DREAMS OF TRAVELLING

Whitewater Rafting Colorado

Whitewater Rafting in Colorado can be one of the most exciting vacation prospects of a lifetime! It is one of the greatest means of experiencing Colorado’s backcountry, as almost anyone can participate in the sport, and most areas along Colorado’s rivers are only accessible by boat.

The sport of whitewater rafting has grown greatly over the years, growing in popularity as more travelers discover how much fun the sport of whitewater rafting is. Guests visiting Colorado typically expect an adventure element to their trip, along with the opportunity to experience Colorado’s famed, pristine Rocky Mountain beauty. What better way than by raft and river?

With the demand for the sport growing, outfitters have spread onto many different rivers at varying lengths and degrees of difficulty. This diversity in trips and rivers has provided travelers with many options to suit there desired trip needs. One of the most popular destinations for a whitewater thrill in Colorado is The Arkansas River. With 110 miles of whitewater from Leadville to Cañon City, The Arkansas River offers many different trip variations to fit almost anyone’s needs. Guests can choose from half-day class II adventures good for ages 4 and up, to thrilling class V multi-day trips for the more advanced paddlers, with many variations and options to choose from.

Whitewater Rafting trips can be arranged for large groups of 100+ participants to small groups of families and friends looking for some excitement. It is highly recommended that you call your prospective outfitter to discuss which trip is right for your group based on size of group, ability level of guests, and desired features of your trip. Any outfitter that provides online reservations should be looked into carefully. It is common for guests to choose trips that may not be conducive to the group make-up. Discussing your trip, and reservations with a qualified outfitter will help to ensure you are signing up for an appropriate trip. As with any sport there are inherent risks associated with rafting. So be forthcoming with your outfitter, and be honest about your own ability level to help your guide and outfitter provide you and your group with the safest trip possible.

The Arkansas River Rafting season begins on May 1st, and typically runs through the end of October. For the biggest whitewater, May and June are the months to visit as Colorado is receiving its peak snow melt, the primary source of river water in the Rocky Mountain west. When the water levels are high the water tends to be swift and cold, the features are big and powerful, and the thrill of running big water is there! It just doesn’t get any more exciting than that! If you’re a warm weather, and warmer water kind of person, then July through September is the ideal time of year to go rafting. Not only are the temperatures nicer, the water levels, size and frequency of the features are generally more user friendly too. July through September are the best months for first-time rafters, or groups with kids to get out and try rafting.

Advanced reservations are highly recommended as all outfitters operate on a space available basis. This guarantees you’ll get on the trip you want, at a time that complements your schedule. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and get wet!

About the Author: Jim Wick has been guiding class IV and V rivers for over 9 years, and has logged over 20,000 river miles. He currently owns and operates Lost Paddle Rafting based in Canon City, Colorado You can visit them on the web at Whitewater Rafting Colorado| Rafting in Colorado

Colorado is closely associated with river rafting from the very beginning. In fact, the river rafting sport was invented in Colorado only. Therefore, the term Colorado River rafting emphasizes the importance of river rafting Colorado. Undoubtedly, river rafting is one of the most popular pastimes of the people in Colorado and across the world. One can experience ultimate River Rafting in some of the greatest rivers of Colorado like Arkansas River, the Colorado River, and the Dolores River.

These rivers consist of several beautiful and famous sites including Royal Gorge and Big Horn Sheep Canyon. One of the most wonderful spot for Colorado River rafting is the Dolores River. This river is a 250-miles long tributary of the Colorado River. Running through the states of Colorado and Utah, Dolores River has Ponderosa Gorge that offers great rafting options. Dolores River is also known to be the most scenic parts of the country.

If we talk about the Colorado River then river rafting in about 1500 miles river is indeed a wonderful experience. Colorado River is known to be one of the most beautiful rivers of the world. Some of the wonderful sites present at the Colorado River include Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam. One can see indefinite river rafting tours on the Colorado River.

People who have done river rafting on the Colorado River never forget their experience and remember it for the lifetime. There are many companies in Colorado and elsewhere which host Colorado River rafting tours, for the beginners or for professionals. In case you do not have any prior experience in river rafting then Colorado River rafting tour can provide you guidance regarding the rafting techniques and skills. However if you have good experience as a river rafter then you can also enhance your rafting adventure by taking a tour in Colorado. Colorado River rafting tours are generally of half-day or full-day trips, and one can find extended river rafting trips in Colorado. Some adventures last for even five days.

People love to try Colorado River rafting as this place is considered the hub of rafting sports. Every individual has his own reason behind going for river rafting.

