Plan Your Colorado Adventure:
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Intermediate Rafting
| Clear
Creek |
1/2
day intermediate |
3/4 |
Intermediate |
14 |
Idaho Springs |
8:30am
/ 11am / 1:30pm / 4pm / 5pm |
| Clear
Creek |
full
day intermediate |
3/4 |
Intermediate |
14 |
Idaho Springs |
10am |
| Arkansas |
Narrows
full day |
3/4 |
Intermediate |
12 |
Buena
Vista |
9am |
| Arkansas |
Narrows/Brown's
2 day |
3/4 |
Intermediate |
12 |
Buena
Vista |
9am |
Intermediate rafting adventures are great for people looking for a little
more then a beginner experience but are not ready to challenge themselves
with advanced or expert adventures. Intermediate adventures are good for
aggressive first timers and experienced paddlers often making them the right
fit for large groups accommodating a wide variety of comfort levels. Although
usually offering a lot of excitement, intermediate adventures take place
in more manageable sections of the river. Because of this, intermediate adventures
offer an abundance of excitement and fun along with more manageable comfort
levels.
The best thing about running rivers in Colorado is the wide variety of difficulty
levels you have to choose from. White water rafting in Colorado has something
for everyone from 4 year old children to the experienced whitewater enthusiast.
When choosing a raft trip you should always keep in mind the ability of every
member of your group. It is a good idea to choose an adventure that is geared
to the person with the lowest ability level. Remember, every river adventure
is fun, even the mellowest experience. Rafting rivers is more than just crazy
whitewater and extreme excitement. It is the total experience that creates
the memories of a life time. A positive Colorado white water rafting experience is
not only excitement but can also include, wildlife, beautiful views, rich history
from knowledgeable guides, and most of all enjoying a comfortable experience
with friends and family. Unfortunately, Mother Nature did not take into consideration
the "perfect whitewater rafting adventure" millions of years ago when she formed
the rivers of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Keeping this in mind it might be
necessary to adjust your expectations to accommodate everyone's comfort levels.
Because difficulty levels for Colorado white water rafting adventures can
vary depending on water levels and weather conditions you will sometimes
have two different ratings for an adventure. The rating will often increase
(get more difficult) early season during peak water flows do to high water
levels and cooler weather conditions. High water season can be the best time
to raft if you are looking for high adventure. Remember to consider the groups
comfort levels when deciding on a difficulty level for your adventure. High
water season in Colorado is typically early to mid June, peaking around the
summer solstice (mid June).  This can differ depending on weather and
snowpack. For more detailed information about water levels and weather conditions
you can contact our knowledgeable reservations staff at 800-997-3448.
Minimum
ages are also available to help you find your comfort level. Our minimum
ages are not mandatory, they are a guide for you to use when making a decision
about the adventure you are choosing. Factors that go into minimum ages include
but are not limited to a person's height, weight, physical ability, and mental
ability and maturity levels. These factors along with years of experience
and taking thousand of guest rafting over the years have gone into setting
minimum ages. We do reserve the right to refuse service if necessary depending
on a person's age or ability levels in an effort to maintain a reasonable
level of safety.
Beginner
=
first timers, young children |
Intermediate
=
aggressive first timers, teens |
Advanced
=
experienced paddlers looking for an adventure |
Expert
=
very experienced paddlers only |
RIVER/RAPIDS CLASS RATING SYSTEM
This is strictly a subjective scale. You can characterize a rapid by
class or give a general class to a whole river even though it has several
different classes of rapids within it. The class of a rapid or river
can change at different water levels. The temperature of the water, the
air temperature, the remoteness of the river, and the difficulty of a
rescue can all influence the rapid's class.
Class I - Easy. Small riffles. No significant waves or obstacles.
Class II - Novice. Moderate rapids with regular waves, small drops, clear
passages and wide channels. Occasional maneuvering may be required.
Class III - Intermediate. Moderately difficult rapids with larger irregular
waves, often narrow channels. Complex maneuvering to avoid obstacles
required.
Class IV - Advanced. Intense, powerful rapids requiring precise maneuvering
in fast, turbulent water. Complex channels with many significant obstacles
to be avoided.
Class V - Expert. Extremely long violent or obstructed rapids, often
following each other almost without interruption. Drops may have large,
unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with difficult
routes. Steep gradient.
Class VI - unrunnable
Classifications of river sections may change due to water levels
For help in choosing a trip or any questions you might have please, call
1-800-997-3448 and our office personnel will be happy to assist you in
putting together a successful river experience. Or e-mail us at: info@raftingcolorado.com |
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