The Eagle River near Vail offers some of the most intense and exciting early-season whitewater rafting in Colorado. The water levels in Dowd Chute are not dam controlled and fluctuate according to weather conditions and spring runoff levels. For this reason, we run the stretch of river each day that offers the best trip appropriate for that day’s water conditions. Dowd Chute is a physically demanding whitewater rafting trip, and all participants must be in excellent health and be strong swimmers; previous whitewater rafting experience recommended. The Gore Creek portion of the trip, when run as seasonally appropriate, starts at Ford Park and runs through the heart of Vail Village. Gore Creek converges with the Eagle River at Dowd Chute, which then runs into the Upper Eagle River.
Telephone: 970.476.1414
Reservations: BOOK NOW
Rating:
Class IV (Advanced, high intensity)
Price:
$105 adults + 8% land use fee
Approximate Trip Time:
4 hours door to door
Season:
May through early July, depending on water conditions
Put In:
Minturn (Dowd Chute) or River Run (Upper Eagle), depending on water conditions
Take Out:
Avon or Edwards, depending on water conditions
Minimum age and weight:
The minimum age for this trip is 16 years old and at least 100 pounds.
Note: These age and weight minimums can vary depending on water level. Please call our offices to discuss age requirements closer to your trip date.
Included:
Refreshments.
Required rafting gear included.
Learn More
What to Wear
Rafting Safety
Paddling Tips
Rafting History: Vail
River Ratings