Colorado’s biggest whitewater is coming early this year! If you’re hoping to take on some seriously advanced whitewater this year, Gore Canyon is the trip for you. The heart-pounding Class V+ rapids on Gore are the ultimate thrill ride and the pinnacle of commercial whitewater rafting – this trip is for serious paddlers only! Wondering what to expect? Get ready for the steepest gradient drop per mile in the state of Colorado as you plunge down the Colorado River. The remote wilderness canyon drops a breathtaking 120 feet per mile culminating in a vertical waterfall midway through.
You’ll start out this one-of-a-kind whitewater experience at the Confluence of the Blue River and Colorado River. The stunning mountain scenery of the Gore Range will set the backdrop as you float the start of the canyon. Your guides will use this time to provide a thorough safety orientation and have each boat practice paddling together. You’ll also stop before entering the canyon to practice swimming through a Class III rapid and pulling yourself into the boat on your own.
Once you’ve honed your skills, it time to head into the canyon. You’ll navigate rapids like Gore, Scissors, Apple Sauce, Ship Wreck and Pyrite, feeling the intensity build until you reach Tunnel Falls where you’ll pull over to scout your run before sending each boat through one at a time. After a brief moment to celebrate, you’ll plunge forward into Kirshbaum, the longest and most technical rapid of the day.
By the time you exit Gore Canyon and the river mellows, you’ll be ready to refuel on a late deli-style lunch while swapping stories with your group and celebrating this incredible experience.
Wondering if you’ve got what it takes to conquer Gore?
Gore Canyon is a high-adrenaline trip that requires you to be both physically and mentally prepared. Excellent physical condition is required, as is a highly adventurous personality. We require every participant to be able to run a mile and swim ten laps in a pool, and we reserve the right to turn anyone away if we think that they will be unable to complete the trip. Before entering Gore Canyon, you will complete a swim test in Class III whitewater, and you must demonstrate that you can pull yourself into the raft unassisted. The guides for this trip are among AVA’s most skilled and experienced. The minimum age to run Gore is 15 years.
Wondering when the trip is available?
Take advantage of the early start! We plan to open Gore Canyon for the 2012 season on July 27th. We anticipate Gore closing for the season after August 13th depending on water levels. Gore runs Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. Space on each day is extremely limited.
If you’ve experienced advanced whitewater and want to test yourself on the biggest and the best, you don’t want to miss Gore Canyon. Take on Colorado’s biggest whitewater and one of the most advanced runs in the country!
