About
At Thunder River Adventures we believe that adventure starts on the water. We are a small locally owned business founded in 2024. Born from a young couple's love of the outdoors, Thunder River Adventures was built on the belief that a new category of professional guided services was needed in the Roaring Fork Valley: a business that promotes an exceptional and unique outdoor experiences - not separately, a business that allows guests to fully experience the beautiful Roaring Fork Valley and beyond.
Our hope is that we can find an adventure that engages your entire group and allows you to experience the Roaring Fork Valley like a local. We want you to feel confident in and excited about our guided services so start your journey with us today!
Hours
8:30am – 6:00pm Weekdays
8:30am – 6:00pm Weekends
Location
Aspen, Colorado
Meet the Staff
Kate McCollum Edmonds
Kate grew up in West Virginia where she learned to be a whitewater rafting guide and where she ultimately fell in love with the outdoors. She has been guiding rivers for over a decade with many of those seasons spent in the beautiful Roaring Fork and Arkansas River Valleys. Kate’s most meaningful role now is as the Mom of two amazing little girls. Everyday she strives to set a positive example for them as an unstoppable female force in a male-dominated trade. Kate approaches whitewater with the same care and focus she applies to all areas of her life. Ultimately, Kate’s talent as a guide shines through her love of the river. So come on and “put on your big boy/ girl britches on” and join her on the river.
Chris Edmonds
“Alright!” Chris may not sound like it but he grew up in England. As soon as he could, Chris moved to the mountains of Colorado where he fell in love with skiing, whitewater and Kate. During the winter months, you’ll find Chris teaching skiing on our local mountains but during the summer he will be on the river. Chris has now been a whitewater rafting guide for over a decade and is experienced on all local sections of river. He is an outdoor professional who seeks to provide his guests and family with the best outdoor experience of their lives. Chris also loves to train new paddlers and seasoned guides alike on how to successfully navigate even the most challenging sections of whitewater. “The proof’s in the pudding!”
Andy Payne
“Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit!” Our senior guide Andy is from Kentucky! He is 28 years old and has been a whitewater rafting guide for over five years. Andy moved to Colorado to live, work, and play in the mountains that he now calls home. He is very excited to work for Thunder River Adventures this summer and absolutely loves to be on the river guiding rafts, as well as, meeting new people. He just can’t get enough of whitewater and one of his favorite past times is kayaking with friends after he gets off of work. Andy hopes to see you all on the water this summer!
Why Choose Us?
Thunder River Adventures sets itself apart from the competition by being a small employee owned adventure outfitter. We are Aspen’s newest whitewater rafting company and with that comes passionate, knowledgeable and dedicated guides; an unwavering commitment to safety; and, that’s right, new gear!
Despite our company and gear being new, our senior guides have over a decade of experience translating the language of the river into thrilling outdoor adventures for you and your family to enjoy.
Experience the river with our family and let us inspire adventure within your life. We want you to feel confident in and excited about our guided services. Start your Aspen adventure with us today!