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River Ratings

This is the American version of a rating system used to compare river difficulty throughout the world. American Whitewater stresses that no rating system is exact. Paddlers should always consult a current guidebook or obtain first-hand descriptions of river status.

The Five Classes

Class I – Easy

Fast-moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.

 

Class II – Novice.

Straight forward, easy rapids. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed by paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed. 

Class III – Intermediate.

Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid. Maneuvers in fast current and good boat control is often required; large waves, capable of capsizing a boat may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers.  Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims. 

Class IV – Advanced.

Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. Rapids may require “must make” moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting may be necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential and requires practiced skills.

Class V – Expert.

Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. 

At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is recommended but may be difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is often difficult even for experts. A very reliable eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential.

River Rafting Reviews and Red River Adventure Testimonials!

Mike Florczak
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Mike Florczak
July 7, 2025

Great driver, great guide who was super friendly, great explanations, swam in river, awesome time!

McKenzie Barnes Platt
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McKenzie Barnes Platt
July 7, 2025

Fun time with a great guide!

John Coleman
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John Coleman
July 6, 2025

Aaron our guide was great! The family loved our trip. So glad we did the full day vs the 1/2 day. (Tip- don’t call a raft trip that ends 2:30-3:00 a “full day” trip)

Trevor Massey
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Trevor Massey
July 6, 2025

Jenna was our guide and was wonderful. The trip was great, we moved a good pace and finished on time. The lunch was really nice and simple. Everyone one in my group thoroughly enjoyed it as well. Thank you.

Charles Songy
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Charles Songy
July 5, 2025

Good place to take a rafting trip with. All of the staff was very friendly and helpful. Our guide, John was great! Kept us going and also engaged us in conversation. Rapids were a little less strong, but that's nothing that they have control over. A great experience!

Courtney Bonthuis
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Courtney Bonthuis
July 5, 2025

What a great first experience white water rafting! Jenna was fantastic and the whole crew was funny yet professionals. Our three boys loved it and can’t wait to go again!

Michelle Hall
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Michelle Hall
July 5, 2025

Super friendly staff, our guide Savannah was kind and informative. Such a beautiful rafting journey! We were graced with a wonderful 4th of July experience, as Red River really knows how to do it right.

K 3102
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K 3102
July 5, 2025

The river was a bit mild that day. So we enjoyed the picturesque scenery as we padd)ed. It was a beautiful cloudy day so we saw many herons, 3 otters playing, 2 American bald eagles, and a family of mountain goats on the red rocks way above us. The guides were great... and funny! MKHtravel

Cathy Hollister
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Cathy Hollister
July 4, 2025

I have been whitewater rafting for 42 years. This river trip was wonderful! The rapids are very mild. The scenery is unsurpassed! 😍 I chose this full day float as a special way to experience the beautiful red rock, we spotted River Otters and Bighorn Sheep! The bus driver and guides were all fun and engaging, while totally professional. When I return to the area, I will do this again with Red River.

Morgan Turley
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Morgan Turley
July 3, 2025

Great experience! John was our guide and he was such chill dude. Seamless experience, would recommend!

Ethan Busch
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Ethan Busch
July 3, 2025

Really fun and the hosts were nice and very funny I’d recommend it

John Lucas
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John Lucas
July 3, 2025

Anna and the group of guides, fhe bus driver and everyone at Red River did a great job and I highly recommend Red River. We did the 6 hour trip with lunch and it was outstanding

Ronald Dunleavy
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Ronald Dunleavy
July 3, 2025

We did a half day Green River rafting adventure. Jenna was awesome! Trip was informative, entertaining and fun! Highly recommend! Red River Rocks!

Shane Donnelly
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Shane Donnelly
July 3, 2025

Our guide Emily was funny and awesome. Highly recommend booking with this company.

Sophie Squirrell
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Sophie Squirrell
July 1, 2025

I had a really wonderful time doing a half day rock climbing experience. Carl was an expert guide and explained everything really clearly as I was a beginner. I felt very safe and Carl was a great coach with made me get the most out of the experience. I will never forget the great view from the top. I would highly recommend using red river adventures

Suzie Simon
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Suzie Simon
July 1, 2025

Sam was a great guide!! Would definitely recommend. Would like to have more white water

Elizabeth Chingren NE-Omaha
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Elizabeth Chingren NE-Omaha
July 1, 2025

Our guide Nathan was great! He was so patient with the little boy in our group who was so scared on the big repel. We all made it out alive 😂 He pointed out interesting sites and taught us about the plants along the way.

Kendall Lyons
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Kendall Lyons
June 30, 2025

Awesome company and great river guides! Very satisfied with this company!

L M
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L M
June 30, 2025

Shout out to Sam! She was our guide for the afternoon and we had a blast! She was very professional and informative about the area as well as keeping us all safe. Thank you, Sam and Red River Adventures for a fun river experience. 😃🛶

Renee Anderley
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Renee Anderley
June 30, 2025

We did the Bow and Arrow Canyoneering trip. We had Nathan as our guide and the experience was fantastic. It was a highlight for my 3 teenagers.

Mark Loucks
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Mark Loucks
June 30, 2025

The family and I absolutely had a fabulous time. The folks at Red River Adventures are all friendly, witty, and fun. A big shout out to our guide Jena who made this a wonder morning float, very knowledgeable, professional and fun. we were in good hands. Would recommend Red River to anyone and would definitely do another adventure with them.

Trip Segars
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Trip Segars
June 29, 2025

A relaxing float down the river, with lots of in the water time. Our guide, Jon, made it really enjoyable.

