Middle Roaring Fork
Trip Details
Roaring Fork River Class II/III
1/2 Day
Mild 1/2 day
Runs May to August 31st
Minimum age is 5 years
Location: Aspen/Snowmass
Meeting times: 9:15 am | 1:30 pm
Includes: Snack
Aspen Price:
$155.00 Adult
$145.00 Child
Twin Lakes Price: N/A
If you wish to book within 48 hours of your trip time, please call our office at (970) 920-3511 . We would be happy to book for you!
What’s the Easiest Way to Experience White Water Near Aspen? Rafting the Middle Roaring Fork!
The easiest and most enjoyable way to experience the Roaring Fork River is by choosing the Middle Roaring Fork section—where gentle rapids, wide-open views, and a relaxed pace come together. If you want a fun introduction to white water rafting without intense conditions, this trip offers the perfect balance of excitement and comfort.
This class II section is a best seller, ideal for families with younger children looking for Aspen summer activities, or for those who are just not sure about diving into serious whitewater rafting.
There are just enough rapids to give people a taste of easy whitewater rafting, while offering ample time to relax and take in the towering red rock cliffs above. The trip begins just downstream of the quaint town of Basalt, only 20 minutes from Aspen / Snowmass.
You will navigate lots of fun Class II Rapids throughout the trip with ample time to relax and enjoy amazing scenery, like views of 12,964 foot Mount Sopris. This trip is perfect for families with young children or first timers, suitable for anyone over the age of 5to .
Related Trips
We have photographers who take photos of your trip on the biggest rapid sections on each of our trips. We do not encourage people to bring their phones on the river, because of possibility of loosing it in the river.
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. Phones and other personal items can be left on the vehicle and the same vehicle that drops you at the river will be waiting for you when you come off the river. Our vehicle will be manned at all times or locked throughout your voyage to ensure your stuff will be there upon your return.
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. We will provide neoprene booties for you feet on all our trips or you can use your own river shoes with a heal strap.
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 Aspen and Twin Lakes office to and from the river as well as pickups in and around the Aspen -Snowmass area. Our half day trips include a snack of cookies, bars, water and juice boxes. All full day trips include a sandwich lunch. Prices do not include a 10% user fee.
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.
Guide gratuity is not included in the trip price but is a customary and appreciated way to thank your guide for a safe and exciting experience. A gratuity of 15-20% of the trip cost is standard, but you should adjust based on your satisfaction.
The Middle Roaring Fork
We provide splash gear on all of our trips, and wetsuits and helmets when appropriate.
Middle Roaring Fork Trip Reviews
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Fun rafting for newbies! We took a half-day excursion on the Roaring Fork river rapids – Class 3 rapids. It was our first rafting trip. Our guides, Zoey and Mike provided excellent guidance before and during the trip, helping us get comfortable with the whole experience. They prepared us for potential hazards, showed us correct technique and above all, made it a ton of fun! The whole trip spanning 3 hours flew by. Besides enjoying the whitewater, we were able to appreciate some of the wildlife as well along the way. The Aspen Whitewater team made the whole experience, from pick-up to drop off, a very enjoyable one for all of us. We appreciate it very much!read moreread less
Sagoree & Ashish Chatterjee5/11/2021
Awesome trip on Roaring Fork! Had an amazing half day trip on the Roaring Fork with Neil!! He was super personable, fun, gave clear instructions, and made us feel very safe on the river! All of Aspen Whitewater Rafting took great precautions to ensure social distancing from beginning to end. They coached when to wear masks, wear to sit on the busses, and kept the groups separate when getting ready for rafting. Would hands down do this again, but would come back for Class IV instead! It’s a beautiful summer in Aspen, so this is definitely the time to try out rafting!read moreread less
927lisas9272/08/2021
A must do while in Aspen/Snowmass!! This was an incredible experience for the whole family. Chris was our guide down the middle roaring fork river. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and an overall great guide! We had a lot of fun and felt incredibly safe. The water was beautiful and we will definitely be back!read moreread less
Katherine M7/15/2020 -
Very first river rafting experience, and am sure the best one The guides were very professional and friendly, making the entire experience that one could cherish for a lifetime. Personalized attention to everyone in a large group was truly amazing… keep it up guys!read moreread less
Shivanku8/20/2019
A More Relaxed Side of the Roaring Fork River
Not every stretch of the Roaring Fork River is fast and technical, and that’s exactly why this section stands out. Flowing from Basalt toward Carbondale, the river opens into a broader valley, creating a steady rhythm of calm water and Class II rapids.
You’ll still get the thrill of white water rafting, but with more time to take in your surroundings. Instead of constant paddling, you can enjoy scenic float sections, watch for wildlife, and experience the natural beauty that makes this part of Colorado so well known.
For many visitors, this is the ideal way to book a rafting trip that feels approachable while still delivering a true on-the-water adventure. Many times, rafters will see trout, bald eagles, blue herons, and ospreys while on this trip. This makes for an exciting trip for any family member, of any age.
Here’s what makes this white water rafting trip unique:
- Consistent Class II Rapids: Engaging, splashy sections without being overwhelming
- Scenic Float Time: Opportunities to slow down and take in views of Mount Sopris and surrounding valleys
- Welcoming for Beginners: No prior experience needed to book a rafting trip here
- Balanced Pace: Enough action to stay fun, with time to enjoy the ride
If you’re looking to book a rafting trip that combines scenery with just the right amount of excitement, this stretch of the Roaring Fork River is a standout choice.
Who Should Book a Rafting Trip Here?
The versatility of the Roaring Fork River really shines on this section. It’s designed for a wide range of guests, especially those who want a lighter introduction to white water rafting. We consider this trip to be the best family friendly river trip near Aspen/Snowmass. Read our blog to find out why!
You should consider this trip if you:
- Are trying white water rafting for the first time
- Want to book a rafting trip that’s comfortable for families or younger kids
- Prefer a scenic outdoor experience over intense rapids
- Have a group with mixed comfort levels
Many guests specifically choose this section when they want to book a rafting trip that everyone can enjoy together, without worrying about skill level or experience.
What Happens During the Trip?
From arrival to take-out, everything is designed to make your white water rafting experience simple and enjoyable. Professional guides provide all the gear, instruction, and support you need.
Your time on the Roaring Fork River typically includes:
- Easy check-in and gear fitting
- A short shuttle to the river launch
- Safety orientation and paddling guidance
- A guided white water rafting trip through Class II rapids
- Relaxed float sections to enjoy the views
Because of the approachable nature of this trip, guides often create a more interactive experience, making it a great option when you want to book a rafting trip that feels both fun and personal.
Why This Section of the Roaring Fork River Is So Popular
The Roaring Fork River offers a variety of rafting experiences, but the middle section stands out for its accessibility. It removes the pressure while still delivering a memorable white water rafting trip.
That’s why so many visitors choose to book a rafting trip here when they:
- Are visiting Aspen / Snowmass for the first time
- Want a low-stress outdoor activity
- Are traveling with family or mixed-experience groups
It’s also a great stepping stone! Many guests start here, then come back ready to explore more advanced sections of the Roaring Fork River.
When to Book a Rafting Trip
The best time to experience white water rafting on the Roaring Fork River is from late spring through summer. Snowmelt creates ideal river conditions, offering a consistent mix of gentle rapids and smooth flow.
Morning trips are often cooler and quieter, while afternoons provide warmer temperatures and a more laid-back feel, both great options depending on your schedule.
If you’re planning ahead, it’s smart to book a rafting trip early, especially during peak summer dates when availability fills quickly.