🌊 Understanding River Classifications: What Class I–V Rapids Really Mean in Colorado

If you’ve ever looked at a rafting trip and wondered what “Class III” or “Class IV” actually means, you’re not alone. River classifications are how guides describe a river’s difficulty, speed, and type of rapids. At Thunder River Adventures, we want every guest to feel confident choosing the right trip — so here’s a professional guide’s breakdown of what each class of whitewater means, and which trip might be right for you.