what you’re looking for.
Recommended Outfitters:
Other Family Activities in the Area:
The Upper Colorado River is about a 30-60 minute drive from any major towns in north-central Colorado. These areas include Summit County (Silverthorn, Breckenridge, Frisco) and Eagle County (Vail, Avon, Eagle).
In all of these mountain towns, you’ll find plenty of tourist attractions including restaurants, shopping, hotels, and other ski resort amenities.
Clear Creek near Idaho Springs, CO
Just west of Denver, Clear Creek offers a unique rafting experience for those seeking adventure near the city.
Clear Creek is our top pick for Best Rafting Trip Near Denver.
Despite running alongside the I-70, which only slightly detracts from the wilderness vibe, the river’s technical and lively rapids provide a fun and challenging experience.
Hiring a guide on Clear Creek is highly recommended due to the potential hazards of the water, especially for beginners or those unfamiliar with the area.
The river caters to all levels of whitewater enthusiasts, with sections ranging from milder Class II-III to the more intense Class IV-V rapids.
This variety and easy access make Clear Creek an excellent choice for families or groups looking to experience whitewater rafting for the first time.
Clear Creek Pros:
- Ease of access from the Front Range makes it great for day trips.
- Variety of whitewater opportunities.
- Several rafting companies to hire as your guide.
Clear Creek Cons:
- It’s right next to I-70.
- Should you fall out of the raft, the rocks in Clear Creek can be sharper and more jagged than on other Colorado Rivers.
Recommended Outfitter:
Other Family Activities Near Clear Creek:
Clear Creek runs parallel to I-70, providing families with a direct corridor between Denver and Summit County. If you’re spending time in Denver, check out a Rockies Game downtown or take a hike on a trail in Golden.
If you’re coming from Summit County, the town of Breckenridge has plenty of hiking, biking, shopping, and dining sure to keep your family entertained.
Ruby-Horsethief near Grand Junction, CO
Rafting through Ruby-Horsethief Canyon on the Colorado River near the Colorado/Utah state line is a gem for family rafting adventures.
Ruby-Horsethieft is our top pick for Best Overnight Family Rafting Trip in Colorado.
This tranquil section of the river is known for its stunning red rock canyon walls, abundant wildlife, mellow flows, and amazing camping.
There are no significant rapids on a trip through Ruby-Horsethief, making it perfect for anyone seeking a lazy river float.
This section of the Colorado River is rated as Class I and II and includes a few minor wave-trains.
Check out the video below for a rafter’s take on their first float through Ruby-Horsethief.
Camping in the canyon is outstanding and requires a permit. If you don’t reserve a campsite with a permit in advance, you must plan on navigating the entirety of this stretch of water in one day.
You can find information on obtaining a permit for Ruby-Horsethief here. Permits can be obtained no earlier than two months in advance of your trip.
Single-day trips are possible on Ruby-Horsethief but are generally not recommended unless you are traveling light and fast, and plan for a super long day.
Should you encounter a headwind on this stretch of water, the mellow flows of this 25-mile section can be challenging to navigate before the sun goes down.
In a strong wind, you may feel like it’s blowing your raft upstream.
If you are taking a single-day trip, plan on launching early and getting off the water late. Don’t forget your headlamps and flashlights should you end up floating into the night.
The launch site for Ruby-Horsethief is at the Loma Boat Ramp near Fruita, Colorado. The takeout is just over the Utah/Colorado state line at the Westwater Ranger Station.
You can find a river map for your Ruby-Horsethief rafting trip here.
For those experienced in running big-water rapids, boaters can continue the trip past Ruby-Horsethief into Westwater Canyon, where the rapids are large. Permits are required to run Westwater Canyon, making it important to time your permit dates carefully if you attempt to link the two trips together.
Learn more about Westwater Canyon in our rafting trip report.
The canyon’s beauty, combined with the easy-going nature of the river, creates a perfect environment for making lasting family memories.
Ruby-Horsethief Pros:
- Beginner-friendly rafting trip in Colorado.
- It is easy to get to from western Colorado and about a four to five-hour drive from Denver.
- Excellent camping on sandy beaches.
- It is adjacent to the Westwater Canyon section, providing exciting Class IV rapids.
Ruby-Horsethief Cons:
- Camping requires a permit. This can be nice, however, because having the permit takes away any anxiety of potentially not having a place to camp.
- Windy days can be taxing on this section’s flat water.
- There are no significant rapids on this stretch of water.
Recommended Outfitter:
We don’t have any recommendations for a commercially guided trip on Ruby-Horsethief, as these trips are generally best run in a private group.
Nevertheless, contact the folks at American Spirit Car Shuttle if you need help transporting your vehicle to the takeout.
Other Family Activities Near Grand Junction:
Some of the other places to enjoy in the area include the Colorado National Monument which includes hikes, campgrounds, and a scenic drive.
After your trip through Ruby-Horsethief, stop by The Hot Tomato in Fruita, just a few miles west of Grand Junction. This small pizza joint has excellent pies and a fun, laid-back vibe.
Other Great Rivers for Family Rafting in Colorado
Gunnison River near Gunnison, CO:
A mellow stretch of water great for day trips and outstanding fly fishing. There are approximately 20 miles of water on the stretch of the Gunnison River between Gunnison and Blue Mesa Reservoir that consists primarily of Class I and II rapids.
Animas River near Durango, CO:
The Animas is known for it’s whitewater in southwest Colorado. It is a long drive from the Front Range, but worth a visit if you’re in the Telluride, Silverton, or Durango area.
Eagle River near Avon, CO:
This is a great option for families staying in the Vail/Beaver Creek area. The Eagle River is a freestone waterway (meaning it’s not dam-controlled) and is a logistically simple river to raft.
Blue River near Breckenridge, CO:
The Blue River is a fantastic option if you’re staying in Breckenridge or anywhere in Summit County. The Blue River has a few different sections to choose from that are appropriate for families with kids ages 10 and up.
Conclusion
Family rafting in Colorado is something everyone should add to their list of activities in the Rocky Mountain state. Our diverse rivers offer something for every family, whether seeking an adrenaline-filled adventure or a peaceful day on a mellow river.
Each location provides a unique experience, set against the backdrop of Colorado’s stunning natural landscapes. Remember that not all rivers are suitable for small children. We recommend contacting a professional river outfitter in the area before embarking on any rafting trip with your family.
Thanks for reading!
