Rapids Classification

Rivers and the individual rapids on rivers are rated on a scale of difficulty from Class I to Class VI.

Class I – Easy. Moving water with no significant waves or obstacles.
Class II – Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels. Rapids are regular, and occasional maneuvering may be required.
Class III – Irregular waves and narrow channels. Maneuvering is often required.
Class IV – Intense, powerful rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Quick and complex maneuvering is often needed.
Class V – Extremely long, obstructed, and very violent rapids. Drops are large with unavoidable waves making maneuvering very difficult, and moves must be precise.
Class VI – Virtually impassable. Extreme difficulty, unpredictability and danger. Consequences of errors are severe.

What can change a river’s classification?

The rivers we run vary in difficulty depending on river flow. In general spring snowmelt brings higher water and higher levels of difficulty; as water levels recede throughout the summer, our rivers generally become slightly less difficult. Most rivers are a combination of the classifications and vary with fluctuating water levels. The classification system does not take into account the type of boat being paddled. Some sections of a river may present particular challenges for rafts, while others may be more difficult for a kayaker or paddleboarder. Rivers are a natural force and conditions are subject to change at anytime such as during major events like landslides, ice storms or floods.  Luckily Mother Nature is forgiving enough that we don’t typically experience those events, allowing us to enjoy the natural beauty of the river. Guests can always contact us to check current river conditions and inquire about what trip is appropriate for everyone in your party.

Current Water Levels

Why Low Water Means High Fun

Brown’s Canyon

• The Low-Water Vibe: Technical maneuvering and giant granite boulders.

• Why It’s Fun: At this level, Brown’s Canyon turns into a giant natural obstacle course. Instead of just floating over the rocks, your guide will navigate tight, technical lines, making drops like Zoom Flume and Big Drop feel like a precise, splashy game of river pinball. It is incredibly engaging and perfect for families wanting a mix of scenery and active paddling.

The Numbers

• The Low-Water Vibe: Steep drops, quick decisions, and non-stop action.

• Why It’s Fun: The Numbers is famous for its steep gradient. When the water is lower, the river slows down just enough to let you appreciate the sheer number of drops, but the channels get narrower. You’ll find tighter eddies, more prominent ledge drops, and technical whitewater that requires teamwork and crisp paddle strokes.

Clear Creek

• The Low-Water Vibe: Fast, tight, and punchy.

• Why It’s Fun: Clear Creek drops steeply, meaning even at 135 cfs, the current keeps moving quickly. Lower water exposes the creek’s rocky bed, creating sharp, sudden drops and tight chutes. It feels like a mountain coaster where quick reflexes and sudden splashes keep the adrenaline pumping.

Upper Colorado River

• The Low-Water Vibe: Relaxed floating, sunbathing, and perfect swim holes.

• Why It’s Fun: The Upper Colorado is the ultimate scenic escape. At this friendly flow, the river is incredibly forgiving, making it the perfect playground for inflatable kayaks (duckies) and stand-up paddleboards. You can relax, take a dip in the warm water, eye the canyon walls for wildlife, and enjoy a classic, stress-free Colorado summer day.

Blue River & Ten Mile Creek

• The Low-Water Vibe: Intimate, scenic, and exclusive.

• Why It’s Fun: These smaller mountain tributaries offer a brief, beautiful window for rafting. At lower flows, they become highly technical, requiring tight maneuvering through beautiful alpine scenery. It’s an intimate river experience where you are up close and personal with the changing shoreline and clear mountain water.

Pro Tip: Lower water levels mean smaller rafts can often be used, which actually makes the waves feel much bigger! Ready to find your perfect flow? Contact the KODI Rafting Team to book your low-water adventure today.