There are so many things to do in Crested Butte year-round for the nature lover as well as the culture lover. Crested Butte is well-known for its fantastic skiing, but there are many other Crested Butte activities to enjoy in the warmer months as well. If you love the outdoors and taking in the local scenery while experiencing some excitement, white water rafting is a good choice for you while you stay in a Crested Butte rental.
Here are some of our favorite Crested Butte white water rafting tips and tours to help you plan your rafting trips during your vacation!
White Water Rafting In Crested Butte
White water rafting in Crested Butte is a breathtaking adventure sport. It gives you the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature while being completely immersed in it. Not only can you observe the natural landscape, but you get to interact with it as well to fully appreciate the full impact of its bodies of water.
Whitewater rafts are typically inflatable and made from synthetic rubber that resists leaks and punctures. A larger raft can hold eight people, including the guide. You will always wear a life jacket when whitewater rafting. Whitewater rafting with an experienced guide is exciting but still safe. The guide sits in the middle of the back of the raft, and they are responsible for “reading” the river and doing the majority of the steering.
There are many factors that determine the strength of the white water. The time of year, recent rainfall, drought conditions, and a change in obstructions in the river can all change the type of rapids that you will experience on your trip. Your guide will provide you with instructions before and during a rafting trip, and they can quickly spot the need to change direction.
It’s important to remember that whitewater rafting is exhilarating and physically demanding, but it is also very safe. It can be a good activity for older kids and teenagers. You need an experienced, reputable company to guide the trip and provide all the equipment you will need. You should also pay close attention to all instructions and safety guidelines, and make sure that any children you bring on the trip pay close attention as well. It can be a fantastic bonding experience in nature that you will never forget.
Rafting trips are graded for difficulty. Class one and class two trips are floating trips with some fast-moving water. Class three trips are beginner whitewater runs. Class four is for intermediate to advanced participants, and class five is only for experienced rafters. When you sign up for a trip, make sure you pay attention to the class level.
Guided Raft Runs
You want to be sure that your guide is experienced and that the company is reputable. The guide should know the river inside and out. They should be able to provide you with clear instructions and safety guidelines. The best guides are as excited about your trip as you are. The guide should make you feel safe and communicate a sense of wonder and fun.
The company should provide all equipment — a sturdy boat, paddles, helmets, life jackets, and possibly a dry bag for any personal items you bring. All equipment should be in good working order and not too worn.
They should have updated safety equipment and well-trained guides. All trips should be taken with radios or other communication devices. Technology changes, and the company should be continuously updating its equipment and policies.
There should be a training component for all participants. Everyone needs to know all about the equipment you will use. Rafters need to know the lingo — the special words and nonverbal communication the guide will use on the trip. You also need to know what to do in the unlikely event that you fall out of the raft. You must understand the safe way to swim and how you will be rescued.
Plan Your Visit
Looking for a perfect vacation rental in Crested Butte? Book your stay with Crested Butte Property Management to make the most of your next vacation!
Scenic River Tours
Scenic River Tours has been guiding whitewater trips since 1977. They are still as excited about whitewater rafting as they were on day one. They offer trips all around Western Colorado on the Colorado, Taylor, Lake Fork, Rio Grande, and Gunnison Rivers.
The challenge level is class two or three, and the length of the trip ranges from just a few hours to all day. They have high standards for their equipment and their guides.
All guides are trained in river rescue, first aid, and CPR. Scenic River Tours actually runs its own guide training school. Guides are encouraged to obtain advanced certifications, such as Swift Water Rescue Technician, Wilderness First Responder, and EMT. You can be sure that your guides are well-trained and enthusiastic.
Located in Gunnison, Colorado, Scenic River Tours is a short drive from Crested Butte. They also offer class one and class two family rafting trips, rock climbing, fishing, and inflatable kayaking trips. They recommend making a reservation, but they sometimes have an opening for the day of or the next day if you call. You can also call them for any information you need, especially if you have questions about a particular trip. They are always happy to talk with people about whitewater rafting. All participants have to sign a waiver that goes over the risks of the trip and basic safety information.
Three Rivers
From calm to wild, the Three Rivers rafting trips on the Taylor River have something to offer each person in your group or family. This picturesque, small river meanders through Taylor Canyon. Bighorn sheep are frequently seen along the river as you travel through areas where canyon walls rise straight up from the river banks. You might even see moose, elk, deer, or an occasional black bear if you’re lucky.
Thirty minutes before the start of each trip, everyone gathers at Three Rivers. Make sure to finish your electronic waiver, send in your confirmation email, and have everyone in your party do the same before checking in to save time. Three Rivers also offers kayaking and fishing trips.
What To Bring
Plan on getting wet! Bring an entire change of clothes and keep it in the car or somewhere that is sure to be dry at all times. Wear closed-toed shoes and light clothing. Water shoes might work well. You don’t want to hurt your feet on the rocks, and you don’t want heavy clothing if you fall into the water. Also, bring a water bottle, sunblock, a plastic bag to put your wet clothes in, snacks, toiletries, and any medication you may need.
Do not bring electronics, expensive jewelry, or expensive eyewear. Be ready for action!
Book Your Crested Butte Lodging With Crested Butte Property Management
Crested Butte Property Management has spacious, luxurious, and comfortable Crested Butte vacation rentals. We are dedicated to going above and beyond with cleanliness and customer service. Our knowledgeable team can help you plan for all of the things to do in Crested Butte.
We have a wide variety of great Crested Butte rentals. We have Crested Butte lodging in town, houses with a hot tub, pet-friendly rentals, and rentals for larger groups — up to 16 people! Whether you are traveling with a small or large group, if you are adventurous and looking to white water raft, or just interested in hiking, Crested Butte Property Management has your perfect vacation home waiting for you. Call us to book now, or make a reservation online.
