Adventure Outdoors logo

Upper Colorado Wilderness Adventure

Video Placeholder
6

Wilderness Adventure

Colorado River

Looking to disconnect, slow down, and soak in some of Colorado’s most spectacular landscapes? The Upper Colorado Wilderness River Adventure is the perfect river escape for those who crave a calmer pace and wide-open beauty. This trip offers a laid-back float through red rock canyons, quiet valleys, and wildlife-rich riverscapes with just enough splash to keep things fun.

Glide along gentle Class I–III waters, sun on your face and fresh mountain air all around. Stop for a swim, snap photos of eagles and bighorn sheep, or simply drift and let Colorado’s wild spaces do what they do best—recharge your spirit.

For those wanting a bit more engagement, paddle your own inflatable kayak (ducky) and feel the river’s subtle currents firsthand. It’s a safe, hands-on way to add more movement to the mellow magic.

Conveniently located near Vail, Beaver Creek, and Glenwood Springs, this adventure is the perfect reset—whether you’re here for the weekend or just passing through.

Maggie

Guide Tip

Maggie

River Guide

"Listen to your guide ... they've got your back ....Our guides are trained to lead you through everything from basic strokes to big rapids. Pay attention during the safety briefing and follow paddle commands like “Forward!” or “Get down!” during the trip. When the guide’s in charge and everyone’s working together, the boat moves like magic."

Location

  • Vail / Beaver Creek

River

Upper Colorado River

River Rating

Class II

Choose Your Experience

Half Day Wilderness Adventure

Location

Vail / Beaver Creek

River

Upper Colorado River

Adventure Time

2 hours

Total Time

2.75 hours

Tags

Family Experiences

Great for Groups

Kid Friendly

Per Guest

Adult (13+): $140

Child (7-12): $110

Child (≤6): $75

No Hidden Fees!

Must be at least

30 pounds

Available

May 15 - Sep 13

Adventure level

Fun for Everyone

Secluded Family Fun

Perfectly located for those visiting the Vail / Beaver Creek and Summit County areas.

Perfectly located for those visiting the Vail / Beaver Creek and Summit County areas.

Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in Colorado’s unspoiled wilderness on our Upper Colorado Wilderness River Adventure. This 2 hour relaxed river trip floats you down a calm, scenic stretch of the Upper Colorado River, where gentle Class II-III riffles and gorgeous canyon vistas make it perfect for explorers of all ages​. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, river otters, as you splash through crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re 5 or 85, this family-friendly river escape will rejuvenate your spirit – so sit back, relax, and let the Colorado River show you some spectacular Colorado Wilderness countryside.

Half Day Wilderness Adventure – Private Raft

Location

Vail / Beaver Creek

River

Upper Colorado River

Adventure Time

2 hours

Total Time

2.75 hours

Tags

Family Experiences

Great for Groups

Kid Friendly

Per Raft

$1,120

Up to 8 People, plus your guide.

No Hidden Fees!

Must be at least

30 pounds

Available

May 15 - Sep 13

Adventure level

Fun for Everyone

Peace, Paddle, and a River All to Yourself

Trade crowds for quiet and let nature set the pace on our Private Upper Colorado Wilderness Adventure. This scenic float trip offers a serene stretch of river with gentle Class I–II rapids, ideal for families, multi-generational groups, photographers, or anyone who wants to slow down and truly connect with Colorado’s wild beauty. With your own raft and guide, you’ll enjoy the freedom to pause for swimming, explore riverside trails, or simply drift in silence through red rock canyons and open skies. Whether it’s your first time on the river or your fiftieth, this private experience turns a peaceful paddle into a personal retreat. Relax, recharge, and let the Colorado River do the rest.

