Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Rafting
Spring snowmelt reaches its peak in May and early June, when the roaring Colorado River
offers tons of class 3 to 4 white water . It may not be the legendary rapids of the Grand
Canyon that await much further downstream, but this section of the river still offers plenty
of fun (and is easier to book a trip on).
Most trips depart from east of town, on the stretch below the Shoshone Dam. Families
with young children can take shorter float trips at the Grizzly Creek turnoff from I-70, or
travel the Colorado River later in the summer, during low flow. Children must weigh 50lb
for class 3 and 30lb for class 2. Some companies listed here also offer trips down the
Roaring Fork River during the peak run-off.
RAFTING
Up Tha Creek
( 970-947-0030;
www.upthacreek.com
; 309 9th St; adult/child $49/42; May-Aug)
This smaller outfit has
some unusual trips in its lineup, including beginner trips on less-crowded sections of the
Colorado (South Canyon and Little Gore), as well as the extreme class 5 Gore Canyon. It
also runs several sections of the Roaring Fork and even the Crystal River near Aspen.
Definitely worth looking into if you want something different.
Rock Gardens Rafting
( 800-958-6737;
www.rockgardens.com
;
1308 County Rd 129, exit 119 off I-70; half-day adult/child from $52/42;
May-Aug)
Another reputable company in Glenwood Springs, this operator runs half- and
full-day adventures on the Shoshone section of the Colorado River. It also rents out inflat-
able kayaks and offers combo raft and bike/zip line packages.
RAFTING
Blue Sky Adventures
( 877-945-6605;
www.blueskyadventure.com
; 319 6th St; half-day adult/child $47/35; May-Aug)
One of the
most established rafting companies in town, Blue Sky operates both half- and full-day
trips through the Shoshone rapids on the Colorado River. Those who don't have a thirst
for white water can try out one of the scenic float trips. Inflatable kayaks ($30) are avail-
able as well.
RAFTING
Cycling
Rolling over the smoothly paved
Glenwood Canyon Trail
, under the gorgeous canyon walls,
makes an excellent afternoon for riders of all abilities. The path follows the Colorado
River upstream below the cantilevered I-70, and the river often drowns out the roar of
