Raft the Beautiful Upper Colorado

Imagine floating through remote wilderness, surrounded by towering cliffs, eagle calls overhead, and perhaps even catching a glimpse of otters swimming alongside your raft. That’s exactly what you get when you sign up for the Raft the Beautiful Upper Colorado tour near Breckenridge, Colorado. For $90 per person, you’ll spend about three and a half hours on a gentle yet exciting float through stunning scenery, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings, light whitewater fun, and a splash of adventure with optional cliff jumps.

Our favorite aspects? First, the spectacular scenery—the river slices through valleys and canyons that seem plucked from a postcard. Second, the family-friendly nature of this trip, which offers a safe, relaxed experience even for first-timers. However, it’s worth noting that group sizes can be fairly large (up to 48 travelers), so if a more intimate experience is what you’re after, this might be something to consider.

This tour is ideal for families, beginners, or anyone wanting to enjoy Colorado’s wild beauty without the adrenaline overload. It’s also great for those who love wildlife viewing and want a peaceful escape with some fun splashy moments thrown in.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery: Float through valleys, canyons, and riverbanks teeming with wildlife.
• Wildlife sightings: Otters, eagles, big horn sheep, bears, and moose have all been spotted.
• Light whitewater: Class 2 rapids offer gentle splashes, perfect for beginners and families.
• Optional cliff jumps: For thrill-seekers, a 25ft jump adds excitement.
• Thermal hot springs: Many groups stop at Radium Hot Springs for a relaxing soak.
• All equipment provided: Life jackets, wetsuits, and splash jackets keep you comfortable and dry.

What to Expect from Your Rafting Adventure

This tour offers a balanced mix of scenery, gentle whitewater, and opportunities for surprises. You’ll spend roughly 1.5 to 2 hours on the water, floating down the Upper Colorado River, which winds through some of Colorado’s most scenic landscapes. The Class 2 rapids provide just enough excitement to keep things lively without being overwhelming—a perfect intro to whitewater rafting for those new to the sport.

One of the highlights is the stop at Radium Hot Springs, where many groups eddy out for a relaxing dip amid natural thermal waters. It’s a chance to unwind and enjoy the peaceful riverbank scenery before heading back into the rapids.

Itinerary Breakdown

• Start at Kremmling: The meeting point is conveniently located at 400e Park Ave, which is easy to reach from Breckenridge or other nearby towns.
• Floating through Valley and Canyon: The river meanders through breathtaking vistas with dramatic cliffs, often alive with birdlife and other wildlife. We loved the way the scenery changes around each bend, offering constantly new views.
• Wildlife Activity: Guests frequently report seeing otters swimming alongside the rafts, eagles soaring above, and even sightings of big horn sheep, bears, and moose along the riverbanks. One reviewer noted, “Scenery was beautiful, we could take pics along the way,” emphasizing how photogenic this experience can be.
• Cliff Jumping: For those looking to add a splash of adrenaline, the tour includes optional jumps from a 25ft cliff or a smaller 7ft option. It’s a fun way to break up the float and feel a bit of a thrill.
• Radium Hot Springs: This stop is often a group favorite. The natural thermal waters offer a soothing break, and many groups find the opportunity to eddy out and relax along the riverbank.

What’s Included and What to Bring

All safety gear—life jackets, wetsuits, and splash jackets—are provided, making it accessible regardless of whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a nervous first-timer. We suggest bringing waterproof phone covers, especially if you want to snap photos during the float, as one traveler recommended.

Group Size and Timing

Expect a maximum of 48 travelers, which is quite common for this type of tour. The average booking window of 21 days in advance suggests it’s popular but still accessible on shorter notice. The tour’s duration of about 3 hours 30 minutes includes time on the water, breaks, and stops, making it a manageable half-day adventure.

Pricing and Value

At $90 per person, this tour offers good value for a scenic float with wildlife and optional thrills. The experience’s real draw is the combination of scenery, wildlife, and gentle adventure, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers. Compared to more adrenaline-heavy rafting trips, this offers a more relaxed, scenic experience that allows you to truly appreciate Colorado’s natural beauty.

Authentic Experiences from Past Travelers

Julie from her review said, “Really enjoyed the float,” highlighting how relaxing and scenic the trip is. She appreciated the beautiful scenery and the opportunity to take photos. The safety aspect is also acknowledged, especially with kids on the raft, making it clear that this is a family-friendly outing.

On the other hand, some travelers like Alison had a less positive experience with the booking process, noting that clearer information about requirements like closed-toed shoes would have been helpful. This highlights the importance of checking details before your trip.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This rafting experience suits families with children, beginners in whitewater, and nature lovers seeking a peaceful float with opportunities for wildlife viewing. If you’re looking for stunning scenery combined with a gentle adventure, this tour hits the mark.

Those interested in adding a bit of excitement with the cliff jump will find it an ideal way to spice up the day. Meanwhile, if you’re solely after intense whitewater or a smaller group experience, you might want to explore other options.

The Sum Up

Rafting the Upper Colorado is a superb way to enjoy Colorado’s wild side without the adrenaline overload. It offers a beautiful, wildlife-rich landscape, gentle Class 2 rapids, and the chance to relax in thermal hot springs—all within a manageable four-hour window. The experience strikes a great balance between adventure and serenity, making it perfect for families, first-time rafters, or anyone craving an authentic outdoor adventure.

For those who love stunning views and wildlife encounters, this trip will deliver. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic float with just enough thrills, this tour is well worth considering. Just remember to bring waterproof gear and be prepared for potentially large groups, especially during peak season.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes. The float is described as safe and suitable for families, with kids around 8 years old participating. The gentle Class 2 rapids are manageable for most children.

What should I wear?
Wetsuits and splash jackets are provided if needed, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable clothing underneath. Bringing waterproof phone covers is also a good idea for photos.

How long is the trip?
You’ll be on the water for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, with the total experience lasting about 3 hours 30 minutes including stops.

What wildlife might I see?
Sightings include otters, eagles, big horn sheep, bears, and moose, depending on the day and season.

Are there any physical requirements?
Most travelers can participate. It’s a leisurely float, but being comfortable in water and able to wear a life jacket are necessary.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour is weather-dependent; poor weather may cause cancellation with a full refund or rescheduling.

Does the tour include transportation?
The meeting point is at 400e Park Ave in Kremmling. Transportation from Breckenridge is not specified, so plan to arrange your own transfer.

Can I book last minute?
While bookings are typically made about three weeks in advance, availability depends on season and demand.

In essence, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of Colorado’s natural beauty—accessible, scenic, and with just enough adventure to keep things lively. Whether you’re after stunning landscapes, wildlife sightings, or a fun family outing, it’s a trip that’s worth considering for your Colorado itinerary.