Colorado River
Academy
Colorado River Academy is a hands-on, family-focused river experience designed to teach the fundamentals of rafting and outdoor adventure in a fun, supportive environment. Our goal is to help families build the skills and confidence needed to safely plan and enjoy their own river trips. Participants learn practical skills like river safety, rowing techniques, trip planning, gear and food packing, and setting up a comfortable riverside camp. Beyond the technical skills, we focus on teamwork, communication, and shared responsibility on the water and at camp. Families work together to solve problems, prepare meals, and navigate the river as a team. The experience blends education with adventure, creating space for laughter, learning, and meaningful connection. Colorado River Academy is about more than rafting — it’s about building confidence, competence, and lasting family bonds outdoors.
FULL DAY RAFTING
The Family River Academy Full Day is a hands-on river adventure designed to help families build the skills and confidence to plan their own rafting trips. The day begins with a safety and skills orientation before heading down the river to practice paddling, reading the water, and organizing gear as a team. Along the way, we stop for a riverside lunch and practical instruction on equipment and trip planning. Families finish the day with great memories and the foundational skills for future river adventures.
Class I-II Rapids
Ages 4+
The Family River Academy 2-Day / 1-Night Trip gives families a true overnight river adventure while learning the basics of planning their own rafting trips. Over two days, participants practice paddling, reading the river, packing gear, and setting up a riverside camp. Guides provide hands-on instruction in camp organization and river safety while leaving plenty of time to relax, explore, and enjoy the outdoors together.
OVERNIGHT RAFTING
Class I-II Rapids
Ages 4+
WEEKEND RAFTING
The Family River Academy 3 Day / 2 Night Trip is an immersive river adventure where families learn the skills needed to plan and enjoy their own overnight rafting trips. Over three days, participants practice paddling, reading the river, packing rafts, and working together on the water. Evenings are spent camping along the river, where families learn camp setup, meal planning, and river trip organization. With guidance from experienced instructors, families gain confidence, practical skills, and unforgettable memories together on the river.
Class I-II Rapids
Ages 4+
Trip Preparation
Everything we do is built around understanding your needs and helping you succeed—because when you thrive, so do we.
Applying for a river permit
Planning the trip logistics
Planning the menu
Packeting for your Trip
Equipment Needs
Rigging your boat
Skills You’ll Learn
River skills: Build the foundational skills that give you the confidence to lead your own river adventure. Learn how to properly rig and secure your raft, tie essential knots, organize and load gear efficiently, and create systems so you always know where critical equipment is stored.
Trip Planning
Reading water
Rowing techniques
Camp setup
Safety Skills
River Etiquette
Safety Talk
Camp Setup:
A well-organized camp creates efficiency, safety, and a better experience for everyone. We teach you how to build a functional layout so every item has a place — and everyone knows where things belong when it’s time to clean up or break down.
Kitchen placement
Groover Placement
Hand and Dish wash setup
Fire Pan & Fire Setup
Camp Flow
Breakdown Steps
Proven Process
Strong organization and intentional planning prevent small issues from becoming big problems and create a shared, low-stress experience where everyone contributes and has fun.
FAQs for Rafting Upper Colorado
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No, it is recommended but not required for this stretch.
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Up to 8 guests, plus your guide.
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Anything that will stay of your feet if you swim, water shoes, sandals with backstraps or tennis shoes.
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Transportation to and from the river, helmet, PFD/life jacket, wetsuit, and splash jacket. Lunch is also provided on full-day tours.
We recommend using a wetsuit for May and June departures, while for July and August departures, they are typically not needed. Be sure to check out our packing list!
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Additional Details
Information about the area and About the Area
Upper Colorado Rafting
Upper Colorado rafting is all about smooth, leisurely fun. The river will always have fun splashes and riffles, but this stretch is free from big rapids. The easy water makes it a welcoming spot for kids as young as four. This 4-5-hour rafting stretch can be broken up with river swims, exploring eddies, raft games, wildlife spotting, and a relaxing lunch break with several ways to relax or stretch your legs. The variability will keep kids entertained and excited the whole trip!
If your group wants to diversify the fun, you can even add a kayak into the mix! Adventurers can relax in a raft without a care in the world or have more freedom to explore in a personal watercraft. Kids 12 and older can try out a solo kayak and kids 8 years or older can hang out in a tandem kayak shared with a parent or guardian.
Upper Colorado Views
The Colorado River’s claim to fame… the views on this historic river are unmatched! Spanning over 1,450 miles from Colorado to Mexico, the Colorado River can dramatically switch up its look section to section, from high-altitude Rocky Mountain terrain to deep red rock canyons.
This stretch of the river has varied terrain, from dense scrub brush to rock gardens to wide open spaces. As a Wild and Scenic River, the Colorado River is one of few federally protected rivers in the country. The flora and fauna that call this area home thrive along the river. Lucky guests on this trip may see elk, deer, bighorn sheep and bald eagles enjoying their day as we float down the river.
Still have questions?
We pride ourselves on delivering top-notch customer service and are here to assist you in any way we can. Let us know how we can help!
If you'd prefer, email us at info@idahospringsraftingcompany.com or call 1.303.845.7455.