Trade crowds for quiet and let nature set the pace on our Private Upper Colorado Wilderness Adventure. This scenic float trip offers a serene stretch of river with gentle Class I–II rapids, ideal for families, multi-generational groups, photographers, or anyone who wants to slow down and truly connect with Colorado’s wild beauty. With your own raft and guide, you’ll enjoy the freedom to pause for swimming, explore riverside trails, or simply drift in silence through red rock canyons and open skies. Whether it’s your first time on the river or your fiftieth, this private experience turns a peaceful paddle into a personal retreat. Relax, recharge, and let the Colorado River do the rest.

Vail Area- Guided Single Ducky

Location

Vail / Beaver Creek

River

Upper Colorado River

Tags

Family Experiences

Great for Groups

Kid Friendly

Per Single Ducky

$95

Must be at least

13 years old

Available

May 16 - Aug 15

Adventure level

Exciting & Active

Single Seat Ducky

For those looking for the most independence, paddle your own ducky!  Our guides are always nearby if you needed them.

For those looking for the most independence, paddle your own ducky!  Our guides are always nearby if you needed them.

Vail Area- Guided Double Ducky

Location

Vail / Beaver Creek

River

Upper Colorado River

Tags

Family Experiences

Great for Groups

Kid Friendly

Per Double Ducky

$150

Must be at least

8 years old

Available

May 16 - Oct 30

Adventure level

Exciting & Active

Two Seat Ducky

Share the excitement with a friend or family member! Kids as young as 7 can join with an adult

Share the excitement with a friend or family member! Kids as young as 7 can join with an adult

Topo Adventure

Trip Details

Knowledgeable, certified river guide

Raft and all safety gear (helmet, PFD, paddle)

Dry bags for personal items

Wetsuits and splash gear (weather-dependent)

Riverside lunch or snack (depending on trip length)

Transportation to and from the river access

Interpretive info on geology, wildlife, and river ecology

 

Check-In: Arrive at the designated time specified in your confirmation email.​

All participants must sign a waiver (minors require parent/guardian signature)

Minimum age: 5 years old (subject to weather and water conditions)

No rafting experience required—ideal for all skill levels

Bring a refillable water bottle, quick-dry clothing, secure footwear, and sun protection

Let us know about any food allergies in advance (for lunch/snack trips)

Age and Weight Requirements: Minimum recommended ages vary depending on river flow and conditions. Participants must weigh at least 30 lbs.

Escape the crowds and reconnect with the wild on our Wilderness Rafting Trip through the stunning Upper Colorado River corridor. This scenic float blends light whitewater (Class I-II) with wide open views, hidden hot springs, wildlife sightings, and towering canyon walls—making it a perfect option for families, photographers, bird watchers, or anyone looking to slow down and soak it all in.

Along the way, your guide will share insight into the area’s rich natural history and point out geological formations, historical sites, and local wildlife like bald eagles, bighorn sheep, or even river otters. With options ranging from half-day floats to full-day excursions with lunch, this trip is all about wilderness immersion—without needing to rough it.

How long is the trip?

We offer both half-day (2–3 hours total) and full-day (4–6 hours including lunch) options.

Is this a float or a whitewater trip?

This is primarily a scenic float with gentle rapids—great for relaxing, swimming, and taking in the views.

Can we bring cameras or phones?

Yes—just make sure they’re waterproof or protected in a dry bag. We provide bags for essentials, but waterproof phone cases are a great idea.

Is there hiking or swimming on this trip?

Yes, depending on flows and timing, we may stop to explore hot springs or swim in mellow eddies.

What kind of lunch is served on the full-day trip?

We typically serve fresh deli sandwiches, fruit, chips, and cookies. We can accommodate dietary needs with advance notice.

Are there restrooms on the river?

There are vault toilets at the launch and takeout points, but no restrooms mid-river. We follow Leave No Trace ethics and have a system in place if needed.

Wave Background

Related Adventures

Great for Groups

1 Hour Horseback Ride

Book this adventure!
Cowboy Cookout
Great for Groups

Cowboy Cookout

Book this adventure!