Many people have misconceptions about river rafting that it is a difficult sport to get into. However, provided good training and guidance this sport can make you enjoy and thrilled with fun.  There are many companies that provide important and relevant information about Colorado River Rafting including www.realadventures.com.

We are the thrill providers. If you enjoy the rush of fear from a horror movie! If you enjoy the thrill of mountain biking or running… that rush of exhilaration, whitewater rafting is another way to get it. If you enjoy mountain climbing it has a rush of adrenaline. If you enjoy skiing your getting adrenaline rushes. With Colorado River rafting you are getting those rushes every second as the water changes your movement and your mind adjusts to the roller coaster ride sliding you through the water’s path.

Have you ever experienced whitewater rafting anywhere? If you have experienced Colorado River Rafting or whitewater rafting anywhere in the world we are looking for your stories to publish in blogs. We want the raw experience that can only be told by you from you and your group. How long you were in the water. Where you were. Who you were outfitting with. What was the memory of thrill after thrill.

I can remember my first time experiencing the ride that seems like yesterday as we were a raft of 4 thrown down the whitewater blasting against rocks, over rocks, past rocks… through waterfalls. At points it was like looking over the top of nothing like on a roller coaster looking out as you are on top of the climb before you can see the track and all you can see is open sky and you know you are about to drop. That feeling of adrenaline in your mind flowing into your head, throat, chest, and stomach reacting with your whole body of controlled bottled fear about to explode into an experience of exhilaration. You start going down the drop and you finally see a track of water and your gushing down shot fast as you free-fall with the water running into a flat plane of water dropping fifty feet … what a rush and experience! Reply your experience to this article about your memories of exhilaration in Colorado River rafting or any whitewater trip around the world you have experienced. You may win a trip for your entry of your memorable ride!

Rafting is one of the earliest means of transportation, used as a means for shipping people, hunting, and transferring food. Now it is one of our forms of outdoor adventure and entertainment. Rafts were originally the simplest form of man’s transportation in water and were then made of several logs, planks or reeds which were fastened together. Nowadays, inflatable boats are used as rafts. This type of boat has been adopted by the military for beach assaults. It consists of very durable, multi-layered rubberized or vinyl fabrics with several independent air chambers. Colorado whitewater rafting should be thankful to the military for their utilization of the multi-chamber raft to prevent deflation. Many chambers prevented the whole raft from losing its pressure to stay afloat. So now you have the history of whitewater rafting beginning. If you can answer a tough question as to who has on record the first outdoor escape to rent these rafts on whitewater you know the beginning of the whitewater rafting trend that set many a company on the rivers around the world to have an outdoor activity like Colorado whitewater rafting for fun and exploration. Just to name a short list of whitewater rafting opportunities from around the world for top spots to rush through a river is in Colorado and one is Breckenridge Rafting. There are different types of whitewater rafting so choose wisely. Here they are for an education in whitewater rafting…

Class 1: Very small rough areas, requires no maneuvering. (Skill Level: None)

Class 2: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, might require maneuvering.(Skill Level: Basic Paddling Skill)

Class 3: Whitewater, small waves, maybe a small drop, but no considerable danger. May require significant maneuvering.(Skill Level: Experienced paddling skills)

Class 4: Whitewater, medium waves, maybe rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp maneuvers may be needed. (Skill Level: Whitewater Experience)

Class 5: Whitewater, large waves, possibility of large rocks and hazards, possibility of a large drop, requires precise maneuvering (Skill Level: Advanced Whitewater Experience)

Class 6: Class 6 rapids are considered to be so dangerous as to be effectively unnavigable on a reliably safe basis. Rafters can expect to encounter substantial whitewater, huge waves, huge rocks and hazards, and/or substantial drops that will impart severe impacts beyond the structural capacities and impact ratings of almost all Colorado whitewater rafting equipment. Traveling a Class 6 rapid has a dramatically increased likelihood of ending in serious injury or death compared to lesser classes. (Skill Level: Successful completion of a Class 6 rapid without serious injury or death is widely considered to be a matter of great luck or extreme skill)

Anyone will tell you that the state of Colorado is one of the most popular destinations in the United States for mountain vacationing. By taking your loved ones on a mountain vacation in Colorado you will be giving them an experience that will last a lifetime. While in this amazing area you and your family can enjoy the various activities which include skiing, snowboarding, shopping, hiking, biking, as well as enjoying the live entertainment.

