Colorado River Association on Colorado Whitewater Rafting

WHAT IS CRA?
Colorado Rafting Association was created as a strategic alliance of premier whitewater river outfitters to provide a comprehensive source to rafting adventures throughout the state of Colorado. CRA river outfitters operate on all of the major rivers in Colorado and offer a wide variety of recreational experiences. CRA members are dedicated to safety, professionalism and are regarded by the outdoor recreation industry to be successful, quality operators who are the leaders in adventure travel.

Colorado Rafting Association members are all ‘hands-on' operators, when you contact an association member you are talking to the people directly responsible for building your trip. CRA outfitters are dedicated to providing detailed information on all the trips available and will make sure you are paired up with the outfitter who will best serve your needs. Leave the planning and organizing to us, by contacting a CRA member you are taping into the complete whitewater rafting information source… Colorado offers some of the best rafting in the country; CRA will put you on the path to find the adventure that is right for you.

How safe is rafting?
Rafting is safer than some everyday activities such as golf, skiing or even driving your car. Chances of falling out of the raft do increase in a paddleboat and on more challenging sections of river. Rafting is an adventure sport and involves a degree of risk on the part of the participant. Although we take every precaution to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, we cannot be responsible for lost or damaged articles or personal injury. We require you to acknowledge these risks by reading and signing a liability release prior to departure. It is important for the group to choose a trip within their entire groups’ limits.

When is the best time to go?
Colorado rivers are dependent on snow melt. Our rivers start to flow in May and usually peak in early to mid-June with good flows throughout the summer into the fall. Desert rivers tend to flow early and may be runnable as early as late April. If you are looking for the biggest whitewater, then early season is for you. Colorado summers have warm days, 80 - 100 degrees, depending on elevation. Pick July - September for moderate flows. Trips go rain or shine so be prepared to get wet.