Aspen’s Best Whitewater Rafting

Scenic River Adventures

and

From thrilling Class IV rapids to relaxing family floats on the Roaring Fork River

Book Now

Welcome to Thunder River Adventures

Thunder River Adventures is your gateway to unforgettable river experiences in Colorado. Based on the Roaring Fork River in Aspen, we specialize in professionally guided whitewater rafting, scenic floats, inflatable kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding on some of the most beautiful and sought-after waterways in the state. From crisp mountain air and rushing water to towering Rocky Mountain scenery, every trip delivers a true Colorado-style river adventure.

On the Roaring Fork River in Aspen, granite boulder gardens and the legendary Slaughterhouse Falls—home to some of the best whitewater rafting in the state—create unforgettable excitement, while calm, crystal-clear stretches are ideal for scenic floats and stand-up paddleboarding through a pristine nature preserve. For guests seeking a different style of whitewater, we also offer select adventures on another one of Colorado’s iconic rivers, known for its classic rafting sections and legendary rapids.

Whether you’re learning a new outdoor skill, planning a family-friendly float, or chasing adrenaline on iconic Western rivers, Thunder River Adventures offers guided river trips for all ages and ability levels. Choose your Aspen rafting adventure—or expand your experience to another one of Colorado’s iconic rivers,— and come play in our backyard.

Book Now
A Whitewater raft dropping the slaughterhouse falls of the roaring fork river

Whitewater Rafting

Roaring Fork River

Tackle the thrilling rapids of the Roaring Fork on an unforgettable whitewater rafting adventure. Join our experienced raft guides for a fun, safe, and exciting river experience—whether you’re rafting in Aspen or exploring another one of Colorado’s iconic rivers. From first-time rafters to seasoned adventurers, we have the perfect trip for you!

Starting at $119.99

Black silhouette of two crossed paddles.
Outline of two people with one in front and one behind.

Beginner Options

Ages 6+

Icon of a folded map with a dotted path from a circle to a location pin.
Clock showing 12:20.
Four black wavy lines stacked horizontally on a white background.

Close to Aspen

Get Splashed

3-4 Hours

Learn More
Book Now
A Raft dropping the Slaughterhouse falls in aspen

Whitewater Rafting in Aspen

Slaughterhouse Whitewater Rafting

Roaring Fork River

Take on Aspen’s most intense stretch of whitewater! The Slaughterhouse section delivers big drops, technical rapids, and nonstop action — a true test for adventurous paddlers ready to get soaked.

water

Class IV

In Aspen

image of people

Age 15+

map
clock

3-4 Hours

Paddles

Adventurous

Learn more
Book Now
A group of friends in. raft enjoying the canyon cruise upper roaring fork whitewater rafting in aspen

Canyon Cruise Whitewater Rafting

Upper Roaring Fork River

Paddle through the heart of Aspen’s canyon country on the Canyon Cruise — a splashy Class III whitewater rafting adventure on the Upper Roaring Fork River. Enjoy exciting rapids, stunning mountain scenery, and just the right amount of thrill for most skill levels.

waves

Class III

map
people

Age 7+

15 minute from Aspen

paddles

Fun

Learn more
Book Now
clock

4-5 Hours

People inflatable kayaking in aspen on the roaring fork river

Inflatable Kayaking Tours

Roaring Fork River

Paddle your own craft on the Roaring Fork River! Our Inflatable Kayak Tour blends hands-on adventure, splashy rapids, and mountain scenery — perfect for those ready to take the reins and feel the thrill up close.

Four black wavy lines stacked horizontally on a white background.

Class II-III

Icon of a foldable map with a dashed line route showing a starting point, a path, and an endpoint with a location pin.
people

Age 7+

15 minutes from Aspen

A black and white analog clock showing 12:20.

4-5 Hours

paddles

Fun

Learn more
Book Now
rafters floating down the roaring fork river in aspen

Scenic Float Tours

Roaring Fork River

Ease into adventure as you float the Roaring Fork River’s most scenic stretches near Aspen. These relaxed floats offer stunning mountain views and peaceful stretches of calm water—perfect for families, couples, and first-time paddlers.

For a truly memorable experience, elevate your scenic float with our Float to Table adventure. Drift down the river before enjoying a thoughtfully prepared riverside meal, combining the beauty of the river with great food. Whether you’re looking to unwind or celebrate, our scenic floats deliver an unforgettable Aspen experience.

Starting at $119.99

Two crossed canoe paddles.
Outline icon of two people, one in front and one behind, representing a group or social connection.

Family Friendly

Ages 4+

Four wavy black lines stacked horizontally against a white background.

Stay Dry

Learn More
Book Now
Black and white clock showing 12:22
Line art of a folded map with a dashed path connecting two points marked by a circle and a location pin.

