Colorado White Water Rafting: The Green River

Posted on March 3, 2025 at 11:22 am.

If you’re looking for adventure, whitewater rafting in Colorado should be at the top of your list. The state’s rivers offer everything from family-friendly floats to heart-pounding rapids. Whether you’re a first-time paddler or an experienced rafter, Colorado has a trip for you. Best of all, several top rafting spots are just a short drive from Denver. Let’s dive into the best options and what makes each one special.

Experience Thrilling Colorado Rafting Trips Near Denver

Colorado is home to some of the most exciting whitewater rafting in the country. Fast-moving rivers carve through stunning rock canyons, creating the perfect conditions for an unforgettable ride. Depending on the location, you can find everything from gentle Class II rapids to intense Class IV drops.

What makes rafting in Colorado special?

Variety of Trips: There are beginner-friendly sections as well as expert-level rapids.
Beautiful Settings: Rivers run through dramatic canyons, lush forests, and open plains.
Close to Denver: Some of the best spots are only 45 minutes to a few hours away.

Whether you’re cooling off on a hot summer day or looking for a thrilling challenge, there’s a river for you.

The Ultimate Rafting Trip in Colorado – Green River

If you have time for a long weekend or a bucket-list rafting trip, the Gates of Lodore on the Green River is a must. Located in Dinosaur National Monument, this section of the Green River takes you deep into a remote and breathtaking canyon.

Trip Highlights

Breathtaking Scenery & Geological Wonders

This stretch of the Green River winds through three stunning canyons:

Lodore Canyon – Towering cliffs of deep red rock create a dramatic backdrop.
Whirlpool Canyon – A place of swirling currents and hidden alcoves.
Split Mountain – Unique rock formations rise dramatically above the river.

Along the way, you’ll see waterfalls, ancient petroglyphs, and massive rock walls carved by millions of years of water flow.

Exciting Rapids & Thrilling Whitewater

The Gates of Lodore is packed with exciting rapids. Some of the most famous include:

Disaster Falls – A churning rapid with big waves and powerful currents.
Hell’s Half Mile – A technical section that challenges even experienced rafters.
Triplet Falls – A series of drops that provide an exciting ride.

With mostly Class II-III rapids, this trip is perfect for those wanting excitement without extreme risks.

Abundant Wildlife & Outdoor Exploration

This area is home to an impressive variety of wildlife. As you raft, keep an eye out for:

Bighorn Sheep scaling the cliffs.
Bald Eagles soaring overhead.
Otters and Beavers playing along the riverbanks.

Several stops along the way allow for hiking, swimming, and exploring hidden waterfalls.

Expert Guides & Comfortable Camping

A multi-day rafting trip through Lodore Canyon means camping along beautiful riverbanks. Dinosaur River Expeditions provides everything you need, including:

Expert river guides who handle safety and navigation.
Gourmet meals prepared fresh at camp.
Comfortable camp setups with top-quality gear.

At night, you can relax under the stars and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the river.

Why Choose Dinosaur River Expeditions?

For those interested in rafting in Utah, Dinosaur River Expeditions is the go-to outfitter in Vernal, Utah. They’re the only locally owned and operated rafting company running trips through Dinosaur National Monument.

Here’s why they stand out:

Years of Experience: Their guides are knowledgeable and passionate about the area.
Top-Quality Service: They take care of all logistics, making your trip stress-free.
Small Group Adventures: More personalized experiences with ample time for exploration.

For an authentic and exciting journey through Utah’s best rafting destinations, they’re the best choice.

Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Adventure Now

Best Times to Go Rafting

Whitewater rafting season in Colorado and Utah runs from late April to early September. The best time depends on what you’re looking for:

May – June: High water levels for thrilling rapids.
July – August: Milder flows, great for families and first-timers.
September: Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures.

Join Us – White Water Rafting in Colorado

Colorado and Utah boast some of the best whitewater adventures in the U.S. If you’re looking for an unforgettable multi-day experience, the Gates of Lodore on the Green River is unbeatable.

No matter where you go, rafting will leave you with memories that last a lifetime. Ready for adventure? Book your next whitewater rafting trip today! 🚣‍♂️:

Book Your Rafting Trip

Ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime? Dinosaur River Expeditions is here to make your whitewater rafting experience unforgettable. Our expert guides and top-quality service ensure a seamless and exhilarating experience. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!

Book your next rafting trip today and get ready to make memories in the heart of nature. Click here to secure your spot and start planning your ultimate whitewater adventure with Dinosaur River Expeditions.

