Skip to main content

Get Inspired

A Rafting Vacation Based in Snowmass

While Snowmass does not have any whitewater rafting, it is the perfect place to access some of Colorado's premier rafting and kayaking opportunities. Just a short drive away are the Colorado, Roaring Fork, Crystal, and Fryingpan rivers in the Roaring Fork Watershed.
raft guide and a mother and daughter on a blue raft while onthe colorado river in the summertime

Excited to Raft on one of Colorado’s Best Rivers? Snowmass is a Great Starting Point.

At the headwaters of the Roaring Fork River, the snow melts and heads downstream, gathering speed and making perfect river trip conditions for rafters of every skill.

The Rocky Mountains mean rocky rivers, and there are exhilarating splashes and close encounters with local wildlife. Just a stone’s throw from Snowmass you can experience all the river has to offer. From the boulder fields the river runs through to the lazy flows of the valley floor, you can’t ask for anything better than a day on the water.

For the adrenaline junkie, there are plenty of places where the river has carved some rip-roaring rapids. Outfitters and locals look forward to runoff, when the section furthest up the Roaring Fork Valley, affectionately called Slaughterhouse, is at its peak. This Class IV/V features quick moves around rocks and waterfall plunges, and don’t worry, Hell’s Half Mile is not as bad as it sounds. As the river moves down the valley, the Upper Fork mellows a touch, but maintains its cascades with rapids like Toothache and Anderson Falls.

raft guide and a mother and daughter on a blue raft while onthe colorado river in the summertime

As the river widens, the Lower Fork is the family-friendly go-to. Starting from Carbondale, you can sit back and meander through the bends below Mount Sopris. This section still requires paddling,but is a mellow section of the river. You are likely to spot wildlife on this section if you keep your eyes peeled, from deer to Great blue herons and Bald eagles, so keep your eyes on the shore and sky.

Downriver are bigger rivers with more options as well. To the east is the Arkansas River, with intimidating class V sections and more moderate Brown’s Canyon. To the west is the mighty Colorado River. you can experience the swift rapids of Shoshone and wind through the towering canyons of Grizzly. And though both of these rivers are further distances, outfitters will pick you up at your hotel in Snowmass and deliver you door to door.

snowmass creek river with mt. daly in the background in the summer

For those looking to be a little closer to the water, there are guided SUP (standup paddleboard trips) on Northstar Nature Preserve near Aspen. No matter which river section you select, outfitters will provide helmets, floatation devices, and wetsuits. Even on the warmest summer days, the water was snow not that long ago, so dress to get splashed.

Visit BlazingAdventures.com to book your rafting experience.

More To Do