Roaring Fork River Rafting | Windy adventure (2023)

FAQs

What class rapids is the Roaring Fork River in? ›

The river flows through 3.8 miles of Class III rapids. The section known as the Middle Fork was once only a meandering scenic rush of water, now transformed by nature and man to create big and powerful waves, holes and drops.

The Cheat River

The Cheat Narrows offers Class II-III rapids that satisfy beginner and experienced paddlers alike.

An alternative to rafting the Colorado, the Roaring Fork River presents river runners with a jumble of bumpy Class II and III whitewater. To float the lower section of the Roaring Fork River from Carbondale to Glenwood Springs, launch boats under the intersection of Highways 82 and 133 or go rafting and kayaking.

River rapids are classified from Grade I to VI depending on the degree of difficulty they present in manoeuvring a Raft/ Kayak/ Cataraft through it. GRADE I: Easy, small waves. No obstacles. GRADE II: Moderate difficulty with clear passages.

Class 2-3 (Easy/Beginner):

This is an ideal level for most, not too scary for most beginners. You definitely get wet and it's fun and exciting.

Class III Whitewater

Rapids with moderate, irregular waves. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided.

Cherry Creek—Upper Tuolumne, California

A whopping 15 Class V rapids punish paddlers from mid-summer to September, because the high flows of spring make Cherry Creek too dangerous. Be prepared for drops, undercurrents and lots of boulders on this tough and technical section.

Class IV: WILD

Rapids are long and unpredictable with large waves and narrow passages.

Class V: Extremely difficult, long, and very violent rapids with highly congested routes, which should be scouted from shore. Rescue conditions are difficult, and there is a significant hazard to life in the event of a mishap.

However, the deepest point on the river is located at the Roaring Fork River Near Emma with a gage stage of 7.64 ft.

Can you wade at Roaring river? ›

Most points along Roaring River are bank accessible. Handicapped areas are available in several places. A short section between the fish cleaning station and the bridge on Hwy F is designated for catch and release and wading. Wading is not allowed in some sections.

It is known for its large rainbow and brown trout, averaging from 12 to 18 inches in length. During the winter months, this part of the Roaring Fork has a reputation for harboring some of the largest whitefish in Colorado. To float the lower river, launch boats at Carbondale under Highway 133.

The short answer is yes; rafting trips are safe for non-swimmers. While there is always a risk of injury in any outdoor activity, rafting is considered a safe sport for people of all ages and abilities. Additionally, most rafting tours include a safety briefing and a guide trained in first aid and CPR.

Gauley River (West Virginia)

West Virginia's Gauley River is one not to miss if you're an experienced whitewater rafter. Its stretch of Class V+ rapids is one of the most difficult in the country. Gauley River is the heart of East Coast rafting culture and a destination for rafters from around the world.

Practically anyone can have a good time white water rafting as long as they choose a stretch that matches their skill level and come equipped with all the right information. Read our tips below to prepare for your first white water experience.

Beginners can enjoy this type of water. Class 2: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, might require some maneuvering. Basic paddling skills are needed to enjoy this type of water.

Class VII and VIII Rapids

There are plenty of narrow passages, long and quite difficult rapids, and very turbulent water in a Classes 7-8. This for the advanced rafting enthusiast as it requires precision maneuvering.

Class I rapids are defined by moving water with small waves that tug at the boat in a downstream flow - it's a relaxing way to spend the day. Rafting trips on class I whitewater are generally labeled as "scenic float trips".

Class III Whitewater

Due to moderate difficulty, younger children shouldn't be riding the class III rapids. With many irregular waves (4-5 feet high) and tumultuous water, strong adventurous older kids and teens will love these! Water will definitely crash over the boat and everyone will get wet.

What happens if you fall our while white water rafting? If you fall out of the raft, don't panic! Your PFD (personal flotation device) will keep you on the surface, make eye contact with your guide and try to swim back to the nearest raft! Most importantly, make sure you do not stand up in the river.

What is the easiest whitewater class? ›

Class 1- easy level

This is the level that represents river waters that flow over minimal obstructions. There is minimal risk for the rafter. This would be suitable for a float-trip with no whitewater.

Upper Tuolumne River (Cherry Creek), California

Cherry Creek is the gold standard for Class V and is the hardest section of commercially rafted whitewater in the United States. Rapids like Mushroom (V), Toadstool (V), and Lewis's Leap (V) challenge even the most experienced river guides.

1. Colorado River, Arizona. Colorado River, located in Arizona, is the best destination for whitewater rafting. This beautiful river flows between the Grand Canyon, which is so huge that it amazes you.

Through the Slingsby Channel flows the world's strongest current, the Nakwakto Rapids, that has been measured at speeds up to 18.4 miles per hour. The current is so fast at times, that people have tied a rope to Turret Rock, which is located right in the middle of the rapids, and then water-skied.

Class VI: Extreme and Exploratory Rapids

If a river is classified as Class VI it is extremely dangerous. These runs have almost never been attempted and often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible.

Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated Class IV- or Class IV+ respectively. Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes.

The Ocoee is a quick-moving, fun and splashy river that contains mostly Class III and IV rapids. It consists of two sections: the Upper Ocoee, which has Class II-IV rapids and includes the 1996 Olympic slalom course, and the Middle Ocoee, which has four miles of Class III and IV rapids.

Rafting trips are broken down into different classes, using the International Scale of River Difficulty (ISRD) rating system. These begin with Class I (less difficult) to Class VI (most difficult) and consider the elements of the river and the skill level needed to raft it.

Grand Canyon rapids are rated on a 1-10 scale. Flat water is 1 while tough rapids like Lava Falls or Crystal can be rated 10 at certain water levels. A 10 rating in the canyon is roughly equivalent to a Class V in the standard river scale.

Most of the Niagara River's waters are graded as Class I.

Although the whitewater is runnable (probably a Class IV), that would mean ending up over the falls at the end.

How long does it take to go through Roaring Fork? ›

About Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

You can take a fairly quick drive along the trail or you can spend time pulling off the trail to take photos and enjoy the mountain scenery. You should expect to spend at least 2 hours on the tour.

Happy hour is offered Tuesday-Saturday from 4-6 p.m.

Rules for the Roaring Fork

Catch and release and artificial flies only for section from McFarlane Creek (about 3 miles above Aspen) to Upper Woody Creek Bridge (between Basalt and Aspen).

Roaring River is one of Missouri's most popular state parks, with 4,294 acres of hiking, fishing, camping, swimming, and more. The park is located in a deep, narrow valley home to the Roaring River.

Trout fishing is allowed from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Fridays through Mondays. Catch-and-release fishing only. (Fishing permit and annual trout permit required.)

The designated Wild Trout Waters of the Roaring Fork run from Hallum Lake (located in Aspen) all the way downriver to Upper Woody Creek Bridge (found between the towns of Aspen and Basalt). Cutthroat., Rainbow, and Brown trout are particularly plentiful along this section of the Roaring Fork.

Many species of wildlife rely on the river corridor for their survival, making it a great place to view elk, bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons, moose, mule deer, and more.

Bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass are proven stocking combination that provides both food and sport-fishing. When stocked in this order and properly managed, these species provide great fishing and good eating.

Most white water rafting veterans avoid wearing the following clothes or bringing the following items: Flip-flops, Crocs, high heels, and cowboy boots. Heavy clothing like jeans, leather, or cotton sweaters. Tight or constrictive clothing that hampers movement.

Footwear: The best shoes for rafting are ones that stay on your feet and can get wet. Choose water shoes, water sandals with a heel strap or an old pair of sneakers you don't mind getting soaked. If it's chilly, you can wear wool socks under your shoes or sandals. Headwear: Bring a paddling hat or a baseball cap.

Should I wear a bathing suit white water rafting? ›

Bathing Suit

This should be the first thing you pack. You're going to want to wear something that dries quickly when it gets wet, and bathing suits are designed to do just that. Most people who raft with us are comfortable in just a swimsuit and shorts! Make sure if you visit during the summer to wear sunscreen too.

Fortunately, fatalities are uncommon in these activities, with rafting and kayaking fatalities occurring at a rate of 0.55 and 2.9 per 100000 user days, respectively. Injury rates for kayaking and rafting are 3 to 6 and 0.26 to 2.1 per 100000 boating days, respectively.

The most common injury that occurs during a whitewater rafting trip are foot injuries. However, these can be easily prevented just by wearing proper water shoes. The right shoes will protect you against stubbed toes and sunburns, which tend to occur easily while out on the water.

The ride can get bumpy, so make sure you are properly seated. The best point for balance is to sit on the outer rim of the raft.

Size matters when it comes to paddling and staying in the raft. Generally speaking, kids under 12 are best suited for trips up to Class III. Twelve year olds and a little older up may be able to handle a Class IV challenge depending on the amount of paddling help that the guide may need in the rapids.

Is there a weight limit for white water rafting? 90 to 275 pounds is the weight limit for most white water river rafting companies. Though there are no laws about rafting weight limits, most companies require participants to be within this weight range.

Late May to late June, springtime runoff from snowmelt makes for the most exciting time of rafting season for whitewater, with cooler river temperatures and smaller crowds.

Class IV: Difficult. Rapids are long, with powerful waves and rocks creating potentially dangerous hazards. Precise maneuvering through narrow and/or rock-choked passages. Class V: Extreme.

Class IV: WILD

Rapids are long and unpredictable with large waves and narrow passages.

What class of rapids are the easiest? ›

Class II - Moderate. Medium-quick water; rapids with regular waves; clear and open passages between rocks and ledges. Maneuvering required. Best handled by intermediates who can maneuver canoes and read water.

The Yellowstone River is classified as Class II-III rapids from Yellowstone National Park to Paradise Valley (the first 18 miles of legally navigable whitewater on the Yellowstone River).