Whitewater Rafting & Scenic River Adventures in Aspen, Colorado
Experience Aspen's Roaring Fork River with small-group rafting, scenic floats, and inflatable kayaking—guided by experienced local professionals.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 on Google · 100+ Reviews
🛟 All Gear Included
🚐 Transportation Included
🌲 Small Group Adventures
Choose Your Aspen River Adventure
AVAILABLE NOW
Choose from three guided Roaring Fork River experiences currently running near Aspen: a gentle Scenic Float, a longer Family Float with a riverside lunch, or Inflatable Kayaking for guests who want a more active, hands-on adventure.
Best for young families, active seniors, and sightseeing
Enjoy a gentle Class II float with mountain views, wildlife, and beautiful Roaring Fork Valley scenery.
Best for active families, teens, and adventurous travelers
Take control of your own inflatable kayak while an experienced guide leads the way. You will learn the basics, paddle playful rapids, and enjoy a more personal whitewater experience.
Best for families and multigenerational groups
Spend more time on the Roaring Fork River with a longer scenic journey and lunch included. It is a great choice for families looking for a relaxed but memorable half-day adventure
Why Choose Thunder River Adventures?
A More Personal Aspen River Experience
As Thunder River Adventures is a locally owned Aspen outfitter founded by experienced river guides Chris and Kate Edmonds. Both bring more than a decade of professional guiding experience, and every guide on our team has at least three years of experience on the river. We keep groups personal, provide quality equipment and transportation, and help every guest choose the Roaring Fork River trip that best fits their comfort level and sense of adventure.
Experienced Guides
Owners with more than a decade of guiding experience and a team of established professional river guides.
Smaller Groups
More individual attention, less waiting, and a more personal experience on the water.
Local River Knowledge
Trip recommendations based on current river conditions, guest ages, swimming ability, and desired intensity.
Transportation and Gear Included
River equipment, safety gear, and trip transportation are handled for you.
Which Aspen River Trip Is Right for You?
Scenic Float
The calmest option
Best for young children, active seniors, first-time guests, and groups looking for scenery without intense rapids.
Inflatable Kayaks
The most active current option
Best for active families, teens, and adventurous guests who want to paddle their own inflatable kayak with a guide leading the way.
Family Float
The longer family experience
Best for families and multigenerational groups wanting more time on the river and a riverside lunch included.
What Guests Say About Thunder River Adventures
5.0 on Google · 100+ Reviews
“We had an amazing time!
I contacted Chris with a question about going rafting with our three kids ages 10, 8, and 8. He immediately replied and helped with all our questions and made recommendations.
The experience itself was amazing! Both Chris and Kate were amazing with our kids, who had never done this before.
They picked us up and dropped us off. They had all the gear we needed. They gave us clear instructions and gave us an amazing life experience!”
“Our afternoon outing with Thunder River Adventures was perfect. We booked the morning of our 2:30PM tour. Kate, our guide, was a calming presence and confident during our inflatable kayak adventure. The afternoon launch was perfect as the air temp was mid 80s so the river water was super refreshing. I’d highly recommend this outfitter.”
“10/10, absolutely stellar time on the water with Tucker and Chris. Tucker was a great guide, and gave us an amazing trip. We felt safe and taken care of the whole time. Not to mention full service pickup/drop off, plus gear rental, plus snacks at the end. Cannot beat the experience or the value. And Chris took amazing photos of the experience along the way. Don’t miss out, this company is the best around!”
During higher spring and early-summer flows, Thunder River Adventures also offers two dedicated whitewater rafting trips on the Upper Roaring Fork River. The Canyon Cruise combines splashy Class III rapids with Snowmass Canyon scenery, while Slaughterhouse delivers technical Class IV whitewater for confident paddlers and strong swimmers. These seasonal trips operate only when river conditions allow, but the trip pages remain available so guests can learn more and plan ahead.
Seasonal Aspen Whitewater Rafting
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Scenic Float is our gentlest option and is generally the best fit for younger children, active seniors, and families looking for scenery without intense rapids.
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Both trips are gentle, guided Class II floats suitable for children ages 3+, first-time rafters, and families.
The Scenic Float is the shorter option, on the Middle Roaring Fork River, with an emphasis on mountain views, wildlife, and relaxed sightseeing.
The Family Float is slightly longer floating on the Lower Roaring Fork River and includes a riverside lunch at the end, making it ideal for families and multigenerational groups wanting a longer float a little more splashy.
Choose the Scenic Float for a simpler, shorter outing; choose the Family Float for more river time, more splashes, and lunch.
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No previous rafting or kayaking experience is required for our Scenic Float, Family Float, or guided Inflatable Kayak trips. Before getting on the river, your guide will provide the necessary equipment, a safety briefing, and clear paddling instructions. The Scenic Float and Family Float are especially well suited to first-time guests. Inflatable Kayaking is more active, so participants must be comfortable in moving water, able to swim, and meet the trip’s age requirements. We can help you choose the experience that best matches your group’s abilities and comfort level.
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Plan approximately 4 hours for the Scenic Float or Inflatable Kayak trip.
The Family Float lasts approximately 5 because it includes a longer river experience and a riverside lunch. Total trip time includes transportation, gear fitting, the safety briefing, and time on the water, so arrival-to-return time is longer than the actual floating time.
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Yes. Transportation associated with the trip, professional guides, rafts or inflatable kayaks, paddles, life jackets, helmets when appropriate, and necessary safety equipment are included. Depending on the season and river conditions, we may also provide wetsuits, splash jackets, fleece layers, and wetsuit booties. You only need to bring your personal clothing and a few basic items for after the trip.
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Wear a swimsuit or swim trunks with quick-drying synthetic layers. Avoid cotton, jeans, and clothing that becomes heavy when wet.
Wear secure footwear that will stay on your feet, such as water shoes, Chacos, old running shoes, or sandals with heel straps—do not wear loose flip-flops. We will always provide a pair of wetsuit booties for your feet, if you do not have anything appropriate.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses with a retention strap, a towel, and dry clothes for afterward.
We provide wetsuits, splash jackets, fleece layers, and booties when appropriate for the weather and water conditions.
Ready for Your Aspen River Adventure?
READY TO GET ON THE RIVER?
See current availability for guided river trips on the Roaring Fork River, or call us and we’ll help match your family or group with the right experience.