Adventurous Rafting Trips

The Adventurous trips are classified as Intermediate (Class III) rapids and are suitable for first-time rafters who are looking for a genuine whitewater thrill. No prior rafting experience is needed. We require participants to be in good physical condition, follow guide instructions, and paddle actively through the rapids. These trips are perfect for all adults and kids 8 and up, depending on water levels. 

Yes, due to the nature of Class III rapids, these trips have specific safety requirements, participants need to be in good physical health. While the exact minimum age can vary based on the specific trip and seasonal water levels, these intermediate trips typically require participants to be older than those on our Mild (Class I/II) trips. For all specific requirements, please check the Aspen Whitewater FAQ page or the details page for your chosen river section (e.g., Browns Canyon, Shoshone, or Upper Roaring Fork).

The primary difference is the duration and the inclusion of a meal.

• Half-Day Trips (like Upper Roaring Fork, Fractions, or Shoshone) focus on the most exciting stretch of whitewater and typically last 2  hours on river, with a snack at the end.

• Full-Day Trips (like Browns Canyon) last around 4 hours on river, offer a longer scenic stretch of river, and typically include a riverside lunch. For more details on what each option entails, visit our main trip pages: Half Day Rafting Trips and Full Day Trips.

Our rafting trips are categorized by river section difficulty. When choosing the right trip for your family or group you need to weigh all factors, like what is the age, fitness level, adventurousness and type of experience the participants are looking for.

• Mild Trips (Beginner/Class I-II): Suitable for all ages, less paddling required, focusing more on scenic floats and gentle rapids. See Mild Rafting Trips.

• Adventurous Trips (Intermediate/Class III): A step up, featuring dynamic waves, moderate obstacles, and requiring active paddling from participants. No experience is necessary, but a sense of adventure is!

• Wild Trips (Advanced/Class IV-V): Designed for experienced rafters or physically fit, aggressive first-timers. These trips feature large, unavoidable waves, narrow channels, and require mandatory participation and strong physical effort. See Wild Rafting Trips.

We provide all necessary safety and rafting equipment, including a life jacket (Personal Flotation Device or PFD), helmet, and a paddle. For your comfort, we also provide complimentary use of wetsuits, splash jackets, and booties when water conditions require them. You should wear a swimsuit or quick-drying athletic clothes underneath. Avoid cotton! For a complete list of what to wear and what to bring, please consult our general FAQ page.

Our trips depart from one of two main locations, depending on the river section you choose. We provide transportation to and from the river on all our trips:

1. Aspen/Snowmass Location 520 E. Durant Ave aspen, Colorado (for Upper Roaring Fork and Shoshone trips) as well as all the Arkansas River trips. We do pick up at hotels and properties around Aspen. 

2. Twin Lakes Location 759 HWY 82 Twin Lakes Colorado,(for Browns Canyon and Fractions trips). Transportation to and from the river put-in and take-out is included from your designated meeting location. Please check the specific trip details on the booking page to confirm your departure point. You can find information about our facilities on the Locations page.

Our Adventurous trips are on all three of the rivers we run. We change the river based on the best rafting conditions for different times of the year. Our Adventurous trips (intermediate) are the most popular trips that we offer:

• Roaring Fork River (Upper Roaring Fork)

• Arkansas River (Browns Canyon and Fractions sections)

• Colorado River (Shoshone section)

Yes, the Adventurous trips are perfect for groups! We welcome large parties like family reunions, corporate retreats, and bachelor/bachelorette parties.

• For groups of 18 or more, you may be eligible for special rates and booking priority. Visit our Group Rafting Trips page for details.

• For a truly personalized experience with your own guide and exclusive raft, you can inquire about a Private Rafting Trip.

Class III rapids are typically best enjoyed during the main rafting season (May through Labor Day). The intensity of the rapids is highly dependent on seasonal snowmelt and water flow.

• Early Season (Late May – Early June): Water levels are often higher and faster.

• Mid-to-Late Season (Mid-June – August): Water levels are more consistent flow out of reservoirs for the Class III experience.

• AWR will change the Class III trip based on the best flows for the time of year you want to go rafting and where you are staying or coming from. 

We provide all necessary safety and rafting equipment, including a life jacket, helmet, and paddle. We also offer complimentary use of wetsuits, splash jackets, Fleece tops, and booties to keep you warm. You should wear a swimsuit or quick-drying athletic clothes underneath. Avoid cotton! For a complete list of essentials, please see the “What to Bring” section on our FAQ – Know Before You Go page. Rafting Essentials: Non cotton bathing suit or shorts, Athletic top, dry fit, under armor type. If it is cool out you can bring a sweatshirt and you can leave it in the vehicle while you are on the water. Towels are not necessary because of the arid climate, but you can bring them if you wish.