| This river is the closest quality rafting to Denver
and the Rocky Mountain National Park Area. The National Wild and
Scenic River System was created to protect unique river environments
from undue development and exploitation. Only rivers of exceptional
character and undeveloped state are eligible and of those nominated
very few are enlisted in the program. The very small number of outfitters
licensed on this river makes it very uncrowded. The Cache La Poudre
River (referred to as the POO-DER by locals) has a lot of good whitewater
and excellent scenery and is located just about an hour from Denver
and Rocky Mountain National Park, and has rafting opportunities
for everyone. From its beginnings high in Rocky Mountain National
Park this river's sparkling water rushes down through the steep
Poudre Canyon to create a wonderful mix of excitement and adventure
that makes any river trip so special.
 Poudre
`Wildwater'
(May through August)
River: Cache La Poudre
Level: Class II / III
Length: Half day (approximately 4 and 1/2 hours)
Minimum age: 7 years or over 50 pounds.
This is our most popular trip and has Class II, III, and some class
IV whitewater, depending on water levels and the stretches being
run. Beginner to intermediate run suitable for families, large groups,
beginners or first time rafters. People should be in good health,
able and willing to paddle hard, with swimming ability. We run the
trip twice daily, and depending on water level, we run different
stretches of the River at different times of the summer depending
on the makeup of groups, ages of participants, and the water level
involved at the time of the trip. Come discover the Beauty and Charm
of the Cache La Poudre River with us. Usually run from mid May through
Labor Day, depending on snowpack.
Poudre `Wild and Scenic'
(May through August)
River: Cache La Poudre
Level: Class II / IV
Length: Half day (approximately 4 and 1/2 hours)
Minimum Age high water 12, lower water conditions as low as 9.
The Poudre River is Colorado's only Nationally designated Wild &
Scenic River. Our `Wild & Scenic' trip traverses about 12 continuous
miles of Class II, III, IV, IV+ (and sometimes a little Class V)
whitewater and is an extremely exciting and demanding trip. At high
water, the run is Class IV, & V and Class IV at lower levels.
We run this trip as a `half day' trip but the continuous nature
of the rapids and speed of the River give you more real rafting
time (and excitement per square inch) than most day trips in the
state. This is an intermediate to advanced run suitable for people
with previous experience or beginners who are looking for a challenge
and who will paddle hard. People must be in good health, physically
fit, and able to swim. Stretches of river being run can change with
water level. Call our office for water conditions to clarify this.
This trip usually runs from mid May through the fist week in August,
depending on snowpack.
Poudre `Full Day'
(May through August)
River: Cache La Poudre
Level: Class II / IV
Length: Full day (approximately 6 and 1/2 hours)
Minimum age high water 12, lower water conditions as low as 9.
This Class II, III, IV, and some Class V depending on water levels
and the stretches being run. Intermediate to advanced run suitable
for people with previous experience or beginners who are looking
for a challenge and who will paddle hard. People must be in good
health, physically fit, and able to swim. Stretches of river being
run can change with water level. Our Poudre full day trip winds
through some of the most continuous and exciting rapids in the State.
The trip combines the best stretches of whitewater and scenery available
on the Poudre River as the River runs adjacent to the Poudre River
Wilderness area. The Upper Poudre canyon is filled with pine, juniper,
and meadows where you'll often see Big Horn sheep, Eagles and other
wildlife. During high water the trip is Class IV, V- and at lower
levels, Class IV. A delicious deli style lunch is served with the
trip. Call our office for water conditions to clarify this. This
trip usually runs from mid May through the first week in August,
depending on snowpack.
 Description:
The CACHE LA POUDRE RIVER is Colorado's only Nationally designated
WILD & SCENIC River and offers all classes of whitewater, from
mild to wild. From its headwaters high in Rocky Mt. National Park,
the clear waters of the Poudre rush through beautiful forested canyons
that are over 2500' deep during its tumultuous journey to the Great
Plains. The Poudre is unique in that it offers some of the best
Rafting & Kayaking in the state and does so in an uncrowded
setting due to restrictions associated with its National Wild &
Scenic status. It's also one of the warmest canyons in the state
due to its west to east flow (allowing for an abundance of sunshine
in the canyon) and its relative low altitude.
