Rafting
Rafting around the Vail Valley
By Richard Fisher

One of the best reasons to come to Vail is the fact that it has something to offer everyone.  Whether you are a thrill seeker, looking to back country ski, or just looking to get some relaxation time at the spa, Vail can accommodate you.  In the summer, no where is this more evident then in the rafting industry.  Vail has trips that are appropriate for 2years old, and excursions for people looking to face down a true class five rapid and raft over a 12 foot waterfall.  Due to the Valley’s central location, tour companies have access to 3 separate rives:  The Arkansas River, The Colorado River, and the Eagle River.  Below you will find a brief description of some of the most popular trips offered starting at the most basic, and going up to the most difficult.  If you need further assistance selecting the perfect raft trip, please do not hesitate to call any of the local tour operators in the Valley.

The Upper “C”

The Upper Colorado River near State Bridge is the best option for families with young children (Under 5) and anyone who wants fun, easy rapids. Enjoy frequent wildlife sightings , beautiful scenery and possibly explore an old miner’s cabin. In the spring, when the winters snow  begins to quickly melt, the river speeds up and become an excellent introduction to white water rafting.

Shoshone

The Shoshone run passes through one of the most beautiful canyons in the west. Rock walls tower above the river and hot springs abound in the lower section.  The trip begins with 5 class three rapids which are sure to get your heart pumping.  After navigating the upper section the day continues with a relaxing float through one of Colorado’s most beautiful canyons and eventually ends in the historic town of Glenwood Springs.

Lower Eagle

This is the most popular early season run for families looking to do some early season rafting.  The Lower Eagle section begins just a 20 trip from Vail.  Once you are on the river you will very quickly encounter Trestle rapid, a fun class 3 rapid with good sized splashing waves.  This trip then continues on with several more rapids until you reach the town of eagle.  The Eagle River is not dam controlled, so it runs from early May, until the snow has melted and the river has lowered to an unnavigable level.  This trip is appropriate for families with children who are 6 or older at most water levels.

Browns Canyon

Brown's Canyon offers one of the nation's most popular intermediate whitewater experiences. This stretch of the Arkansas River is full of exciting class 3 pool-drop type rapids and the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range and the Collegiate Peaks provide a dramatic backdrop not to be missed. This trip is a full day trip that starts with a van ride south through the town of Leadville and then past Mt. Elbert, Colorado’s tallest peak. Once you put in, you will encounter such rapids as Pinball, Zoom Flume, Raft Ripper, and Seidel’s. 

Dowd Chute

The Eagle River near Vail offers some of the most intense and exciting early season rafting in Colorado. The water levels are not dam controlled and fluctuate with the weather. For this reason, each day we run the stretch we feel offers the best trip, depending on water conditions. This is a physically demanding trip, and all participants must be in excellent health, have prior whitewater experience, and be strong swimmers. The Gore Creek portion of the trip, when run, starts at Ford Park and runs through the heart of Vail Village. Gore Creek converges with the Eagle River at Dowd Chute, which then runs into the Upper Eagle River .

The Numbers

Teamwork is the name of the game here .Guests are surrounded by the beauty of Colorado's 'Fourteeners' as they wind their way down this technical stretch of river. Swiss Cheese Rock is a surprise highlight at the end of the trip.

Pine  Creek

The Pine Creek Class V rapid is run during appropriate water levels and is a portage during high water season. Highly technical boulder gardens at low water, big and pushy at high water. Swiss Cheese Rock is a surprise highlight at the end of the trip.

Gore Canyon

Gore Canyon is the Ultimate Class V section and the most difficult commercial Class V in the state of Colorado. Once entering the canyon, there are five miles of intense rapids including three waterfalls. This section of river is renowned for its challenging white water and its infamous 12 foot drops such as Tunnel Falls and Fisherman's Nightmare. Extensive paddling skills and river safety will be taught. Each participant will have to competently swim through a Class II rapid, learn to catch and accurately throw a throw-bag (device used to rescue a swimmer) and competently demonstrate other self rescue techniques. Gore Canyon Customers need to be physically fit and active, with no medical conditions which may inhibit or be affected by participation in this activity.