Little Gore Canyon - Full Day

Guided

Duration: 8.5 hours

Kremmling

Features

Beginner Friendly

Kid Friendly

Wildlife

Locally Owned

Instant Book

$130 Adult

(Ages 13+)

$110 Child

(Ages 5-12)

Description

Upper Colorado River - Family-Friendly Colorado Rafting Trip!

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. Midway through the day, we’ll take a riverside break to enjoy a freshly prepared lunch before continuing downstream. 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. With historic points, natural hot springs, mild whitewater, and a complementary riverside lunch, this makes for a perfect day on the water, and all within an easy 3-hour drive from Denver.

Duration

8.5 hours from start to finish, with about 6.5 hours on the water.

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

Lunch included
All rafting equipment & safety gear
Experiences guides

Not Included

Shuttle: 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.

Gratuity: 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. If you are ever not satisfied, please let us know so that we can adjust our expeditions in the future.

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

Is there a minimum number of guests required to run the trip?

There is a minimum of 6 guests required for this full day trip on the Upper Colorado. In the even that we do not have enough guests, we will reach out to you about one week in advance with alternative options, such as a different section of river.

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.

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.

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!

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Food is key and is a wonderful way to make your day on the river extra special. If you are vegetarian or have special dietary requirements, we can accommodate these with minimal effort.

Do I have to fill a raft?

Whether you come alone or bring 25 friends, we can accommodate you on a trip. We are limited to maximum group sizes on some rivers, but on many others there is no issue with a larger party.

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.

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.

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.

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.