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What Rafting Near Vail Is Like
Rafting near Vail is a mix of scenic stretches and splashy moments, with trip options that range from beginner-friendly to more advanced runs. You’ll meet your guide, get a clear safety talk, gear up, and head to the river for a half-day or day built around your group’s energy level.
All participants will be required to sign a Release Waiver prior your Colorado river expeditions. The release can be found here. Enjoy prime rafting trips in Colorado with us!
Who These Trips Are Best For
- Families and first-timers who want a guided, confidence-building introduction to rafting
- Friend groups planning a fun summer activity near Vail
- Visitors who want a memorable outdoor experience without complicated logistics
- Adventure-seekers looking for more challenge on higher-class whitewater
What’s Included With Sage Outdoor Adventures
Sage Outdoor Adventures focuses on the full guest experience, with operations and training built around your day on the river. Expect a guided trip, a clear pre-trip briefing, and a process designed to help your group feel prepared and excited before you launch.
Vail Or Buena Vista: Which Launch Point Should You Pick
Vail Rafting Trips
Pick Vail-area trips if you want something close to the Vail Valley with guided options that fit a range of ages and experience levels. It’s a great ch want to keep drive time simple and still get a true Colorado river day.
Buena Vista Rafting Trips
Choose Buena Vista if your group wants an Arkansas River rafting experience with iconic Colorado scenery and well-known whitewater sections. It’s a strong fit for travelers who want to build a day around rafting in the Buena Vista area.
How Rapid Classes Work And What To Expect
Rapid difficulty is commonly described by class, and conditions can change depending on water flows. The key is picking a trip that matches your group’s comfort level, age range, and willingness to paddle. If you’re unsure, start with a beginner or intermediate option, then level up on a future trip.
Book Your Rafting Trip Near Vail
Ready to lock in your day? Choose a trip above, filter by location and rapid class, then book your time online. If you’re planning for a group or have questions about the best fit, contact our team and we’ll point you to the right option.
RAFTING PROTOCOL
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Sage ownership and senior staff have been running rivers commercially and recreationally for four decades. In fact, we opened commercial rafting on many rivers in Colorado and lead discovery expeditions in Canada to open large-scale rivers there for commercial rafting. When it comes to river rafting in Colorado our knowledge, training, and experience come together to allow us to offer prime whitewater rafting trips.
Through our experiences on rivers in our state and on many others around the world, we have found that the most important thing to realize is that we will never know everything about rivers. Our respect for the natural forces of these waters is greater than ever. We stand in awe on the river bank on a regular basis. To lose respect for the river is the highest act of arrogance.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, white water rafting in Colorado, or any state, can be dangerous. It is with a deep respect for the river that we approach all training exercises. All our guides are trained rigorously, specifically for the demands of commercial rafting. We adhere to and surpass the mandated state requirements for river guide training. For nearly half a century we have watched the river and what can happen while on it. Though we can’t predict the future, we guarantee that the procedures and processes we use on the water are of the highest level.
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Rapid ratings on the sections we run are set by the industry as a whole, not just one outfitter or one person. Also, some government agencies publish rapid ratings online and on riverside signs, such as Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. American Whitewater is also a good standard for rapid classifications around the U.S.
You will see there is a notation on most all rapid ratings stating that these ratings “depend on water flows”. This is due to the fact that a rapid or section of a river can potentially get either harder or easier with elevated water flows. Some rapids will “wash out” at high flows, and be easier than at normal to lower flows due to obstructions (rocks) being covered up. Some rapids will get harder from elevated water flows due to pushier water, larger hydraulics, and more continuous current. These changing conditions can happen annually, daily, or even hourly, without warning, due to nature and its changing weather, elements, and awesomeness!
GET THE FACTS ABOUT YOUR ADVENTURE
Find the answers to frequently asked questions on Colorado river rafting with Sage, including the best time to raft in Colorado, what we provide, and more.