Adventure Outdoors – Your Guide to the Vail Valley’s Premier River Adventures
From heart-pounding rapids to scenic family floats, whitewater rafting in the Vail and Beaver Creek area offers something for everyone. Whether you’re staying in Vail Village, Avon, or up in the high country, the rivers around you are primed for summer adventure and Adventure Outdoors is your trusted local guide.
A River for Every Level: Rafting in the Vail Valley
The Vail Valley is home to three iconic rivers that deliver a full range of rafting experiences—from big spring runoff to relaxed late-summer floats.
The Eagle River
Spring Runoff (May-June)
Flowing straight from the Gore Range and through the heart of Vail, the Eagle River is a local favorite. It’s untamed and dam-free, meaning spring runoff brings Class III–IV rapids that thrill adventure seekers. This river is best tackled in late May through early July.
Perfect for: Intermediate and advanced paddlers, high-water junkies, and those wanting proximity to Vail & Avon.
Top Trips: Dowd Chute, Lower Eagle whitewater section, and family-friendly segments downstream.
Upper Colorado River
Scenic & Mellow
Just 45 minutes from Vail, the Upper Colorado River (near State Bridge and Radium) offers gentle Class I–III rafting, ideal for families, groups, and those who want to soak in the scenery. With towering canyon walls, natural hot springs, and bald eagle sightings, this is one of Colorado’s most beautiful river runs.
Perfect for: Beginners, kids as young as 4, photographers, and wildlife lovers.
Top Trips: Radium to Rancho or Pumphouse stretches, with calm water, occasional rapids, and plenty of swimming holes.
Colorado River Shoshone Rapids
Glenwood Canyon
Located within Glenwood Canyon, the Shoshone Rapids are the most popular whitewater section in the area—and for good reason. This Class III+ stretch of the Colorado River is famous for its perfect blend of excitement and accessibility.
Rapid Names to Know: You’ll splash through iconic waves like Man Eater, The Tombstone, and Superstition, each offering fun, technical challenges for paddlers without being overly intimidating.
Perfect for First-Timers & Thrill-Seekers: Shoshone delivers action-packed fun in a short burst typically a 2.5 hr. adventure making it great for those looking to dip their paddle into whitewater without committing to a full day.
Late Season Bonus: As water levels drop in late summer, the rapids mellow slightly, making this section ideal for younger adventurers and cautious thrill-seekers.on doesn’t need to be made at the time of booking, we will help you decide on the day of your trip.
The Arkansas River
Just over the pass from Vail, the Arkansas River near Buena Vista delivers some of the best whitewater in the West. Sections like Browns Canyon and The Numbers offer full-day, action-packed adventures with world-class rapids and stunning granite canyons.
- Perfect for: Full-day adventurers, thrill seekers, and groups wanting a big day on the water.
- Offered as: Full-day excursions with transportation available.
Vail Rafting Season: May through September
Rafting in the Vail/Beaver Creek region kicks off in mid-May, peaks in June and early July, and continues into early September thanks to the reliable flows of the Upper Colorado. Each river offers a unique experience depending on time of year:
- Early Season (May–June): Fast water, high excitement on Eagle and Arkansas.
- Mid Season (July): Balanced flows, great for all ages and trip types.
- Late Season (August–Sept): Ideal for families, low-flow floats, and relaxing adventures.
Why Choose Adventure Outdoors in the Vail Valley?
Local Experts: We live here, we play here, and we know these rivers like the back of our paddle.
All Gear Included: No surprise fees—helmets, splash gear, and river shoes are always part of the package.
Convenient Locations & Shuttles: We’ll pick you up from Vail, Beaver Creek, Avon, or meet at the river depending on your trip.
Adventures for All: Whether you want mild or wild, we’ve got the trip to match your group, comfort level, and vacation vibe.
Family Friendly & Group Ready: From private boats to team outings and multi-family trips, we make it easy to raft together.
