Cherry Creek

1. I’m not sure if Cherry Creek is for me—what are the most important factors to consider?
2. Do I need to know how to swim?
3. How “in shape” do I need to be?
4. What do you mean by "appropriate height-weight ratio”?
5. I used to work out, but haven't done much lately. I’m carrying a lot of extra pounds. I’m not sure of my physical conditioning... Should l go on Cherry Creek?
6. How much whitewater experience do I need for Cherry Creek?
7. What makes Cherry Creek so unique?
8. How much experience does All-Outdoors have on Cherry Creek?
9. Why is the All-Outdoors Cherry Creek “guide boat” important?
10. Why is the meet time the night before the river trip?
11. Why do Cherry Creek trips cost a bit more?
12. Are their any portages on this trip?
13. What if I reserve the trip but then change my mind at the river or I cannot complete the swim practice?

1. I’m not sure if Cherry Creek is for me—what are the most important factors to consider?
Are you active, not overweight, and comfortable swimming in moving water? Do you have an appropriate height-weight ratio? Are you up for an adventure, a good team player? These are the folks we want to take on Cherry Creek trips. Still not sure if this is the trip for you? Go a bit more in depth to find out whether you are ready for Class 5 rafting.

2. Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes. At a minimum you should be able to easily swim the length of a public swimming pool. After we begin the trip you will practice swimming a short distance across the river in Class II small waves. In addition, in calm water, you will hold your breath and swim under the raft from one side to the other. If you cannot complete this practice, you will be unable to conclude the trip and we do not provide a refund.

3. How “in shape” do I need to be?
You need to be prepared to paddle hard and respond to commands quickly—but you do not need to be a tri-athlete to have a great day on this river. Many of Cherry Creek’s Class V rapids are followed by pools or eddies in which we can re-group and rest before tackling the next series. However, if you're anywhere approaching 250 lbs we need to talk--please call us!

4. What do you mean by "appropriate height-weight ratio”?
People who are very big--whether because of height, weight, or both, often have a difficult time fitting in the boat, have a challenging time balancing and staying in the boats we use on Cherry Creek... a place where staying in the boat is of great importance. We've also found that people who are very large have a harder time getting themselves back in the boat and are challenging for the rest of the team to rescue, putting additional stress on fellow paddlers and river guides. For this reason, 250 lbs is the maximum weight we're comfortable taking on Cherry Creek (and we prefer Cherry Creek paddlers to be well below 250 lbs). Please call us with any specific questions/situations.

5. I used to work out, but haven't done much lately. I’m carrying a lot of extra pounds. I’m not sure of my physical conditioning... Should l go on Cherry Creek?
No.

6. How much whitewater experience do I need for Cherry Creek?
You should have rafted before or have other whitewater/watersport experience.

7. What makes Cherry Creek so unique?
Cherry Creek is much more than a day of challenging whitewater. Our guides love this river because of its unique combination of whitewater, natural beauty, and the opportunity to connect with guests, who consistently tell us they appreciate the same things. Our approach to rafting centers on sharing our love of beautiful places and high adventure. And, we’re one of only two companies that commercially guide Cherry Creek, so each trip feels private and unique.

8. How much experience does All-Outdoors have on Cherry Creek?
AO is one of the most experienced outfitters in California. We have been rafting commercially since 1962, running Cherry Creek since 1988. Our Cherry Creek guides have worked together as a team for over ten years. They have guided rivers throughout the United States as well as internationally. They have led first descent expeditions, train our newer staff, and act as company mentors. Owner Scott Armstrong has been rafting for over 35 years and often guides our Creek trips. As a company, AO consistently runs advanced rivers like the Tuolumne at a greater range of flows than other outfitters.

9. Why is the All-Outdoors Cherry Creek “guide boat” important?
We always have a guide boat or cataraft run in the lead position on our Cherry Creek trips for an added measure of safety, and to create a better guest/guide ratio. Our guests appreciate knowing there is a safety net at the bottom of each rapid as well as the extra on and off water assistance provided by the guide boat staff.

10. Why is the meet time the night before the river trip?
Years of experience tells us that meeting in the morning is just too rushed—we meet at 6 am, get to put-in at 7 am, eat a quick breakfast and get on the river at 8 am. The evening meet time gives both guides and guests the chance to get to know each other and share important information for the next day. We want you to be fully prepared so you have the best possible trip.

11. Why do Cherry Creek trips cost a bit more?
Cherry Creek trips are very resource-intensive, requiring our most experienced guides and the extra guide boat or cataraft. The guest/guide ratio is often as low as 2 to 1. Wetsuits, paddle jackets, two meals, and snacks are included.

12. Are their any portages on this trip?
Yes, there are two rapids we walk around without set trails or walking paths. We walk around and over boulders of various sizes.

13. What if I reserve the trip but then change my mind at the river or I cannot complete the swim practice?
When you reserve this trip, we assume that your skills and abilities align with our guidelines. We will have allocated space and resources on your behalf so we do not provide a refund if you cannot successfully complete the swim practice.