If you’re looking for Vail white water rafting, Sage Outdoor Adventures makes it easy to book a trip that fits your group. Pick from beginner and family-friendly runs or step up to Class IV for a faster, more technical ride. Use the filters to sort by month, age range, and rapid level, then book online in minutes.
- Easy trip filtering by month, age range, and rapid level
- Family-friendly options plus advanced Class IV trips
- Half-day and full-day durations available
- River gear included (wetsuit seasonal, booties, splash top seasonal, PFD, helmet)
- Simple online booking for each trip
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About Our Vail Rafting Trips
Rapid Class Type:
- Beginner And Family-Friendly Trips (Class I–III): Ages 7+ (and 50 lbs). Minimum age can increase with higher water levels. For kids ages 5–6, we can shuttle them around the Class III rapids (with an adult) and rejoin the group for the Class II section when conditions allow.
Please note: The standard minimum age for this tour is 7 years old and 50 lbs, but depending on water levels, the minimum age can increase. We can also shuttle children ages 5 and 6 accompanied by the minimum age can increase. We can also shuttle ages 5 & 6 accompanied with an adult around the Class III rapids to rejoin the family for the Class II section.
- Adrenaline Series: Ages 16+. Strong swimming is required. Prior rafting experience is not required but recommended. Participants should be healthy and injury-free since Class IV paddling can be physically demanding.
Please note: Knowing how and being a strong swimmer is mandatory, previous rafting experience is not required but is recommended. All participants must be healthy and injury free; paddling class IV rapids require strength.
What White Water Rafting In Vail Is Like
Expect a guided river day built around your comfort level. You’ll meet your guide, gear up, get a clear safety talk, then head out for a splashy ride with mountain scenery and plenty of moments worth a photo.
Duration:
- Full-Day Excursions: Approximately 6-8 hours
- Half-Day Excursions: Approximately 3-4 hours
River Locations:
- Upper Colorado River
- Upper Eagle River
- Avon, CO Lower Eagle River
- Gore Creek
- Shoshone Rapids on the Colorado River
Explore the River
Take a virtual ride or paddle before you ever set foot on the trail or river. Our interactive street-view map lets you explore every curve, rapid, and vista in vivid detail.
Upper Eagle River
Middle Eagle River
Lower Eagle River
Requirements:
- All participants must sign a Release Waiver prior to the trip. The waiver can be found in the footer of this website.
- Proficient swimming skills are required for Adrenaline Series trips.
Pickup Locations for Transportation
We offer convenient pickup locations for transportation to and from the rafting sites. Specific pickup points will be provided upon booking.
What We Provide
- All personal river gear at no extra charge:
- Wetsuit (seasonal)
- River Booties
- Splash Top (seasonal)
- PFD (Personal Flotation Device) – required
- Helmet
What You Should Bring
- Swimsuit (wear it, as some trips may not have changing rooms)
- Fleece on cold days
- Dry clothes for after the trip
- Towel
- Sunglasses with Croakies
- Sunscreen
- Safety and Preparation
Safety And Preparation
Every trip starts with a practical briefing on paddling, positioning, and what to do if you end up in the water. We provide the required safety gear, and your guide keeps the group coordinated through each section so first-timers can feel confident and experienced rafters can focus on the fun.
Book Your Prime Rafting Adventure
Join us for the finest whitewater rafting experiences near Vail. With a variety of trips designed for all skill levels and preferences, Sage Outdoor Adventures is your go-to destination for unforgettable rafting adventures in Colorado. Book your trip today and embark on a journey through some of the most beautiful and exciting rivers in the state.
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 Vail, Colorado river rafting with Sage, including the best time to raft in Colorado, what we provide, and more.