FAQs – Colorado White Water Rafting

What are the best times to go whitewater rafting in Colorado?
- The rafting season runs from late April to early September. May to June offers high water levels and thrilling rapids, while July to August provides milder flows ideal for families and first-timers. September is great for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
What is special about rafting on the Colorado River?
- The Colorado River offers a traditional rafting experience, with scenic beauty from towering canyons and red rock formations. It provides rapids for all skill levels, from mild Class II to exciting Class IV, with options for full-day and multi-day adventures.
Why is the Gates of Lodore trip on the Green River recommended for an extended rafting experience?
- The Gates of Lodore trip takes you through picturesque canyons in Dinosaur National Monument and offers exciting rapids, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for hiking and exploring. It’s perfect for those wanting a comprehensive adventure over 3 to 5 days.
What should I bring on a whitewater rafting trip?
- Pack quick-dry clothing, secure water shoes or sandals, sun protection such as sunscreen and a hat, a small dry bag for valuables, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

The Weekend Warrior

Posted on December 8, 2019 at 9:30 am.

Written by Dinosaur River Expeditions

Fighting the Good Fight: The Weekend Warrior

So, you like to get outside and stay active, but it isn’t always easy to make time? You may live and work in a city, meanwhile your mind drifts towards the freedom of the hills or the grand solitude of the desert. If you are a 9 to 5 work a day type like so many others, then how will you maximize your precious time off? You are in the company of weekend warriors and you will better enjoy your time of battle with a little preparation and planning. Whether you are heading off for a quick weekend of fly fishing on Utah’s world famous Green River or a mountain biking adventure on Vernal Utah’s amazing single track being prepared is a key component of a great vacation.

To me the first and most important piece of preparation that you can do for yourself is to know yourself. Be realistic with your goals and be honest with yourself about your limitations. Ask yourself what you hope to get out of your adventure time, knowing that you will have to be and want to be a functioning human being after the outing is over. Now that you have an understanding with yourself, you can plan a fitting venture and maximize your fun.

Think about the physical requirements of your desired activities. This goes back to knowing yourself but can also fit into extended or ongoing preparations. If you are planning a cross country bike tour, then you should be putting in some miles in the saddle during the weeks before your big ride. If you are going on a river trip or drive where there will be opportunities to do hikes, long or short, then you should be doing some walking or, better yet, hiking to get into shape. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Pace yourself, walk consciously. You can’t summit the mountain until you have walked through the foothills.

You’re feeling good and have a rough idea of what you are ready to tackle, now it’s time to fill in the gaps and make your travel itinerary. No matter what your activity, there are numerous resources out there to help you plan. Guidebooks and maps are still my favorite but there are great smartphone apps, blogs, discussion groups and websites that provide great planning ideas. In many places and with many activities you can hire a guide service, which takes a lot of pressure off you to know everything. It is still a good idea to know something, so you know what you are in for. Sometime’s it is best to leave your ego intact and hire that local guide service they have the knowledge, skills and equipment to assure your trip is a success.

Time to dig into your gear closet or garage. If you are like me this part gets you excited, like walking into a room filled with old friends. Don’t save this until the last minute unless you are sure your equipment is accounted for and in good working order. Leave yourself enough time to make that unplanned run to the sporting goods stores or hardware store to repair the broken bits. One of our favorite gear shops is Moab Gear Trader’s the owner and staff love outdoor adventure and recreation. There are few things worse than getting out to the field and realizing that something important is missing. You can mitigate that problem by writing lists. Write out your lists of gear and meals and check the items off as you pack. You will be less likely to forget something and there is a certain sense of accomplishment that comes from checking things off. For most outdoor activities you should be able to find someone else’s checklist online to give you a starting point for organizing your gear.

While in the thick of your adventure, pace yourself. Don’t be so goal oriented that you risk causing injury to yourself or your travel companions. Physical fatigue is a good way to take a bad step or make some bad judgement call that could ruin your holiday or have worse consequences. Listen to your body and rest when you need to. Drink plenty of water and eat when you need energy. These things seem basic, but it is so easy to forget to stop and take care of yourself. If you don’t do it, who will? These maintenance breaks are good for the mind and soul as well as the body. Pause to enjoy the place you are standing and to feel the calming rhythm of nature.

When all is done and you’ve returned home satisfied and safe, do a couple of things to close the adventure and prepare for the next. Take some notes or write in an adventure journal about what you’ve accomplished. What worked? what didn’t? what would you do different or the same next time? Did you see another nearby canyon that you’d like to explore next time? Did you get some advice from fellow travelers? These notes, like the lists from before, can be very useful tools and enjoyable to reflect on later.

With your memories stored and organized, take the time to clean and organize your gear. It is satisfying to wash off the dirt that marks a good trip into the wilds. It is gratifying to see your well used equipment clean and in good working order. It will make your life so much easier to pack for the next rally if everything is organized and ready to go.

The adventurous life of a weekend warrior may not be measured by vast quantities but with a little work it will be by high quality. May you fight the good fight and find the balance in life that you desire.