Rancho Del Rio on the Colorado River


GUIDED RAFTING AND KAYAKING TRIPS

TO BOOK A GUIDED TRIP (or for inquiries)  CONTACT US  AT RANCHO DEL RIO.
View the map of the Upper Colorado River including river distances and classifications
For answers to general questions about white-water rafting, see FAQs

 

Rancho Del Rio can set you up with the following guided rafting and kayaking trips.  From the easiest family outing to the most extreme adventure in Gore Canyon, each trip is led by highly experienced and skillful guides who know the river very well.  For your safety, you will  also be provided with state of the art safety gear and technical equipment.

Family Friendly

Ultimate Whitewater

Specialty / Extreme

  Upper Colorado River
  Half Day Trip
  Full Day Trip
  Overnight & Multi-Day

 10% Off any Friendly Friendly Raft Trip with an Overnight Cabin Rental

  Gore Canyon Extreme

Gore Canyon


FAMILY FRIENDLY


The following trips are especially suited for families with children or for those preferring a milder river experience. While being less demanding physically, these trips will allow you to enjoy some of the most beautiful stretches of the Colorado River.  A perfect opportunity for those who want to enjoy the scenery while spending time with friends and family.

Trip

Details


Upper Colorado River

Rafting at Rancho del Rio
The Upper Colorado River, between Rancho Del Rio and State Bridge, is the best option for families with young children and anyone who wants fun, easy rapids, plus beautiful scenery.  Enjoy frequent wildlife sightings and listen to guides tell of the infamous "Three Fingered Willie", a miner whose cabin can be toured during the trip.   In the spring, when sunny weather tends to melt the incredible snowfall that the Vail Valley receives each winter, this is a great introduction to whitewater rafting.
  • Trip Length: 2 hours on the river
  • Rating: Class II (Beginner)
  • Season: May to October
  • Put In: Rancho Del Rio
  • Take Out: State Bridge
  • Time: Morning and Afternoon Trips Available
  • Lunch: Available on Morning Trip ONLY
  • Equipment: Inflatable Kayaks are Available as well as Wet Suits, Booties, and Rain Gear

  For More Information visit:
coloradorivercenter.com

or email
info@coloradorivercenter.com

Half Day Trip

  • Trip Length: 2 hours on the river
  • Rating: Class II and Class III (Intermediate)
  • Season: May to October
  • Put In: Radium
  • Take Out: Rancho Del Rio
  • Time: Morning and Afternoon Trips Available
  • Lunch: Available on Morning Trip ONLY
  • Equipment: Inflatable Kayaks are Available as well as Wet Suits, Booties, and Rain Gear

  For More Information visit:
coloradorivercenter.com

or email
info@coloradorivercenter.com

Full Day Trip

  • Trip Length: 5 hours on the river
  • Rating: Class II and Class III (Intermediate)
  • Season: May to October
  • Put In: Pumphouse
  • Take Out: Rancho Del Rio
  • Lunch: Includes Gourmet Lunches
  • Equipment: Inflatable Kayaks are Available as well as Wet Suits, Booties, and Rain Gear

 For More Information visit:
coloradorivercenter.com

or email
info@coloradorivercenter.com

Overnight &
Multi-Day

  • Trip Length: Overnight or Multi-Day
  • Rating: Class II and Class III (Intermediate)
  • Season: May to October
  • Number of Persons: 4 Person Minimum
  • Meals: Choice of 3 Menu Plans

 For More Information visit:
coloradorivercenter.com

or email
info@coloradorivercenter.com

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ULTIMATE WHITEWATER


The following trips are for those who love the technical challenges of paddle rafting steep mountain gorges, and seek the rewards that follow the successful descent of difficult whitewater.  These trips are for experienced paddlers or physically fit swimmers only.

Trip

Details


Gore Canyon IV
Colorado River

Gore Canyon is the Ultimate Class IV section and the most difficult commercial Class IV in the state of Colorado.  The Class IV stretch has two mandatory portages at Gore Rapid and Tunnel Falls ( two class V drops).  You put back on the river right below these waterfalls that then lead into many more thrilling drops. Extensive paddling skills and river safety will be taught throughout the day.  All Gore Canyon customers need to be physically fit and active, with no medical conditions which may inhibit or be affected by participation in this activity.

All Gore Canyon trips are guided by Timberline Tours, the Vail Valley's oldest and most experienced outfitter.

