Whitewater Rafting Levels of Difficulty

Class I rapids are defined by moving water with small waves that tug at the boat in a downstream flow - it's a relaxing way to spend the day. Rafting trips on class I whitewater are generally labeled as "scenic float trips". Most rivers have stretches of calm Class I water, creating a pleasant break between larger rapids.

Understanding What Makes a Rapid: Rapids are formed when running water moves swiftly over a shallow bed, around and over obstacles, or is constricted by narrow walls. Each of the classifications contains one or any combination of these. Many river trips that are great for starters contain Class I - III whitewater rapids. See the list further below if this is the kind of rafting trip you are looking to start out with.

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Class II rapids are easy to navigate, generally broad sections of water moving fast enough to create 1 - 3 foot whitecaps. These are waves that are readily seen amidst broad channels that can be spotted without scouting the route from the shoreline. Some maneuvering is required to keep boat headed straight into each approaching wave.

Class II Rapids and Trips:

• Colorado River "Day Trip Section" near Moab, Utah with rapids like "Onion Creek Rapid, Cloudburst, Rocky Rapid. Morning, Mid-day, and Full-day rafting trips are available on this section of the Colorado River.

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Class III rapids feature waves up to 4 or 5 feet tall that will crash over the bow. Currents (hydraulics) will feel stronger, possibly channeling between brief narrow passages such as boulders or a cliff wall. Boats will shimmy and jolt with the increased punch of these larger waves, but generally the jolt is brief, with calmer and wider recovery area below each obstacle or wave. Plenty of excitement and fun with a guide at the helm! Non-guided rafters can find themselves in trouble in Class III rapids.

Class III Rapids and Trips:

• Desolation Canyon Utah, Green River (Cow Swim Rapid, Three Fords Rapid)
• Westwater Canyon, Colorado River near Moab, Utah Marble Canyon, Big Hummer, Staircase, Funnel Falls, Bowling Alley, Sock-it-to-me, Last Chance
  
• Cataract Canyon, Utah, Colorado River near Moab, Utah Mile Long, Ben Hurt

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Larger waves, narrow passages and multiple obstacles to avoid, which require precise maneuvering to avoid upset. These rapids tend to be longer, steeper and more "technical" which translates to turns, spins and lateral moves across the current.

Class IV Rapids and Trips:

• Westwater Canyon, Colorado River near Moab, Utah Skull Rapid
• Cataract Canyon, Utah, Colorado River near Moab, Utah Big Drop 2, Big Drop 3/Satan's Gut
• Grand Canyon, Colorado River IV+ Sockdalager, Hance, Granite, Horn, Hermit, Dubendorff, Upset

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Another deserved level up from Class IV rapids, these look different (bigger and more intense). Expect vertical drops, strong currents, big waves, boulders and holes large enough to flip or hold boats in their more powerful hydraulics.

Class V Rapids and Trips:

• Grand Canyon, Colorado River Lava Falls, Crystal Rapid, Hance Rapid, Horn Creek, Hermit
• Cataract Canyon, Colorado River Big Drops in high water flows

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Generally considered "un-navigable" or "un-runnable", these are amplified versions of what you would find in Class V rapids.

• Costa Rica's Pacuare River can reach Class VI levels during high run-off. No rafting occurs during those high flows.

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