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Poudre River Wild & Scenic Rafting Trip
This adventure isn't instantly bookable online, but may still be available
Pricing
Ages 9+
Ages 16+
Ages 9+
Description
Wild & Scenic Poudre River Whitewater Rafting Trip
This trip is nothing short of incredible — a wild ride on world-class whitewater as it churns down a deep mountain canyon, just as it has for millions of years. The river runs clear and free, rarely crowded like the rest of Colorado's rivers, with rapids that stay almost continuous for the entire length of the trip. Running Class II, III, and IV whitewater — and pushing into Class IV+ during very high water — this route traverses the National Wild & Scenic portion of the river and stands as the single most exciting stretch of whitewater it has to offer.
Duration
Location / Where to Meet
- Meet at the outfitter's shop: 2801 North Shields Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524 — the northwest corner of Hwy 287 (College Ave) and N. Shields St., about 2 miles north of Old Town Fort Collins
- Free on-site parking is available for cars, RVs, and tour buses on the 4-acre property
- Heated indoor restrooms and changing rooms are available at the shop
- From the shop, guests are driven by bus/van to the put-in point on the river (about a 20-minute ride)
Ages & Requirements
- Minimum age varies with water level: 15 years old during high water, 12 years old as water levels drop, and 9 years old later in the season
- Guests should be healthy, reasonably fit, and able to paddle vigorously through sustained rapids
- All guests are required to paddle on this trip
- Maximum life jacket size accommodates up to a 55-inch chest
What's Included
- Professional river guide
- Round-trip transportation by bus/van from the shop to the put-in and take-out
- Raft, paddle, personal flotation device (PFD), and helmet
- Complimentary splash jacket with neoprene neck and wrist closures
- Access to heated changing rooms and restrooms before and after the trip
Not Included
- Gratuity for your guide (never expected, but appreciated for a great trip)
- Wetsuit and neoprene bootie rental — can be added at checkout for an extra fee (required in the early season)
- Professional trip photos — available for purchase at the shop after your trip
- Snacks, drinks, and retail items available for purchase at the shop
What to Bring / Wear
- Secure water shoes, old tennis shoes, or rental booties (no flip-flops or open-toe sandals)
- Quick-drying synthetic clothing — swimsuit, shorts, and a T-shirt; avoid cotton, especially early in the season
- A change of clothes and a towel for after the trip
- Sunscreen, sunglasses (with a retainer strap), and a hat
- A wetsuit and extra warm layers (wool or fleece) in the early season — required before a certain date; rentals available
- Leave jewelry, watches, wallets, phones, and other valuables in your vehicle or check them with staff
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY A1 Wildwater Rafting
FAQs
Do I need prior experience to go rafting on the Poudre River?
No previous experience is necessary. Guests should be comfortable in the water and able to follow their guide's paddling commands.
What are the guide certifications, and what safety measures are in place?
Guides are certified by the State of Colorado and trained in CPR and first aid, with some holding advanced EMT and river rescue certifications. Every trip includes a 10–15 minute safety talk before launch, and all guests are fitted with a PFD (life jacket) and helmet.
What is the maximum group size?
Due to the river's National Wild & Scenic River designation, groups are capped at 50 rafters (not including guides), with daily limits on total rafters as well. Rafts seat between 4 and 8 guests plus a guide, depending on the season's water level.
Can I bring a phone or camera on the river?
Personal phones, cameras, and valuables are generally left in your vehicle or checked with staff, since paddling requires both hands. If you'd like footage, a GoPro mounted to a rental helmet is the recommended option. Professional trip photos are available to purchase at the shop after your trip.
Do trips run if it's raining?
Yes, trips run rain or shine unless there's a severe weather event. A complimentary splash jacket is provided, and passing summer showers in the canyon typically clear up quickly.
What do I do with my keys and valuables?
Keys and valuables can be checked with office staff or left in your vehicle before the trip. It's best not to bring them on the river, as they can be lost or damaged.
How far in advance should I book?
Advance booking is strongly recommended. Because of daily and per-trip participant limits tied to the river's protected status, popular dates fill up quickly during peak season.
What class rapids will we run on this trip?
This trip runs Class II, III, and IV rapids, and can reach Class IV+ during high water, with nearly continuous whitewater for the length of the run.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The minimum age varies with water level: 15 during high water, 12 as the water drops, and 9 later in the season.
Do I need to be an experienced rafter for this trip?
No certification or prior experience is required, but guests should be healthy, fit, and ready to paddle heartily through sustained rapids — this is a more physically demanding trip than the outfitter's beginner-focused option.
Does the section we run change during the season?
Yes — the section we select will be 8 to 10 miles depending on water levels. In lower water, the trip trims slightly in length, but still covers the same standout rapids and length of time.
Cancellation Policy
If you have to cancel your trip, we will refund your money less 20% if written notice is given to A1 Wildwater at least 10 days prior to your launch date. No refunds are available if you have to cancel your trip less than 10 days prior to your launch date. If a trip is booked less than 10 days prior to its launch date, there are no refunds. Please make this information available to all trip members. Late arrivals risk missing the trip and will be held responsible for the entire trip cost. No-shows are subject to 100% of the trip cost. In cases of extreme emergency, and ONLY on a case by case basis, A1 Wildwater may try to reschedule the trip to an available future date when availability options are possible and feasible.
Availability
There is no instant booking availability for this adventure. Drop us a line using the contact form below and we'll do our best to help you book this adventure or suggest some alternative options
Reviews
Location
Address
2801 N. Shields St.
Fort Collins, CO, 80524
US
ASK THE LOCAL EXPERT
This adventure isn't instantly bookable online, but may still be available