If you love water and nature, going on a whitewater rafting trip is an incredible way to enjoy yourself. There are lots of places around the country where you can just drop a raft in the river and go for it. But if you really want to make this a memorable experience, you may want to consider one of the epic rafting trips below. They're all located in the western United States, and they all take you past some incredible scenery.
Arkansas River
Rafting the portion of the Arkansas River that runs through Colorado is a common choice among rafters. People generally drop into the river around Leadville, which is known for its white water rapids. Thankfully, after you navigate through these rapids, things calm down a bit. But you'll still see additional rapids around the Royal Gorge and Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Both of these natural wonders are worth stopping to explore and admire along the way. The Arkansas River is not for beginners or the faint of heart, as rapids in some areas can reach a Class V — the biggest, toughest class. But if you are an experienced rafter, you can count on this one being pleasantly challenging.
Snake River
The Snake River is a wide, fast-moving river that stretches through Wyoming. There are some great places to pick it up outside Jackson Hole. In fact, there are several whitewater rafting companies in and around Jackson Hole that will guide you down the Snake River. This makes the Snake River a good choice for those who are newer to rafting. Most sections of the river, white fast and full of rapids, are not overly tumultuous. The key landscape features you will see are the Grand Teton Mountains. They look absolutely magnificent along the skyline.
Green River
The Green River runs through Utah and is a favorite for local rafters. It crosses through the Colorado Plateau and several spectacular canyons, providing incredible scenery along its entire length. There are sections of rapids, but there are also some quieter sections where you will be able to relax a bit and enjoy the view. The Green River is also quite warm in the summer, so you won't get too much of a chill rafting there.
If you love whitewater rafting or want to get into this sport, then consider starting with one of the rivers above. They all have something unique to offer.
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