Whitewater rafting near Aspen, CO

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

General Help

If you give us MORE than 48 hours notice we can cancel your reservation with a full refund, less process fee and credit card fee.  Any reservation canceled less than 48 hours before the trip date there will be no refunds. Any trip moved inside 48 hours of the trip date is non refundable.

We have a wide range of trips from mild floats to exhilarating whitewater. The class II-III Middle Roaring Fork and Rafting and Ranching trips are great for families with young children ages 6, 7 and 8 or people who want their Roaring Fork rafting trip to be a relaxing one. Our Class III trips, the Upper Roaring Fork, Fractions and Browns Canyon, are great for adventuresome beginners and experts alike. For those who want more of a wild experience while rafting in Aspen, our Class IV Slaughterhouse Falls, Numbers or the Class IV/V Pine Creek /Numbers trips will quench your thirst for the extreme. Inflatable Kayaks (Ducky’s) are perfect for those who like to control their own destinies. Navigate your own craft down the Class II-III rapids of the Middle Roaring Fork. If you have any questions about what Aspen rafting trips may be right for your group please give our experienced staff a call at 970-920-3511.

You can book your Aspen Whitewater Rafting trip online or by phone-call Aspen Whitewater Rafting at 970-920-3511. Let us help you pick the trip that’s right for you, or tell us what you’re looking for and let our experienced staff help you choose the ideal trip for you or your group. Reservations should be made in advance, although seats may be available up to the last minute.

River Classes

CLASS I:
Your bath tub.

CLASS II:
Mild. Predictable, smaller rapids. Great for younger families.

CLASS III:
Moderate. Larger, more irregular rapids. Wet passengers and energetic paddling to be expected. Our most popular trips.

CLASS IV:
Wild. Long and unpredictable rapids, following in immediate succession.

CLASS V:
Extreme. This is the edge. Only experienced paddlers

Safety

We have trips for all abilities. Our beginner and intermediate trips are designed for younger children, or people who just want to see what rafting is all about without too much stress. Our advanced trips are designed for people who have active or aggressive lifestyles. We are more concerned with the fitness level of the person than their rafting experience. If you are a good listener and are willing to paddle, you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish in a raft.

There are inherent risks involved with whitewater rafting that everyone should evaluate before getting on the river. AWR has an outstanding safety record due to the requirements we place on our guides and equipment to perform to a high standard. Each guide has a minimum of First Aid and CPR; as well as extensive training in all aspects of river guiding and rescue. Many of our guides hold certification as Wilderness First Responders or Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). All trips are equipped with First Aid kits and river rescue equipment. You will receive coast guard approved flotation devices and all the on river gear needed, along with an extensive safety talk prior to trip departure. We strive to give a fun, exciting, and safe trip to all our guests!

What's Included

We encourage you to bring a waterproof camera to record your journey if you are able to strap it onto your body.  Definitely leave the non-waterproof cameras at home! We have photographers who take photos of your trip on the biggest rapid sections.  Those shots will be available for purchase online or in our office the following days after your adventure.

Don’t bring valuables on the river with you. Leave your expensive jewelry and non-waterproof cameras and cell phones at home.

We suggest wearing quick drying clothing such as non-cotton shorts and t-shirt or bathing suit. We have all the necessary water gear for your rafting adventure. Be sure to bring waterproof sunscreen (you will be rafting at 9,000 feet where the sun is intense!), sunglasses with a retaining device, and, if you don’t want to wear our booties, sandals with a heel strap or old tennis shoes. You should also bring a towel and a change of clothes for the ride home.

Our shuttles will act as your mobile locker room.  Everything that is not going on the water will stay on the van!  It will be manned at all times or locked throughout your voyage to ensure your stuff will be there upon your return.  

AWR will provide all the necessary on-river gear for all our trips – splash tops / bottoms, fleece, booties, PFDs (personal flotation devices), wetsuits and helmets when appropriate. We provide transportation from our shop to and from the river as well as pickups in and around the Aspen -Snowmass area. A make-your-own-sandwich lunch or snack of cookies, juice boxes and water are served on all of our Roaring Fork rafting trips. Prices do not include a 10%  user fee.

Weather

We run river trips rain or shine. Our simple philosophy is “you’re going to get wet regardless of the weather.” We have plenty of cold-weather gear available if Mother Nature is enhancing our day. Colorado traditionally does not have entire days of foul weather–the sun shines 300 days a year here!

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