Yesterday I swapped my keyboard for a paddle and headed to the Shoshone section of the Colorado River. If you have been wondering whether the hype is real, let me settle it: Shoshone is a two hour adrenaline shot wrapped in canyon scenery you will replay in your head all week.
We met the guides at the Aspen Office and they shuttled us down to the put in right in Glenwood Canyon. Wetsuits, booties, helmets, safety talk. The whole ritual took 15 minutes, and then we slid into water that looked like chilled jade under the early light. The first splash hit me before I had time to think about anything. At first glance it looked pretty chill, however, we got slightly further down the river and THAT’S when the real fun started.
Rapid Roll Call:
• Baptism/Entrance Exam
A left hand wave that dunked everyone and cleared the morning grogginess.
• Tuttle’s Tumble
Quick zigzags through a slot that felt like the river was playing keep away with the raft.
• The Wall
Imagine ramming a wall made of water. My contacts got rinsed and I was WIDE awake at this point.
• Tombstone
A classic wave train. Our guide tried to get us to smile for photos but we were too into waves to want to look away.
• Maneater
The boss level. We dropped, climbed, and shot out the other side giggling like school girls. Safe to say maneater chewed us up and spit us out, respectfully.
Flows sat in the sweet spot for Class III: plenty of punch, nothing that will ruin your day if you miss a stroke. In peak runoff it edges toward spicy Class IV, so pick your moment depending on how much chaos you crave.
Canyon Cool-down
After Maneater the river chills out, and Glenwood Canyon steals the show. Sandstone walls tower overhead, swallows dart around the raft, and steam from the hot springs curls off the banks. It is the part where you realize your face cheeks hurt from smiling. After the whole trip, we ate sandwiches that were provided. Thank God, because I needed something after that adrenaline rush.
Quick Tips if You Go:
1. Leave the cotton at home. Cotton is rotten.
2. Sunscreen now, thank yourself later. The canyon reflects light like a mirror. Just skip the forehead.
3. Listen to your guide. Their paddle calls make everything run smoothly.
4. Strap on those sunglasses.
Why I’m Already Planning Round Two and Three?
Shoshone delivers five signature rapids, a postcard canyon, and guides who treat every run with professionalism. Families, first timers, and seasoned paddlers all hop off wanting more. If you are hunting for a quick hit of Colorado joy, grab a seat, and cinch that PFD.
Spots fill fast once summer heat kicks in, so check availability with Aspen Whitewater Rafting and maybe I will catch you on the next wave train.
See you on the river.
Angelica Langford- AWR Office Manager