White Water Rafting Estes Park: The Wild Side of the Rockies

Not at all. Most of our guests are first-timers. Our guides will walk you through every step—how to sit in the raft, how to hold your paddle, and what to expect on the river. Our Scenic Trip is ideal for beginners. Our Advanced Trip brings more intensity but is still beginner-friendly with proper instruction.

The Taste of Whitewater Trip is exciting and perfect for families or those who want to soak in the views without advanced rapids. Expect splashes and fun, but nothing overwhelming.

The Advanced Trip is for guests who want to get their adrenaline pumping. You’ll take on Class III and IV rapids like Roller Coaster and Cardiac Corner. You’ll get wet. You’ll laugh a lot. And you’ll leave feeling alive.

Each rafting trip typically takes about three to four hours door-to-door. This includes drive time, orientation, gearing up, time on the river, and the return trip. The actual rafting time on the water is around 2 to 3 hours depending on the river’s flow and the trip you choose.

Yes. The Taste of Whitewater Trip is open to children 7 and older. The Advanced Blast of Whitewater Trip is generally for guests 14 and up. These guidelines may vary slightly depending on water levels and conditions.

We welcome most guests who can sit securely in the raft, wear a life jacket properly, and follow basic guide instructions. If you have concerns about mobility or physical requirements, give us a call. We’re happy to help you determine the right trip for you.

It’s rare, but it can happen. That’s why you’ll wear a life jacket and helmet, and receive full safety training before we hit the water. Our guides are trained in swiftwater rescue and always prioritize your safety. If you fall in, they’ll help you back in quickly and calmly.

Wear quick-drying clothing or a swimsuit. Avoid cotton, it holds water and gets cold. Secure footwear is required, like water shoes or sandals with a back strap. No flip-flops. Bring a towel and dry clothes to change into afterward.

Yes. We provide Coast Guard-approved life jackets, helmets, paddles, and splash gear. If water temperatures are low, we offer wetsuits rentals. You’ll be fully outfitted for the river.

We suggest leaving your phone and camera behind. The river doesn’t go easy on electronics. We have professional photographers along the river who capture your biggest moments, you’ll have the chance to purchase photos after your trip.

Mornings are usually more clear, and afternoons warm up quickly. The river is snow-fed, so even in July the water is brisk. We’ll provide extra layers if needed and tailor gear based on conditions that day.

Rafting is a rain-or-shine activity. Light rain can make the experience even more fun. It is extremely rare for us to cancel your rafting trip due to weather conditions. We raft down in a canyon and knock on wood, we have never had issues with lightning or thunder.

Yes, it is good idea to bring water. We do not recommend bringing food on the trip. We have a restaurant at our location and we encourage guests to eat before or after their trip. We recommend drinking water beforehand and bringing a bottle for the shuttle ride back.

Meet us at our check-in location at Vern’s Place, a yummy restaurant in Laporte, Colorado. The restaurant is located on the northwest corner of Fort Collins, Colorado. Our meeting area is about 80 minutes from downtown Estes Park, and the drive winds through some of Colorado’s most scenic forest. We take care of transportation to and from the river and this is a short drive.

No. Most of our guests drive themselves down from Estes Park in their own vehicles. That way you can enjoy the air conditioning in your car and be on your own time. Many of our Estes Park rafters enjoy a meal at our onsite restaurant before or after their trip with us.

Yes. There are restroom facilities at the launch site and at our meeting area. However, once we’re on the river, there are no rest stops, just nature. Plan accordingly.

Yes. Private trips are available for families, corporate groups, reunions, wedding parties, and more. If you’d like to have your own raft and guide, let us know when you book and we’ll customize the experience.

Tips are always appreciated but never required. If your guide made your day, feel free to show your appreciation. Most guests tip between 10–20 percent of the trip cost.

All Reservations of Trips and services are instant and Non-Refundable within 7 days of your rafting date. All sales inside of 7 days are final. A refund will be given, less 10% reservation fee, if notice is given 7 days prior to the date of the trip. Our Cache La Poudre white water rafting trips launch from Fort Collins and run in all weather conditions unless AWA cancels for extreme water/weather/safety reasons. If AWA cancels a trip, a 100% refund will be given. If a group is late for any reason and the bus has already left, there will be no refund.

We do not recommend rafting while pregnant due to the unpredictable nature of the river. For your safety and comfort, we ask that you wait until after your pregnancy to join us on the water.

We’ve been guiding trips since 1982. We’re locally owned and fiercely passionate about the river! Our guides are the real deal. Fun, highly trained, and focused on making your experience unforgettable. We’re not the biggest outfitter in Colorado, and that’s the point. You’ll feel it from the moment you book to the moment you step off the raft.

You came to Estes Park for the views, the quiet, and the chance to reconnect. But now it’s time to trade the stillness for something that moves.

White water rafting near Estes Park gives you a rush, a laugh, a splash, and a story to take home. You won’t regret booking this trip, but you might regret skipping it.