  • Trip Length: Full-day 9 hours
    (4.5 - 5 hours on the river)
  • Rating: Class IV ( Expert )
  • Season: Mid-July through mid-September
  • Put In: Kremmling, CO
  • Take Out: Pumphous
  • Lunch: Served riverside at the take-out

  For More Information visit:
timberlinetours.com

or email
info@timberlinetours.com


Gore Canyon V
Colorado River


Gore Canyon is the Ultimate Class V section and the most difficult commercial Class V in the state of Colorado.  Once entering the canyon, there are five miles of intense rapids including three waterfalls.  This section of river is renowned for it's challenging white water and it's infamous 12 foot drops such as Tunnel Falls and Fisherman's Nightmare.  Extensive paddling skills and river safety will be taught.  Each participant will have to competently swim through a Class II rapid, learn to catch and accurately throw a throw-bag (device used to rescue a swimmer) and competently demonstrate other self rescue techniques.  Gore Canyon Customers need to be physically fit and active, with no medical conditions which may inhibit or be affected by participation in this activity.

All Gore Canyon trips are guided by Timberline Tours, the Vail Valley's oldest and most experienced outfitter.

  • Trip Length: Full-day 9 hours
    (4.5 - 5 hours on the river)
  • Rating: Class V ( Expert )
  • Season: Mid-July through mid-September
  • Put In: Kremmling, CO
  • Take Out: Pumphouse
  • Lunch: Served riverside at the take-out

 For More Information visit:
timberlinetours.com

or email
info@timberlinetours.com

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SPECIALTY / EXTREME

Trip

Details


Gore Canyon Extreme

Gore Canyon Extreme is a revolutionary, high adventure, multi-sport tour offered exclusively through Timberline Tours, the Vail Valley's oldest and most experienced outfitter.  This two day adventure was developed by Timberline Tour's co-owner and head boatman, Billy Mattison, and fellow members of Team Vail, as they trained for the 1998 Discovery Channel's Eco Challenge competition.  Winning a stunning first place in Morocco, they became the first American team to win this grueling multi-day adventure race.  This two day tour is based in spectacular Gore Canyon on the Colorado River, site of the 1999 and 2000 U.S. National Class V Rafting Championships.

Day one takes place in Little Gore Canyon and includes a variety of exciting activities designed to prepare participants for the extreme adventures they will tackle the following day.  Participants will have the opportunity to learn the basics of climbing and rappelling as well as techniques for using ropes and rope safety.  In addition to the rope work, paddling skills and river safety will also be taught.  Each participant will have to competently swim through a Class II rapid, learn to catch and accurately throw a throw-bag (device used to rescue a swimmer) and competently demonstrate other self rescue techniques.

Gore CanyonThe second day starts out with a four mile hike that leads to the top of a cliff band approximately 1000 feet above the Colorado River.  The next activity finds each participant rappelling the dramatic rock face down into Gore Canyon just above the first Class V rapid for the day, Gore Rapid.  Rafts and guides will be awaiting the arrival of participants to guide them down the Class V stretch of the Colorado River.  This section of river is renowned for it's challenging white water and it's infamous 12 foot drops such as Tunnel Falls and Fisherman's Nightmare.  Be prepared to tackle some other rapids named Toilet Bowl, and Pyrite not to mention the long and technical Kirchbaum.  Gore Canyon is the state's most difficult, adventurous, full-on, Class V commercial rafting experience!

Cost includes all equipment and lunch.  Transportation from Vail is also included or you can meet at Rancho Del Rio.  This trip does not include your overnight lodging.  You are welcome to camp here at Rancho Del Rio or stay in one of our rental cabins

Each guest will be provided with the following state-of-the-art equipment:


Rafting Gear:
  • Wetsuits                                             
  • Booties
  • Splash Jackets
  • US Coast Gaurd approved Life Jackets
  • Helmets

Rappelling/Climbing Gear:
:
  • Harnesses
  • Ropes
  • Helmets


Each guest will need to bring the following items:

  • Climbing shoes (available at Mountain Quest Sports)                                             
  • Sturdy hiking shoes
  • Swimsuit
  • Lightweight, loose fitting clothing for each day
  • Windbreaker jacket, Fleece
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
 
For More Information visit:
timberlinetours.com

or email
info@timberlinetours.com

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Rancho Del Rio
4199 Trough Road
Bond, CO  80423
ph: 970-653-4431
fax: 970-653-4355
website: www.ranchodelrio.com
email: rancho@vail.net