Classifications of Rapids for Whitewater Rafting in Colorado
Our whitewater rafting guests often ask us questions about river water depth, the kind of rapids they’ll be rafting through, and what the whole class system means as they prepare for their first or even 50th rafting adventure with us. So we thought we’d bring some clarity to the question and give you an overview of rapids classifications for whitewater river rafting … and provide some expertise on the topic.
Factors in Rapids Classifications
Rapids and the classifications of whitewater vary due to different circumstances: water levels can be high or low depending on the amount of snowmelt and vary as weather conditions change. Our beautiful snowcapped Rocky Mountain peaks melt and flow into Colorado streams, rivers, and reservoirs starting in earnest in May, which is the start of the spring runoff. The start of rafting season usually kicks off in the middle of May as the weather warms up, and tends to max out the highest water flow throughout Colorado depending on altitude and distance from the deepest snow pack. In general, spring snowmelt brings higher water and higher levels of difficulty while running our rivers primarily because the water runs fast and furious, forcing quick decisions as river features change. Water levels fluctuate dramatically throughout the summer and our guides can even see differing conditions between a morning run and an afternoon trip when water levels are in a high state of flux.
What are Rapids Classifications?
Rapids themselves are graded on a class system starting at 1 and progressing to 6. The higher up the scale they go, the more difficult and the more consequential the stretch of water will be. As an example, there are many variables that can change, either upgrading or downgrading the classification of a rapid. Rapid variables include water levels, objects, under
cut rocks, and strainers (like a log jam). Certain features within a river naturally are more difficult and make it more challenging to navigate. For example, Brown’s Canyon is less difficult to navigate than the Numbers section of the Arkansas River. This is why it’s so great to have an experienced raft guide to help you experience Colorado’s most beautiful areas safely. This, as well as having a great day of fun on the water, is what you experience when rafting with Kodi Rafting. Let’s explore the difference between each classification of whitewater in even more detail than is outlined on our website’s rapids classification page.
Class I is flat, easy moving current. Minimal moves, minimal difficulty. The most difficulty you experience on this level of river is navigating around bends and avoiding shallows, perhaps pulling into eddies. Think of this as a leisurely float down a river. Class I is about staying with the current and literally going with the flow.
Class II is moving current with slightly more difficulty and has specific moves that your raft guide needs to make in order to navigate the river efficiently. The difference between class I and II is the necessity to maneuver around objects or shallow sections. Class II is a moderate river trip and great for families. A bit more adventure and splashing without high anxiety. Join Kodi for class II trips on the Upper Colorado, Blue River, or Clear Creek for 1/2 day or full day trips.
Class III is a moderately difficult section of river, with slightly higher consequences, and with more difficult moves to be made by your raft guide. There is typically faster moving current than class I and class II, and there can be objects and things to avoid along your path. Some of these potential objects could impede your raft, or even flip you over if not navigated 
around properly. Class II, & III trips are your typical family trips with somewhat older or more adventurous family members. If you’d like to experience a higher level of family excitement, book our Arkansas 1/2 day or full day trip with Kodi at our Buena Vista location, or the Clear Creek Canyon trip departing from Idaho Springs to enjoy class III rapids.
Class IV is a difficult stretch of river. A class IV section has fun, fast and technical rapids. Standing waves, big rocks, turbulent water, and difficult features are all things you will find on Class IV river runs. These rapids are active: multiple objects, multiple variables and multiple moves involved in order to navigate safely. The Numbers of the Arkansas River, and Clear Creek are examples of exciting options Kodi offers to raft this kind of trip, for a high level of 
excitement and challenge.
Class V is for experts only. This is the most challenging level for a commercially rafted trip. Class V includes lots of maneuvering, with fast consequential moves. Teamwork, communication, coordination, and strong paddling are needed to safely navigate Class V sections of whitewater. These rapids can have large drops, violent currents, and extremely steep gradients – and loads of excitement!
Class VI is extraordinarily difficult or non-runnable sections of river. Rafters face extreme imminent danger. Think cliff drops, big rocks, and scary aspects of challenge. Class VI level rapids are never run commercially, and are often walked around by rafters to avoid them.
So whatever level of challenge, splashes, and excitement you desire, Kodi Rafting can deliver. From calm float trips to expert runs to go big, give us a call to book the rafting adventure that suits your family, group, or yourself!
