About Your Adventure!

Blue River rafting is flow-dependent. Green calendar dates indicate availability.

The Blue River is the best rafting experience in Summit County. The Blue River runs through a beautiful rugged landscape of Colorado ranch lands tucked up next to the mountains of the Gore Range. This gorgeous class III river is located North of Silverthorne, just 20 minutes from Breckenridge, 30 minutes from Vail, and only 1 hour from Denver. We provide PFDs and splash wear. The season for rafting the Blue River is May through July, but river flow is dependent on water released from Dillon Reservoir. Check the availability calendar to see if this package is currently running.

The Blue River half-day trip is a great blast of excitement for people on a tight schedule or for those who want a quick taste of Colorado fun! This short trip has you on the water for 5 miles and departs twice daily.

Itinerary

• Meet at our Silverthorne Adventure Center (9:30AM and 1:15PM)
  
• Gear up & meet your guide(s)
  
• Shuttle ride to put in
  
• River time
  
• Take out and shuttle back to the Boathouse
  

Trip Package Includes

• CAG professional rafting guides
  
• All safety & rafting equipment
  
• Transportation from designated meeting place to the put-in
  
• A safe, fun, and educational experience.
  

Trip Package Does Not Include

• Lodging
  
• Clothing (See FAQs below)
  
• Insurance (Trip or Rescue)
  
• Guide gratuity
  

About Your Guides

Colorado Adventure Guides and Colorado Rafting Company, based in Silverthorne, CO, deliver four seasons of outdoor adventure and education. With operations in seven USFS and BLM ranger districts, we serve a dynamic and growing population of outdoor enthusiasts. Our all-season, guided operations include:

• Rock Climbing
  
• Mountaineering
  
• Hiking/Peak Accents
  
• Mountain Biking
  
• Whitewater Rafting/SUPing
  
• Backcountry Skiing
  
• Backcountry Splitboarding
  
• Snowshoeing
  
• Ice Climbing
  
• AIARE Snow Safety
  

We have been providing incredible experiences to visitors of Summit County and surrounding areas for over 20 years. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned expert, let us take you on your next unforgettable outdoor adventure!

FAQs

Do I need any prior training to participate in this course?

No prior training or experience is necessary to sign up for this trip. Those with previous experience are welcome too.

Are rentals available?

No specialized gear is required for these adventures. We provide all specialized equipment needed. You bring clothing and apparel appropriate for being outside on a Colorado summer day on the river. We do recommend wetsuits and/or splash jackets for this early season river. The water is cold so don’t be afraid to bring your long underwear and fleece jackets for this classic Colorado rafting trip.

Should We Tip Our Guide?

Your guide/instructors work hard before, during, and after your course to provide you with a great experience, and while not expected, gratuities are always highly appreciated. If you had a safe, educational, and fun experience, gratuities typically range from 15-20%.

When Does White Water Rafting Start on the Blue?

The season for rafting the Blue River is May through July, depending on water levels. The river flows depend largely on the water released from Dillon Reservoir, so just give us a call to see what the river is doing this year.

What To Wear Rafting in Colorado?

Avoid cotton clothing, as it tends to get wet and stay wet – not to mention taking valuable warmth from your body’s surface. For rafting, bathing suits and shorts are recommended with comfortable, secure footwear. While not required, we do provide wetsuits, splash jackets, and booties at no additional charge. This equipment isn’t mandatory but it is designed to keep you warm. Towels are best kept in your vehicles at the office and don’t do you much good on the river because there is no way to keep them dry. For rafting and other activities your best bet would be materials such as wool, polypro, fleece, micro fleece, polyester, waterproof jackets, and any other outdoor material that dries fast. There is limited space on the rafts, so you should limit what you bring to what you can wear. Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are included with all rafting adventures and helmets on all Blue River trips. If you have any questions please give us a call and we can give you information so that you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.

What Should We Bring on a Rafting Trip?

Please see our equipment lists for activity specific gear. For rafting you will want to bring a few towels to leave in your car; you’ll be happy to have something to dry off with after your adventure. Leave a change of dry clothes in your car, too. Our basecamps offer changing rooms so you can be comfortable after your Colorado raft adventure. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, sunglasses straps, and hats that protect from the sun. Bring water for hydration. Remember, you’re in the Colorado Rockies, and it’s important to stay hydrated!

Is there a minimum age required for this trip?

We typically accept participants 6 years or older, if they are accompanied by a legal guardian. You must be 18 years or older to attend a trip on your own.