Whitewater Rafting - Frisco Activity: Rafting Nearby Resorts: Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne, Vail Proximity: 9 miles north of Breckenridge THE summertime activity in The Mountains is Whitewater Rafting. Whether you're looking for a relaxing float trip to soak up the sun and scenery, or the full-on adrenaline high of a white-knuckle class 5 wild ride, there is everything here for you! The intensity of the water on a rafting trip is classified on a scale of one to six. One being a simple float trip and six being defined as cannot be attempted without risk to life and limb and is considered un-runnable!! Generally commercial rafting outfitters therefore restrict themselves to the classes 1 thru 5!! For most first timers the limit would be a class 3 or class 3/4 mixed trip. For younger kids, you should look at staying with a class 1/2 trip and kids must weigh at least 40lbs (normally minimum 4 years old) in order to fit into a commercial PFD (Lifejacket). For children a little older looking for a little more adventure a class 2/3 trip is appropriate (normally minimum 7 years old). For a class 3/4 trip normally an aggressively minded older child or teenager would be the minimum advised. Class 5 trips are restricted to adults and teenagers 16 or older who have experienced and are happy on class 3/4 water. All rafting outfitters are required by Colorado State Laws to ensure that their guides are trained to rigorous proficiency standards in commercial rafting experience, including first aid, CPR, and swift-water rescue, so you can be sure you're in good hands. The outfitters that we select for "The Mountains USA" have extensive training programs, which all meet and in many cases substantially exceed these requirements. All equipment meets or exceeds state requirements and rafts are self-bailing. PFD's (life jackets) are all class V with the maximum amount of flotation available. Wetsuits and booties are available for rent to ensure that you are kept warm (if not dry!) and splash jackets are available for all trips. Weather in the high country is notoriously volatile, even in summer time, and all trips go out rain or shine, so be prepared! Cotton garments are a bad idea on the river; they get wet, stay wet and make you cold. Polypropylene/wool, or a wicking material is best. Quick dry shorts and tops work well, and don't forget sun protection - hats, sunscreen and sunglasses (with croakies) are all a must. Footwear will get wet, so, sandals with heel retention (like Teva's or similar) or sneakers that you don't mind getting wet are fine. If you are looking for a real adventure during your stay in The Mountains, make sure that this is the first one you choose. Whitewater Rafting, whichever trip you select, is a great day out and will leave you with memories that will last all year and ensure that you come back again for more! Frisco, The Blue & The Upper Colorado Rivers Summit County being almost all above 9,000' in elevation doesn't have too much in the way of rafting in the immediate vicinity, since most of our rivers are a little on the small side and we have to travel down valley farther to get to some action. There are some small areas where kayaker's can have some fun locally, especially on the Blue River north of Silverthorne which has long been a favorite for local boaters. If we are lucky, and the river Gods smile on us we can raft it too! When we have good snow pack and the water in Dillon Reservoir reaches its spillway or Glory Hole, or there is a planned release from the Dam we have our local river back from the water diversion to Denver and the Front Range. Its becoming a rare event, so if it's running while you are in Town, then DON'T MISS IT!!! The Blue River trips meet at our rafting bases in Frisco and whisk you all of about 7 miles to the put in on Highway 9 just north of Silverthorne. Be warned - the water is melt water or from the bottom of the Dam and its cold - taking a wetsuit might be the best decision that you have ever made! The trip begins with a few miles of calm water surrounded by the towering 13000' peaks of the Gore range, then ups the tempo a little with 4 miles of class II/III rapids for a great ride that is the firm favorite of our local community and visitors alike. A great introduction to whitewater rafting in spectacular surroundings! Kids must be 7+ yrs old. The next option from Frisco is either to meet a trip in town or drive out to our location near Kremmling to take a scenic trip on the upper reaches of one of the World's most famous rivers - The Mighty Colorado. This Gentle float trip takes you through granite and red rock canyons. The beautiful scenery perfectly complements the nice relaxing ride down the very beginning of the Colorado. There is also abundant wildlife that those with a keen eye can spot along the way. Both full and half-day trips are available. Kids must weigh 40lbs ~ 4+ yrs old. You can ride along with the trip in a "Duckie" (inflatable kayak) too! (14+ yrs old) The final option is the probably THE most challenging commercial rafting run in the entire United States! The site for the National Whitewater Championships (including kayaks and rafts) is the venue for this trip down Gore Canyon on the Upper Colorado River. This trip is only for those with serious rafting experience, and physically fit and in good shape. This trip is for EXPERTS ONLY and should not be attempted unless you have significant experience on class IV and preferably Class V water. All clients wishing to plan this trip will be vetted before being allowed to sign up and we reserve the right to refuse anyone from this trip for any reason. Not to be taken lightly! (18+ yrs old) Prices and Dates Trip Type/Name Trip Length Trip Times Price per Tour Price per Adult/Driver Price per Child/Passenger         From 13 Yrs From 7 To 12 Yrs The Upper Colorado - Gore Canyon  Full Day  By Arrangement $159 $N/A The Blue River  1/3rd Day  8:30 AM $56 $51 The Upper Colorado - Duckie Trip (Kremmling Meet)  Half Day  8:45 AM $65 $N/A The Upper Colorado (Kremmling Meet)  Half Day  8:45 AM $60 $55 The Upper Colorado (Kremmling Meet)  Full Day  8:45 AM $94 $83 The Upper Colorado - Duckie Trip (Kremmling Meet)  Full Day  8:45 AM $104 $N/A The Upper Colorado  Full Day  9:00 AM $95 $86 The Blue River  1/3rd Day  9:30 AM $63 $57 The Blue River  1/3rd Day  11:30 AM $56 $51 The Blue River  1/3rd Day  1:00 PM $63 $57 The Upper Colorado (Kremmling Meet)  Half Day  1:00 PM $60 $55 The Upper Colorado - Duckie Trip (Kremmling Meet)  Half Day  1:00 PM $65 $N/A The Blue River  1/3rd Day  2:30 PM $56 $51
Activity Notes Includes: Helmets (if needed) and PFD's (personal flotation device). Wetsuits, booties and splash jackets available for rent. What to wear: Weather in the high country is unpredictable, so be prepared! Normally quick dry shorts/bathing suits and tops are the best idea. Cotton is not a good idea on the river since it gets wet, stays wet and makes you cold. Polypropylene, wool or some other wicking material work best. Sun protection is VERY important, so a hat, sunglasses with croakies, and plenty of sun screen. Footwear will get wet, so sandals with heel retention are the best (Tevas or similar) - flip-flops types are not allowed. Sneakers are fine too, but they WILL get wet! What to bring: Waterproof cameras are a good idea. A towel to dry off with, and a change of clothes. Bottled water or sports drinks to fend off dehydration. Last, but not least, a BIG smile and lots of enthusiasm!!!