Colorado is a beautiful place – the second the snow melts off the mountain, we have our sights set on the fun activities that the next season brings! We’re in spring, which means half of the population is getting some final slushy spring skiing runs in while the other half is dusting off their raft gear and dreaming of the river.
If you’re a part of the latter, the wait may be much shorter than you think! People always associate Colorado rafting trips with the middle of summer, but that mindset will have you missing some of the best rafting of the year: early-season rafting in Colorado!
Spring whitewater rafting in Colorado is a hidden gem if hidden gems can be defined by “time” instead of “place.” The water is pumping, the rapids are big, and the river is free from the crowds that summer brings! It’s the perfect time to jump into another season of rafting, and we’ll tell you exactly how you can experience it for yourself.
Here is everything you need to know about early-season rafting in Colorado!
When is Rafting Season in Colorado?
The Colorado rafting season typically runs from late April through September, with different times in the season offering significantly different river personalities and experiences. Here is the general breakdown:
Mid April through mid May is considered early season rafting. Rivers are running at lower flows prior to the spring runoff. There is much less river traffic and wildlife is more abundant during this time frame. Weather temps can be variable with temps ranging from 60’s to 80’s and random snow storms are not out of the question. We recommend checking out the forecast prior to planning a river trip during this timeframe.
Mid May through early June is considered the start of the rafting season in Colorado. This time of the season has the advantage of the extra snow melt entering the river, which raises water levels and adventure levels! The current is exciting, the rapids are bigger, and this early spring rafting will quench your thirst for some thrills and then some. Of course, it also means chilly water, so many people opt for wetsuits or drysuits during this time of the season.
Mid-June through Mid-August is the most popular time for rafters – the sun is shining, the water is still pumping from the spring snowmelt, and the summer energy is strong. It also means lots of people and lots of boats on the water.
Mid-August through September, things calm down in the current a little bit. The river levels are lower, so the rapids are smaller, making it a great time for lazy river floats and family raft trips. The summer sun is still doing its thing, making it the perfect time to lay back and enjoy the winding river in a less-action-more-relaxation way.
Best time to go whitewater rafting in Colorado
The best time to go to whitewater rafting in Colorado depends on the kind of trip you want! If you’re looking for relaxation and warm water, and don’t mind a river full of people, later in the season will be a great time to plan a trip.
But for those people who want high-octane fun and a river (potentially) all to yourself, spring rafting is a must-try.
Why Take Advantage of Early Season Rafting in Colorado?
We already foreshadowed the reasons to try early spring rafting in Colorado, but let’s lay it out for you:
- There are significantly fewer people on the river. That means unobstructed views, you get to hit all the best rapids from the best angle, and you get to feel like a true adventurer taking on untouched nature. Seeing fewer people on the river makes the experience that much more special.
- The water is bigger. Thanks to the snowmelt, the water levels lead to even more heart-pounding, blood-pumping adventures. Rapids are the biggest and most exciting they’ll be all season long, so spring rafting means getting the best bang for your buck in the thrills department.
- The energy of the guides is off-the-charts. Listen – our guides are amazing any time of the year. But can you blame them for being extra pumped at the start of the season? They’re getting back on their beloved whitewater for the first time this season, too – so the energy in the air is palpable!
- Spring views are unmatched. Colorado doesn’t have a bad side, but she really shows up and shows out in the spring. The snowmelt uncovers lush green views that don’t last all season long, so catching the scenery in all its spring glory is extra special.
- Outfitters like us will have everything you need to have a great time on the water. We’ll ensure that you have everything you need to keep out the spring chill while you take on the rapids! We make sure all our spring rafters have the right gear so that chilly water is a non-issue.
What to Expect Spring Whitewater Rafting in Colorado
Have we sold you on early-season rafting in Colorado? Here’s how you can prepare for your trip!
Gear for Spring Rafting in Colorado
With spring rafting, you’re not showing up in shorts and bathing suits and calling it good. You usually need some extra layers to keep your body temps up and your spirits high! Depending on the water temps, weather, and river, you may need a wetsuit, booties, splash jackets or even a drysuit along with the standard helmet and PFD to weather the water.
Our well-stocked gear inventory will ensure that you have access to all the gear you need on the river!
Best Rivers for Early Season Rafting
There are several rivers that have unparalleled early spring rafting, but we are especially partial to the Arkansas River and the different adventures you can find on different parts of the river.
- Browns Canyon is a great beginner-friendly river section that has extra splashy rapids in the spring.
- Bighorn Sheep Canyon is great for all levels to enjoy some rapids and have the strong likelihood of seeing some cool wildlife coming out of hibernation for the season.
- Royal Gorge is our personal favorite, especially for thrill-seekers who want to get tossed around on some wildly fun spring rapids. These are the best rapids you can find in the state!
Another river that shines in the spring is Clear Creek, which has the wild class IV-V rapids on the Lower Clear Creek, easy splashy fun on Middle Clear Creek and a happy in-between on the Upper Clear Creek section.
No matter what river you choose, you’ll get all the “early bird gets the worm” benefits of spring rafting!
Safety Considerations for Cold-Water Rafting
Ready to plan your trip? There are a few extra safety considerations to consider during Spring whitewater rafting in Colorado.
Staying warm is important – which is why we will supply all the extra gear you need! Wearing this gear properly will keep your core body temps normal during a chilly raft trip.
Snow melt leads to high water levels, which leads to extra exciting water! That means rapids that are class III/IV in summer can be strong class IV in spring. Be prepared to level up the thrills and be aware of that while choosing a river to match your group’s experience level.
Book an Early Spring Rafting Trip with Arkansas River Tours
We love our early spring rafting trips! If you want to take advantage of the benefits of getting on the water ASAP, we can save you a seat on a boat. Booking early means avoiding the crowded summer competition, so you can have a trip of a lifetime! Book your early spring whitewater adventure here!
