About The Course!

Paddleboarding on flat water is a blast, but add some current and whitewater and take it to a new level of fun. We start out in a calm river section of the Upper Colorado River to improve our balance and then progress down river with many learning opportunities on the way. Plan on a fun-filled day with your guide learning river dynamics, how to get in and out of eddies, ferrying across the river, and river surfing! All SUP trips depart with our Half Day Rafting Trips. All required equipment including board, paddle, water shoes, helmet, and PFD are provided!

The Upper Colorado River provides mild Class I-II rapids and occasional Class III rapids at higher water flow! This journey is a great introduction to SUPing down a river, with something fun for everyone.

First timer? No problem! Our guides will help you get comfortable on your river craft.

Itinerary

• Meet at our Rancho Del Rio boathouse at 4199 Trough Rd, Bond, CO 80423
  
• Trips leave twice daily at 9AM & 2PM
  
• Gear up & meet your guide(s)
  
• Shuttle ride to Pumphouse on the Upper Colorado River
  
• River time with hikes, rapids, warm springs, & swimming
  
• Continue your float
  
• Take out at Radium
  
• Shuttle back to the Rancho Boathouse
  

Trip Package Includes

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

Trip Package Does Not Include

• Lodging
  
• Clothing (See recommended gear under Trip Planning)
  
• Insurance (Trip or Rescue)
  
• Guide Gratuity
  

Area Info

Upper Colorado River, Grand County, Colorado

This section of the Colorado River offers scenic views including meadows, valleys, rolling ranch lands and steep canyon walls and wildlife including Bald Eagles, Deer, Beavers, and, Big Horn Sheep, there is always something to keep your eyes on. Upper Colorado River Rafting and SUPing provides mild Class I-II rapids and occasional Class III rapids at higher water flow.

Beginning as snowmelt high in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Colorado Rockies give birth to the legendary Colorado River. Downstream of the national park, the river character begins to intensify through the famed and Class 5 “Gore Canyon”, and then below the river develops a more gentle nature. This is where our Colorado River Rafting and SUP experiences begin, with a milder introduction to white water river SUPing.

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 spanning Summit and Eagle Counties to the Denver Front Range. 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.

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 Do Whitewater SUP Trips Start in Colorado?

This depends on what you’re interested in. If big, exciting water is what your group is looking for, then high-water season is the best time. Mid-June to early July is traditionally the high-water season. When rivers run at their peak, it can make for a big ride. Keep in mind some sections may close due to high water conditions. Most people enjoy the normal runs in May then late July through September. Water levels and weather are very unpredictable, so book a date that best suits the group and be prepared for the unexpected. There really is no bad time to go white water SUPing in Colorado.

What To Wear Rafting/SUPing/Kayaking 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 and don’t do you much good on the river because there is no way to keep them dry. For rafting and other water 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. You should limit what you bring to what you can wear. Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are included and helmets are available. 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/SUPing/Kayaking Trip?

Please see our equipment lists for activity-specific gear. For whitewater 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. Bring a change of dry clothes to leave in your car. Our basecamps offer changing rooms so you can be comfortable after your Colorado River adventure. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, sunglasses straps, and hats that protect from the sun. Bring water. Remember, you’re in the Colorado Rockies, and it’s important to stay hydrated!

Is Whitewater Rafting/SUPing/Kayaking Dangerous?

All our guides go through extensive training, basic first aid, CPR, and all river guides are certified by the state of Colorado. Rafting is an adventure sport and involves a degree of risk on the part of the participant. Although we take precautions to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip, we cannot be responsible for lost or damaged articles and/or personal injury. It is important for the group to choose a trip within their entire group’s limits. Colorado Rafting Company/Colorado Adventure Guides is committed to the safety of our guests. Due to the inherently dangerous nature of some outdoor recreation activities in the backcountry, all participants are required to acknowledge these risks by reading and signing a liability waiver prior to trip departure. All participants under the age of 18 must have a liability/health history waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. In addition to this form, the health history questionnaire must be filled out for each participant. All information submitted is completely confidential; it is for the guide’s use and would only be shared in the event of an emergency with medical and/or rescue personnel directly caring for the guest. It is Colorado Adventure Guides’ policy that all Emergency Contacts be a person over the age of 18 and not participating in the same guided trip or course.

Is there a minimum age required for this trip?

We typically accept participants 12 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.