River Cruises
For those interested in meeting up with other paddlers, Colorado Whitewater offers free river cruises arranged by volunteers. These trips allow you to step it up and try a new section of river with the support of experienced lead and sweeps who know that section. Or if you have a favorite run, then simply come along and have fun with a group of boaters! The trips are not a teaching or training exercise, and members who participate are responsible for their own conduct and safety.
Learn more about leading or participating on a cruise.
In order to participate in any cruise, you must be a CW member and sign a waiver.
To sign a CW waiver click here.
BECOME A CRUISE LEADER OR SWEEP: We can't do this without you! We are always looking for experienced boaters to lead or sweep a trip. Contact cruises@coloradowhitewater.org to add your River Cruise to the schedule or lead one listed below.
Disclaimer
Participation in Colorado Whitewater cruises, including leading and sweeping cruises, is voluntary, and all participants are responsible for their own safety and equipment. Participation in any CW activity requires a signed annual waiver acknowledging and assuming the risks associated with whitewater paddling, including serious injury or death.
Cruise Leads and Sweeps are fellow volunteers and are not professional guides, instructors, or safety personnel. They coordinate logistics and provide peer guidance as part of a group of self-reliant paddlers.
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2025 Cruise Schedule:
Please use the schedule below to help plan on joining one of our cruises.
River & section names in BOLD will become blue signup links as Cruise Leaders and Sweeps are confirmed and we know the cruise is happening. Check back regularly for updates.
Cruise Leaders will follow up with additional details once you are signed up. Please note that your participation will be confirmed only after the Cruise Leader verifies your skill level is appropriate for the cruise.
For all cruises, prior experience running the listed class of whitewater is required. If you're unsure whether your skills match the cruise requirements, please reach out to the Cruise Leader for that trip or email us at cruises@coloradowhitewater.org.
Note: All cruises are subject to rescheduling or cancellation due to river conditions and the availability of volunteer leaders and sweeps.
Interested in volunteering? We’d love your help! Please contact us at cruises@coloradowhitewater.org.
April
- Saturday April 26 Cemetery, CO/ Roaring Fork Class III / II+
MAY
- Saturday May 3rd, Parkdale, Arkansas River Class III
- Friday May 16th Training Camp
- Saturday May 17th Training Camp
- Sunday May 18th Training Camp
- Saturday May 24th Milk Run, Arkansas River Class II+
- Sunday May 25th Browns Canyon, Arkansas River Class III(+)
- Saturday May 31st Filter Plant, Poudre River Class III
JUNE
- Sunday June 1st, Section below Canyon City, Arkansas River Class II
- Sunday June 1st Fractions, Arkansas, Class III
- Tuesday June 3rd, Boulder Creek Class III
- Thursday June 5th Milk Run, Arkansas River, Class II+
- Saturday June 7th, Roaring Fork Weekend
- Sunday June 8th, Roaring Fork Weekend
- Tuesday June 10th, Apple Valley, North Saint Vrain, Class III+
- Thursday June 12th Filter Plant, Poudre River, Class II (III)
- Saturday June 14th, Upper, Taylor River, Class III
- Sunday June 15th, Lower, Taylor River, Class II
- Tuesday June 17th, Boulder Creek Class III-
- Thursday June 19th, Grizzly Creek, Colorado River, Class II+
- Friday June 20th, Milk Run, Arkansas River, Class II+
- Saturday June 21st, Rincon, Arkansas River Class II+/III
- Sunday June 22nd, Milk Run, Arkansas River Class II+
- Tuesday June 24th, Apple Valley, North Saint Vrain, Class III-
- Saturday June 28th, Lower Mish- Bridges Poudre River, Class III/IV
JULY
- Tuesday July 1st, Clear Creek, Tunnel 1, Class III/II+
- Sunday July 6th, Deckers or Foxton, South Platte, Class III/IV
- Tuesday July 8th, Clear Creek, Tunnel 1, Class III/II+
- Saturday July 12th, Arkansas Weekend
- Saturday July 13th, Arkansas Weekend
- Saturday July 19th, Grizzly or Cemetery CO/ Roaring Fork Class II+
- Sunday July 20th, Idaho Springs Town Run, Class III
- Monday July 21st (evening), Foxton, NFSP, Class III/IV
- Thursday July 24th, Bridges/ Filter Plant Combo, Poudre River Class II-III
- Saturday July 26th, Fractions, Arkansas River Class III
- Monday July 28th (evening), Foxton, NFSP, Class III/IV
AUGUST
- Sunday August 3rd, Bridges, Poudre River Class III (laps upon laps)
- Saturday August 9th, Rincon, Arkansas River Class III
- Saturday August 16th, Royal Gorge, Arkansas River Class III/IV
- Sunday August 17th, Shoshone, CO River Class III(+)
- Saturday August 23rd, Lower Blue Class III
- Saturday August 30th, Parkdale, Arkansas River Class III (Also Bailey Fest)
- Sunday August 31st, Deckers/ Foxton, NFSP Class III/IV (Also Bailey Fest)
SEPTEMBER
- Saturday September 6th, Parkdale, Arkansas River, Class III
- Saturday September 13th, Colorado River Weekend
- Sunday September 14th, Colorado River Weekend
OCTOBER
- Saturday October 4th, Royal Gorge, Arkansas River Class III/IV
NOVEMBER
- Saturday November 1st, Royal Gorge, Arkansas River Class III/IV