4-5 Hours

Close to Aspen

Scenic Floats in Aspen

Rafting on the scenic float tour in aspen

Scenic Float Tour

Middle Roaring Fork River

Perfect for all ages, our Family Float Tour offers a gentle ride down the Roaring Fork River near Aspen. Enjoy calm currents, mountain views, and plenty of splashy fun — a relaxing adventure everyone can enjoy together.

Four wavy horizontal lines stacked vertically in black on a white background.

Class I-II

Black and white illustration of a folded map with a marked route, including a dotted line connecting two points, ending with a location pin.
Line drawing of two people, one in front and one behind, representing a conversation or interaction.

Age 5+

30 minutes from Aspen

A black and white analog clock showing the time as 12:25.

3-4 Hours

Silhouette of two crossed paddles or oars.

Mellow

Learn more
Book Now
epic mountain views on the family float in aspen

Family Float Tour

Lower Roaring Fork River

Ease into adventure with your whole crew on the Family Float — a gentle journey down the Roaring Fork River near Aspen in a craft of your choice. Enjoy calm waters and mountain scenery before stopping riverside for a delicious picnic lunch.

Icon of four wavy lines representing water or waves.

Class I - II

Simple black and white icon of a folded map with a dotted route marked from a circle to a location pin.
Line drawing of two people, one in front and one behind, representing a social or communication concept.

Age 5+

35 minutes from Aspen

An analog clock showing the time as 12:20.

4-5 Hours

Silhouette of two crossed paddles.

Mellow

Learn more
Book Now
Fine Dining in aspen riverside

Float to Table Tour

Middle Roaring Fork River

Experience the best of Colorado adventure and cuisine on our Float to Table Tour. Begin your journey with a scenic float, then unwind riverside for an unforgettable open-fire meal a private ranch in Carbondale — the ultimate Aspen-area river escape.

Four black wavy lines stacked horizontally on a white background.

Class I - II

Line drawing of a folded map with a dashed path connecting a circle and a location pin.
Outline icon of two people, one in front and one behind.

Age 5+

25 minutes from Aspen

Black and white clock showing 12:23.

5-6 Hours

Silhouette of two crossed paddles

Mellow

Learn more
Book Now
inflatable kayak and stand up paddle board rentals in aspen

DIY River Rentals

Roaring Fork River

Prefer to paddle at your own pace? Our DIY River Rentals make it easy to enjoy the Roaring Fork River on your own schedule. We provide the equipment so you can focus on the fun—whether you’re floating, inflatable kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding through some of Aspen’s most scenic river stretches.

Our Northstar rental options are ideal for independent paddlers looking for a simple, flexible way to get on the water. Whether you’re planning a relaxed float, a paddleboard session, or a self-guided river adventure, our quality equipment ensures a safe, comfortable, and memorable Aspen river experience—no guiding required.

Starting at $49.99

Mellow

Ages 5+

Icon of a folded map with a dashed path connecting a circle and a location pin.
Simple black and white analog clock showing 12:22.

In Aspen

All Day

Four horizontal black wavy lines on a white background.
Learn More
Book Now

Get Wet

Outline drawing of two people, one in foreground and one behind, representing a social or communication concept.
Silhouette of two crossed paddles.

DIY River Rentals in Aspen

inflatable kayak and stand up paddle board rentals in aspen

Inflatable Kayak and SUP Rentals

Roaring Fork River

Do you have the ability to transport your own rental?  If you have roof racks, a trailer, or a truck, you can rent a paddle craft directly from our fleet. A curbside rental will allow you to plan your custom itinerary for a discounted price.

Four black wavy lines arranged horizontally on a white background.

Class I-II

Icon of a folded map with a dotted path from a circle to a location pin.
Outline icon of two people, one in front and one behind.

Age 5+

In Aspen

Black and white clock showing 12:20.

3-4 Hours

Silhouette of two crossed paddles.

Mellow

Learn more
Book Now
Stand up paddleboarding the Northstar Nature Preserve Aspen

Northstar Nature Preserve

Roaring Fork River

This is a great option for DIY paddlers. Take advantage of our stand up paddle board and inflatable kayak rental program at North Star Nature Preserve. The preserve’s beaches are easily accessible by car and allow for enjoyment for the whole family.

Icon of four wavy horizontal lines in black on a white background.

Class I

Black and white illustration of a folded map with a dotted path from a start point to a location marker.
Outline of two people, one in front and one behind, representing a group or team.

Age 5+

Minutes from Aspen

An analog clock showing the time as 12:20.

3-4 Hours

Silhouette of two crossed paddles.

Fun

Learn More
Book Now

Let the Adventure Begin - Choose Your River Trip Today!

Let the Adventure Begin - Choose Your River Trip Today!