About Thunder River Adventures

At Thunder River Adventures, we believe every great adventure begins on the water. Founded in 2024 by a young couple with a deep love for the outdoors, we’re proud to be a locally owned and operated outfitter serving the Roaring Fork Valley and Aspen, Colorado.

Thunder River Adventures was created from a simple idea — that the valley deserved more than just standard tours. We set out to build a new kind of professional guided experience: one that connects people to nature, celebrates local beauty, and creates unforgettable memories on every trip.

From thrilling whitewater rafting to peaceful scenic float trips, our goal is to help every guest experience the Roaring Fork Valley like a local — not just as a visitor. We’re passionate about sharing the landscapes, stories, and energy that make this place so special.

Whether you’re a first-time paddler or a seasoned adventurer, our team will make sure your time on the river is safe, memorable, and full of excitement.

Start your journey with us today — and see why Thunder River Adventures is quickly becoming the best raft outfitter in Aspen, Colorado.

Hours

8:30am – 6:00pm Weekdays
8:30am – 6:00pm Weekends

Location

Aspen, Colorado

Meet the Crew

A woman smiling for a selfie while kayaking on a river, with a rocky canyon and trees in the background, and two people paddling a green kayak in the water.

Kate grew up in West Virginia, where she first learned to guide whitewater rafting trips and developed a lifelong love for the outdoors. With over a decade of experience on the river, she has guided across many regions, spending numerous seasons in the beautiful Roaring Fork and Arkansas River Valleys. Her deep knowledge of river dynamics, combined with a steady, thoughtful guiding style, makes her a trusted and respected leader on the water.

Today, Kate’s most meaningful role is being the mom of two incredible daughters. Every day, she strives to set a strong example for them as a confident, capable woman thriving in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Kate brings the same care, focus, and intention to guiding that she applies to all areas of her life.

Kate Edmonds

Chris Edmonds founder of Thunder River Adventures in Aspen

“Alright!” Chris may not sound like it, but he grew up in England before following his passion for the outdoors to the mountains of Colorado. Once there, he quickly fell in love with skiing, whitewater, and Kate—and never looked back. Colorado’s rivers and peaks became the perfect backdrop for the life and rafting business he wanted to build.

In the winter months, you’ll find Chris teaching skiing on the local mountains, sharing his knowledge and love of the sport. When summer arrives, he trades skis for a paddle and heads straight to the river. With over a decade of experience as a whitewater rafting guide, Chris is deeply knowledgeable on all local river sections and brings a calm, confident leadership style to every trip.

Chris Edmonds

Three people white-water rafting in an inflatable raft on a river, wearing life jackets and helmets, with two women and one man smiling and raising paddles in celebration.

“Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit!” Andy brings a little Kentucky charm to the Thunder River Adventures crew. At 28 years old, he’s been guiding whitewater rafting trips for over five years and has built a strong foundation of experience on rivers across the West. Drawn to mountain life, Andy moved to Colorado to live, work, and play in the peaks he now calls home.

Andy is genuinely excited to be guiding with Thunder River Adventures and thrives on spending his days on the river—whether he’s navigating rapids, sharing laughs with guests, or helping create unforgettable river experiences. His enthusiasm for whitewater is contagious, and his friendly, outgoing nature makes every trip feel welcoming and fun.

Andy Payne

Woman in colorful outdoor gear smiling on a raft in a canyon with rocky cliffs and water.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Hannah brings East Coast grit and a big mountain heart to the Thunder River Adventures team. She’s been guiding since 2016 and has built a reputation as a strong, confident presence on the water with a deep commitment to safety and skill development. Her experience and calm demeanor make her a trusted guide for both guests and fellow guides alike.

Beyond her role on the river, Hannah is a licensed First Aid and CPR instructor, helping keep both guests and the Thunder River Adventures team sharp, prepared, and confident in dynamic river environments. She takes pride in creating trips that are not only exciting and memorable, but also grounded in solid safety practices and thoughtful leadership.

Hannah Krewson

Group of six people white-water rafting on a river, wearing life jackets and helmets, holding paddles raised in cheers.

Hailing from the heart of Louisiana, Tucker brought his southern grit and infectious energy to the rivers of Aspen four years ago. What began as a summer adventure quickly evolved into a full-blown passion for whitewater and mountain river life. Drawn to the challenge and rhythm of fast-moving water, Tucker found his place behind the oars and never looked back.

With a sharp eye for reading rapids and a steady, confident hand on the oars, Tucker brings a calm, reassuring presence to every trip. He’s equally comfortable navigating technical whitewater as he is guiding first-time rafters through their first river experience. Known for his easygoing style and quick wit, Tucker keeps trips fun and engaging while always prioritizing safety and teamwork on the water.

Tucker Almond

Group of people white water rafting on a river, wearing helmets and life jackets, surrounded by rocks and water.

Born and raised in Louisiana, Josh grew up around water and made the leap from bayous to big water when he moved to the Rockies with his good friend Tucker. Drawn by a love of adventure and a passion for whitewater, he quickly found his home on fast-moving rivers and in mountain landscapes. Since then, Josh has built a reputation as a reliable, enthusiastic guide who brings energy to every trip.

Josh thrives on the adrenaline of the rapids and the unique connections formed on the river—whether he’s leading first-time rafters through their first splashy wave or sharing local river knowledge with seasoned paddlers. He has a deep respect for the power of moving water and takes pride in creating trips that are fun, safe, and memorable for every guest.

Josh Partin

Why Choose Us?

Child wearing sunglasses, a pink sun hat, and a yellow life jacket laughing while sitting in a kayak.

At Thunder River Adventures, we set ourselves apart by being a small, employee-owned adventure outfitter built on passion, professionalism, and local pride. As Aspen’s newest whitewater rafting company, we bring fresh energy to the river — combining dedicated, knowledgeable guides, an unwavering commitment to safety, and yes — brand-new top-quality gear.

While our company may be new, our senior guides are not. With over a decade of experience navigating and interpreting the rivers of Colorado, our team knows how to turn every trip into an unforgettable adventure — whether it’s a heart-pounding whitewater run or a peaceful scenic float.

When you raft with us, you’re joining our family. Our goal is to inspire your sense of adventure, connect you with the natural beauty of the Roaring Fork Valley, and help you feel completely confident and excited about your time on the river.

Start your Aspen adventure with Thunder River Adventures today — and experience the river the way locals do.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

Phone
Call or text us at 970 452 7960

E-mail
info@thunderriveradventures.com