Whitewater Rafting
How do I
book a guided rafting trip?
To book any of the guided trips that you see on our website, just contact The Colorado River Center. We will be more than happy to answer any of your questions and schedule your
trip.
What should I bring on rafting trips?
We provide the safest equipment, the most experienced and qualified guides, and
the nicest stretches of river.
Here's a list of items to remember to bring:
- SUN GLASSES, preferably with croakies or some means of securing them from
falling.
- SUN SCREEN and BRIMMED HAT. (Baseball caps are OK)
- T-SHIRTS and SHORTS or FAST DRYING PANTS. Swim suits are fine. You can
count on getting wet. We have found that cotton, particularly blue jeans, remain wet and
uncomfortable.
- TEVAS, SANDALS, or OLD TENNIS SHOES. You will be walking on the river
banks and foot protection is necessary. Should you choose to swim or wade, the river
bottom can have unseen rocks or sticks.
- SWEATER and LIGHT WATER RESISTANT JACKET. (Synthetic, fleece and wool
materials generally provide warmth even when wet) Afternoon showers are common and
temperatures can vary throughout the day. Our guides will provide you with rain wear as
well as dry storage bags if needed.
- DRY CLOTHES AND SHOES FOR AFTER THE TRIP
- Any PERSONAL MEDICATIONS.
- WATER BOTTLE. You may wish to fill it with lemonade or your own personal
water supply.
- WATERPROOF CAMERA. You'll be rafting through some of the most
beautiful country in the state of Colorado. You may also have the opportunity to
photograph wildlife including muledeer, elk and eagles.
- You may put your wallets and other
valuables in one of our dry bags on the raft if you wish. Try to bring as few valuables
as possible for we cannot be responsible for them.
Do
I need special equipment?
We provide state of the art equipment including wetsuits, booties, life jackets and
splash jackets. Helmets are provided for class III - V trips. All you need is a bathing
suit. On cooler days you may want to bring a synthetic underwear top to be worn under your
splash jacket. Sunscreen is a great idea!
How
many people in the raft?
Varies by trip. The more difficult trips use smaller rafts...less people. The easier
trips can accommodate up to 10 in a raft.
Do
I have to paddle?
No, we offer oar boats (the guide rows) on our easier trips!
How
do we get to the river?
If booking a guided trip and you're not
staying at Rancho, we can arrange to meet you at a convenient location and return you at
the conclusion of the trip.
Rancho Del Rio is located on
the Upper Colorado River along
the Colorado River Headwaters Scenic Byway between
Bond and Kremmling, and only 4 miles from CO-131 at State Bridge. (see road map for directions)
What do
the whitewater ratings mean?
The standard whitewater classification system, used worldwide, measures the level of
difficulty of rivers.
|
Class
I: Easy
The easiest class features fast-moving water that has riffles and small waves. What
obstructions exist are obvious and easily missed, even by novices. Risk to swimmers is
slight and self-rescue is easy. |
|
Class
II: Novice
This water features straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels. Occasional
maneuvering may be required, but trained paddlers can easily avoid rocks and medium-size
waves. |
|
Class
III: Intermediate
Class III water has rapids with moderate, irregular waves that may be difficult to avoid..
Boaters may need to perform complex maneuvers in fast current and have good boat control
for tight passages and strong eddies, particularly on large-volume rivers. |
|
Class
IV: Advanced
This is turbulent water with intense, powerful yet predictable rapids. Depending on the
character of the river, a paddler may face unavoidable waves and holes or constricted
passages. A confident, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout
rapids or rest. Rapids may require immediate responses and sure moves to avoid dangerous
hazards. |
|
Class
V: Expert
This class features extremely long, obstructed or violent rapids that expose a paddler to
above-average danger. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep,
congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances
between pools, demanding a high level of fitness and stamina. Eddies, if any, may be
small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the extreme end of Class V, several of these
factors may be combined. |
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