The BEST Whitewater Rafting Near Breckenridge, Colorado
Many summertime visitors and locals alike enjoy Breckenridge, Colorado for its numerous opportunities to enjoy authentic Rocky Mountain outdoor adventures. One of the most popular is whitewater rafting. At an elevation of 9,600 feet above sea level, Breckenridge is one of the highest mountain towns in Colorado. Therefore, rivers simply don’t have much time to drain and build their volume at this high elevation. So, finding great rafting at Breckenridge’s high elevation, requires a bit of travelling. There are four nearby options.
The best choice for whitewater rafting near Breckenridge is on Colorado’s upper Arkansas River. The closest trips to Breckenridge are in the Buena Vista area. This charming mountain town, at just under 8,000 feet in elevation, offers great access to some of the world’s best whitewater rafting. Although there are several great trips to choose from, the most popular section of the Arkansas River is the legendary Browns Canyon. This intermediate raft trip is enjoyed by first timers and experienced rafters alike, as it flows through beautiful Browns Canyon National Monument. With numerous exciting intermediate rapids, incredible scenery, and a feeling of remoteness, paddlers are never disappointed. At one hour’s drive from Breckenridge, and several trips to choose from, the Arkansas River is hard to beat.
Upper Arkansas River
● Abundant whitewater
● Half or Full Day trips for all ages and abilities, from beginner to expert
● Multi day trips that include camping are available
● Incredible views of Colorado’s tallest mountains, in a very natural setting
● A pristine river supporting plentiful Rocky Mountain wildlife
● Warm and dry weather
● Breckenridge, Frisco, and Keystone pickups available
● A long season from May through August
Another good option is the upper Colorado River near Kremmling, Colorado. This area only offers two trips approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Breckenridge. Enjoy rafting through rugged canyons while keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife.
Upper Colorado River
● One section of river offers a half day or full day trip with beginner whitewater
● Another option is an extreme expert rafting trip only appropriate for very few paddlers
● Rugged canyon scenery
● Opportunities to spot Rocky Mountain wildlife
● Generally warm weather
● Frisco pickup location
● A long season from May through August
The closest rafting option is on the Blue River, when enough water is released from Dillon Reservoir. This short trip is only 30 minutes from Breckenridge, but can be difficult to catch at optimal conditions.
Blue River
● Typically only runs from late May to Early June for 2 or 3 weeks
● Fast, intermediate whitewater
● Pretty, tree-lined river banks
● Cold water and cool weather
● Frisco pickup location
● Only one short 5.5 mile trip, lasting just under 1 hour on the river
Lastly, those seeking whitewater rafting in the Breckenridge area can choose a trip on Clear Creek located around 1 hour drive away. Be aware that this is a low volume creek that runs alongside and under I-70 (where the highway is suspended). I-70 is a major interstate and Colorado’s second busiest highway.
Clear Creek
● Full or half day trips for all ages and abilities
● Fast, steep, and fun whitewater
● Generally warm weather
● Hard to ignore the sights and sounds of the highway
● Low volume of water offering shallow, more technical rafting, unlike a river
While there is no whitewater rafting trips available in Breckenridge, Colorado, don’t miss out on some of the world’s best rafting in the surrounding area. The Adventure Company was founded in Breckenridge in 1987 and offers the area’s best rafting with unique, top quality features. For more information visit Theadventurecompany.com.