Discover 5 of the most epic, advanced Class V rivers you can commercially raft. Big drops, wild rapids, and unforgettable adventures led by expert guides — if you’re ready to level up, these rivers deliver!
Difficulty: Class IV-V
Season: May – July (dependent on snowmelt and flow levels)
Run Length: ~5 miles
Trip Duration: Half-day
Don’t let its proximity to Denver fool you — the Lower Canyon of Clear Creek is a full-on Class V whitewater gauntlet. Known for its steep gradient, continuous rapids, and narrow lines, this section is a testing ground for expert paddlers. It’s short, fast, and stacked with technical features that demand sharp skills and zero hesitation.
The moment you drop in, the current grabs hold and doesn’t let go. Rapids like “Double Knife,” “Hell’s Half Mile,” and “Rigor Mortis” live up to their names with tight boulder gardens, powerful holes, and fast-moving channels. You’ll barely have time to catch your breath as you navigate complex sequences that require perfect timing and precise teamwork. There’s very little room for error here — swims can get serious, fast.
This is a run for experienced paddlers and Class V-certified commercial clients only. Strong swimming ability, excellent boat control, and prior experience on solid Class IV+/V water are must-haves. Most outfitters test paddlers with a lower section warm-up run before allowing clients to tackle this beast.
Flows 800 CFS and above are the sweet spot for the Lower Canyon. Too low, and it becomes bony and technical. Too high, and things get rowdy quick. The season is short, so keep an eye on the gauges and book early with a reputable outfitter based in Idaho Springs.
Difficulty: Class V
Season: August – early September
Run Length: ~9 miles
Trip Duration: Full-day
Gore Canyon is Colorado’s crown jewel of expert whitewater—raw, technical, and relentless. Tucked into a remote stretch of the upper Colorado River, this run is a magnet for thrill-seekers looking to test their skills against some of the gnarliest rapids in the Rockies. Sheer canyon walls, cold fast-flowing water, and rapid names like “Scissors,” “Tunnel Falls,” and “Kirshbaum” tell you everything you need to know: this is not a lazy river.
Expect big drops, tight chutes, and powerful hydraulics. “Tunnel Falls” alone is a legendary 12-foot Class V+ waterfall that flips boats like pancakes if your line isn’t perfect. This run is short but intense—rapids come fast and require precision teamwork, strong paddling, and nerves of steel. Between the action, soak up the towering cliffs and high-mountain vibes. It’s Colorado wilderness at its finest.
Gore Canyon is ideal for seasoned paddlers who crave technical, high-adrenaline whitewater. It’s often used as a training ground for Class V guides, and commercial outfitters require prior rafting experience and passing a swim test before you even touch a paddle.
Time your trip for late summer when dam releases are prime and crowds are low. This run also hosts the annual Gore Canyon Race, one of the most intense whitewater competitions in the country.
Difficulty: Class V
Season: September – October (Gauley Season)
Run Length: ~10 miles
Trip Duration: Full-day
The Upper Gauley isn’t just a rafting trip — it’s a whitewater pilgrimage. Every fall, dam releases from Summersville Lake unleash a torrent of power into the Gauley River, creating one of the most celebrated Class V runs in the world. With over 70 rapids and five legendary Class V drops in a single day, the Upper Gauley is relentless, wild, and absolutely iconic.
Get ready for a full-on assault of whitewater. You’ll drop into monster rapids like “Insignificant,” “Pillow Rock,” “Lost Paddle,” “Iron Ring,” and the infamous “Sweet’s Falls” — a vertical 14-footer that flips boats for fun. In between, expect huge waves, tricky holes, and non-stop adrenaline in a lush Appalachian gorge. This is the Super Bowl of rafting.
While commercial outfitters can guide advanced thrill-seekers through the Upper Gauley, this run still demands respect. Prior rafting experience (especially on Class IV/V water) is strongly recommended. Guides are top-tier and safety is tight — but this is still big, consequential water, especially at high flows.
Time your visit for “Gauley Fest” in mid-September — it’s the largest whitewater festival in the world, drawing paddlers, vendors, and adrenaline junkies from all over. The dam release window is limited, so book early and plan ahead.
Difficulty: Class V
Season: July – early September (dependent on snowmelt)
Run Length: ~9 miles
Trip Duration: Half-day to full-day
Cherry Creek is considered the gold standard for advanced whitewater in the U.S. This legendary stretch of the Tuolumne River drops over 100 feet per mile through a tight granite gorge, serving up Class V+ rapids with names like “Jawbone,” “Redslide,” and “Sky King.” This is not a beginner’s run—even experienced paddlers are humbled by its nonstop action and technical lines.
Before you hit the water, commercial outfitters conduct mandatory swim tests and paddle training—this run demands it. Once you’re in the canyon, the scenery is just as jaw-dropping as the rapids: towering granite walls, pristine Sierra wilderness, and water so clear you’ll forget how hard your heart is pounding. Expect 16+ rapids in 9 miles, nearly all Class IV+ and V, with tight chutes, boulder gardens, and vertical drops.
Cherry Creek is for the ultra experienced rafter. Most outfitters require prior Class IV or V experience, strong swimming ability, and a deep love of challenge. It’s a rite of passage in the rafting world and one of the most intense commercially run rivers in the U.S.
Book early and keep an eye on water levels—this run only flows in the peak summer months and is highly dependent on Sierra snowpack.
Difficulty: Class V
Season: May – July (peak flows in early summer)
Run Length: ~17 miles
Trip Duration: 2–3 days (wilderness expedition)
The Forks of the Kern is a remote, multi-day Class V adventure through some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain California has to offer. You’ll hike your gear into a deep Sierra canyon, then run 17 miles of technical granite rapids, powerful drops, and remote backcountry waters. This is one of the most logistically challenging and rewarding whitewater trips in the U.S., blending high-stakes rafting with off-grid wilderness.
It all starts with a 2-mile gear hike to the put-in—no easy shuttles here. Once on the water, You’ll face over 50 rapids, including standout Class V sections like “Vortex,” “Carson Falls,” and “Confusion.” Crystal-clear pools between drops let you catch your breath, but the river doesn’t stay calm for long. You’ll camp riverside beneath towering sequoias, totally disconnected from the modern world.
This run is for the hardcore wilderness paddler—those who love the grind, live for multi-day expeditions, and thrive in remote, Class V conditions. It’s a full-package challenge: hiking, portaging, camping, and some of the most technical paddling in the western U.S.
Permits are limited and self-support trips require expert planning. Several outfitters offer guided trips if you want to focus on the paddling while someone else handles the logistics.
