8 places to go whitewater rafting in Colorado

Whitewater rafting is incredibly exciting, and Colorado has plenty of rivers to enjoy the summertime activity.

Here are eight rivers that provide some of the state's best whitewater rafting.

1. The Arkansas River

The Arkansas River is surrounded by beautiful Colorado mountains, so you'll get some great views while rafting. It offers over 100 miles of rafting opportunities. According to Arkansas River Tours, the river offers everything from scenic floats to class V whitewater, so you're sure to find a suitable trip. Popular trips include Browns Canyon National Monument, Bighorn Sheep Canyon, and the Royal Gorge stretches.

2. The Colorado River

The Colorado River is another incredibly diverse river that offers rapids and calmer stretches. Departure cities include Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Kremmling, Breckenridge, and State Bridge. Western River Expeditions offers a variety of rafting trips down the Colorado River.

3. Animas River

The Animas River also offers lots of variety when it comes to rafting trips. According to Colorado.com, you can combine a trip on the Lower Animas River with the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and zipline tours. If you're looking for a more exciting rafting adventure, the upper Animas River is among the most difficult commercially run rivers in the country, with class IV and V rapids. Rafters will also get great views of the surrounding 14ers. Mild to Wild Rafting offers trips down the Animas River.  

4. Yampa River

The Yampa will take you through Dinosaur National Monument, past fossils and archeological sites, Native American Rock carvings, and geological formations. It's considered a moderately challenging trip, with class III-IV rapids. Mild to Wild Rafting and OARS Whitewater Rafting offers trips down the Yampa.

5. Roaring Fork River

With rapids known as the "Slaughterhouse," the upper Roaring Fork is a challenging trip. It's also home to one of Colorado's commercially rafted waterfalls. You'll be able to enjoy a mellower trip on the lower stretch.

6. Cache la Poudre River

You'll raft through class II, III, and IV rapids on this trip. The river will take you through the canyon, providing stunning views of the area.

7. San Juan River

Beginning in the San Juan Mountains, this river flows through some spectacular canyon country, descending over 400 miles to join the Colorado River. Rafting outfitters offer plenty of trips along the river.

8. Eagle River

Located in the Vail Valley, you'll raft through stunning mountain scenery. The river is mostly fed from the snowpack on Vail Mountain, so is usually run in spring and early summer. You can take off from Eagle, Wolcott, and Edwards. 

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