Pacifico Down River R2 Raft Sprint

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

Identical in format to the Down River Kayak and SUP Sprints, the Pacifico R2 Raft Sprint is a 4-4.5-mile raft race (two person rafts) on the Class I-III whitewater of the Colorado River from the put in at Pumphouse Recreation Area to the take out at Radium Recreation Area. With a rally race format, rafters drop at timed intervals and teams will be racing against the clock.

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

9:00 AM – Wave 1
11:00 AM – Wave 2
12:30 PM – Wave 3

CATEGORIES:

Open – Team of 2
Women – Team of 2*

• Due to boat restrictions, we will run 3 waves of 12 teams. This event will be capped at 36 teams.
• *A minimum of 6 women’s teams must be registered in order to have a Women’s category. If this number is not reached all teams will race in the Open division with one award ceremony.
• Minimum age to compete is 14 years old based on the athlete’s age on event day, June 6, 2026. 

mandatory EQUIPMENT:

• RAFTS
  • Raft specifications are as follows: Hyside 10.5 Mini-Max.
  • A limited number of Hyside 10.5 Mini-Max rafts will be available for competitors needing a raft. 
    • Competitors needing a raft MUST make this request on the registration form.
    • Competitors may bring their own Hyside 10.5 Mini-Max raft. No shredders allowed.
• ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
  • Athletes must wear competitor bibs outside their PFD at all times.
    • Bibs will be collected at the end of the race.
  • Coast Guard / ISO approved PFD
  • Helmet
  • Protective footwear
  • Throw-bag
  • Paddles
    • Organizers encourage athletes to bring their own paddles, but paddles will be available if needed.

recommended EQUPMENT:

Dry-suit, wetsuit, or splash pants.

course:

• The Pacifico Down River R2 Raft Sprint is for Class II-III boaters.
• The course is on the Colorado River and is approximately 4-4.5 miles long.
• All athletes should be aware that all competitions take place in mountain rivers which may have challenging conditions such as underwater obstacles, unseen hazards, rocks, debris and vegetation.

FORMAT, RULES & INFORMATION:

• When registering, rafters MUST select a wave and must adhere to that wave start time.
  • 9:00 AM – Wave 1
  • 11:00 AM – Wave 2
  • 12:30 PM – Wave 3
• Athletes should arrive at the put-in no less than 45 minutes before their race wave start time to go through a gear check, attend a safety meeting and pick up their competition bib. The safety meeting times are:
  • 8:15 AM – Wave 1
  • 10:15 AM – Wave 2
  • 11:45 AM – Wave 3
• Paddlers who lose their equipment and require a rescue of any kind and/or appear to be excessively struggling and/or swimming will be pulled from the course by our safety team. Paddlers who lose their gear and exit the river will receive a DNF.
• If a raft is being overtaken by another “faster” raft from behind, they must yield to the faster/overtaking raft in a safe and respectful manner. This will not affect a penalty or DQ unless the raft being overtaken uses blocking or any kind of unsporting conduct.
• The race is run in time trial format.
• Final race rules and format will be available during the safety meeting.
• Event organizers and whitewater rescue teams are not responsible for equipment rescue and/or equipment removal from the GoPro Mountain Games whitewater courses should athletes lose their equipment during practice or competition.
• Athletes are encouraged to use reef safe sunscreen during all competitions.

directions to put in:

From Vail, take I-70 West to Exit 157 at Wolcott, then head north on CO-131. Continue to State Bridge, turn left onto Trough Road (CR 1), follow for approximately 10 miles, then turn left into the Pumphouse Recreation Site.
Please allow 60–75 minutes to reach the race start.

parking:

Ample parking is available at the Pumphouse Recreation Site and Radium Recreation Area; however, athletes are encouraged to carpool. Daily parking fees apply at both locations, and participants are responsible for all associated costs.

GoPro Mountain Games shuttles will operate between the two parking areas, allowing athletes to park in either lot. Athletes who drop boats at Pumphouse and then drive to Radium to park may take the shuttle back to the put-in. Those who park at Pumphouse may take a shuttle at the end of the race to return to their vehicles.

Athletes are encouraged to arrive early and allow extra time for parking and shuttle logistics. Please note that cell service in this area is limited.

*River conditions will be continually monitored, and these events are subject to change as the event draws closer. Download the Mountain Games app and turn on notifications to receive the latest updates.

2025 RESULTS

RESULTS ARCHIVE

PRICE

EARLY BIRD PRICING  // February 4 – April 1, 2026
$80/boat

STANDARD PRICING // April 2 – May 26, 2026
$85/boat

FOMO PRICING // May 27 – June 5, 2026
$100/boat

*The first person that registers will serve as the captain and pay the full entry fee. All teams must have both team members registered by Wednesday, May 27 at 6:00 PM. 

ALL ATHLETES RECEIVE:

• Athlete Bag with GoPro Mountain Games gear 
• Discounted Mountains of Music tickets [All shows at The Amp] 
• 3-Day Pass to the Athlete Lounge  
• Chance to enter the UNVEIL IN VAIL daily prize giveaway 

PAYOUT

Total Prize Purse: $3,000*

OPEN
1st – $750 ($375 per person)
2nd – $500 ($250 per person)
3rd – $250 ($125 per person)

WOMEN*
1st – $750 ($375 per person)
2nd – $500 ($250 per person)
3rd – $250 ($125 per person)

* A minimum of 6 women’s teams must be registered in order to have a women’s category. If this number is not reached all teams will race in the Open division with one award ceremony.

PRIZES

Prizes to be determined.