Blue Sky Rafting marks 50 years of adventure in Glenwood Springs

From operating out of the old gas station at Grizzly Creek to becoming the “confluence of adventure in the Roaring Fork Valley,” Blue Sky Rafting has had courtside seats to the evolution of Glenwood Springs over the past 50 years. 

The first guided rafting company in the Glenwood Springs area is celebrating its 50th anniversary of helping the community and visitors experience the region’s unmatched outdoor opportunities.

To mark the milestone, Blue Sky is offering discounted raft trips, half-off photo packages, retro 50th anniversary gear at its downtown Glenwood Springs location, and more throughout the season.

“We are going to do a huge 50th anniversary celebration on July 12,” said Patrick Drake, a Glenwood Springs native and co-owner of Blue Sky Rafting. “We are inviting anyone and everyone who has had ties to Blue Sky over the years to our private takeout in West Glenwood. We’ll also be doing different specials and activities throughout the season.”

Drake said photo packages will be 50% off all summer to celebrate the occasion.

“We have customers who come back after 25 years and can tell you exactly who their guide was and the story behind the trip,” he said. “Being able to share memories in that way is very special.”

Drake and his business partner, longtime Blue Sky guide Geoffrey Olson, became second-generation owners in 2007 after purchasing the company from Pat and Gary Hanson. They’ve carried on the “customer-first” philosophy that the Hansons established.

“Glenwood Springs is known for its welcoming and friendly atmosphere,” said founder Gary Hanson. “The entire rafting business depends on relationships — with customers, with other businesses, with the community. It’s a network of everyone working together for the benefit of Glenwood Springs. As with any business, customer service should always be the top priority.”

Though the Hansons are no longer running the day-to-day operations, they still see the company as a part of themselves — and they’re proud to see it thriving after five decades.

“I don’t think you ever lose the passion and protective attitude you have for the river,” Gary Hanson said. “The current owners have the same mindset, and they’ve helped Blue Sky stay relevant as times change.”

Drake said putting community first has never been a question.

“It’s just the lasting way to build a business,” he said. “Pat and Gary Hanson started Blue Sky in 1975 with those values at the foundation. That’s an integral part of our company, and continuing that legacy is important.”

Blue Sky began as a modest rafting company at Grizzly Creek and has since grown into a pillar of Glenwood’s tourism economy. The company spent more than 40 years operating out of the Hotel Colorado — taking over Glenwood Canyon Bikes during that time — before moving to its current home on West Sixth Street.

“It’s bigger than our company,” Drake said. “Our mission is to make sure Glenwood Springs not only lives up to being an attractive tourist destination, but also that we’re holding true to our local community.”

In recent years, Blue Sky has expanded its brand under the parent company Hanging Lake Adventure Co-op. In partnership with other Glenwood businesses, the goal is to create a seamless, all-in-one experience for visitors planning a full day of activities.

“It helps facilitate access for visitors to work with other partners,” Drake said. “That’s our ultimate goal—a cooperative where people can book everything they need to plan a complete Glenwood Springs adventure.”

The more businesses that participate, the more cost-effective the experience becomes for guests, he added.

“It allows for savings, extra benefits, and bundled packages,” Drake said. “People can go online and find the confluence of adventure in the Roaring Fork Valley. We serve such a diverse community, and they’re not just looking for rafting when they come here. Being able to offer so many activities is awesome.”