Call to book your whitewater adventure with us today at 877-747-RAFT or book online here. See you on the river!
An interview with Chas Branson – KODI raft guide extraordinaire!
Meet Chas, the Kodi’s Rafting Manager, Raft Guide, Kayaker, Guide Trainer, and all-around go-to dude! Chas is a 12-year raft guide and is about the most experienced, and the nicest guy you’d ever want to meet. We had the opportunity to catch up with Chas before the season gets flowing and ask him a few questions. So when you see him at the outpost you can say hello and ask him about his many adventures.
Q. Chaz, do you guide anywhere beyond the rivers here in the Colorado mountains?
A. I have guided in South America – Colombia specifically, for a few years, during Colorado winters and before that, I wintered in 
Australia. South of the equator, I also guided in New Zealand. All are beautiful places and challenging with exciting whitewater. I make a lot of great connections through friends in the whitewater community and that helps me decide where to go next. Check out this photo of me kayaking over a Maruia Falls in New Zealand – totally exhilarating!
Q. What is your favorite river you’ve rafted?
A. My favorite is actually in Australia where the rivers are the most challenging. The Tully Gorge near Cannes in Northeast Queensland is specifically my favorite, with beautiful scenery and great whitewater. In Colombia, I like the Rio Calderas and Rio Verde Rivers. I am not a fluent Spanish speaker, and I learned a lot being in Colombia!
Q. What else do you to during the Colorado winter season?
A. I am an avid snowboarder typically snowboarding at Breckenridge, which was obviously cut short this season. I used to manage a ski shop, Black Tie Ski Rentals in Breckenridge and love the resort. In mid-September I head to Gauley Fest in Summersville, West Virginia, which is a whitewater festival for raft guides and kayakers – wouldn’t miss it!
Q. What drew you to rafting as a career?
A. I grew up in Ashville, North Carolina and there is a lot of whitewater rafting there. I always remember rafting there as a kid. My mother bought me a PFD and a helmet when I was a kid and I’ve been hooked ever since! We drove by the local outpost everyday, and I couldn’t wait to be old enough to become a raft guide. As soon as I finished high school, I was applying for a job as a guide. I’ve thanked my Mother by taking her rafting around the world, including Australia.
Q. Any interesting people you’ve taken rafting?
A. Sure! I’ve taken lots of famous and successful people rafting including people like Emma Watson, Sara Blakely’s husband and his buddies, the Denver Nuggets’ head coach, well their entire coaching staff actually. Broncos players, Nuggets players, Internet figures, actors. The interesting thing is that these folks know they are out of their element and can let loose and have a great time.
Q. What do you love about being a raft guide the most?
A. I really enjoy guiding people for their first time on a raft and getting them hooked on being on the river. But even more so it’s the phenomenal lifestyle, it’s literally a ticket to the world. In these beautiful places, everything goes away when you’re on the river. It’s the best way to live and I enjoy the whole lifestyle, including everyone involved in it. You don’t get to take money with you when you’re dead.
Q. Last question for you – what is your favorite part of guiding with Kodi Rafting?
A. Oh, the best aspect is definitely the people here, the family. After working with different raft companies throughout the world, the staff here keeps coming back for 5 and 6 years in a row. We live together during the winter, becoming friends and family and going through everything together. I wouldn’t want to raft and work with anyone else – Amy and Dave are great!
You can reach out to Chas if you have any questions for him or are interested in
becoming a raft guide at Chas@whitewatercolorado.com.
The Joys of Rafting With Groups
Life is better with friends and the Kodi Rafting family always enjoys hosting so many awesome groups every Spring and Summer on their whitewater river adventures. If you’re planning a summer weekend or longer Colorado mountain trip for your group, now is the time to start booking the details. Our team is ready to help you choose the best river trip for the ages, physical ability, and experience of your gang. So give us a call today and let us help you choose the experience you’ll never forget!