We take every precaution when it comes to safety. Only U.S. Coast
Guard approved life jackets are used along with the finest rafts
and equipment. Our rafts are 14-foot self-bailing Hyside rafts with
foot cones installed. Helmets are provided on most trips along with
nylon spray-jackets for warmth. Guide training far surpasses requirements
set by the State and most of our guides are returnees from previous
years. First aid and CPR training are required of all guides and
all guides are trained in the latest River Rescue techniques. Most
of the guides are formally certified as Swiftwater Rescue Technicians
from Rescue 3 International, Inc. Experience breeds a healthy respect
for the River and our program is built upon this respect.
Since 1982 we have helped over 120,000 people enjoy safe, fun,
and exciting whitewater adventures. Our customers return year after
year because of our commitment to providing the highest quality
rafting and kayaking adventures at competitive rates. Whether you
have a large or small group, the support and encouragement you receive
from our staff of professional, state certified, whitewater guides
is unparalleled and leaves you with a real sense of accomplishment
and adventure. With the experience which only time and a great number
of river miles allow, we invite you to be our guest and experience
the thrill, friendships, and natural beauty which develop on the
river.
 Acknowledgment
of Risk Forms
As with any outdoor activity there is an element of inherent
risk in whitewater rafting, and we require all participants (or
parents or legal guardians) to read and sign an Acknowledgment of
Risk form before every trip. Every member of your group must sign
one of these at the meeting place. In the case of unaccompanied
minors these forms must be signed by the parents. Call our office
for an Acknowledgment of Risk form in advance, copy as necessary
to ensure that each minor has one signed by parent or guardian.
Once again, each and every member of the group must have one of
these read and signed before each trip or they will not be allowed
to board a raft.
Maximum Group Size
Due to the National Wild and Scenic status of the Poudre River,
the maximum number of people that can go on any trip is 50. Larger
groups can be accommodated by splitting the group and utilizing
different stretches of river. It is possible that there may be other
participants on this trip. On other rivers be sure to call our office
to find out what the maximum group size is. Standard seating in
our 14 foot self-bailing Hyside rafts is 7 customers and a state
certified guide per raft. This means that there is one guide in
each boat. Sometimes we have to alter this seating arrangement,
but this is the standard set-up. Other rivers have different maximum
group sizes, please make sure that you are aware of these maximums
if you have a large group.
What to Bring
Personal gear for rafting can make or break your trip. Keep
in mind that you are rafting and that you will get wet. You will
get wetter on some trips than on others, but it is not very likely
that you will emerge from your trip bone dry. This means that cameras,
watches, etc, that are not waterproof are subject to damage. You
will also be pretty active during your trip, so if you wear eyeglasses
or sunglasses you should have a strap to hold them on. A good way
to think of what to bring rafting is to only bring things that can
get wet or lost (sunk). If you only bring things that can get wet
or lost, you won't be disappointed when it happens, and pleasantly
surprised if it doesn't. Below is the personal gear checklist that
we send out with maps and directions. Please refer to this list
when packing for your trip. You can see that is says in several
places and in several ways that you should not bring cotton on the
river. Cotton is a terrible insulator when wet, and actually sucks
the heat right out of you. For late season trips, a T-Shirt is ok,
but you are better without. Synthetics such as those listed insulate
when wet and dry rapidly. If you are prone to being cold inquire
about whether a wet suit is necessary. Footwear of some sort is
required by law, so be prepared. Try to bring something that will
stay on your feet. Tennis shoes work, as do river sandals, but shoes
keep your feet warmer. If you have any questions about what to bring,
just ask us when you book your trip. A Driver License or Major Credit
Card is required as a deposit for wetsuit rental.
Personal Gear Checklist
_____ Tennis shoes or water shoes (REQUIRED)
_____ Nylon windbreaker (NO cotton lining!)
_____ Wetsuit (definitely May & June, we rent these)
_____ Shorts (quick drying!)
_____ Sunscreen (the sun can be VERY intense)
_____ Eyeglass strap! (much cheaper than new specs)
_____ Change of Clothes/Towel (leave in car)
_____ Sunglasses?
_____ No jewelry/watches; we're on River time now!
* Wetsuits HIGHLY recommended in May & June and for any Class
IV trips. We rent them for $10.00, bring your own, or bring wool,
polypro, or acrylic. Remember NO COTTON!!!!! and bring a windbreaker.
