Upper Colorado River: Whitewater Rafting & Hot Springs Stop

Summary

Rafting through canyons, pastures and riverside hot springs on the Colorado

You’ll paddle through narrow canyons and rolling ranch land on this Upper Colorado River rafting day trip from Kremmling—with gentle whitewater, wildlife sightings, and even a soak in a riverside hot spring if conditions allow. Feel cold spray on your face, hear eagles overhead, and end with tired arms and that weirdly happy feeling only real adventure brings.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the light bounced off the water—almost too bright to look at straight on. We met our guide, Jamie, right by the riverbank near Kremmling. She handed us splash jackets that smelled faintly like sun-warmed neoprene and sunscreen. The Colorado River looked calm at first, but you could hear it moving fast under the surface, like it had its own secret plans for us. I kept fidgeting with my paddle, not sure if I’d actually need it or just end up holding on for dear life.

We started paddling into a stretch where the canyon walls rose up suddenly—brownish-red and streaked with green from last week’s rain. Jamie pointed out a bald eagle circling above (I almost missed it because I was staring at a family of ducks skimming along beside us). There were these quick bursts of whitewater—nothing wild, mostly Class II rapids—but enough to make my heart jump and send cold spray up my sleeves. At one point we floated past a group of beavers working on their dam; someone in our raft tried to take a photo but just got a blur of tails and water droplets.

I didn’t expect to stop at a riverside hot spring, honestly. Jamie said if the flow was good we could hop out for a bit—and it was. The water there felt almost syrupy warm against my skin after the river’s chill. Steam curled around us while we sat half-submerged, trying not to think about how silly we probably looked in helmets and life vests soaking in natural pools. Someone tried to say “thank you” in Ute language—Jamie laughed and shook her head gently, correcting them with patience I wish I had.

After that, we hit another patch of gentle rapids before drifting into open pastureland—cows watching us like they were judging our paddling technique (they probably were). The sun came out strong again; everything smelled like wet grass and river mud. By the time we pulled up to shore, my arms were tired but in that good way where you feel like you’ve actually done something real—not just watched it go by through glass. I still think about that view back up the canyon when we left—it sticks with you longer than you’d expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half-day rafting on Upper Colorado River

• Meet guide and group
• Hop in raft and start paddling
• Navigate Class I and II rapids
• Pass narrow canyons and pasturelands
• Stop at riverside hot springs (if flows allow)
• Possibly experience Class III rapids
• Complete rafting trip

Top questions

How long is the Upper Colorado River rafting trip?

This is a half-day rafting trip along the Upper Colorado River.

What class are the rapids on this section?

The trip features mostly Class I & II rapids; sometimes there may be Class III at higher flows.

Is this rafting tour suitable for beginners or kids?

Yes, it's family-friendly and suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Where does the tour start?

The rafting trip begins near Kremmling on the Upper Colorado River.

Do I need to bring any special equipment?

No—all safety equipment and rafting gear are included in your booking.

Is there a stop at hot springs during this tour?

If river conditions allow, there’s a stop at riverside hot springs along the route.

Will we see wildlife during this rafting trip?

You might spot ducks, geese, bald eagles, deer, beavers, or bighorn sheep along the riverbanks.

What’s included

Your day includes all safety equipment—life vests, helmets, splash jackets—and an experienced local guide who’ll lead your raft down scenic stretches of the Upper Colorado River. If flows permit you’ll also get to stop for a soak at riverside hot springs before finishing up back at shore.