Bachelor/Bachelorette Weekends
Wedding party trends are to book a special weekend away to get your bridesmaids and groomsmen together to bond and get focused on your big day. Vegas is one choice, but if your wedding party is more the outdoor, adventurous type, a Colorado mountain weekend complete with ziplining, horseback riding, and of course whitewater rafting will bond the group together more than time at a roulette table. And photos of your wedding party going through the rapids will be a memory that will bring smiles to everyone’s face and tales of that one groomsman who took a swim. For a full 7 hours of adventure, choose our most popular combination of a morning of ziplining paired with an afternoon of rafting Colorado’s favorite whitewater, the Browns Canyon National Monument. Lunch is even included, so your gang just needs to show up for a day of adventure and laughs.
Weddings
If your wedding is being held in the Colorado mountains this Spring or Summer, some of your guests may be looking for a great adventure while the wedding party is getting coiffed up. Choose a morning or afternoon whitewater river trip and provide that option to your guests if they are traveling all this way to be part of your special day, especially if they have never visited Colorado in the summertime. An intermediate trip gives you more options for those who are not as adventurous, and both sides of the family will start to build memories around the bride and groom that will provide stories over the buffet table. Class III rapids offer fun for everyone!
Reunions
Family reunions, fraternity bros or sorority sisters, girls’ or guys’ weekends, and class reunions are groups we get the privilege of hosting each season. The Colorado mountains offer so many fun experiences to build a memorable weekend, so if you are the overall organizer or just in charge of activities and entertainment, try blending whitewater rafting with mountain climbing (like one of the Collegiate Peaks), a mountain festival like the Frisco BBQ Challenge or Buena Vista’s Bike Fest, and one of several area hot springs. Check out our blog on great things to do in the Buena Vista area for more ideas, or this article about the 10 steps to family reunion success!
Scout & 4H Troops, School Groups, and Sports Teams
We love hosting scout and 4H troops, school clubs and classes from grade school through college, and sports teams from around the world who come to build connections; learn about the rivers, history, and flora and fauna from our knowledgeable raft guides; and build connections through whitewater river rafting, ziplining, horseback adventures, and whizzing down Vail pass on a bike. With study ahead of time, learning along the way, and perhaps an essay assignment, students earn badges and class credit as a team, and get the opportunity to experience the Colorado mountains in a way they may never get to do with their families. Lifelong friendships are built when a boat full of kids are working together to maneuver their raft through the rapids and get to know each other’s strengths through team building. Every summer we host numerous baseball teams who are in Colorado for baseball and softball tournaments (such as the Triple Crown Baseball Tournament) and their coaches tell us how much the rapport built on the river translates to trust, communication, and positive vibes on the field.
Family Trips
A family trip to the Colorado mountains from around the world, throughout the United States, or right here in Colorado creates memories that last a lifetime and will be the stuff that your family will talk about for decades. A framed photo of your gang mastering the whitewater on your wall is sure to bring smiles and good vibes throughout the years. For kids as young as 7 or Grandparents who are more tentative, we offer first river rafting experiences such as a float experience as great beginner trips that will get them splashing through the river with giggles and smiles. Or step up to intermediate trips for teens and stronger paddlers, who go BIG with class III-IV rapids that add technical elements and more thrill and excitement. These are designed for your teens and 20-somethings 16 and older.
Church, Adventure, and Community Groups
Whether you are in charge of planning outings for your church congregation, youth groups, Meetup groups, newcomers group, or neighborhood you’ll be the hero by planning a fantastic whitewater day on the river! Perhaps include some serene devotional or bible study time for your church group near the river, plan a celebration of life or memoriam, or create something more oriented to getting to know one another. Planning well ahead and getting the word out early makes your organizing a breeze. Choose a date, a full or half day river adventure, or combine the rafting with horseback riding, biking, or ziplining for an adventure filled day. Or if your group likes to brave class III rapids in the morning and enjoy a hot springs soak in the afternoon, our highly popular half day adventure/half day soak gives your group that “ahhhh” in their day. Send out a link to our FAQ’s so your group members can research on their own, then organize transportation or carpools to arrive at one of our 6 outposts in the morning and your job is done!
Corporate and Business Retreats
We all know rapport and trust in the workplace where we spend so many waking hours is important to a happy life. Whether your employees are from across the globe or a cubicle away, time recreating away from the meeting room, equipment, and screens is invaluable to building a productive work environment. Combine a little team training with a half day raft trip, or dinner on the town with a full day of adventure on horses, bikes, and whitewater to really pull your team together. It’s fun for your front of house staff to get to know the back office/kitchen staff in an environment that is not pressure-filled and includes nature and the elements. Memories and stories over the water cooler will last for years!
