Vail CO: Kayak the Gorgeous Colorado River - guided 1/2 day

The Upper Colorado River is a great place to learn to paddle kayaks and paddle boards. You'll paddle through stretches of slack water while you learn to move your kayak as you float alongside guided river trips.

On this section of the river you'll float past towering canyons and green ranches. Most trips stop at a warm spring at most flows, and plenty of wildlife is often seen - geese and ducks, big horn sheep, hawks, and bald eagles.

This is the closest and best deal for a kayaking trip to the Vail and Eagle areas. You'll drive north on a Scenic Byway instead of down the I-70 corridor. Take the day and picnic at Rancho or along the way, and bring your camera!

An inflatable kayak or “ducky” is a sit-on top style kayak made of rubber which has multiple chambers filled with air. Kayaks offer a more personal experience with the river as you follow your guides but navigate your boat down this beautiful river yourself. We also have two-person duckies for paddling with a partner.

This section of the Upper Colorado River consists of Class I-II rapids and some Class III rapids at higher water flow. Great fun for the entire family, there is something for everyone.

First timer? No problem! Our guides in rafts will instruct you how to paddle and take on the rapids, and if you pop out, they are there in a safety raft to get you going again. This is a calmer river to learn these skills, so don't be afraid to go for it!

Make a day of it! Your drive to our boathouse will be rich with Colorado mountain and ranch views. Rivers flow beside you for much of the trip, and cows munch in the sunshine. At Rancho del Rio there are snacks and ice cream for sale to enjoy after your trip.

Itinerary

*Meet at our Rancho Del Rio boathouse at 4199 Trough Rd, Bond, CO 80423 (Drive into the area and look for the big white arch and blue storage containers)
*Trips leave twice daily at 9AM or 1:30PM
*Gear up & meet your guide(s)
*Shuttle ride to put-in location
*River time with fun, rapids, and swimming holes
*Arrive at your take-out location
*Shuttle back to the Rancho Boathouse if needed