Little Gore Canyon - 3 Day

Guided

Duration: 3 days

Kremmling

Features

Beginner Friendly

Kid Friendly

Wildlife

Instant Book

Locally Owned

$740 Adult

(Ages 13+)

$720 Child

(Ages 5-12)

Description

Upper Colorado River Multi-Day Rafting Trip - Little Gorge Canyon 3-Day

Escape into the remote beauty of Colorado’s high country with a full-day rafting trip through Little Gore Canyon on the Upper Colorado River. The legendary Colorado River is over 1,400 miles long, with its headwaters staring just above Little Gore Canyon near Granby, Colorado. The Little Gorge Canyon section of the Upper Colorado River is one of the first boat-able sections of the river. With its class II-III whitewater, the mild rapids make a perfect trip for families with young kids, and anyone seeking a mellow river experience.

On this relaxing river adventure, we'll float through 10 miles of scenic ranch country with alpine scenery, featuring sandstone and shale cliffs. Along the way, you'll navigate fun but manageable rapids like Eye of the Needle and Yarmony. With plenty of opportunities to soak in the sun and swim in the river’s clear waters, this trip is as much about relaxation as it is about adventure. Keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring overhead and bighorn sheep on the canyon walls—this section of the Colorado River is teeming with wildlife.

As the days wind down, you’ll arrive at a scenic riverside campsite on the banks of the Colorado River canyons for magical evenings under the stars. Upon arriving at camp, there will be time to set up your tent and relax while your guides put camp together and get started on dinner. Enjoy a hearty, freshly prepared dinner while soaking in the beauty of the river and sharing stories around the campfire. Your only job for the evenings is to kick back and enjoy the beauty of the river.

Perfect for families, groups, or couples, this overnight trip offers an immersive way to connect with nature, create lasting memories, and enjoy one of Colorado’s most iconic whitewater rafting destinations. With historic points, natural hot springs and mild whitewater, the Little Gore Canyon multi-day rafting adventure is the perfect river experience, all within an easy 3-hour drive from Denver.

Duration

3 days, 2 nights

This adventure is typically available from May through September.

Location / Where to Meet

Your trip will begin at our put-in near Kremmling, Colorado. Full transportation details and options will be provided in your confirmation, but please see below for planning.

By Plane: The closest airport is Denver International. Arrive the day prior to your trip. You will need to arrange for a rental car from this point. You will be traveling approximately 3 hours west on I-70 towards Dillon, CO. Go north from Dillon towards Kremmling. Your river trip will begin Just 12 miles southwest of Kremmling at river put-in BLM site (Pump house) the day your trip begins. Dvorak’s will make shuttle arrangements for your vehicle to be shuttled to the finish point through The CO Shuttle Service. The cost will vary with the trip length. You can arrange to leave any personal gear at your lodging until the finish of the trip or in your vehicle that will be at the trip’s end.

By Car: You will need to arrive at the put-in in Kremmling, CO (exact location provided in your confirmation email) the morning your trip begins. Report to your Dvorak trip leader near the river put-in. The guides will assist you in packing your personal gear into dry bags. PLEASE CONFIRM ALL VEHICLE SHUTTLE ARRANGEMENTS PRIOR TO TRIP MEETING.

Alternatively, you can arrive at the BLM PUMPHOUSE LAUNCH SITE put-in the night before the trip begins, where camping is an option. There are only primitive amenities at the campsite. We can arrange to have your vehicle shuttled to the take-out point (add during checkout). There is an additional charge for this shuttle service per vehicle: cost depends on the length of your trip. Any personal items should be stored in your vehicle unless you make alternate arrangements prior to your trip.

Ages & Requirements

Ages 5+, with a minimum weight of 45 pounds.

What's Included

All on-river meals beginning with lunch on the first day and ending with lunch on the last day.
All rafting equipment & safety gear
Waterproof dry bags (3.3 cu.ft) for personal gear.

By arrangement prior to the trip, rain jacket with pants.
Eating utensils, plates, complimentary Dvorak souvenir cup.
Waterproof dry bags (3.3 cu.ft) for personal gear.
Rain tarps for shelter in the kitchen area.

Camp chairs
Experiences guides

Not Included

The following are not included in the trip cost:

Transportation to the arranged meeting point or put-in
Vehicle shuttle (see FAQ)
Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad)
Personal clothing
Wetsuits & booties
Alcoholic beverages (see FAQ)

Gratuity

We offer rental equipment in case you don’t have camping gear, don’t want to bring yours, or just want to try out something new. See FAQ for full details on what to bring and what's available to rent. After you add your trip to your online cart here, you will be prompted to add Raft Trip Equipment Rentals. Choose your trip start date and time then choose your trip length.