Beaver Creek Lodge was ranked as one of the top fifteen snowmobiling areas in the West by SnoWest Magazine, The surrounding Beaver Creek Lodge offers hundred of miles of perfectly groomed snowmobile trails as well as some off trail riding. This lodge offers top quality on-site snowmobile rentals for both guided and unguided tours.

The great thing about the Beaver Creek Lodge is that the fun never ends, even when the snow melts! During both summer and fall seasons the guests are able to enjoy the horseback riding in the Cache National Forest with rides varying in both length and difficulty to please those of all ages and skill levels.

Other than the entertaining outdoor activities visitors are also able to take a short drive to the nearby Red Rocks Amphitheatre that is located in Denver. You will be able to watch concerts or go to the famous annual Telluride Film Festival. Even those vacationers who are on a budget will be able to locate lodging and activities that will entertain your family while staying within range. One of the most popular places in Colorado is in the Beaver Creek Lodge area.

It doesn’t matter whether you came to the Beaver Creek Lodge area in Colorado for the first class snowmobiling, breathtaking mountain horseback rides, a small business retreat, or even a large family reunion, this area is the perfect choice. Beaver Creek Lodge is twenty seven miles east Logan Utah along US Highway 89, and is around two hours north of the Salt Lake International Airport.

One of the best places in the world to go skiing and snowboarding is the Colorado area. In Colorado you will find ski lodges which offer their visitors an amazing experience while hitting the slopes of the Rockies. You will also be able to come across different ski lodges that offer world-class restaurants while others have world class ski instructors.

Many of these ski resorts in Colorado offer equipment rentals as well. Some of them are specifically designed to be geared towards families and even offer special programs for the children in your life.

One of the best places to begin your search for the perfect Colorado ski lodge is the Internet. You may even be able to find many lodges that are offering discounts in the form of package deals and other great offers. These package deals can include things like lift tickets, rentals, as well as lodging and airline tickets.

Even if you don’t find any deals that strike your interest online you can always pick up the phone and call around to different ski lodges in Colorado to see if they are running any special deals. When you call you should also ask for all of the information in travel forums and then contact your travel agent. There are many times where your travel agent will be able to access different information that the public.

There are also times when you will find that several different lodges are offering their own specials, so it will come down to selecting the offer with the features that are most important to you and your family. You need to take into consideration which types of rooms you are interested in, if your family will want to eat at the skiing lodge, if you will need equipment rentals, and many other factors. If you need help planning your Colorado Ski trip then get online to and read travel forums to learn everything you need to know.

If you’re searching for lodging in Breckenridge, Colorado, chances are you’ll find the term “ski in ski out” being used to describe the locations of various properties relative to the slopes. Some time ago, vacation rental companies realized that the majority of Breckenridge visitors were seeking the convenience of such properties and as a result, began describing a greater number of their accommodations as such.

While the phrase generally conjures up images of lodging properties that are mere steps from the slopes, where chairlift access couldn’t be any easier, the reality is that “ski-in ski-out” has been adapted to describe accommodations that are actually nothing of the sort.

Several Breckenridge accommodations offer ski out access to the slopes but are without a trail system that allows you to ski back into the property. As a result, guests often find themselves having to hike back uphill to their lodging. A true slopeside property should provide direct and immediate access to the slopes in both directions, allowing easy access to your accommodations and its amenities throughout the day.

Some accommodations may be ski-in ski out, but they are connected to the resort via ski access trails, which are often narrow, ungroomed paths that are not maintained by the Breckenridge Ski Resort or its grooming equipment. While such paths usually offer acceptable access to more prominent ski slopes, you may find them to be uneven, icy or covered in snow that is deeply drifted across them.

Many Breckenridge lodging properties who have described themselves as true slopeside accommodations have stretched the truth to at least some extent. This could mean that a condominium hotel sits at the far end of a pedestrian plaza linking it with the resort’s base area, or it might be that you find yourself crossing the street to access a chairlift.

The lesson to take away from this is simple: When researching and booking your ski in ski out lodging in Breckenridge, Colorado, make sure that you know exactly what it is that you are getting. Property management companies in Breckenridge have adapted varying definitions of what ski-in ski-out truly means, and as a result, you should question your reservationist thoroughly as to the actual location of your accommodations. While most visitors would have no problem staying across the street from a chairlift, or a short walk to one, it’s easy to be let down upon arrival when these locations have been described as being on a ski slope.

