Gunnison River Kayaking

Beginner Colorado Kayak Trips

Up the adventure on any of our guided Gunnison River tours in a kayak. Paddle through scenic canyons, calm pools, and splashy class I/II rapids in one of our super-stable inflatable kayaks. These trips are perfect for anyone looking for extra thrills, and appropriate for beginners of all ages. Our professional instructors will show you the ropes at the beach, and guide you through the remote canyons and beginner-level river features that you will encounter along the way. You can choose to paddle your own boat, or share a 2-person tandem kayak.

Discover Colorado's National Conservation Areas

Colorado has designated 3 National Conservation Areas (NCA's) for their scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history. The best, and sometimes only, way to experience these remote areas is by river. We offer guided kayak adventures in each of these breath taking locations: The Gunnison Gorge, Dominguez-Escalante, and McInnis Canyons.

One Price All Inclusive kayaking

Our river trips include wetsuit, booties, and splashtop rentals, transportation from our shop to and from the river, world class guides, and delicious locally sourced meals. We never charge hidden fees.

Gunnison Gorge NCA (I/II)

Discover a hidden world only 10-minutes from our shop in Hotchkiss, Colorado. Enjoy spectacular canyon scenery, splash through small waves, swim in the cool waters of the Gunnison River, view bald eagles, great blue heron and more!

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Dominguez Escalante NCA (i/ii)

Experience Colorado canyon country at its best in this pristine wilderness area. Paddle the Gunnison River beneath towering red-rock walls, passing historic orchards and meeting beginner-level river rapids along the way.

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Multi Day Colorado Kayak Trips

Join Western Slope SUP for up to 3 days of all-inclusive rafting in Colorado and Utah. Go for an overnight rafting trip in the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, or a multi-day fully catered rafting adventure through Ruby and Horsethief Canyons on the Colorado River. Instructors will be available on and off the river to ensure your comfort, and take care of all your needs. A multi-day river tour with Western Slope SUP is the perfect opportunity to re-connect with family and friends, and unwind on the river.

Included:

All river and camping equipment (no additional rental fees)
All meals, prepared by your guides
Transportation
1-3 guides
One price (no additional use fees)

Gunnison gorge overnight Kayaking

Take your time exploring the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. Raft through crystal clear waters, discover ancient archaeology, hike winding side canyons, and much more!

Overnight itineraries begin at $425

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Ruby Horsethief Multi Day Kayaking

Our ultimate overnight river adventure. Spend two or three unforgettable days deep in the colorful canyons of the Colorado River. Enjoy camping, hiking, and all the river time you need!

3-day trips begin at $575

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Colorado Kayaking FAQ

All of our guided kayaking trips are appropriate for beginners with no previous experience. The most challenging rapids we will encounter on these trips are class II, which consist of small waves and chutes. Your guide will always lead the way and help you navigate through these features. Participants must be physically fit enough to get in and out of their kayak, and paddle their boat for the duration of their chosen trip.

Yes! Though our self-bailing kayaks have inflatable floors designed to keep you sitting high and dry, you will get wet on this trip. Expect splashes while paddling through the rapids. There is always a chance you could come out of your boat involuntarily. In this case your guide will assist you out of the water and back into your kayak. Most people choose to jump in and swim in the calm pools along the way.

Dress to get wet, and dress weather appropriate. We recommend a swimsuit, or quick dry clothing, hat, and sunscreen. On cool days, our provided wetsuits can be worn over swimwear. For an extra layer, consider bringing a fleece top. No cotton please.

Securely fitting sandals such as Chacos, Tevas, or Keens make the best rafting footwear. Flip flops and Crocs are not allowed on whitewater rafting trips; however booties are available at no charge.

Please bring any medication you normally carry.

Please do not bring bulky or valuable items on the river such as towels, dry bags, keys, or wallets. Your guide will have a dry bag for small, necessary personal items. Valuable items can be locked in your car while you are on the river. We will hold your keys in a secure location while you are out.

May through October are the most pleasant months for paddling on the Gunnison and Colorado Rivers. We generally see our highest river flows towards the end of May/beginning of June. We occasionally have to cancel kayak trips during this time due to excessive high flows. We see our warmest weather July through August. Kayaking the Gunnison river is especially pleasant during this time as you will be tempted to jump into the cool, inviting water along the way.

Gunnison River Kayaking

Beginner Colorado Kayak Trips

Discover Colorado's National Conservation Areas

One Price All Inclusive kayaking

Gunnison Gorge NCA (I/II)

Dominguez Escalante NCA (i/ii)

Multi Day Colorado Kayak Trips

Gunnison gorge overnight Kayaking

Ruby Horsethief Multi Day Kayaking

Colorado Kayaking FAQ

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