Ages: 7 years and up (Minimum age varies with river flows)
| Poudre River |
Wildwater |
Wild and Scenic |
Poudre Full Day |
| Adults |
$52.00* |
$66.00* |
$110.00* |
| Children ages 7-12 |
$46.20* |
$66.00* |
$110.00* |
*Poudre River trips are subject to 3% use tax.
To see dates for any of these trips, choose a trip
from the option box and press the submit button above. Once you are
registered, you will get a confirmation email from A1 Wildwater
for your trip.
You can search all the trips that we offer:
You can also search by geographic area:
Meeting Place & Time
Our meeting times are critical because they have been arranged so
that we can make it to the launch spot within our launch window.
If we are late for our launch window, we will not be allowed to
launch our boats. Therefore, you must be on time and in the case
of large groups you should be a little early and have your group
organized before the check-in period begins. This ensures that all
paperwork and pre-trip necessities can be taken care of in a timely
manner and allow us to reach our put-in site on time.
Full Day Trips and Half Day Morning trips meet at 8:45am
Afternoon Half Day Trips meet at 1:00pm
We have a new meeting place at: 2801 N. Shields Street, Fort Collins.
In the upper right hand corner of this page, you can enter your location or a point that you know of and hit enter and google maps will open and show you a map to the meeting location and driving time.
Driving Directions from Denver, Boulder, and points South:
It is easiest to take I-25 North to the Hwy. 14 West exit in Ft. Collins, this is the last Fort Collins exit and is designated as exit # 269 B. The B exit takes you west towards the mountains. You will exit onto Mulberry St. which is also Hwy 14 west. Always stay on Hwy 14 until N. Shields St. and you can’t get lost. When you come off the interstate onto Mulberry St. you continue west for 5 traffic lights. At the 5th traffic light Hwy 14 will take a right turn off of Mulberry and onto Riverside Dr. Remember, you’re staying on Hwy 14. Stay on Riverside Dr. for 1 mile and then Hwy 14 merges right into Hwy 287 (College Ave.) Now Hwy 287 and Hwy 14 (College Ave.) run together going north and then west out of town. Stay on Hwy 287 & 14 for about 3 miles until you come to a traffic light at the intersection of N. Shields St. and Hwy 287/14. This intersection is just past Jax Farm & Ranch store (Not to be confused with Jax outdoor gear earlier on College Ave.)
When you get to the intersection of N. Shields and Hwy 287/14 we will be located on the N.W. corner of the intersection. Take a right turn onto N. Shields St. and continue north on Shields for approximately 500 ft. and turn left into our driveway. Follow the parking signs for rafting parking.
Driving Directions from Estes Park:
Shortest Route: Take Hwy. 34 from Estes Park to Loveland. In Loveland Hwy 34 is called Eisenhower blvd. Go to the 3rd major intersection once you enter Loveland and make a left turn (going North) onto N. Taft Ave. (County road 17). Now just stay on N. Taft Ave. going north until you are on the north end of Ft. Collins. In Ft. Collins the road becomes Shields St. Stay on Shields all the way to the north end of Ft. Collins until Shields intersects with U.S. Hwy 287. We are located at the N.W. corner of this intersection. Continue through the intersection on Shields for 500 ft. to the entrance on your left. Alternate Route: Take Hwy. 34 (Also known as Eisenhower Blvd.) from Estes Park to the intersection of Hwy. 287 (Also known as Lincoln Ave) in Loveland. Take Hwy. 287 North from Loveland for 15.5 mi to N. Shields St. and at this intersection turn left (North) at the light onto Shields. We are the yellow building, the first on your left.
Refund Policy
The protection that the Poudre River enjoys as the only National Wild and Scenic River in the state of Colorado means that we are very restricted in the numbers of people that we can take rafting on any given day. In general we are fully booked for each trip. We can not "overbook" trips as airlines often do and therefore have to turn people away once a trip has been filled. If you have to cancel your trip, we will refund your money less 20% if written notice is given to A-1 Wildwater at least 10 days prior to your launch date. No refund is available if you have to cancel your trip less than 10 days prior to your launch date. If a trip is booked less than 10 days prior to its launch date, there is no refund. Under certain circumstances, trip credits may be arranged. Please make this information available to all trip members.
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