Celebrating 40 Years on the River: KODI Rafting’s Legacy in Colorado Adventures
Some milestones are just numbers. Forty years on the river? That’s something else.
That's thousands of families screaming through rapids for the first time. Guides who've spent entire careers reading the same bends and knowing every current. A legacy built on paddle strokes, shared moments, and real time on the river.
KODI Rafting has been Colorado's preferred river outfitter since 1986. In 2025, this family-owned company proudly celebrates four decades of guiding adventurers through some of the most spectacular whitewater in the American West.
The Story Behind the KODI Family
KODI Rafting was founded by Colorado natives who simply loved being on the river. They weren't chasing a business idea; they were sharing something they genuinely treasured.
From the start, they rafted alongside their own families and brought guests into that world, treating everyone as one of their own. That philosophy never left.
Today, KODI is still family-owned. The owners are hands-on and involved from booking to takeout. They call it the "KODI Family", and whether you work here or have rafted with us once, you're part of it.
Why 40 Years on the River Means Something
Safety First. Fun is a Very Close Second.
The most important question before any rafting trip: Is this safe?
Safety comes first at KODI. With over 50 years of combined training experience and ongoing Swiftwater Rescue education, our guides are prepared for every situation on the river.
It’s not a checklist, it’s the foundation of every trip.
Very few Colorado outfitters can match that level of in-house, specialized training. It's a detail that makes a real difference on the water.
A Hand-Crafted Experience, Not a Conveyor Belt
Bigger isn't always better, and KODI has believed that since day one.
When you book with KODI, your trip isn’t just processed, it’s planned.
Our team considers your group, experience level, and goals to create the right fit from the first call to the final takeout.
That's KODI Family Values in action.
Six Rivers. Over 30 Trips. Something for Everyone.
KODI Rafting runs more than 30 trips across six Colorado rivers, one of the most versatile trip menus in the state.
- Arkansas River Rafting
The Arkansas River is KODI's heartland and one of the top whitewater rafting destinations in Colorado. From the mellow waters of Big Bend, perfect for young kids, to the powerful Class IV rapids of Browns Canyon National Monument, there's a run for every comfort level. The Numbers section delivers relentless Class IV whitewater for experienced paddlers ready for a real challenge.
- Upper Colorado River
Families with younger children love Upper Colorado. Granite canyon walls rise overhead, wildflowers line the banks, and guides share local history and wildlife knowledge along the way. It's scenic, peaceful, and just adventurous enough.
- Browns Canyon — A National Monument Classic
Browns Canyon is one of the top whitewater destinations in the entire country. KODI has been running it longer than most. The mix of thrilling rapids and calmer stretches makes it a favorite for first-timers and returning guests alike.
- Clear Creek, Blue River, Dolores & More
From the historic surroundings of Clear Creek near Idaho Springs to the remote red-rock canyon of the 3-day Dolores River, KODI's trip range covers the full spectrum. Beginner floats, advanced whitewater, multi-day journeys, and inflatable kayak "duckie" trips, it's all here.
Go Beyond the River: Adventure Packages
What makes KODI Rafting stand out is the experience built around the river. Their adventure packages let you combine rafting with other Colorado classics:
- Zip and Raft – Soar through alpine forests, then hit the river
- Saddle Paddle – Ride horseback before your whitewater run
- Paddle and Dip – Raft, then relax in natural hot springs
- Off-Road and Raft – Combine rugged terrain with river adventure
Colorado's outdoors are best experienced fully, and KODI makes that easy.
What Guests Say
KODI has been voted Best Rafting Company in Summit County 11 times and earned TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence for seven consecutive years. But the reviews say it best.
Families talk about guides who made their kids feel brave. Couples describe their first whitewater trip as unforgettable. Groups remember the humor, local stories, and history shared between rapids.
Time and again, what guests recall most isn't just the adrenaline, it's how they were made to feel. That's the KODI Family difference.
Plan Your Visit
Rafting season runs from late May through August, with peak flows in May and June for the most thrilling whitewater.
July and August offer warmer conditions, perfect for families with young kids.
KODI operates outposts near Buena Vista, Breckenridge, Frisco, Idaho Springs, Kremmling, and Cortez. Wherever you are staying in Colorado, there's likely a KODI location close by.
Explore the full trip menu and book at whitewatercolorado.com.
Forty Years. One River Family.
Four decades on the river is a genuine legacy. KODI Rafting has spent 40 years navigating real currents, training new generations of guides, and welcoming guests into the KODI Family.
This isn't just a business anniversary. It's a celebration of every first-timer who found their courage, every family that made a core memory, and every guide who gave everything they had to make it happen.
The river's waiting. Come join the family.
Ready to Make Your Own River Memory?
Whether it's your first time on the water or you're returning for another season, there's a KODI trip built for you. From gentle family floats to heart-pounding Class IV whitewater, and adventure packages that go well beyond the river, KODI Rafting has spent 40 years perfecting the Colorado River experience.
Don't just read about it. Come live it.
👉 Explore Trips & Book Your Adventure at whitewatercolorado.com 📞 Call us at (877) 747-7238, our team is ready to help you find the perfect trip.
Summer fills up fast. Book early and secure your spot on the river.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is KODI Rafting known for?
KODI Rafting is a family-owned Colorado rafting company offering guided whitewater trips since 1986. Known for safety, expert guides, and personalized adventures, KODI runs 30+ trips across six Colorado rivers.
- How long has KODI Rafting operated in Colorado?
KODI Rafting has guided Colorado whitewater adventures since 1986. In 2025, the company celebrates 40 years of rafting experiences, family memories, and professional river guiding across Colorado.
- Is KODI Rafting family-owned?
Yes. KODI Rafting is family-owned and operated. The company follows a “KODI Family” philosophy, giving guests personalized service, experienced guides, and a welcoming outdoor adventure experience.
- Which rivers does KODI Rafting offer trips on?
KODI Rafting offers trips on the Arkansas River, Upper Colorado River, Clear Creek, Blue River, Dolores River, and Browns Canyon National Monument sections throughout Colorado.
- What is the most exciting KODI rafting trip?
The Numbers on the Arkansas River is KODI’s top adrenaline trip. This Class IV section features continuous whitewater rapids and is ideal for experienced rafters seeking a thrilling adventure.
