Frequently Asked Questions

  • What should I wear on my whitewater rafting trip?

    We go rafting rain or shine, and having the proper clothing and staying warm ensures you have the best experience. Remember, you will get WET and the water is COLD. For this reason, we recommend guests wear comfortable, often synthetic, fast drying clothing, such as a bathing suit or nylon shorts, and old tennis shoes or river sandals that attach securely to your feet. When it’s sunny, we suggest sunglasses with strap and sunscreen. On cool days, wear items such as wool or fleece and socks. We sell many of these items in our retail store.

    We don’t recommend blue jeans or cotton clothing, as they get wet and stay wet, keeping you cold.

    We do recommend wet suits, splash jackets, and neoprene booties when it’s chilly. If you want to rent these items, let us know and we can outfit you like a pro.

    Remember to pack dry clothes to change into after the trip.

    We have most of these items available from our online store. Buy them now and we can have them waiting for you when you arrive for your trip.

  • How do I get there?

    Visit our contact page for detailed instructions on where your trip will start and how to get there. If your trip was booked through one of our affiliates, additional details will be communicated after your booking is confirmed.

  • Is there any river terminology I should know?

    Here is some common river rafting terminology that might be helpful for you to know on your whitewater rafting trip with RMA:

    • CFS – Cubic feet per second is a volume of water measure, which is commonly used to describe most rivers. It is measured by a water gauging device.
    • Eddy – Protected from the main current, these smooth sections of water are found behind obstacles (e.g., boulders or bends in the river).
    • Hole or Hydraulic or Reversal – When water falls over an object (e.g., a rock or ledge), the falling water creates a depression. Surrounding surface water then rushes to fill in the depression and forms a hole.
    • Strainer – An obstacle in the river that allows water to pass through, but not a person or boat (e.g., a tree with its limbs partially submerged).
    • Wave Train – A series of standing waves perpendicular to the main current.
    • Whitewater Classification – Whitewater is classified on a scale from one to six. A description of this scale is given below.
    • Class I – Easy, flat water. No problem. Take your grandmother.
    • Class II – Small rapids with clear, wide channels. Take a timid friend.
    • Class III – Good-sized rapids with waves and boulders. Chances of maneuvers inside the rapids are great. Get a guide!
    • Class IV – Intense rapids. Plan on maneuvers, hazards, big waves and tight boulders. For those seeking a challenge.
    • Class V – Intense and violent water. Long rapids, drops, extremely tight channels, and hazards. For experts only!
    • Class VI – Don’t do it.
  • Where can I see photos from my Trip?

    Great question! Visit PicThrive see the most recent photos from our current trips!

  • Are RMA's whitewater rafting trips safe?

    Rocky Mountain Adventures makes every effort to run safe and exciting trips. On every trip, you will help paddle the raft with your fellow crewmembers. We provide safety and instructional talks before each trip and it is your responsibility to follow the instructions given. All outdoor adventure activities, including whitewater rafting, involve elements of risk. If you have any physical concerns, please consult your physician before rafting with us. Rocky Mountain Adventures does not assume liability for personal injuries or death. You must sign an “acknowledgement of risk participant agreement” form prior to your trip. Please note that a legal guardian must sign for minors, no exceptions. Please know that we cannot allow anyone impaired by drugs (legal or illegal), including alcohol, to go on any of our trips. No refund will be made.

    As a participating board member for the Colorado River Outfitters Association (CROA) Rocky Mountain Adventures recommends everyone in your group view the CROA Safety Video prior to arriving at our office.

  • Do you offer group discounts?

    Yes, we do!

    Group size of 10 or more: Everyone in the group receives a 10% discount.

    Groups of 10 or more payment terms: A 50% deposit is due at time of reservation, final payment due 7 days prior to trip date.

    Groups are subject to same “Cancelation and Refund” policy as all other clients, find below.

  • What is RMA's Reservation Policy?

    To ensure you get to go on the trip of your choice, we highly encourage you to make reservations in advance. Weekend launch dates usually fill faster than weekday launch dates, and most trips are full weeks in advance. To reserve a space on one of our trips, full payment is required at the time that you make your reservation.

    Please note that we make every effort to not split up groups between boats, but many factors play into boat assignments and sometimes groups may be split between boats.  Boat assignments are at the sole discretion of Rocky Mountain Adventures. The only way we can guarantee that your party will be assigned to one boat with no other guests is if you add the “private boat upgrade” to your reservation.

  • What is RMA's cancellation & Refund Policy?

    If you must reschedule or cancel your reservation (rafting or rental) and we are notified at least 7 days before your trip (or pick-up) date, your payment is eligible for a refund minus any fees paid. For reservations cancelled less than 7 days before your trip (or pick-up) date, we cannot refund any portion of your reservation. All fees paid at time of reservation are non-refundable. All sales inside of 7 days are final.

    It is rare that we cancel a trip; however, we reserve the right to postpone or cancel trips due to extreme weather conditions (e.g., water or snow conditions) or an insufficient number of reservations.