These Are the Closest Spots to Northern Colorado to Go Whitewater Rafting

Colorado may not have typical beaches, but summer is still a great time to hit the water in the Centennial State.

RELATED: The Best Activities to Do at Horsetooth Reservoir

One way to cool off (or work up a sweat) is whitewater rafting. According to Uncover Colorado, rafting season usually lasts from June to September — the earlier you go, the more intense it will be, thanks to fresh snowmelt.

Fort Collins residents are lucky enough to have a river in their backyard, but colorado.com notes there are other options reasonably close to Northern Colorado. Here's where you can go:

Cache la Poudre River — Fort Collins

According to Visit Fort Collins, rapids on the Poudre River range from Class I (beginner) to Class V (expert), although most rafting trips stay between Classes I and IV.

"The Poudre is a newer river, so it's very narrow, shallow, and rocky," Erin Maskill, a raft guide at Rocky Mountain Adventures, told Townsquare NoCo. "This creates a very fast-flowing, technical river with continuous rapids. You can expect big rapids and high adrenaline, especially at high water."

Where to Book Your Trip: 

• Rocky Mountain Adventures — half to full-day Class II, III, and IV trips
• A1 Wildwater — half to full-day Class II, III, and IV trips
• A Wanderlust Adventure — half-day Class II, III, and IV trips
• Mountain Whitewater — half to two-day Class II, III, and IV trips

Clear Creek — Idaho Springs

According to Clear Creek County, Clear Creek has more rapids per mile than most other rivers in Colorado.

"Certain 'whitewater' zones have been given class distinctions based on how difficult they are to navigate while rafting," reads the website. "Enjoy spectacular views and the opportunity to spot Colorado wildlife while you paddle along."

Where to Book Your Trip: 

• Mile Hi Rafting — half-day Class II, III, and IV trips
• AVA — half to full-day Level 3 to Level 6 trips
• Clear Creek Rafting Company — half to full-day Class II, III, and IV+ trips
• Colorado Adventure Center — half-day Class II, III, and IV trips
• Browns Canyon Rafting — half to full-day Class II, III, IV, and V trips

Blue River — Breckenridge

According to Uncover Colorado, the Lower Blue River offers a casual rafting experience, while the Upper Blue River is more intense.

"Trips along the Blue River are not very strenuous in comparison to some of Colorado's other whitewater rafting destinations," reads the website. "The river passes through some of the most quintessential Rocky Mountain territory."

Where to Book Your Trip:

• Performance Tours — half-day Class II and III trip
• AVA — third-day Level 3 trip
• Breckenridge Whitewater Rafting — half-day Class II trip

Upper Colorado River — Winter Park

Uncover Colorado reports that the Colorado River is one of the most popular rafting rivers in the U.S.

"There are several popular sections of the Colorado River to raft," reads the website. "The Gore Canyon section of the Upper Colorado River has some of the fiercest Class V rapids in the country and the steepest gradient drop per mile in Colorado."

Where to Book: 

• MAD Adventures — half-day Class I, II, and III trip

Overall, it's important to remember to be safe — and have fun.

"Underestimating the power of the water and what's beneath is where most injuries come from," said Maskill. "Otherwise, if you're with a team of experienced guides, you are pretty safe out on the river and will have a great time."

If you're willing to travel further, you could try whitewater rafting in southern Colorado. Check out this rafting-friendly Airbnb in Coaldale in the gallery below: