GO AHEAD,
TAKE THE PLUNGE
(INTO A COLORADO RAFTING VACATION)
by Patrick Tierney

The roar of the rapids is echoing in our ears as the raft creeps up to the edge of Hells Half Mile rapid.

Here we go! "Paddle hard, real hard or we’ll all be swimming," shouts our guide. At that moment the raft slides smoothly into the rapid, our paddles blazing away in coordinated motion as the first wave drenches the two people in front. More rock and roll, everyone smiling and soaked and hearts racing, as we get to the bottom. On the riverbank, a month old bighorn sheep lamb races to his mother and a golden eagle soars on its way to the top of the 2,000 ft high sandstone and limestone canyon walls. Rafting in Lodore Canyon of the Green River in Dinosaur National Monument--what an exciting, refreshing, and scenic way to spend a family vacation!

You can find this kind of unique family rafting fun at several places in Colorado. These river sections are just right for first time rafters, families, kids over six years, and even boaters wanting the ultimate river ride. Professional outfitters make rafting trips easy, convenient, safety oriented, and educational by providing licensed guides, boating gear, food and all shuttle transportation. Some even provide specialized family river trips with fossil hunting, storytellers, riverside games, and a slower pace for wildlife observation.

A run through the geological wonders of 2,500 ft deep Lodore Canyon on the Green River in Dinosaur National Monument, west of Steamboat Springs, is considered by many to be the best family whitewater rafting vacation in Colorado. This is a spectacular red rock canyon whose beauty may rival that of the Grand Canyon. The number of boaters is strictly limited and once you launch, you’ll see very few other groups. There are no roads and the wilderness is all yours. You’ll camp at isolated beaches with owl calls and stars to lull you to sleep. Concessionaires licensed by the National Park Service operate four-day guided river trips. The rapids are considered intermediate (class III) in difficulty, the first level of whitewater and perfect for families. You’ll also visit dramatic Indian rock art and learn about the Fremont Indian culture, as well as wildlife, such as peregrine falcons, river otters, and big horn sheep. Some outfitters offer oar and paddle rafts, as well as inflatable kayaks. Don’t forget to make your reservations well in advance, as space is limited.

The season runs from late spring into fall. Rafting companies offer a full package by providing guides, rafts, gear, meals, shuttles, and many opportunities to learn about the canyons. This makes an ideal vacation for active families, first time rafters, and kids six years and over. After the trip you can easily visit the famous dinosaur fossil bone quarry. If you don’t have enough time for a full vacation, there is also a one-day trip in the park through Split Mountain Gorge.

Another popular area for family rafting vacations is the Arkansas River in central Colorado. Stretching from near Buena Vista over 120 miles to Canyon City, there are many sections with rapids ranging in difficulty from mild to wild. Surrounded by the sparkling 14,000 ft peaks of the Rockies, the river canyons range from 500 to over 1,500 ft. deep. Most trips are _ to 1 day in length, but you can link two or more sections to make a multi-day river trip. Use is not very restricted along the river so you can often call at the last minute and find space on a trip, but you’ll see many people on the river. Avoid Saturday if possible. After a day on the river you are taken back to a motel or to a private campground.

If you want a total exploration of wild river canyons consider a five-day trip on the Yampa River, also located in Dinosaur National Monument. People from all over the country and the world have discovered the 2,500 ft. deep Yampa River Canyon, home to exciting class III rapids, and an amazing array of wildlife and a wealth of Indian and cowboy history. You’ll be sitting around the campfire and camping under the stars away from it all. The Yampa River is considered the last free-flowing river in the Colorado watershed and it roars to life in May and June, with class V Warm Springs rapid being considered one of the "Big Drops" in the west. There are many places on the Yampa where the wildflower-laced cliffs go 1,000 ft. straight up from the water. Experienced river outfitters provide a complete package.

In southwest Colorado there are several rivers that appeal to families. The Animas River zooms through the city of Durango and has wild Class IV-V sections above, and family oriented Class II-III sections in and below town. The pine covered slopes and canyons provide habitat for wild turkeys, hawks, and big horn sheep. Again, most are one day in length, but you can combine them to make a multi-day trip. You can also go back to the comfort of your motel at night and take in the warm springs and sophistication of Durango or Pagosa Springs.

Another option for a great two to four day family vacation is the Dolores River near Mesa Verde National Park. In May and June the river peaks and provides a magic carpet ride through an amazing, winding, slickrock canyon maze. Rapids range from lazy Class II to rousing Class IV Snaggletooth. The isolated wilderness campsites are on pine-covered spaces with great views of the sandstone canyons and oak draped walls. The nearby Navajo and Hopi Indian Reservations also make a great addition to a vacation, before or after the river run.

Whatever your family’s whitewater desire, there is a river section here for you. You’ll never know unless you go with the flow!

For information on river trip outfitters and services, see the Family Adventure Magazine for listings of outfitters.