Aspen and Snowmass have so much to offer in terms of outdoor recreation, and especially when it comes to a whitewater adventure. Kayaking in Aspen offers visitors and locals the chance to experience the Roaring Fork Valley's rivers in an entirely new way. In addition to having loads of fun, kayakers learn the invaluable skill of reading the water in order to find the best line to follow down the river.
Aspen is one of the best places in the Colorado Rocky Mountains to go kayaking. With all types of water, from calm stretches ideal for beginners to rushing and roaring rapids suitable for experts, kayaking in Aspen will satisfy everyone's need for a whitewater excursion. Most kayaking in the area is done on the Roaring Fork River, Colorado River, and Arkansas River, which located on the Twin Lakes side of Independence Pass. Beginners can start out by learning the basics in the stretch of the Roaring Fork River that runs through the North Star Nature Preserve just east of downtown Aspen. Beginner and intermediate kayakers can also explore the mid-valley stretch of the Roaring Fork River between Basalt, El Jebel, and Carbondale. For those with more experience, dashing through the class IV rapids that make up the Slaughterhouse stretch of the Roaring Fork River will surely test the courage and adventurous spirit of even the most seasoned kayaker.
Local kayaking guides offer a variety of kayaking trip types. Kayakers can opt for a half day trip in the morning or afternoon, or a full day adventure to spend more time enjoying the water. Some kayaking guides even offer weekend workshops and week long programs for those seeking to immerse themselves in the sport.
When selecting a trip, kayakers can choose to go with a traditional hard shell kayak or an inflatable kayak, also called a ducky. Inflatable kayaks are excellent for those new to the sport, as they are much more forgiving in rougher stretches of river.
A few local kayaking guide companies that always deliver an excellent trip experience include Aspen Whitewater Rafting, Blazing Adventures, and Aspen Kayak & Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Academy.
Our friendly and knowledgeable concierge team can assist you and your family with planning a fun kayaking trip with a local guide company. For more information about kayaking in Aspen, our guests can contact the Aspen Square Condominium Hotel's concierge by phone at 1-800-862-7736 ext. 3515 or by email at concierge@aspensquarehotel.com. Non-guests can contact the Aspen Chamber Resort Association by calling (970) 925-1940.
Learn more about outdoor activities in Aspen from the Aspen Square Hotel. Discover a fun Aspen hiking trail, go fly fishing on the Roaring Fork River, and go skiing on Aspen Mountain. Experience all of the outdoor fun that Aspen has to offer!