Written By Tyler Hesler
Breckenridge, Colorado is best known for its world class skiing in the winter time. In the summer most people think of hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing, and just taking in all the beautiful views that Summit County has to offer. But what most people don’t know about Breckenridge is that there is great rafting minutes from the town! Breckenridge is also central to some of the best rafting in the world on 3 different rivers.
The Blue River is going to be the closest to Breckenridge, only being about 20 minutes from downtown Breck. The Blue River Express stretch of river Is a class II-III river. Perfect for beginners and families. The Blue has some of the best views through canyons and open plains looking at the snow capped mountains. But don’t be fooled by it only being class II-III, because you still have to make some moves through rapids where we need the whole team paddling. It is about six mile stretch that takes a total of 2-3 hours, giving you plenty of time to go out and do other activities. It is a great intro into the whitewater world.
If you head down the mountains on I70 towards Denver, in about 40 minutes you can do some amazing creek rafting in Idaho Springs. Clear Creek offers milder to wilder rafting trips, from class II-V. Clear Creeks class II-III section (Gold Rush) is much like the Blue River Express section where as there is plenty of paddling and fun rapids to go through but also a fun atmosphere to enjoy colorful Colorado. If you are looking for a little bit more thrill you can do our class IV section called Upper Clear Creek. This section of river is going to throw much more water in your face and team paddling is more important. This is a cool section of river because you can be a total beginner and still tackle class IV rapids. You just have to be willing to listen to you guide and a great attitude! The class V Clear Creek Canyon is for people with at least one rafting trip experience but again most anyone can paddle this section if you pay attention and listen to instruction. If you are looking for a milder trip, a float trip, Breckenridge is a great spot to be.
If you travel one hour north of Breckenridge you will be in Kremmling, Colorado. Home of the Colorado river, where we offer some of the coolest trips and relaxing rafting. The Upper C is a great section for families who want to float and enjoy the river. There still are some class 2 sections where we might need help with some paddling but for the most part it’s a float trip. The Upper Colorado takes about 3 hours to float but if you want to extend you trip, you can look into doing multi-day trips. Floating down an hour or so and pulling off at a campsite, where your raft guide will set up camp, cook diner, clean, and cater for you. Next day you wake up, eat breakfast and finish your rafting trip.
Breckenridge is central to some of the best rafting in the state of Colorado. If you want something close to the town and a few hours on the river the Blue River is best for you. If you are looking to do higher class rafting it is only a short hour at most to class IV-V rapids.