FAQs

Reservations are strongly recommended for our Whitewater Adventure Outfitter trips, but not required. Walk-ins are welcome on any trip, based on availability. To book with a reservation specialist, call us at 719-275-4500. We are happy to answer any questions and help you choose your perfect Colorado rafting adventure. Or click here to choose your trip and book on-line 24/7/365! Full payment is due at the time of reservation.

All of our guides are extensively trained in river rescue, first aid, and CPR. Many have advanced certifications such as Swift Water Rescue Technician, Wilderness First Responder, and EMT. However, engaging in rafting and related activities involves inherent risks that cannot necessarily be predicted or controlled and can lead to injury and property damage. Please review our waiver for more information. It is your responsibility to choose a trip within the physical health, ability levels, and risk tolerance of all participants in your group. We reserve the right to refuse participation on any trip at our discretion.

In Colorado, rapids are generally rated based on the International Scale of River Difficulty ranging from Class I thru Class VI. Many organizations have published various river rapid classifications.  River conditions are dynamic and constantly change.  Classification of rapids is subjective, and this is meant to be a general description.

– Class I: Fast-moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, easily navigable, and minimal risk to swimmers.

– Class II: Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels. Occasional maneuvering may be needed, but easily navigated by trained paddlers. Rapids may reach the upper end of this difficulty range, designated as “Class II+.”

– Class III: Rapids with moderate, irregular waves. Complex maneuvers and good boat control required. Injuries while swimming are possible, but self-rescue is usually feasible.

– Class IV: Intense, powerful rapids demanding precise boat handling. Large waves and hazards may be present. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high.

– Class V: Extremely challenging rapids with added risk. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and hazards. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is difficult.

– Class VI: Reserved for un-runnable rapids.

Low water- Below 700 cfs

Medium water- 700 cfs-2300 cfs

High water- Above 2300 cfs

Click here for current water levels on the Arkansas River.

Click here for Canon City weather.

The main factors to consider when choosing a rafting trip are:

1. The risk tolerance of all participants in your group.
2. The physical health and ability of all participants in your group.
3. The desired level of adventure for all participants in your group.
4. The ages of all participants.
5. Your desired rafting location.

Our helpful staff is happy to answer any questions and help you choose the best trip to make your rafting adventure the highlight of your Colorado vacation. It is your responsibility to choose a trip within the physical health and ability levels of all participants in your group. We reserve the right to refuse participation on any trip at our discretion

All participants (and a Parent or Legal Guardian, if participant is a minor) are required to sign an Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risks and Release and Indemnity Agreement before participating, and understand that they assume responsibility and liability in the event of an injury or other loss. We recommend obtaining medical insurance through your personal insurance company. Click here to download a copy of our waiver for review. You will receive a link to complete your electronic wavier in your reservation confirmation. Any medical or mental condition or physical disability should be disclosed to your guide/trip leader prior to your trip. Rafting is not recommended for persons with serious medical conditions or pregnant women.

All guests are outfitted with and required to wear a Coast Guard approved Type V life jacket that is specifically designed for whitewater rafting. All rafters must be willing and able to participate in their own rescue and need to be able to get to the boat or shore by themselves. Participants who can swim are more comfortable in the water and it makes it much easier to get out of the river should you find yourself out of the boat.

We can provide everything you need for your rafting adventure! Each guest is fitted with a type V Coast Guard approved life vest and helmet. Complementary wetsuits and splash jacket use is provided for all trips and may be required depending on trip difficulty and water levels. Neoprene booties are available for a small rental fee. Our rafts are state-of-the-art self-bailers equipped with foot cups that can accommodate up to 7 participants plus a guide depending on water levels and trip difficulty.

You should plan on being wet! Swimsuits and nylon shorts generally work best; avoid cotton as it draws away warmth. For layering, stick to synthetic fabrics that insulate when wet, like fleece and polypropylene. Wool also works well. You must wear secure footwear such as river sandals with an ankle strap, our rental booties, or tennis shoes that can get wet (no flip-flops or crocs). For sunny days on the river we recommend a sun-shirt, sunglasses with a secure strap, and sunscreen. Dry clothing and a towel for after the trip round out the list. Most of these key items can be purchased at our shop.

A change of clothes and towel that can be stored in our community lockers for after your trip. We are pleased to offer hot showers and heated changing rooms at our Idaho Springs office for your post-trip convenience. We provide complimentary digital photos of your group rafting in Colorado! You should also bring along any prescribed medication you may require such as epi-pens or asthma inhalers. Anything you bring on the raft will get wet and could be lost, so we recommend leaving all valuables in your car. Prior to trip departure, we will collect your keys and keep them behind the front counter until you return.

Please do not consume drugs or alcohol prior to your trip. If we suspect you are impaired, you may not be allowed to participate and your trip will be forfeited.

Please leave pets at home, as our parking area does not have adequate shade to keep your canine friends cool in the hot summer sun.

Anything you bring on the raft will get wet and could be lost, so we recommend leaving all valuables such as jewelry, cellphones and other electronics at home or in your car. Prior to trip departure, we will collect your keys and keep them behind the front counter until you return.

While planning your Colorado vacation, accounting for weather can be difficult. Please note that Clear Creek Rafting Company runs all trips rain or shine, regardless of the weather. You’ll be able to get on the water if you book with us. Please be on time. If you are late, we may not be able to accommodate you and your trip will be forfeited. Cancellations and changes cannot be made online or by email and must be confirmed by a Clear Creek Rafting Company representative. Clear Creek Rafting Company reserves the right to cancel or alter any trip.

Standard Cancellation Policy:
Once payment has been submitted, it is full price per spot booked so if you fail to show up or show up with fewer than the number of people booked, you will still be charged for each spot reserved.

Worry-Free Cancellation Option:
At the time of making a reservation and for an additional fee of 8%, guests may opt into the Worry-Free Cancellation. With this added, cancellations made by 11:00 AM MST the day prior to trip departure receive a full refund less 8% of the reservation total. For cancellations made after 11:00 AM MST, it is full price per spot booked so if you fail to show up or show up with fewer than the number of people booked, you will still be charged for each spot reserved. Guests who opt out of the Worry-Free Cancellation are subject to the Standard Cancellation Policy.

Yes! All of our guides are fun and professional, but if you have a specific guide in mind you are welcome to request them. We will do our best to make sure you get to raft with your requested guide, but it may not always be possible, based on scheduling and availability.

Our Royal Gorge office is situated on West US Highway 50, 8 miles west of Cañon City. Look for our brown building on the south side of the highway, about ¼ mile east of the Royal Gorge Bridge turnoff, between mile markers 270 and 271, next to the Rock Shop. You can’t miss our blue and yellow “Raft Now” sign out front.

Our office is open year-round for inquiries, and reservations can be made 24/7 through our website. WAO’s rafting season runs from mid-May through Labor Day. The peak runoff period typically occurs in June, with the river being busiest from late June to mid-August. To avoid crowds, consider rafting earlier in the season. July and August offer the warmest weather. Morning half-day trips tend to be less crowded and enjoy the best chance of sunny weather.

Yes, a professional photography company captures photos of all our boats on every trip. These photos are provided to you at no extra cost after your trip.

You can book an Arkansas River rafting trip online 24/7/365 or call 719-275-4500 to speak with our friendly staff. We’re here to answer your questions and help you choose the perfect rafting adventure. Please add a 10% AHRA use fee for all Arkansas River trips. Full payment is due at the time of reservation.