Raft Trips

Black Canyon of the Gunnison River Class IV

Gunnison Gorge Whitewater Rafting Vacation!

This 2-day adventure through the Gunnison Gorge in western Colorado is adjacent to the newly created Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This 14-mile stretch of gold medal trout water has been nominated for "Wild and Scenic River" designation. It also receives expanded protection as a National Conservation Area. Here, below the many dams of the national park, the clear green water slips between spectacular towering black granite cliffs, dropping first into glassy pools and them plunging into foaming rapids. Scenery is reminiscent of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado.

Getting to the river requires an easy mile-long hike down a narrow trail; the boats and group gear are brought into the canyon on horseback the day before the trip. You will need to carry your own personal gear down the trail to the "put-in". The hike in is rewarded with dramatic canyon scenery, picturesque views and remarkable solitude. Each day has a mix of exciting whitewater and calm water float time. Our camp for the night will be on a sandy or grassy bench where you take a hike up toward the rim, or enjoy the world-class fishing, or just kick back for a happy hour drink while you watch the river flow by.

Only two groups of twelve people per day are permitted to raft the Gunnison Gorge, assuring you a quality wilderness experience. Hiking, fishing, swimming and testing our skill in the rapids are all part of what makes the Gunnison River a favorite of our guests as well as our staff!

Please arrive at least 30-45 minutes prior to departure time. This allows you time to check in and relax before your trip departs.

*9% land and water access fee. Wilderness Aware, Inc. rents wetsuits, wetshoes, splash jackets.

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Gunnison River Trip
Trip departs at 9:00 AM. Please arrive 30-45 minutes early in order to pack your waterproof bag.

WHERE TO MEET

Gunnison River Pleasure Park - 1-888-782-7542. From Delta take Highway 92 east for 14.2 miles (you'll pass the small town of Austin after 6.9 miles). Turn right onto the dirt road (LN 2810) just after mile marker 14 when you see the sign for the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area and the Gunnison River Pleasure Park. Drive the short distance down the hill and turn right into the large parking lot where you'll see your guides and a Wilderness Aware van. The guides will show you where you can leave your vehicle for the duration of the trip.

In the upper right hand corner of this page, you can enter your location or a point that you know of and hit enter and google maps will open and show you a map to the meeting location and driving time.


Pre-trip information is available in .pdf format by clicking on the trip name below.

Black Canyon, Gunnison River Pre-Trip Information

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What to bring

* *Wetsuit (High water or rainy days)
* Wool or pyle sweater or polypro (loaners available)
* *Wetshoes OR wool socks and old tennis shoes
* *Splash jacket
* Swim suit and/or shorts
* Hat or visor
* Sunglasses with securing strap
* Securing strap for prescription glasses
* Sunscreen and lip protection
* Water bottle -optional
* Money for souvenirs and guide gratuity (if appropriate)

Can our group be on the same boat?

Up to seven guests plus the guide can paddle in a raft. We can take eight people if someone is willing to ride in the middle of the raft as a passenger. Groups larger than eight people must split between multiple rafts. We can tell you at the time of your reservation if your group will need to split up for other reasons.

Can I help paddle?

The paddle raft option is for our adventurous guests that want to have a hand in the action. Here, you are part of a crew and must contribute to the team effort in maneuvering the raft. The crew is captained by one of our qualified guides.

Will you teach me how to paddle?

Before every trip we conduct an in-depth participant safety orientation and paddling instruction. We regularly take first time rafters on most of our trips.

Can I just hold on?

You may elect to ride in an oar boat where the guide has complete control of the raft. This gives you freedom to admire the scenery and use both hands for holding on. This is a nice option if you have young children or senior citizens in your group. One or two non-paddling passengers may also ride on a paddle raft.

Expert Guides

A guide captains every boat. Our guides represent the most qualified professionals in the industry. Guides must attend a 5-day interview trip prior to being hired. They are thoroughly experienced in the techniques of river running and are first-aid and CPR certified. Before guiding their first commercial trip, our guides receive river training that far exceeds the state requirement. What sets our guides apart is the personal attention they give our participants. Our crew of fun loving professionals is dedicated to making each and every trip the finest possible.

We regularly conduct interpretive workshops to provide our guides with additional information on the natural, cultural, and political history of the rivers we run. We are proud of our staff and we know you will enjoy this fine group of people.

Is rafting safe?

Safety in any activity, including rafting, can never be guaranteed. Wilderness Aware can assume no responsibility for personal injury or for equipment lost or damaged in any way. We are, however, very proud of our outstanding 25 year safety record. Your safety is always our primary concern.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel more than 10 days prior to trip departure, we will refund your entire payment less a $5/person cancellation fee for 1/2 and 1-day trips, and a $50/person cancellation fee for multi-day trips. If you cancel less than 10 days prior to trip departure, there is no refund. Trips are rarely cancelled due to river or weather conditions, or for lack of reservations. If we cancel the trip you will receive a full refund.

Do you offer trip cancellation insurance?

For a nominal fee, you may elect to purchase trip cancellation insurance. This entitles you to a full refund if you cancel your trip 24 hours prior to the trip departure. Receive a trip credit valid for one year if you cancel less than 24 hours but not less than one hour before the trip departure time. The trip cancellation insurance can be purchased through Wilderness Aware.

Are there any additional charges?

Optional rental equipment and guide gratuities are not included in the trip price.