What to Bring

Splash jackets/pants are provided (or you can bring your own)
Nylon shorts and non-cotton shirt or poly propylene top (fleece top)
Light water resistant jacket
Pair of tennis shoes – tie-on preferred (NO sandals) or wet boots
Wool socks will help keep feet warm in tennis shoes
Sun glasses with loss protector/keeper, with UV protection
Sunscreen (you'll be at over 8000′ altitude – lots of UV exposure)
Hat for sun protection (tie-on)
Personal water bottle that can be secured (with a clip)

Podcast

About the Outfitter

Bill and Jaci Dvorak have been outdoor educators together since their marriage in 1969. They have taught in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and England, where they have worked for several outdoor leadership courses, such as NOLS and Outward Bound. Proud to be a family-run outfitting business, Dvorak Expeditions offers rafting and custom fishing trips, instructional courses for youth organizations, and certified rescue swift water and rope training. Their world-renowned adventures have been featured in ESPN, National Geographic, the Chicago Tribune, travel books, Backpacker Magazine, Outside, television specials, local publications, and chambers of commerce.

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Dvorak Expeditions

FAQs

When does the Upper Colorado River run?

Great question! Trips on Little Gore Canyon are offered from May through September.

Check out our guide to the seasonality of Colorado rivers for an overview of when rivers are running, difficulty, locations, and more.

How do we arrange for our vehicle to be shuttled?

The outfitter will make shuttle arrangements for your vehicle to be shuttled to the finish point through The CO Shuttle Service, but you will be responsible for the cost of the shuttle. For a full-day trip, the cost is typically $100, calculated at check-out. This is the only way to reunite with your car, and there is not an alternative shuttle option.

Is this trip appropriate for first timers?

We take first-time rafters down our rivers all the time! This trip is a great option for first timers, and a thorough safety orientation is always provided before you embark on your trip.

Is there a minimum number of guests required?

Overnight trips require a minimum of 6 persons.

What should I pack for a multi-day rafitng trip on the Colorado River?

Please limit your gear to 30 pounds in weight. The provided drybag is 3.3cu-ft. It should be able to be packed into a standard duffel bag. This list should cover everything for a safe, comfortable trip.

Clothing

Hat for sun protection
Poly-pro or synthetic layers (top & bottoms)
Nylon/synthetic shorts or swimsuit – quick-drying
Nylon or synthetic shirt (Avoid cotton)
Short-sleeved shirt
Long-sleeved shirts (one light, one warm)
Warm jacket or windproof or fleece (water resistant)
Rain parka and pants (DVK can provide by arrangement)
Shorts
Long pants (one lightweight pair to block the sun, one fleece, synthetic or wool/warm pair for night)
Stocking cap or wool, fleece type beanie

Footwear

Watersport shoes/sandals with secure straps (Teva, Chaco, Keen style)
Wool or poly-pro socks in shoes or sandals for cold water (neoprene boots available to rent)
Camp shoes or lightweight hiking shoes (NO heavy boots)

Cold Weather Gear

Long john wetsuit and booties (cold months May, June, Sept or Class IV+ trips recommended; see form above for rental rates)

Sleep Gear

Tent – lightweight with fly-floor with a ground sheet (DVK rentals; 2-3 person)
Sleeping pad – inflatable backpack therm-a-rest or equivalent (DVK rents deluxe Paco Pads and Therma-rests)
Sleeping bag – 3-season, lightweight, compact, synthetic holo-fill (Down is not ideal for water sports)

Sun and Skin Protection

Sunglasses with retainer strap
Sunscreen and/or zinc
Lip balm with sunscreen

Personal Items

Personal toiletries
Insect repellant
Prescription medications
Retainer strap for prescription glasses
Flashlight or headlamp
Biodegradable soap & small camp towel

Optional Comfort Items & Extras

Camp chair (Example: Crazy Creek style compact only; DVK provides low river chairs for guests)
Waterproof camera or camera with waterproof case (not provided by DVK)
Binoculars (waterproof case recommended; Pelican boxes suggested)
Reading materials: good book, sketchbook, bird book, flora/fauna book (No electronic items)

Food & Drinks

Water bottle
Personal drinks (see below)

Can I bring alcohol for camp?

You're welcome to bring alcohol in cans and unbreakable containers on overnight trips for camp. A glass of wine is complimentary with dinners. Our guides can refuse to let you participate in a trip if your safety is at risk due to alcohol or drugs.

Though we carry ample supplies of juices, coffee, tea and hot chocolate we encourage you to bring your own extra soda or beer. You can arrange for us to pick up specific beverages for you prior to the trip or bring your own before you meet us at the DVK base. Any liquids you bring must be in cans or unbreakable containers, such as plastic containers of liquor, canned beer, or wine coolers. No glass, please!

Limited complimentary wine with dinners and some soft drinks will be provided, although if you prefer a certain soda or NO soft drinks, please let us know before your trip. You will have the option to add additoinal alcoholic beverages to your tab - contact the outfitter prior to departure to arrange.

