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A LOOK AT OUR EARLY SEASON RAFTING FAVORITE: GORE CREEK

a happy man white water river rafting

As we look forward to summer rafting, we’d like to introduce you to one of our favorite early season trips: Gore Creek, our local favorite here in the Vail Valley. If you’ve never had the opportunity to raft Gore Creek, you need to make time – this is some of the best whitewater rafting in Colorado!

Why Gore Creek Is Our Favorite

Gore Creek is special for a couple of reasons when it comes to whitewater rafting in Colorado. First, it flows right through the heart of Vail Village, and the scenery is spectacular. Second, the rafting season on Gore Creek is relatively short. You have to catch it during its brief window each year. But if you can swing it, you’ll experience incredible river rafting in Vail, Colorado.

Gore Creek is fed only on snowmelt, for classic whitewater rapids Colorado is known for. The season gets underway as soon as the snowmelt and runoff begin. May and June are the ideal times to experience those incredible Colorado whitewater rapids on Gore Creek.

Gore Creek features awesome Class III rafting from East Vail to Lionshead Village. Class III is fast and fun but still perfect for beginner white water rafting in Colorado. This river epitomizes what we refer to as, “playboating”. In addition to the fun rapids, this stretch features holes and waves along the way, including the well-known International Wave in Vail Village. These areas provide opportunities to “surf” the raft and swing in and out of rapids. It would be difficult to have more fun in a raft than you’ll have right here in the heart of Vail.

The scenery all the way through the upper Vail Valley along Gore Creek is what really makes this trip memorable. The towering cliffs, waterfalls, aspens, and wildlife along this stretch are incredible.

Getting To & From Gore Creek

Finally, one of the nice things about rafting Gore Creek is the quick transfer times. If you’re staying in Vail, you’re already on the river and just minutes from the put-in. At the takeout in Lionshead, you can easily walk right back into town. If you’re staying in Beaver Creek, you can expect a quick, 15-minute drive to and from the river.

With such easy access and world-class rafting right here in Vail, it’s no wonder we love this short but sweet season on Gore Creek!

Expert to Beginner Whitewater Rafting in Colorado

We specialize in Colorado river rafting and know where to whitewater raft in Colorado – and how to get you on the water, regardless of your skill level or experience. Whitewater rafting starts as early as April or May (right now!) and runs through the warmer months into early fall. If you’re in Colorado and Vail is your summer destination, make sure to get in on a rafting trip with us during your visit.

To learn more about our whitewater rafting adventures, please check out the Rafting Page .

Start planning your trip now! You can call us at 970-476-3700 or you can contact us online.