We offer two half-day rafting experiences on the Cache la Poudre River. The Taste of Whitewater is our beginner-to-intermediate trip and is a great choice for families, first-time rafters, and guests looking for an exciting but more accessible experience. The Blast of Whitewater is our intermediate-to-advanced trip, featuring continuous Class III–IV rapids and more demanding paddling. If you're looking for more adrenaline and are in good physical condition, the Blast may be the better choice.

Absolutely! You don't need previous rafting experience to join either trip. Our guides provide instruction before you get on the river and teach you what you need to know along the way. Most first-time rafters choose the Taste of Whitewater, while active and adventurous first-timers may enjoy the more challenging Blast of Whitewater.

The Taste of Whitewater features Class II–III rapids and is our beginner-to-intermediate trip. The Blast of Whitewater features continuous Class III–IV rapids and requires more active paddling. Both trips are exciting, but the Blast is more physically demanding and is designed for guests looking for a bigger whitewater adventure.

The difficulty depends on the trip you choose. The Taste of Whitewater is accessible to a wide range of guests and is a great introduction to rafting. The Blast of Whitewater is more strenuous and requires participants to be active and strong enough to paddle hard through the rapids. Our guides will help you determine which trip is the best fit for your group.

Yes! Children can join the Taste of Whitewater beginning at age 7 and weighing at least 50 pounds. The Blast of Whitewater is a more challenging trip and is intended for older, physically capable participants. River conditions can also affect age requirements, so contact us if you're unsure which trip is right for your child.

Not for the Taste of Whitewater. Non-swimmers can participate in the Taste, and every guest wears a Coast Guard-approved Type V life jacket. For the Blast of Whitewater, we recommend that participants be comfortable in the water because it is a more advanced and physically demanding trip.

You'll park at Vern's Place and check in at our designated rafting check-in area. You'll receive your safety equipment, including a life jacket and helmet, and can get a paddle jacket and wetsuit or footwear rental if needed. After your safety orientation, you'll take a short bus ride to the river. At the launch site, your guide will give you paddling instructions before you start your adventure.

Please arrive at the time listed on your confirmation. We allow approximately 45 minutes for check-in, getting fitted with your equipment, and completing the safety orientation before departure. Arriving on time helps ensure that your group is ready to leave together.

Wear quick-drying clothing and secure footwear that will stay on your feet. We recommend avoiding cotton, flip-flops, and Crocs. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, and a complete change of clothes for afterward. If you're renting a wetsuit, wear a swimsuit or nylon shorts underneath it.

Your trip includes an experienced river guide, transportation to and from the river, a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, helmet, paddle, and waterproof paddle jacket. Wetsuits, wetshoes, and gloves are available to rent if needed.

We recommend leaving valuable electronics and other personal items in your locked vehicle. The river is not a good place for expensive electronics, and items can easily become wet or lost. Our photographers capture the action along the river, allowing you to enjoy the experience without worrying about your camera.

After your rafting adventure, you'll return to Vern's Place. You can view photos from your trip, shop for Wanderlust merchandise, and grab something to eat at the restaurant. Vern's Place offers meals and box lunches for guests and groups.

We raft rain or shine. Rain showers are usually brief and don't have to stop the fun. We provide waterproof paddle jackets, and wetsuits, gloves, and booties are available to rent for additional comfort. Trips are not rescheduled because of weather unless A Wanderlust Adventure cancels the trip.

Whitewater rafting is an adventure sport with inherent risks, but our guides and safety procedures are designed to minimize those risks. Before every trip, your guide will conduct a thorough safety orientation and explain what you need to know before getting on the river.

Every guest wears a Coast Guard-approved Type V life jacket and helmet. Our rafts are eight-person self-bailing rafts equipped with foot holds and grab lines. We also provide paddles and waterproof paddle jackets.

Our guides are trained in CPR and First Aid, and many hold additional certifications such as Swift Water Rescue, Emergency Medical Technician, or Wilderness First Responder. Most of our guides have years of rafting experience, and many return season after season because they love working on the Poudre River.

Your guide will teach you river safety and what to do before you get on the water. Everyone wears a properly fitted life jacket and helmet, and our guides are trained in swift-water rescue. While falling out of a raft is not something we expect, your guide will be prepared to respond if it happens.

All of our trips require paddling. The Taste of Whitewater is accessible to a wide range of abilities, while the Blast of Whitewater is more strenuous and requires participants to be active and strong enough to paddle hard through continuous rapids. If you have questions about whether rafting is appropriate for you, contact our office before booking.

Non-swimmers can participate in the Taste of Whitewater. All guests wear Coast Guard-approved Type V life jackets, and our guides provide river-safety instruction before every trip. For the Blast of Whitewater, we recommend that participants be comfortable in the water because of the more advanced nature of the trip.

All guests under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the acknowledgment of risk waiver. Each participant must also complete a registration form with their contact and emergency information. The waiver should be completed online before arriving for your trip to help keep check-in moving smoothly.