Please note: Alcohol is for the evening at camp only, and will not be available during lunches.

What are the rental options?

No gear? No worries! We offer rental equipment in case you don’t have camping gear, don’t want to bring yours, or just want to try out something new.

Gear We Rent:
Tent – 2-3 person, lightweight with fly-floor with groundsheet
Sleeping pad – deluxe Paco Pads and Therma-rests
Sleeping bag – 3-season, lightweight, compact, synthetic bags
Long John Wetsuits
Neoprene Boots
Personal Floatation Device
Helmets

If you'd like to rent gear for your multi-day trip, reserve your rentals online here after you've reserved the rafting trip.

Want to purchase gear for your trip? You can also check out:

Northwest River Supplies for all your boating needs!
Clavey Equipment – Rafting & Boating Equipment

What are the meals like?

On overnight trips, all on-river meals are provided, beginning with lunch the first day and ending with lunch the last day. The food is fresh and hearty and the guides will prepare it for you.

Dinner: A typical dinner menu may include as a main course such as BBQ steak, baked fish, teriyaki chicken, or a combination of entrees. You can also expect fresh vegetables and salads, Dutch-oven desserts or breads, hors d'oeuvres, fresh fruits, fruit juices, coffee, tea and a complimentary glass of wine with dinner.

Lunch: All lunches are buffet style with a wide variety of salads, sandwiches, fruit, cheeses, sliced meats, nuts and juices or sodas.

Breakfast: Breakfast typically includes fresh fruit juice, eggs in all styles, special pancakes, French toast, melons, fruit, cereals with milk, sausage, bacon, coffee, tea, hot chocolate.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes, we can easily accommodate most allergies and dietary restrictions.

I'm celebrating a special occasion on the trip - can you do something special?

We love to plan special surprises for birthdays and anniversaries, so let us know before your trip who is having a special day and the occasion and we will help plan a terrific celebration.

Should I tip my guides?

Gratuities are not included in your trip cost. While tipping is done at your discretion, tipping is one of the gauges we use in terms of customer satisfaction. Your guides work hard to get you down the river safely and prepare amazing meals for you at camp, so gratuity is greatly appreciated. If you are ever not satisfied, please let us know so that we can adjust our expeditions in the future.

Do I have to paddle?

You have a choice. We offer paddle boat crews where four to seven people join a guide and paddle down the river. Alternately, you may enjoy the ride as a passenger!

Is the river trip all whitewater?

No, whitewater rapids are encountered as the river descends or twists between stretches of calm water. On many rivers, the extent of flatwater versus rapids depends on the gradient of the river. Also, depending on the time of year and snowpack run-off each season, water flow and the size of a river’s rapids will be lower or higher.

What if I cannot swim?

Many of our guests cannot swim. We supply the best Type 5 U.S. Coast guard PFDs (personal flotation devices) which keep you bouncing above the waves if you should for some reason fall out of your boat.

What happens if there is an emergency on the river?

We have long-standing relationships with medical support teams serving our rivers and fortunately, rarely have had to rely on them. Our staff is professionals with trip leaders qualified EMTs, and all staff has first aid and CPR certifications. DVK requires all guides to be certified Swiftwater Rescue Technicians.

What safety training do your guides receive?

We have long-standing relationships with medical support teams serving our rivers and fortunately, rarely have had to rely on them. Please call us for specific information about the local facilities for your river trip. Our staff is professionals with trip leaders qualified EMTs, and all staff has first aid and CPR certifications. DVK requires all guides to be certified Swiftwater Rescue Technicians.

What if the weather is bad?

Mother Nature is still in control out West, so please realize that we cannot control her weather patterns or the water flows. But we can recommend all things to make your trip a well-prepared and comfortable experience regardless of the changes that may occur. We reserve the right to change river sections, move to adjacent rivers, or postpone the trip if water levels, weather conditions, or circumstances arise beyond our control. The client's river skills and abilities can also determine whether a particular river or trip is substituted.

Cancellation Policy

If you must cancel your reservation, you may be eligible for a partial refund. Our cancellation policy is firm. We operate under stringent federal regulations, which restrict the number of guests per trip and the number of trips per season. We incur substantial expenses before each trip departs. In the event of late cancellation, Dvorak Expeditions cannot recover costs, nor can we make refunds. *ALL CANCELLATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED IN WRITING or EMAIL.*

For Multi-Day Trips:

An advance non-refundable deposit is required when making the reservation. The total is due 45 days prior to trip.
When cancellation is made more than 45 days prior to departure, all monies are refunded LESS a $100 per person fee.
If cancellation is made between 45 and 14 days prior to departure, the deposit paid is non-refundable.
With less than 14 days’ notice, no money will be refunded. THIS INCLUDES ALL CREDIT CARD CHARGES.