Breckenridge, Colorado is home to a vast selection of over 500 lodging properties including resorts, condominiums, townhouses, private homes and bed and breakfasts. With such an astounding number of accommodations to choose from, choosing the ideal property for your next Breckenridge getaway can seem a bit overwhelming. There are a number of options to weigh when selecting your accommodations, such as property type, amenities, price and location.

Many visitors find location to be the most compelling component in choosing a lodging property for their ski vacation. Breckenridge accommodations exist in variety of neighborhoods including the Historic District, Four Seasons, Four O’clock, Peaks 8 & 9 and several other outlying areas. With a more thorough understanding of these neighborhoods, the amenities they offer and their proximity to the town and ski resort, selecting the ideal property for your Breckenridge vacation needs should be a much easier experience.

Breckenridge’s Historic District is comprised of charming Victorian homes and bed & breakfasts that were built in the late 19th century. These properties have been immaculately preserved for your enjoyment and are located on, or near Main Street and its hundreds of shops, restaurants and watering holes. Visitors staying in the Historic District enjoy easy access to the slopes of the Breckenridge Ski Resort via the new BreckConnect Gondola as well as the town’s complimentary FreeRide transportation system.

The town of Breckenridge and the ski resort both border the Four Seasons neighborhood, located just off the south end of Main Street. Many properties here are located just a short walk to the slopes and some even offer ski-in ski-out access. The Four Seasons is one of the more densely populated neighborhoods in Breckenridge, consisting primarily of reasonably-priced condominium and town home properties.

A variety of lodging options exist in the Four O’clock neighborhood, including ski-in ski-out and ski-shuttle out vacation rentals. This area is named after Breckenridge’s longest ski run, which meanders its way past the doorsteps of the properties located here. The Four O’clock neighborhood offers a variety of accommodations including full service resorts, condominiums, townhouses and private homes. Although many of the accommodations here do not offer immediate access to Main Street, many property management companies in the neighborhood offer complimentary guest shuttles to and from downtown Breckenridge.

Many of Breckenridge’s full service resorts can be found in the base areas located at Peaks Eight and Nine. Here, visitors will find chairlift access just outside their condo door, along with on-site dining, shopping, spas, pools, hot tubs and complimentary transportation. Peaks 8 and 9 are also home to some of the town’s most luxurious vacation homes, tucked into the trees just off the ski runs.

Finally, many of Breckenridge’s private home rentals are found just outside the town limits in neighborhoods such as Blue River. Just a short drive from the ski resort, visitors will find quaint ski cabins and sprawling vacation homes tucked into towering spruce and lodgepole pine forests. Though not served by the town’s public transportation system, these neighborhoods offer some of the most convenient lodging options in Breckenridge, with plenty of room for visitors to spread out and relax.

While location isn’t likely to be the only characteristic you consider when evaluating Breckenridge lodging properties, understanding which neighborhoods have the greatest appeal to your vacation’s needs should certainly help in narrowing down your choices. Regardless of where you choose to stay, you’re sure to Breckenridge’s authentic Victorian charm, laid back atmosphere and phenomenal beauty.

Have you been eyeing the opportunity to take a Colorado rafting trip for a while now? Colorado is one of, if not the best place to go rafting in the world, so it’s understandable. Of cause you’ll need to make a number of arrangements before leaving, after all, once you get there you’re need a good hotel to stay in.

It’s no secret that Colorado white water rafting trips are extremely popular. There perfect for people who thrive on adventure and the sensation that comes with speeding down rapids. The incredible surroundings you will encounter down Colorado’s rivers, is breathtaking and the rapids are really something else. However, the experience can be even better if you choose the right hotel or in the case of camping, the right tour company.

People often don’t put to much thought into where they will stay on these trips; they are often content to just have a roof over their heads, even if that’s just canvas. They are more concerned with their daily rafting activities. However for some people, maybe more so if they are repeat visitors, there comfort after a action packed day of rafting is more important and this is when a little planning and research into the best hotels and tour companies is required.

First off you will need to decide just how much money you are wiling to pay for your accommodation. If you’ll be staying in hotels, the closer to the location where you’re be rafting they are, generally the more expensive they will be. And of cause the services offered by each hotel will also depend greatly on how much you pay. The more in advance you can make your arrangements the better, you can sometimes save money on your hotel fees if you book in advance and of cause you’ll have less danger of the hotels in the area being all ready full.

Another thing you need to consider is where you’re going to eat. You may want to eat out, maybe you’ll prepare your own food, or maybe you’ll want to go back to the hotel to eat, in which case, you’ll want to make sure your hotel has a diner.