For all your groups from 2 to 200, and ages 7 to 80, Kodi Rafting is here to help you get organized, geared up, and booked for a fantastic adventure your group will love. Click here to send us your group information or call us to talk about what would be your ideal adventure at 877-747-7238. We love to help!
Getting Outdoors for a Better Relationship
Boredom, stress, and a long list of other annoyances may be plaguing your relationship, but they don’t have to. Keep the spark alive between you and your significant other by embarking on an outdoor adventure.
Playing together in the outdoors, be it hiking, skiing, rafting, and more, offers all sorts of relationship-boosting benefits. Think about how good you feel simply getting sun on your face or breathing in fresh airs. Now picture that with your partner and imagine how great it would feel to do it together.
Here are just a few ways an outdoor adventure can strengthen your relationship.
- Increase your energy by getting outside. Give it an extra boost by doing something that is physically challenging and includes breathtaking views.
- Reduce stress by getting away from it all in the woods, on the river, or on a mountain.
- All of the benefits that outdoor adventures offer—exercise, mood-boosting time in the sun (vitamin D), and stress reduction—are all things that can increase libido.
- Putting together and executing an outdoor adventure takes time, careful planning, and teamwork. Couples who do this report an increase in trust.
- Remote vacations, like those in the outdoors, often force couples to unplug and reconnect.
- When you participate in an outdoor adventure that requires some basic survival skills, you’ll probably learn something new about each other.
While not all vacations focus on the great outdoors, the ones that do come with these added benefits associated with spending time in nature, as well as a healthy dose of true adventure. Multi-day camping, hiking, rafting trips, and more offer couples the opportunity for adrenaline-pumping fun far away from the developed world.
Want to get started on your outdoor adventure? Check out KODI's rafting trips or adventure packages for even more relationship-boosting benefits.
A Colorado Summer Bucket List
It’s never too early to start planning what you’ll do next summer, and if you plan (or want to be) in Colorado, here’s our definitive list (in no particular order) of 10 must-see and must-do Colorado attractions and activities.
Climb Some Sand Dunes
To be in Colorado and surrounded by high sand dunes is pretty mind-blowing. Add in some sandboarding or a float down Medano Creek, and you’ll begin to think you’re in another world altogether.
Summit a Fourteener
Colorado is famous for its mountains, most notably its 58 14,000-footers. Make a goal of summitting at least one this summer. Buena Vista in the Arkansas River Valley is a great base camp because it's surrounded by the largest concentration of fourteeners in Colorado.
Experience an Ancient Culture
Climb underground into an ancient kiva in southern Colorado's Mesa Verde National Park, home to thousands of ancient archeological sites and cliff dwellings. This historically fascinating, must-see park dates back to year 600 to 1300. Stay in nearby Dolores and take a three-day Dolores raft trip with KODI.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre provides a unique natural landscape and live music all rolled into one. The park is centered around the incredible red rock formations for which it gets its name, and out of which the world-famous amphitheatre was built. Walk around the stage, explore trails throughout the park, and catch world-class musicians at night.
Go Rafting
Navigate Colorado’s epic rivers by raft, led by a trusted guide. KODI Rafting offers gentle family floats and challenging white water excursions. You can craft a multi-day splash fest or simply join for a day of fun. See a different side of Colorado and enjoy some family bonding, too. Learn more about KODI's raft trips.
Go Ziplining
See a Colorado forest or canyon like never before. Zip through the trees and above a crevice at high speed for an adventure to last a lifetime. KODI offers zipline trips in the summer and winter. Book yours today.
Horseback Ride through the Rockies
Few activities embody the West like a good old-fashioned horseback ride through the Colorado mountains. Somehow, wildlife viewing, sightseeing, and simply enjoying the outdoors are just a little better when sitting astride a saddle. Learn more about KODI’s horseback riding trips.
See Crested Butte’s Wildflowers
When Colorado's wildflowers are in full bloom, there's no better place to see the sprawling fields of purple, yellow and red than in Crested Butte. Crested Butte has several trail options that will give you amazing views of wildflowers and amazing mountain scenery surrounding the town. Getting to Crested Butte from Buena Vista is quick and easy. Just head over the newly paved Cottonwood Pass and you'll be there in a jiffy.
