FAQ’s & Safety

Important Information on Rafting in Colorado

MAD Adventures makes every effort to run safe and exciting trips, but all trips carry inherent risks. On most of our trips, 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 “acknowledgment of risk participant agreement” form prior to your trip. Visit here to read more or download the Participant Agreement. Please let us know if you have any questions. Please note that a legal guardian must sign for minors, with 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 if you are turned away.

As a participating board member for the Colorado River Outfitters Association (CROA), MAD Adventures recommends everyone in your group view the CROA Safety Video prior to arriving at our office.

FOR INFORMATION RELATED TO COVID-19 PLEASE CLICK HERE

Rafting Clothing Wear quick-drying clothes such as nylon shorts, swimsuits, and T-shirts. A sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses can be useful. You might want to bring along rain gear and a sweater or jacket. Footwear: shoes or sandals (with straps) that will stay on your feet are required.  No flip-flops, crocs, or boots are allowed. For cool days and early season, splash jackets, wetsuits, and booties are available for rent.

Cash is handy for souvenirs, refreshments, and for tipping your guide.

Please note we make every effort to not split up groups between boats, but many factors play into boat assignments and sometimes groups may be split between boats.  For our Upper Colorado half-day trips we plan on a max of 10 customers per boat.  On the Full Day trips we typically limit each boat to 8 customers.

The water on Clear Creek can be cold even when the air temperature is very warm so consider wearing a splash jacket, wetsuit, and booties to make the trip more comfortable. On days the water and temperature are warm wear quick-drying Rafting Clothing such as nylon shorts, a swimsuit, and T-shirt. Bring rain gear, a sweater or jacket, a change of clothes, tennis shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Early season plan on a wetsuit or the equivalent. Wetsuits are available and included free to charge on Clear Creek trips. Splash jackets and booties are available for rent.

Cash is handy for souvenirs, refreshments, and tipping your guide.

Please note we make every effort to not split up groups between boats, but many factors play into boat assignments and sometimes groups may be split between boats.  We plan for approx 6 to 7 customers per boat.  Please note that as water levels drop over the season we will have as few as 4 customers per boat.

MAD Adventures will provide you with a dry bag in which to store your gear. You will receive this bag during your check-in and you can transfer your gear into it. Because space on rafts is limited and things can still get wet, avoid packing unnecessary items. MAD Adventures is not responsible for damaged items. Your packing list:

  • Swimsuit or shorts
  • T-shirts
  • Sunglasses with a strap
  • Laced tennis shoes or river sandals that attach securely to your feet
  • Camp shoes (dry shoes not worn on the river)
  • Warm jacket or windbreaker
  • Wool or synthetic sweater
  • Long-sleeved shirts
  • Long pants (for camp)
  • Rain gear
  • Flashlight
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Toiletries
  • Small Towel
  • Insect Repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Extra cash for last-minute items