The sport of river rafting was practically invented in Colorado. In the late 1960s Bill Dvorak came up with many safety standards for equipment and many guidelines for proper rafting technique. His Dvorak Expeditions company was the first licensed river recreation outfitter in the country. In the decades since, river rafting has become a hugely popular pastime in Colorado and around the world. Colorado river rafting is some of the best in the world. Some of the most notable of Colorado's many rivers are the Arkansas River, the Colorado River, and the Dolores River. Each one offers rafters a unique and exciting experience.

The Arkansas River starts near Leadville, Colorado and extends through the Midwest, cutting through Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas before emptying into the Mississippi River. There are many beautiful and famous sights on the Arkansas River, including Royal Gorge and Big Horn Sheep Canyon. The rapids on the Arkansas River range from class II all the way to Class V, depending on the part of the river. There are countless excursions offered on different stretches of the Arkansas River lasting from a half day to several days.

The Colorado River begins in the Rocky Mountains and is almost 1,500 miles in length. It is one of the most majestic rivers in the world, stretching through several states and even into Mexico before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. Some sights along the Colorado River worth mentioning are the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam. There are countless river rafting tours on the Colorado River, ranging from beginner's excursions to some of the most intense rapids found anywhere.

The Dolores River is another great spot for Colorado river rafting. The Dolores River is a 250-mile long tributary of the Colorado River. It runs through the states of Colorado and Utah. Ponderosa Gorge on the Dolores River offers rafters exciting Class III and IV rapids, while Slickrock Canyon has Class II and III rapids. The Dolores River is one of the most scenic parts of the country.

Colorado river rafting is an exciting adventure. What better place to go river rafting than the place where it originated?