Sean Miller
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Sean Miller
June 29, 2025

The guides were great, engaging, kind, and cute their presentations and directions. Loved our time with Genna, Savannah, Monarch Butterflies, and BIG HORN SHEEP!!

Kelly K
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Kelly K
June 29, 2025

Great staff! Fun, professional, informative. Safe transport. Great driver. Well maintained equipment. Fun experience!

Clare Ashford
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Clare Ashford
June 28, 2025

We had a wonderful time on the Colorado River! Our guides were knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Our 10 yr old loved it and said he can’t wait to go back. I would recommend this trip to any families visiting Moab!

Crystal Anderson
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Crystal Anderson
June 27, 2025

This trip was amazing and perfect for our first time river rafting! The guides and other staff were super helpful and pleasantly entertaining!! I would highly recommend Red River Adventures to all ages and am all-around super impressed!

Aris Burcham
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Aris Burcham
June 27, 2025

Sam is an amazing guide and I had a lovely time. Thanks so much for the great afternoon adventure!

Jeremy Lindgren
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Jeremy Lindgren
June 27, 2025

Emily was an amazing guide! Very knowledgeable and super fun! Would definitely recommend!!

Paul Larsen
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Paul Larsen
June 27, 2025

Great rafting trip! Guide was fantastic and knew a ton of interesting facts about the river, wildlife and things to see. Will be back for sure!

Jacque Lake
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Jacque Lake
June 26, 2025

Red river company was wonderful! Zero complaints and the guides were great but the actual route only hit level two and the rapids are far apart. Nothing the company could do to change that and all the team was excellent and respectful, kind, genuine and will make you laugh.

Maureen Rosner
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Maureen Rosner
June 26, 2025

Beautiful rafting trip! Guides were wonderful 😁

Delice Bolotin
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Delice Bolotin
June 24, 2025

Guides were very good about explaining everything and making sure people were safe. Had a great time. Savannah was terrific.

Phoebe Schroeder
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Phoebe Schroeder
June 24, 2025

This was my girls’ (10 & 7) first rafting experience and they’re ready for more! Due to high winds it was the most I’ve ever had to paddle, but that’s obviously no fault of anyone. We did the fisher’s towers half day trip that was recommended on their website for ages 5+. It was very tame and if your kids are adventurous I would consider looking at some other sections. That being said, our guide Jonathon did a wonderful job keeping the kids entertained as he challenged them to a couple of games. They enjoyed sitting on the front of the raft and how much fun they were having was apparent in their similes. Thank you!

Juan Carlos Millon
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Juan Carlos Millon
June 24, 2025

This was our first time canyoneering and Nate made my daughters and I feel very safe during the entire process. We had some much fun, got over some fears and loved every second. Highlight our our trip to Moab. Thank you Red river adventures.

Brian Kohnlein
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Brian Kohnlein
June 23, 2025

The half day tour was so much fun! The guides were great.

Jessica Mancill
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Jessica Mancill
June 23, 2025

Our guide Savannah was fun and engaging. She was confident in leading us through the rapids. We had a great time!

Allie McIntire
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Allie McIntire
June 23, 2025

I have done the half day rafting trip twice, and have had a great experience both times! The guides know what they are doing and make it super fun!

Carla Richey
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Carla Richey
June 23, 2025

We had a great half day trip rafting! Our guide Anna was friendly and the whole staff was fun and knowledgeable. The half day trip was the right amount for our kids aged 7-15 who had never rafted before.

E J
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E J
June 23, 2025

Had an amazing trip up to the Longbow Arch with Mary as our guide. She was incredibly knowledgeable about rope systems, climbing, and the area’s history. She was very encouraging and helped one of our team fight through her fears and repel 140ft on her first time. Our whole group rated the trip as. 10-10.

Carissa S
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Carissa S
June 23, 2025

Amazing canyoneering trip with our 3 kids! Chase was so helpful & informative, and made our trip a blast.

Amy Norris
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Amy Norris
June 22, 2025

Great day and amazing staff! Was a very fun experience

Colleen Ranieri
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Colleen Ranieri
June 22, 2025

Chase guided my fiancé and I through the Rock of Ages Canyoneering hike and he was a wonderful guide! We were new to rapelling, but we felt safe with him the entire time. He was also very upbeat, polite, and provided us with great recommendations for the area for our visit. Would book again with Chase!

Robert James
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Robert James
June 22, 2025

Chase was a wonderful and informative guide. We had a phenomenal time with the difficult hike, which was a blast. We got excellent coaching throughout the process. A great time, beautiful views, but maybe not so much for the faint of heart!!

Nick Boyce
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Nick Boyce
June 22, 2025

Great family friendly trip, did the 1/2 day morning trip. All the guides were super friendly and helpful.

Bill G
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Bill G
June 21, 2025

Adam was an amazing guide funny, patient, with teaching new repellers and amazing with kids

Sheila Frost
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Sheila Frost
June 21, 2025

Great intro to white water rafting. Our 9 year old had a blast. Staff were friendly and genuine. I highly recommend!

im_maya
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im_maya
June 20, 2025

We had so much fun and our guides were super chill!

MEgan Z
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MEgan Z
June 20, 2025

We had John as our tour guide, he was great! Great attention to details, he made sure we were safe and taken care of! He had a great time talking with him down the river. 10/10 recommend especially for families

Kristy Jones (Smiley)
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Kristy Jones (Smiley)
June 20, 2025

Sebastian was a great guide. We had a blast! It was a perfect first rafting trip for our family.

Stephanie Younger
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Stephanie Younger
June 19, 2025

Nate was our guide was he was amazing! He made us feel safe, comfortable and showed us a great time. He was so patient and kind and we left with having a great experience. Would recommend 100%!