So many people put little thought into this, and end up in a hotel much worse in terms of quality than they had originally envisioned. It’s no secret that the accommodation of a trip often terns out to be the deciding factor on whether or not the trip is successful in providing an enjoyable time for you and anyone else you may bring with you.

For this reason, before choosing a hotel you should do some research into the different hotels your looking at. See how others have found their stays to be in the hotels in question. Do some searches online and in travel magazines, you should be able to find some unbiased user feed back.

As said before, try and reserve your hotel well in advance, not only could you possibly say some money, but you also stand a much better chance of getting a better room. With a little planning your Colorado white water trip can truly be the vacation of a life time. Happy Rafting.

The snow is melting. The rivers are swollen with the fresh spring run-off. The current is swift. The waves have grown in size and frequency. This marks the beginning of the 2007 whitewater rafting season on the Arkansas River in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.

The Upper Arkansas River basin received abundant snowfall this winter offering whitewater enthusiasts’ ample water for the upcoming whitewater season. 2007 promises to be one of the best rafting seasons in years as the Rocky Mountain west recovers from drought conditions. Colorado’s rivers primarily depend on the snow pack for their water supply. Peak native run-off usually occurs sometime in late May and June providing the most exciting whitewater opportunities. The Arkansas River is unique among Colorado’s Rivers in that its’ water resources are managed by the “Voluntary Flow Program”. Water is stored in three different reservoirs at the headwaters near Leadville. The entities that own and manage the waters that feed the Arkansas River have coordinated with Colorado State Parks and the Arkansas River’s outfitters to supplement the native flow when the snowmelt subsides. This provides the Arkansas River with enough water late in the season to allow whitewater operations well into September.

The Arkansas River in southern Colorado saw 282,381 commercial rafting visitors in 2006 up 3.97% from 2005. The numbers continue to grow as more and more travelers are realizing this is a sport that anyone can participate in under the direction of a qualified guide and licensed outfitter. The Arkansas River in southern Colorado is one of the most user-friendly rivers anywhere in the world. It offers whitewater rafting trips suitable for everyone. Whitewater adventure trips are a great family or group activity and also appeal to the avid outdoors adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can choose from half-day excursions to multi-day overnight river adventures. The Arkansas provides over 110 miles of whitewater with varying levels of difficulty. Trips range from class II scenic floats to class V extreme trips through the world-renowned Royal Gorge. Many class III trips are suitable for children as young as 6 years old or at least 50 lbs. Size requirements must be met in order to provide them with proper fitting safety gear. The ability to swim well is not required for easier runs. However, it is mandatory for all class IV and above rapids.

Rafting trips are very affordable with prices ranging from $30 to $599 per person depending on trip options and duration. The outfitter provides all river gear and some trips include riverside lunches, or multiple meals if you’re on an overnight trip. It is important to have properly fitted PFD’s (personal flotation device), and helmets. During the peak run-off wetsuits are mandatory as the water temperatures can be as low as 40°. Splash Jackets, heavy-duty windbreakers are also provided to help eliminate the wind chill. During the warmer summer month’s swimsuits are the attire of choice. Sport sandals, water socks, or an old pair of tennis shoes are the suggested footwear. Contact lenses are not recommended. If you choose to wear eyeglasses or sunglasses bring retaining cords such as chums or croakies to prevent loosing them to the river. Plan on bringing waterproof sunscreen as Colorado’s high altitude lends itself to the potential for sunburn. With all of the appropriate equipment and skilled guides, whitewater rafting is one of the most fun and exciting means of getting into Colorado’s scenic backcountry.

Commercial river guides operating in Colorado are required to meet minimum state standards. Certain sections of river have more stringent requirements that guides must meet before navigating commercial passenger rafts. All guides are required to hold current CPR/First Aid certifications, and many exceed these requirements with Wilderness First Responder certifications. River guides in Colorado undergo extensive training in river safety techniques and river rescue scenarios enabling them to provide their guests with a safe and exciting trip. River guides are some of the most entertaining and colorful folks you’ll ever meet. They guide as a result of their passion for the sport, and the thrill of passing this passion on to their guests. Most guides are not only expert boatmen, they also boast a working knowledge of the areas history and ecology. A guide’s salary is modest at best for the amount of responsibility bestowed upon them. Twelve to fourteen hour days are common during the peak season. Gratuities are graciously accepted as a show of appreciation for their hard work in providing their guests with an exciting and memorable experience.

Get out there this summer and experience it for yourself. Whitewater rafting can provide you and your family and friends with fun and exciting memories that will last a lifetime! See you on the river!