Frequently Asked Questions

Bookings and Reservations

  • You can reserve your trip online in just a few minutes or call our team directly. All trips require advance reservations, and availability can fill quickly, especially weekends and peak summer dates.

  • Yes. Full payment is required to secure your reservation. For larger groups, deposits may apply with the remaining balance due prior to your trip.

  • No, walk-ins are not accepted. Booking ahead ensures your spot and allows us to prepare your gear and guide team.

  • If you must CANCEL your reservation and we are notified at least 48 hours before your trip (or pick-up) date, your payment is eligible for a refund minus a 15% cancellation fee. For reservations cancelled less than 48 hours before your trip (or pick-up) date, we cannot refund any portion of your reservation, including any fees paid. All sales inside of 48 hours are final. Cancellations can only be made by calling our offices.
    If you need to RESCHEDULE your reservation you can do so up to 48 hours before your trip (or pick-up) date. All changes are subject to current availability and pricing. A rescheduling fee will be applied per reservation and paid at time of reschedule. You can self-reschedule online via your reservation confirmation. Self-reschedule only allows you to change the date/time of your reserved trip. If you would like to change any other details of your trip please give us a call.
    It is rare that we CANCEL a trip; however, we reserve the right to postpone or cancel trips due to extreme weather conditions (e.g., water or snow conditions) or an insufficient number of reservations.
    Instruction:
    If you must CANCEL your reservation and we are notified at least 7 days before your class date, your payment is eligible for a refund minus a 15% cancellation fee. For reservations cancelled less than 7 days before your class date, we cannot refund any portion of your reservation, including any fees paid. All sales inside of 7 days are final. Cancellations can only be made by calling our offices.
    If you need to RESCHEDULE your reservation you can do so up to 7 days before your class date. A rescheduling fee will be applied per reservation and paid at time of reschedule. You can self-reschedule online via your reservation confirmation. Self-reschedule only allows you to change the date of your reserved class if another date is available. If another date for the same class is not available, then you must call us to process a CANCELLATION.
    It is rare that we CANCEL a class; however, we reserve the right to postpone or cancel trips due to extreme weather conditions (e.g., water or snow conditions) or an insufficient number of reservations.

Trip Experience

  • We offer a range of trips from scenic, family-friendly floats on the Upper Colorado River to more exciting rapids on Clear Creek.

  • Absolutely. Many of our trips are designed for first-time rafters, families, and groups looking for a fun, approachable experience.

  • Trips range from half-day adventures to full-day and overnight experiences (when available).

  • We focus on small-group experiences, professional guides, and a balance of safety, fun, and authentic Colorado adventure.
    In addition, we have a sister company in Fort Collins, CO called Rocky Mountain Adventures, providing rafting trips on the Poudre River. At the rare occurrence a trip needs to be cancelled, we can get you on a trip on another river instead.

Safety and Guides

  • MAD Adventures makes every effort to run safe and exciting trips. On every trip, you will help paddle the raft with your fellow crewmembers. We provide safety and instructional talks before each trip and it is your responsibility to follow the instructions given.
    All outdoor adventure activities, including whitewater rafting, involve elements of risk. If you have any physical concerns, please consult your physician before rafting with us. MAD Adventures does not assume liability for personal injuries or death. You must sign an “acknowledgement of risk participant agreement” form prior to your trip. Please note that a legal guardian must sign for minors, no exceptions.
    Please know that we cannot allow anyone impaired by drugs (legal or illegal), including alcohol, to go on any of our trips. No refund will be made.

  • Yes. Every trip includes a trained, professional guide who leads your group and provides safety instruction.

  • No experience is necessary for most trips. Your guide will walk you through everything before you hit the water.

Age, Weight and Other Requirements

  • Yes. Minimum age varies by trip and river conditions, but some trips allow children as young as 4–6 years old.

  • Participants should be in reasonably good health and able to follow guide instructions. If you have medical concerns, consult your physician before booking.

  • Yes. All participants must sign a liability waiver before the trip. A parent or guardian must sign for minors.

What to Wear and Bring

  • Wear quick-drying clothing like swimsuits or athletic wear. Avoid cotton. Closed-toe shoes or secure sandals are required.

  • Sunscreen
    Water bottle
    Sunglasses with strap
    Towel & change of clothes

  • Yes, getting wet is part of the fun!

Weather and Conditions

  • Trips run rain or shine. Weather in Colorado can change quickly, so dress accordingly.

  • Trips are rarely canceled. In the event of unsafe conditions, we’ll reschedule, provide in-store credit, or refund you.

Logistics and Planning

  • Meeting locations vary depending on your trip (Clear Creek, Upper Colorado, or Winter Park area). Details are provided after booking.

  • Arrive at your scheduled meeting time to allow for check-in, gear fitting, and safety briefing. Late arrivals may miss the trip without refund.

  • Yes! We offer group trips and discounts for larger parties.

Choosing the Right Rapids

  • Whitewater rapids are rated on a scale from Class I to Class V. The right choice depends on your comfort level, experience, and the kind of adventure you’re looking for:

    Class I–II (Beginner / Mild):
    Great for families, first-timers, and anyone looking for a scenic float with light splashes. These trips are more relaxed and focus on enjoying the river and surroundings.

    Class III (Intermediate / Moderate):
    A step up in excitement with bigger waves, more splashing, and active paddling. Perfect if you want a fun, energetic experience without going extreme.

    Class IV (Advanced / Thrilling):
    Fast, powerful rapids with technical sections and continuous action. Best for adventurous guests, strong swimmers, and those ready for a more intense ride.

    Class V (Expert / Extreme):
    Highly technical, demanding rapids with significant risk. These are typically reserved for very experienced rafters and are not part of most commercial trips.

    Not sure what to pick?

    If it’s your first time, most guests start with a Class II or III trip. Our team is happy to recommend the best option based on your group, experience level, and water conditions.

Groups

  • Yes, we do!

    Group size of 10 or more:

    Everyone in the group receives a 10% discount. Group must make one single reservation as a group to receive discount. Groups are subject to same “Cancelation and Refund” policy as all other clients.

    Organizational Groups: Are you looking to book a trip for your business or organization? Call us at 970-726-5290 to see how we may best accommodate your trip with us.

  • You have these important duties as Group Leader:
    Provide Mad Adventures all necessary information about your group. We only accept changes in your group’s reservation from you.

    Inform your group members of all the essential details:

    • Cancellation deadlines
    • Cancellation and Refund Policy
    • Trip safety and liability information
    • Arrival time and location!
    • What to wear
    • Name in which the reservation is made
    • That all changes and payments must be made by you, the group leader
    • That the trip is booked with Mad Adventures and that the phone number is 970-726-5290
    • Read, understand, and agree to the Mad Adventures cancellation and refund policies

Policies and Other Questions

  • Changes may be possible with advance notice, depending on availability. A rescheduling fee will be applied per reservation and paid at time of reschedule. You can self-reschedule online via your reservation confirmation. Self-reschedule only allows you to change the date/time of your reserved trip. If you would like to change any other details of your trip please give us a call.

  • No. Anyone under the influence will not be allowed to participate and will not receive a refund.

  • Yes. We provide all essential rafting gear, including life jackets and helmets.