Soak in Some Hot Springs
Colorado is dotted with hot springs, from fancy resorts to hidden gems in the middle of a forest. In Buena Vista, there are two great hot springs to choose from. Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resorts offers an up-scale resort feel, while Cottonwood Hot Springs offers a down-to-earth, get lost in the woods feel. Take a dip and go rafting with KODI’s Paddle and Dip Adventure Package.
Hike to a Waterfall
Waterfalls are one of the best side effects of a Colorado hike. They might be tiny, wispy ones you happen by along a scenic trail, or they might be bigger destinations unto themselves. Popular Colorado waterfall include Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride, Fish Creek Falls in Steamboat Springs, Zapata Falls near the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs.
The Perfect Smore and Then Some
Smores are the quintessential camping dessert. And when you're on an overnight rafting trip with KODI, there's no better time to master the art of marshmallow roasting and the stacking of chocolate and graham.
The Three-Step Technique:
First and foremost, make sure your graham crackers and chocolate are arranged on a plate before roasting your marshmallow. This is crucial in creating a no-fuss experience.
Roast your ‘mallow slowly, higher above the flame to ensure the center melts entirely. This way, the outside will also get golden brown as opposed to charred black.
Place the toasted marshmallow on top of the chocolate as soon as it’s done and smoosh! Place the other graham cracker on top of the marshmallow and squeeze. Wait a few seconds to let the chocolate melt before devouring.
Want to shake it up a bit? Our guides have some favorite, out-of-the-box combinations.
In place of the graham cracker use any of the following:
- fudge striped cookies
- chocolate covered graham cookie
- cinnamon-flavored graham Cookie
- oatmeal cookies
- sugar cookies
In place of the chocolate bar, use any of the following:
- peanut butter cup
- peanut butter
- chocolate bar with nuts
- white chocolate bar
- hazelnut chocolate spread
- Peppermint Patty
- Caramel-filled chocolate bar
Feeling really adventurous? Try some of these additions:
- peanut butter
- jams and jellies
- slices of fresh bananas
- cream cheese
Try your favorite smore on an overnight rafting trip with KODI. Learn more…
Three Adventures to Add to Your Colorado Whitewater Rafting Trip
If a raft trip isn't enough Colorado activity for you, considering adding any (or all) of these three activities to your whitewater adventure.
Zip Lining
Zip lining is all the rage in Colorado, and there are several options for a fun zip line adventure close to Buena Vista. Just imagine the rush of cruising on zip lines up to 300 feet off the ground and through a Colorado forest! Don't pass up the opportunity for the feeling of flight the next time you’re in Buena Vista.
KODI Rafting is here to make zip lining in Colorado easy. Book a Zip and Raft trip and get the best of both worlds—a morning on a zip line and an afternoon on the river.
Horseback Riding
Few activities embody the West like a good old-fashioned horseback ride through the Colorado mountains. Somehow, wildlife viewing, sightseeing, and simply enjoying the outdoors are just a little better when sitting astride a saddle.
But what are you to do if you have one day to play and want to horseback ride and raft? Well, you book a Saddle Paddle trip, of course!
Get a little bit of everything with KODI Rafting’s Saddle Paddle and pair a half-day on Brown’s Canyon with a horseback ride in the Rockies.
Biking
Colorado is a world-renowned mecca for biking, so why not get a little time on the trail in addition to your time on the river? Not sure about an uphill climb or anything too rocky? No worries! KODI has a plan sure to make everyone happy.
Our Pedal Paddle trip takes you to the top of Vail Pass where you’ll coast down the paved trail from the top through Copper Mountain Resort.
Most guests plan on spending about 2 hours to complete the 12-mile ride before returning their comfort cruiser to our Frisco Outpost.
Want more? No problem. Meander all day on your hybrid comfort cruiser or stay on the trails exploring Lake Dillon. A 4 to 6-hour tour will take you on into Breckenridge – depending on how much sightseeing you take in.
While on the River, Keep Your Eyes Peeled for Wildlife
Few other places in North America offer such a bounty of wildlife-watching opportunities as Colorado. And the state’s rivers, being such an incredible water source, tend to attract quite a number of animals.
