Colorado River Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: Class II Rapids

Balance on a paddleboard while the river moves beneath you

Stand-up paddleboard the Colorado River through Little Gore Canyon from Kremmling on a half-day activity that mixes Class II rapids with calm water. You'll stand or kneel on a large, stable board and steer with a long paddle. A guide, wetsuit and personal flotation device are included. Kids and others in your party can choose to raft or steer an inflatable kayak instead, so everyone tries something new.

The experience

From the Kremmling outpost, you paddle down the Upper Colorado River's milder section, where Class II riffles break up stretches of flat water. The combination gives you enough current to feel the river's push without the intensity of steeper runs. You'll stand or kneel on a single-person surfboard-shaped board, using a long paddle to steer and brace as the water moves you downstream. A guide leads the way and stays with the group throughout the four-hour outing.

The river itself is the whole point here. You'll navigate the riffles by reading the water and adjusting your weight and paddle angle. Flat sections let you recover and take in the canyon walls. The guide points out the geology and the flow, and you get chances to stop and swim or sunbathe on the banks. If paddleboarding isn't for everyone in your group, kids and other party members can raft or pilot an inflatable kayak alongside you, so the day works for mixed abilities.

Bring secure footwear (no flip-flops or Crocs), and be ready to move. You'll need at least moderate fitness to handle the riffles and the balance work. The outfitter supplies a wetsuit and splash jacket if the water is cold, plus a personal flotation device. Minimum age is 13, and you must weigh at least 50 pounds.

What’s included

• Live guide in English.
• stand-up paddleboard and long paddle.
• personal flotation device.
• wetsuit and splash jacket if needed.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 14 May 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 to 70 years) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10 · max 5 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by AVA Rafting and Zipline

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and leads the group through the whole outing, so you follow along without needing paddleboarding experience beforehand. This works for anyone with moderate fitness who wants to learn the balance and paddle work on moving water without tackling steeper rapids.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the Class II riffles and the flat water on this stretch of the Colorado River?

Class II riffles are small, choppy sections where the current picks up and the water breaks over rocks, creating a bit of challenge for your balance and paddle work. Flat water sections let you recover, float and take in the canyon. The mix of both on this run through Little Gore Canyon means you're always engaged but never overwhelmed.

Can I bring my kids if they don't want to paddleboard?

Yes. Kids and other party members have the option to raft or steer an inflatable kayak instead, so they stay with the group and try something different. Everyone paddles or floats down the same river together.

What do I wear, and will I get cold?

You'll wear secure footwear that won't slip off in the water. The outfitter provides a wetsuit and splash jacket if the water temperature calls for it, plus a personal flotation device for everyone. Check the weather and water conditions closer to your date.

How much paddling experience do I need?

You don't need prior experience. The guide teaches you how to stand or kneel on the board and steer with the paddle. You do need at least moderate physical fitness to handle the balance work and the Class II riffles, and you must be at least 13 years old and weigh a minimum of 50 pounds.