What to Bring to Your Rafting Adventure
Weather can change without warning! May and June are generally cool. July and August are generally hot. Prepare for all types of weather. Check Weather! Avoid cotton clothing. We suggest that you bring a change of clothes and a towel to leave in the van. Tipping your guide for an enjoyable ride is always appreciated.
Part-Day & One-Day
- Rubber-soled foot gear (Tennis Shoes, River Sandals, etc.)
- Swimsuit or Shirt, Shorts, etc. that will dry quickly (Nylon, Fleece, other Synthetics, or Wool)
- Sunscreen and Lip Balm
- Sunglasses with strap
- Bandanna or Hat
- Bottled Water
- Personal Necessities
- Rainsuit (Geo provides Splash Jacket)
- Wetsuit and Booties (Available for rent from Geo)
Overnight & Multi-Day
- Rubber-soled foot gear (Tennis Shoes, River Sandals, etc.)
- Swimsuit and/or Shirt, Shorts, etc. that will dry quickly (Nylon, Fleece, other Synthetics, or Wool)
- Sunscreen and Lip Balm
- Sunglasses with strap
- Bandanna or Hat
- Water Bottle
- Personal Necessities – Towel & Washcloth, Toothbrush & Toothpaste, Insect Repellent, Biodegradable Soap, Tissues, Hair Brush & Comb, Medications, etc.
- Rainsuit (Geo provides Splash Jacket)
- Wetsuit and Booties (Available for rent from Geo)
- Socks
- Underwear
- Long Pants (Jeans, Sweatpants, etc.)
- Sweater, Sweatshirt or Jacket
- Thermal Underlayers
- Flashlight
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Air Mattress or Pad and Pillow (Pads available for rent from Geo)
- Sleeping Bag (Available for rent from Geo)
- Tent – Plan to share (Available for rent from Geo)
- Geo will provide one Dry Bag for your use
- Remember temperatures may be 10 to 20 degrees colder than Denver
Risk Release Waiver
Geo assumes no liability for loss or damage to personal possessions. All guests should be in good health and will be required to read and sign a liability release prior to the trip. Anyone judged to be under the influence of alcohol and/or a controlled substance or below necessary fitness levels may be refused participation. Marijuana use is not permitted on the premises and on Federal Lands it is illegal. Please be considerate of your fellow guests. For your safety, GoPro cameras or similar devices are not permitted on the water while you are participating in one of our raft trips.
The Risk Release/Waiver is an Adobe Acrobat PDF – If you do not have the free Acrobat Reader software installed, click here!
With a little preparation, a spirit of adventure, and a soft spot for nature and the past, you’ll be on the trail to exploring Colorado like a local. Take a look at these materials to help you get the most out of your whitewater rafting experience. Join us in the Care For Colorado’s Leave No Trace Program.
Check out the Leave No Trace brochure >>
Know Before You Go
- This land really is your land. Our state and federal agencies manage 42 percent of Colorado’s majestic landscape, and our cities and counties maintain even more. Learn about and respect the spaces we all own, share and sing about.
- Stay back from the pack. Find your way to less-visited and off-peak destinations to minimize down time and maximize your connection with special places.
- Bring along reusable water bottles or hot drink tumblers to limit waste and stay hydrated in our dry climate.
Stick To Trails
- With 39,000 marked trails and 13,000 designated campsites, there’s no need to venture beyond. By sticking to these areas and camping at least 200 feet from lakes, rivers and streams, you’re helping natural areas stay natural.
- Even though shortcuts can be tempting, please don’t take them. A few extra strides on the path will protect plants and the homes of the true locals.
Trash the Trash
- Pack it in, pack it out. Or pick it up to leave a place better than you found it. Put litter, even crumbs, peels and cores in your nearest waste/recycling bin.
- Wash yourself, your dog or whatever else needs cleaning at least 200 feet from waterways, and use biodegradable soap. A bubble bath is no treat for fish.
Leave It As You Find It
- Leave plants, rocks and historical items as you find them so others can experience the joy of discovery.
- Any of our 750 different species of wildflowers will live forever in a photo. Snap away, but only with a camera.
- Colorado is beautiful all on its own. Building structures or campsites on public land isn’t cool. Keep it pristine for everyone to enjoy.
- Treat all living things with respect. Carving or hacking plants and trees may kill or disfigure them.
Be Careful With Fire
- Colorado’s low humidity has perks, but can create dry, dangerous conditions. Keep campfires small and manageable to avoid sparking wildfires.
- When putting out a fire, water it until you can handle the embers. Never let a fire burn unattended.
- Use care when smoking in Colorado’s dry climate. Always put cigarettes out completely and don’t leave your butts behind.
- Always check for local fire restrictions.
Keep Wildlife Wild
- Colorado is home to tens of thousands of furry, scaly and feathered creatures. To keep them – and you – safe, don’t approach them.
- It is not adorable to feed wild animals. You could alter natural behaviors, exposing them to predators or even euthanasia.
- Keep your furry buddies leashed when enjoying dog-friendly trails, and pack out their waste. All the way to a trashcan.
Share Our Trails & Parks
- Chances are you’re not out in nature to people watch, so try out the lesser-known paths and sites.
- Silence your cell phone before stepping into nature and speak softly without using the speaker function.
- Be considerate when passing others on the trails and yield to the uphill hiker and biker – they need the momentum.
- Listen to nature. Keep your voice and music soft so all can enjoy the peace of Colorado.
