Frequently Asked Questions/ Colorado River Rafting Trips

The minimum age for a rafting trip with Colorado River Expeditions is 7 years old and/or 50 lbs. If weather or river conditions change dramatically and impact the age and weight requirements, we will let you know right away. We do this to ensure that we are providing a high level of safety and the service that every guest will enjoy; both in the raft and on the river shore.

We recommend bringing a swimsuit (clothes you are comfortable getting wet in), sunscreen, water shoes, sunglasses, hat, water bottle, and a change of clothes for after the trip. Many of these items are available for purchase if you should forget something. We provide all necessary rafting gear and safety equipment.

Overnight Camping Trips

Please bring a change of clothing (or two), dry shoes for after the river (layers recommended for cool evenings), a towel for swimming, personal toiletries, and any necessary medications. 

No previous experience is necessary for our rafting trips. Our experienced guides will provide safety instructions and professionally guide you down the river. The river route varies from slow, meandering water to mild, Class II rapids to the more challenging low-level Class III rapids. River conditions vary day-to-day and the guides have experienced every condition possible. Guests can expect to get wet in some of the rapids. Your guide will ask for your help paddling in the rapids. Minimum age is 7 years old and 50 lbs and is subject to change based on weather and river conditions. 

Pending weather, river conditions, and congestion at the launch and landing locations, here is what you may look forward to:

• 8 guests maximum in each of the 16' rafts

• Each raft has a certified, world-class guide

• You will be picked up at the designated location in Grand Lake or Estes Park, CO in comfortable, upscale Mercedes transport vans.

• Travel time between Grand Lake and the launch point is approximately one hour.
• Travel time between Estes Park and the launch point is approximately 2.5 hours.

• Upon arrival, you will be given a thorough safety briefing and provided access to any last minute items you may have not been able to bring with you.

• You will be provided a dry bag to store your party's valuables such as phones and wallets. This bag will remain in your custody during the entire trip.

• On the raft, you will be assigned a position from which you will provide support to the guide in the rapids (yeah, you're going to get wet!). 

• At approximately the mid-point, guests will be served a hot lunch of local cuisine, given more information about the history and geology of the area, and have a shot at panning for gold. HINT: Your going to get LUCKY. Chairs and overhead cover will be provided for your comfort.

• The trip will end at or near Rancho Del Rio, where guests can change clothes and get ready for the return trip to Grand Lake.

• Guests will have the opportunity to provide valuable feedback on their experience as well as Tip their guide for there amazing experience

Your guides are either Nepalese sherpas or their American equivalents with more than 35 years of experience between them. They are certified by the state as guides, have river rescue and CPR certifications, and are the most professional guides on the river. They will ensure, via radios and satellite phones that our guests are as safe and secure as the wild Upper Colorado can be.

Embark on an extraordinary journey commencing from Estes Park, a quaint and lively starting point. Guests are welcomed into a sanctuary of comfortable Mercedes vans where meticulous attention to detail ensures every comfort is addressed. As we venture into the wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park, the journey ascends to breathtaking heights, traversing the nation’s highest continuous highway, reaching altitudes exceeding 12,000 feet.

This is your chance to sit back and enjoy the views in the Rocky Mountain National Park. The journey from Estes Park to the river is approximately 2.5 hours each way.

Learn more about why over 4 million people visit the park each year.

https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm

 In this elevated world, nature unfolds in its full glory – eagles soar above, elk graze below, and the diverse ecosystems of the park offer a window into the heart of the wild. Descending towards Grand Lake, its tranquil waters reflect the beauty above, providing glimpses of moose in quiet contemplation. Passing through Hot Sulphur Springs and the timeless charm of Kremmling, we reach the Pumphouse put-in on the Colorado River, the much-anticipated destination.

Throughout this expedition, comfort remains a constant companion. Gourmet delicacies and exquisite beverages enhance the sensorial journey, and carefully planned stops allow guests to refresh amid the awe-inspiring surroundings. Guiding this odyssey is Logan Kirk, an expert in adventure and a guardian of the journey. His expertise not only navigates but also narrates, transforming landscapes into living stories. 

With Colorado River Expeditions, this journey is a symphony of nature and luxury – an exploration of the skies, an ascent to the roof of the world, and a venture through the vivid tapestry of the American wilderness. This is not just travel; it is an encounter with the sublime, a passage through the heart of the extraordinary, where every turn brings a new revelation, and every moment is a treasure to cherish.

Our river excursions take place as planned, regardless of the current weather conditions. 

All participants, including minors, must sign a waiver before rafting. For minors, a legal guardian's signature on the waiver is mandatory for participation. 

Reservations are required and should be made at least 24 hours in advance. 

• Please arrive no later than 15 minutes before your pick up time in Grand Lake, CO. If you plan to meet us at Pumphouse Campground, please let us know and we can give you the time to meet us. Parking is limited at Pumphouse Campground and $5 cash is required to cover the parking fee at entry.

The number of guests are limited to just a maximum of 8 per boat. This means that we are turning away guests to maintain the level of service. For this reason, it is important to understand the cancellation policy.

• We offer a 100% refund, with a deduction of $5 per person for processing fees, for cancellations made at least 30 days in advance of the scheduled rafting trip.

• A 50% refund, subject to a 50% cancellation fee and $5 per person processing fees, is applicable for cancellations made between 15 and 29 days prior to the booked trip.

• However, no refund will be processed for cancellations made less than 72 hours before the trip or for no-shows on the scheduled day. In the event of fewer participants showing up than initially reserved, the individual who made the reservation is responsible for the cost of all reserved spots. It's important to note that our rafting trips proceed rain or shine.

Please be aware that engaging in rafting and outdoor recreational activities inherently involves risks, and all participants are required to read and sign a "Release of Liability" waiver. Additionally, if the water levels on the scheduled river are deemed unsafe on the day of your trip, we reserve the right to make adjustments such as changing rivers, rescheduling for another day, or canceling the trip, with a full refund provided.