Upper Colorado River Kayaking: Inflatable Kayaks & Rapids

Paddle to sandy shores and spot bald eagles, deer, and big horn sheep along the way.

Kayak the Upper Colorado River near Breckenridge in an inflatable sit-on-top kayak (single or double) alongside a guide, navigating mild Class I-II rapids and occasional Class III whitewater over approximately 3.5 hours. The trip includes a splash jacket, all safety and kayaking equipment, and a live English-speaking guide who helps first-timers get comfortable with the boat. Minimum age is 12 years old.

The experience

An inflatable kayak, called a "ducky", is a rubber sit-on-top with multiple air chambers that lets you follow the guide but navigate your own line down the river. You paddle at your own pace, choosing which route to take around obstacles, whether to paddle to sandy shores to watch geese, edge toward cliff faces, or skirt the bigger rapids entirely. Single-person and double-person kayaks are both available, so you can paddle solo or with a partner.

The Upper Colorado River section runs Class I-II rapids most of the year, with Class III rapids appearing during high-water season from mid-June to early July. If your group wants bigger water and more excitement, that's when to come. If you prefer a gentler float, the rest of the season offers slower stretches perfect for paddling around and playing on the water. The river passes through meadows, rolling ranch lands, and steep canyon walls, with bald eagles, deer, beavers, and bighorn sheep visible along the way.

The trip takes approximately 3.5 hours total. Guides help first-timers get comfortable handling the kayak before pushing off, and the location near Breckenridge, Silverthorne, and Dillon makes it accessible for families and groups of any experience level.

What’s included

• A live English-speaking guide.
• inflatable sit-on-top kayak (single or double).
• splash jacket.
• all safety and kayaking equipment.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 May 2027

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

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.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 30 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Colorado Adventure Guides

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and stays with your group throughout, so first-timers and experienced paddlers alike can follow along comfortably. You operate your own kayak and choose your own line, making this suited for anyone who wants to paddle independently rather than sit in a raft.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

6 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What's the difference between a single and double kayak on this trip?

Single-person duckies let you paddle solo and make your own decisions about which line to take down the river. Double-person kayaks let you paddle with a partner and share the paddling work.

What kind of rapids will I encounter?

The Upper Colorado River typically has mild Class I-II rapids, but during high-water season (mid-June to early July) occasional Class III rapids appear, giving you the option to run bigger water or paddle around it in your own kayak.

Is this trip suitable for someone who has never kayaked before?

Yes, guides help first-timers get comfortable with the kayak before the trip starts, and the inflatable ducky is stable and forgiving for beginners.

What wildlife might I see along the river?

Bald eagles, deer, beavers, and bighorn sheep are common sightings along this section of the Upper Colorado River.

How long does the whole trip take?

The kayaking trip is approximately 3.5 hours, which includes time on the water navigating the river.