Upper Colorado Full Day Academy
Float through breathtaking canyons on this mild, scenic river stretch where you can relax on a raft or paddle your own inflatable kayak.
Colorado River Academy:
Learn to Raft on the Upper Colorado River
The Colorado River Academy Full-Day Trip is a unique rafting experience that combines a scenic Upper Colorado River rafting trip near Kremmling, Colorado with hands-on instruction designed to help families and beginners learn how river trips really work. Instead of simply riding along, participants gain practical knowledge that builds the confidence to plan and enjoy their own future rafting adventures.
Throughout the day, our guides introduce essential river skills including how to rig a raft, organize gear, pack coolers and food for the river, and prepare simple meals for multi-day rafting trips. You’ll also learn boat ramp etiquette, river safety practices, and basic rowing or paddling techniques so everyone understands how to safely navigate and manage a raft.
This experience also captures everything people love about a classic Colorado river day. We stop for a relaxed riverside lunch, explore scenic canyon stretches, and enjoy fun river activities such as short hikes, swimming, optional rock jumping, and visits to nearby hot springs when conditions allow.
Safety and teamwork are an important part of the Colorado River Academy. During the trip we demonstrate and practice key safety skills including how to assist someone back into a raft using their life jacket, how to properly throw and handle a rescue rope, and how to stay safe in moving water.
By the end of the trip, families leave with more than great memories—they gain practical river knowledge, new outdoor skills, and the confidence to plan their own rafting and camping adventures on rivers throughout Colorado and the West.
Book Your Trip
Let’s GO
FULL DAY
ADULT - $249 (14 Years up)
YOUTH - $199
FAMILY OF 4 - $795
Location: These trips will meet at Pumphouse Recreational area and campground, Co Hwy 106, Kremmling, CO 80459.
Requirements: Minimum age of 4.
Availability: Rafting trips run daily, May through Labor Day. Please check availability.
Adventure-Level: Easy & scenic floating.
Safety comes first on every Clear Creek rafting trip. Our certified guides complete rigorous, industry-leading training and are prepared for all river conditions.
What to Expect
-
Natural Hot Spring and Swimming Areas
Enjoy a swim or a rejuvenating soak in a natural hot spring. It’s the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, ensuring a memorable day out for everyone, whether you’re paddling your own kayak or lounging on the raft.
-
Lunch Buffet
Midway through the trip we will stop riverside for a hearty fresh lunch where you can recharge and take a quick hike to view the next set of rapids
-
Top Notch Instructors
You will be accompanied by a professional river instructors that will entertain, educate and safely guide your crew down the river. Instructors will have lesson to teach based around fun activities and elearning while on the river.
Itinerary
-
Your whole day of floating starts with a gathering at our rafting at Pumphouse Recreation Area. . This is about an hour and 45 from Denver, making it an easy day trip. Once you arrive, our team will check you in, get you gear and help you choose what kind of watercraft you want to play with. Kayaks are available to anyone 12 or older that can swim, while the raft is an excellent choice for little adventurers as young as four.
Our team will ensure you have the correct size Personal Flotation Device and helmet for a comfortable trip. We have adult and kid sizes that will fit most people.
-
Once everyone is suited up, we’re ready to get out there!
It’s a scenic 1.5-hour shuttle to the put-in, full of Rocky Mountain views. After we arrive, your guide will round up the troops and walk you through the game plan. This includes any safety tips, which your guide will tailor to the ages and abilities of your group, including if you have some kayakers tagging along.
Once everyone understands their role, it’s time to hop on the water! -
Starting your float will feel equally relaxing and invigorating. You can expect some stretches of smooth, calm water and sections of playful jumpy splashes to keep everyone excited. As you wind down the river, your guide will share stories of the area, tell you about the surrounding nature, and share some of their favorite raft puns and jokes (family-friendly, of course!).
Different sections of the river may offer the opportunity to take refreshing dips in the water or play splashy raft games. Everyone can keep an eye out for exciting wildlife – you can even make a contest of who spots the coolest one. When you’re not playing games or splashing around, you can sink into the beauty of the area and simply enjoy your surroundings on the water.
You will spend 4-5 hours on the water, so everyone gets their fill of Colorado River fun.Lunch Break
About halfway through the float, we will pull over to a beautiful little riverside area for a picnic and hang out. Your guide has some serious camp kitchen skills and will prepare a delicious hearty lunch while you soak up some sun, take a little hike or splash in the water. There’s even a nearby natural hot spring fantastic for soaking sore muscles or enjoying a moment of relaxation. It’s the perfect intermission before more river float fun.
Along the trip, your guide can capture cute photos of your group enjoying the lunch break or posing by the boat so you can keep your Upper Colorado float trip memories forever.
Additional Details
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.
Trip Information & FAQs
-
No, it is recommended but not required for this stretch.
-
Up to 10 guests, plus your guide.
-
Anything that will stay of your feet if you swim, water shoes, sandals with backstraps or tennis shoes.
-
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!
-
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 1.303.845.7544.