Cache la Poudre has a wide range of difficulty. There are trips that are for beginners as well as others that hit class IV rapids (advanced). The best operator is A Wanderlust Adventure.
Bighorn Sheep Canyon is on the Arkansas River. This trip is relatively mild in terms of rapids, but the scenery is beautiful. The canyon was named after the large amount of bighorn sheep that live in the area.
Summit County is known for skiing, but one of the best-kept secrets is rafting on the Blue River. This is one of the highest (elevation) rafting options in the state and it known for having really great views. The rafting isn't nearly as difficult as some other areas, but there is a stretch of 2 miles of continuous whitewater.
Glenwood Canyon rafting is along a beautiful stretch west of Vail and east of Glenwood Springs. The rafting is fairly moderate and appropriate for all ages. The best part is simply the views and being able to spend time in the great town of Glenwood Springs.
Dinosaur National Monument is located near the Utah border in northwest Colorado. Ten different kinds of dinosaurs were discovered in the area. The rafting is known for intermediate difficulty in a dramatic canyon.
The southwest corner of the state offers some solid rafting. In the early summer, the upper Animas is a class IV-V action-packed journey. The best operator is Mild To Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours.
Brown's Canyon was recently registered as a national monument. The area is beautiful... in fact, "Buena Vista" means "good view" in Spanish. Brown's Canyon is great for group camp trips and all levels of experience.
The Numbers is a section of the Arkansas River that is extremely technical. It is made up of seven major rapids. The Numbers is probably the toughest stretch of rafting in the state (you've been warned).
The Royal Gorge raft trip runs underneath the famous bridge. The river is known for the canyon scenery and the moderate class III-IV rapids.
The legend... Clear Creek is one of the most technical rivers in the world. The river is narrow, steep, and fast. Rafters "put in" the river just west of Idaho Springs. The trips are not for those looking for a relaxed float down the river. The rafting is only 30 minutes west of Denver, making this the most accessible rafting in the state. The best part is you can grab drinks in the charming town of Idaho Springs to celebrate surviving your day on the river.
