Tucked away in northern Colorado is Steamboat Springs, a small town with what many locals would describe as “a skiing problem.” But that’s only half the story. When the famous Steamboat “Champagne Powder” turns to slush with the changing of the seasons, and that slush becomes water in the surrounding creeks and streams, a whole other side of Steamboat blossoms. The waters of the Yampa, Elk, and Colorado Rivers grow louder with each passing day, and the skiers and snowboarders of the area trade their planks and poles for PFDs, paddles, and boats. Locals and visitors alike cheer on the surfers, kayakers, rafters, and paddleboarders from the sidewalks, bridges, and bars. For the team at Bucking Rainbow, it means gearing up for another rafting season in the never-ending quest to stoke joy and a sense of adventure.

The first thing a newcomer notices about Bucking Rainbow is its logo: a cowboy perched atop a rainbow trout, an ode to the cowboy culture and history that are intrinsically linked with Steamboat’s identity. The “bucking” rainbow trout appears to be trying to dismount its cowpoke rider. To me, this is a perfect representation of the western and rodeo culture that has taken root alongside the natural wonder of the area. The second thing guests notice is how immediately welcoming and friendly the entire staff is. With many of the guides also working at Steamboat Resort during the ski season, guest interaction and quality of service are consistently top-tier. I had the pleasure of working alongside the Bucking Rainbow team during the 2024-2025 rafting season as both a guide and photographer, and I can confidently say it truly feels like family.

We had the pleasure of speaking with two of the most entertaining and vibrant guides in Colorado, Sophie Orsund and Clara Neary, who spend their winters as ski instructors at Steamboat Resort before transitioning to raft guides as the water rises and the snow subsides.

“My favorite section of river to raft with Bucking Rainbow is the Elk River! Each water level offers a different challenge for me as a guide, and I love seeing the guests’ reactions when we go through the bigger rapids on that river!”

The Elk River sets itself apart with its captivating beauty. Guests find themselves on the doorstep of the Zirkel Wilderness, greeted by the fast-moving waters of the Elk and a continuous Class III-IV paddle filled with opportunities for splashes and smiles. The Yampa gives paddlers the opportunity to float through the heart of Steamboat Springs, welcomed by visitors and locals alike. It also offers some truly big water hits at the aptly named features through town: A, B, C, and D. With the slopes of Mount Werner in the background and the legendary Howelsen Hill Ski Jump visible as guests enter the town section, it’s an unforgettable experience. Even later in the season, when the water begins to subside, tubing on the Yampa continues to provide thrills for both locals and travelers. For those who choose to explore the Upper Colorado with Bucking Rainbow, the reward is a blend of Colorado’s geological beauty and the warm, welcoming atmosphere the guides pride themselves on creating.

When asked her favorite thing about showing up to work at Bucking Rainbow every day, Sophie responded,

“My favorite part of showing up to work, besides my awesome coworkers, is the unknown of who’s going to show up in my boat. Some days you have people with experience on the water, and other days it’s guests who’ve never been in a raft before. People come from all over the country and the world with all kinds of lived experiences, and I get the opportunity to share these incredible rivers with them.”

It’s this friendliness and humble mindset that keeps guests coming back and inspires first-time visitors to share stories of their adventures in Steamboat.

“Seeing the people who were timid at first become comfortable on the water, and seeing those who already love rafting reminded why they love it, really makes my job worth it. At the end of the day, it’s always the people, coworkers or not, who make guiding what it is.”

The allure of Steamboat for so many has always been the abundance of adventure available right outside your doorstep, making it a true gem in a state already known for its love of the outdoors. The staff at Bucking Rainbow go beyond the role of outdoor enthusiasts. They are year-round adventurers, instructors, teachers, and snowmakers who live and breathe the mountain lifestyle. Knowing your guide shares a genuine passion for the outdoors and loves introducing others to it makes Bucking Rainbow an easy choice for anyone planning a visit to Steamboat Springs.