Upper Roaring Fork
Trip Details
Roaring Fork River Class III
1/2 Day
Adventurous 1/2 day
mid-May thru July.
Minimum age is 8 years
Location: Aspen/Snowmass
Meeting times: 9:00 am | 1:30 pm
Includes: Snack, Transportation, Helmets, Tops and Bottoms, Booties.
Aspen Price:
$155 Adult
$145 Child
Twin Lakes Price: N/A
Upper Roaring Fork Rafting near Aspen and Snowmass
The Upper Roaring Fork is our most popular Class III trip, and it’s minutes from Aspen and Snowmass, so there’s no long drive. The run starts in Woody Creek Canyon and builds into Snowmass Canyon, where the river picks up energy and delivers splashy rapids like Toothache, Pipeline and Sledgehammer, with red rock walls and mountain views the whole way.
It’s a half day of real whitewater that works for first-timers, families with kids 8 and up, and returning rafters alike. No experience needed, just a willingness to paddle.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Our Adventurous trips are Class III, intermediate whitewater, and suit first-time rafters who want a real whitewater thrill. You’ll need to be in good physical condition, follow your guide’s instructions and paddle through the rapids.
Kids 8 and up can join most Adventurous (Class III) trips, depending on water levels. Everyone needs to be in good physical condition and able to paddle. Check the Trip Details on each trip page for its minimum age.
Length and lunch. Half-day trips, like the Upper Roaring Fork, Fractions and Shoshone, run the most exciting stretch of whitewater in about two hours on the river, with a snack at the end. Full-day trips, like Browns Canyon, spend about four hours on the river, cover a longer scenic stretch and include a riverside lunch.
Any time in the main season, May through Labor Day. Early in the season, late May to early June, the water is higher and faster. From mid June through August the flows are steadier. We move our Class III trips between rivers to follow the best flows, so check each trip’s season in its Trip Details.
It depends on ages and how much whitewater you want. The Middle Roaring Fork is gentle Class II water for families with kids 5 and up. The Upper Roaring Fork is Class III, for ages 8 and up, and our most popular trip. Slaughterhouse Falls is Class IV, for ages 15 and up who can swim.
The trip starts in Woody Creek Canyon and builds into Snowmass Canyon, where the rapids get bigger. You’ll run Class III rapids like Toothache, Pipeline and Sledgehammer, with calmer stretches in between to take in the red rock walls and mountain views. It runs from mid May through July.
What’s Included
The raft trip and transportation from our Aspen shop, a helmet, life jacket and paddle, splash tops and bottoms, booties, a wetsuit when the water is cold, and a snack. Trip photos aren’t included, but you can buy them online after your trip.
What to Wear Rafting
We suggest wearing quick drying clothing such as non-cotton shorts and t-shirt or bathing suit. 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 comfortable walking shoes. We will provide you with neoprene booties, so your shoes will not be going in the river. Bring a towel and a change of clothes for the ride home.
What to do with your belongings
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.
The Upper Roaring Fork
We provide splash gear on all of our trips, and wetsuits and helmets when appropriate.
Upper Roaring Fork Trip Reviews
Book Your Upper Roaring Fork Rafting Trip
Trips leave at 9:00 am and 1:30 pm from mid May through July, and morning spots fill first in peak season.
