Colorado River rafting is a lifetime experience if you love adventure. The Colorado River is famous worldwide due to its large canyons, gorges, and whitewater rapids. There’re tons of national parks, mountain conservations, and state parks situated nearby; the Royal Gorge in particular is a beautiful area to raft.
That said, you’ll want to consider what kind of experience you’re looking for; a nice float down the river or an adrenaline-pumping adventure through the rapids? All that depends on the time of year you go, so that’s what we’ll be covering in this article!
Best Seasons to Enjoy Colorado River Rafting
Your first Colorado River rafting trip can be a big surprise! It is a great idea to visit with friends or family who’ve done it before. They can offer you an idea of what to expect and how to stay safe. You might first not know the front from the back of a boat. But you will learn fast! You could be rowing through rapids you never thought possible. And you might even fall in love with rafting the Grand Canyon!
The water in the Grand Canyon is much bluer than most people think. It doesn’t look like the brown water you see in pictures. The rocks are unique shapes and colors. You don’t need to be a scientist to be amazed as you float past the canyon walls. However, you might need to know the best season and perfect weather conditions to enjoy the rafting wholeheartedly.
1. Summer Rafting Trip
Summer is the perfect time for whitewater rafting in Colorado! There are lots of rivers you can raft on here. The best time to go for spring rafting is May and June. One of the best places to go is the Dowd Chute on the Eagle River. It is a highly challenging stretch of river, but it is only open for a short time each year.
The water level can change every day. So, guides have to be careful about when people can go. You need to be a strong swimmer and have some experience rafting to go here. The Upper Colorado River is a good choice if you are looking for a straightforward rafting trip. It is appropriate for families and people who want a relaxing trip. You can see lots of wildlife and learn about the history.
2. Peak Time Rafting
July, August, and September are the most popular times for rafting in Colorado. The water is usually lower, and you can go with younger kids. You can visit the Arkansas River. Clear Creek and Blue River are other good places for Colorado Springs Rafting with families.
In August and September, the water is calmer, and it’s a great time to enjoy the scenery. You can take the same trips as in July. Roaring Fork River rapids are extreme and adventurous. You will spot many gorging waterfalls there. Rio Grande River near the Texas Border is another breathtaking spot. The upper area is famous for challenging rafting trips, but the lower region is suitable for daily trips.
3. Late Summer Rafting Trip
Early September is still a good time to go rafting in Colorado. There are fewer people, and the water is not as rough. It will be a slower trip so that you can enjoy the scenery more. Even though the water is lower, the river is still bumpy. In late summer, you can spot more wildlife, like bighorn sheep.
The water remains higher as the weather gets warmer and the snow melts during summer. In mid-August, the water gets low again until the coming spring. When the water is low, the rapids are tough, and there are fewer people. Hence, if you are traveling with kids, choose to see diverse flora and animals this season.
Conclusion
Colorado is a great place for adventures all year round. You can go rafting in the spring and summer, and ziplining can be fun any time. There are many things to consider when choosing the best time to go rafting. Experts say Colorado Springs Rafting is best in the summer, but it can depend on how much snow there is in the mountains.
If you see more snow, you will enjoy more water. You can choose an adventure that is right for you and your friends, no matter where you go. Contact the best travelers or guides to enjoy rafting safely!