On your next rafting trip, keep an eye out for the animals below. They are just a few of the critters you might spot as you’re floating along. Bringing binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens will help ensure you see a creature, big or small.
Big Horn Sheep
The Bighorn Sheep is Colorado's official mammal, and the Centennial State is home to the largest population anywhere. They’re often found along canyon walls though are quite well camouflaged against the rock.
The size of the horns on a ram indicates rank, and a pair of horns can measure as long as 50 inches in length and weigh up to 30 lbs. Herds are commonly viewed along The Numbers and Pine Creek sections of the Arkansas River, just north of Buena Vista, and in Bighorn Sheep Canyon, just west of Canon City.
Birds
Bald eagles, golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, great horned owls, and ospreys are some of the most common birds you’ll see over Colorado’s river. They hover high above the water, searching for trout and small mammals to eat.
Trout
The Arkansas River is known worldwide for its gold medal fishing waters. Whether you’re fishing from a raft or along the peaceful shoreline, chances are good you’ll bag your fill of brown and rainbow trout.
Black Bear
The most familiar of these animals, black bears are Colorado’s largest carnivores. Despite their name, they can also be light brown or even blond in color
Health Benefits of Whitewater Rafting
Rafting is a really popular summer activity, especially in Colorado where rivers are numerous and the scenery is breathtaking. However, while rafters are making their way down the river, they’re also experiencing a wealth of health benefits. From mental health to physical health, the rewards that come from rafting are numerous. Here are some of the health benefits we see most with our rafting guests.
Rafting is Great Exercise
Yes, rafting is loads of fun, but it’s also a great way to burn calories and build muscle—without even realizing you’re doing it!
The Great Outdoors
It’s no secret a day outdoors is excellent for the mind, body, and soul. And what better way to be outdoors than in a raft? Being outdoors is a way for you to soak up the sun and take in nothing but deep breaths of fresh air. In fact, studies show that exercising outdoors is more beneficial to mental health over indoor activities.
Ditch the Stress
Rafting provides an escape from day-to-day realities. The quietness of nature lets you relax and leave all your worries behind, especially when the river is slow-moving. At this moment, you can bask in the moment of peace. And yet, when the river gets going again, you can be sure to exude your stress through the exercise required in heavy paddling.
A Distraction From All Things Digital
It’s not often one can completely disconnect from the outside world. While on the river, email, texts, and social media slip away and you find yourself more “in the moment” than you’ve been in a very long time.
Teambuilding at its Best
Being in the wilderness with a group of people gives you the opportunity to bond with your friends, family, or coworkers. You learn about their strengths and weaknesses, and since white water rafting takes discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills, knowing your team is crucial to success.
Want to experience the health benefits that come with whitewater rafter? Book a raft trip with KODI rafting today!
Hiking the Colorado Trail? Take a Break in Buena Vista
There are many ways to enjoy The Colorado Trail, from a day hike or bike ride to a multi-day trip or end-to-end excursion beginning in either Denver or Durango.
With so many access points along the Colorado Trail, it can be hard to decide where to start, where to stop, or where to take a break.
At KODI Rafting, we think Buena Vista is a great place for all three! Roughly in the middle of the trail, Buena Vista offers an excellent basecamp, break, or exit because there's so much to do here. From soaking in one of several hot springs to grabbing a bite to eat at any of the town's top-rated restaurants, Buena Vista has it all.
Some really neat things to do in Buena Vista include but are not limited to:
- Rafting the Arkansas River through Browns Canyon National Monument
- Soaking in hot springs
- Hiking and mountain biking
- Seeing live music at one of several world-class venues
- Eating along Main Street at a delicious food truck
- Shopping stores filled with locally crafted goods
- Zip lining
- Horseback riding
- Enjoying a weekend festival like the Rapids & Grass Beer Festival or Gold Rush Days
What better way to begin your Buena Vista adventure than with KODI Rafting? Sure, we can hook you up with a stellar raft trip, but we can also arrange your mountain bike ride, your hot spring soak, or your zip line adventure.
Whether you're starting your Colorado Trail hike, ending it, or just taking a break, KODI Rafting is your source for Buena Vista adventure.