White water rafting in Colorado is the best there is. With miles upon miles of rushing waters to back it up, the rivers of Colorado can go from calm and easy to difficult and scary in the blink of an eye. Visitors to Rifle can enjoy the epic sections of the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon or kick back and relax on the calmer flows between Silt and Parachute.
Rifle provides a boat ramp for those looking to float the Colorado River and put-in or take-out in town. There are additional put-in and take-out locations on the Colorado River within a quick drive, these locations include: Grizzly Creek, Two Rivers, South Canyon, Tibbits/Dinosaur, New Castle, Silt, and Parachute. Visitors can use their own water crafts to explore the river or link up with one of the many guide companies throughout the area.
The Roaring Fork River is another popular river for white water rafters and is located about 25 minutes from Rifle. The river is ideal in the Spring and Early Summer when the rapids are roaring. One of the most popular floats on the Roaring Fork River is the section from Carbondale to Glenwood Springs with the beautiful views of the mountains, including the mighty Mt. Sopris.
Visitors to the area enjoy using their SUPs on the Colorado River, Rifle Gap Reservoir, and Harvey Gap Reservoir. Harvey Gap Reservoir is the most popular location for stand-up paddleboarding due to restrictions of boats with large motors.
Locals and visitors alike enjoy floating on the calm waters of Rifle Gap Reservoir and Harvey Gap Reservoirs, both of which are a quick 15-minute drive from downtown Rifle. Those looking for more excitement can brave the Glenwood Springs water park on the Colorado River, the Roaring Fork River, or the Crystal River. Epic runs in the Glenwood Canyon are also popular in the kayaking community. All destinations are a short drive from Rifle.
Rifle Gap Reservoir is one of the only locations within a 75-mile radius that allows boats with large motors. Because of this, the reservoir is a popular location for boaters, water skiers, wakeboarding throughout the spring, summer and fall months.