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Family Float - Private Arkansas River Scenic Rafting

Guided

Duration: 2 hours

Features

Private
Free Cancellation
Beginner Friendly
Kid Friendly
Instant Book
Shuttle Included
Locally Owned
$110 Private Tour for 2
(Price per person)
$100 Private Tour for 3
(Price per person)
$90 Private Tour for 4
(Price per person)
$80 Private Tour for 5+
(Price per person)

Description

Private Colorado Family Rafting Trip - Scenic Arkansas River Float

Enjoy a gentle and relaxing rafting experience on one of the mildest sections of the Arkansas River, perfect for first-time rafters, families, and anyone looking for a scenic float. This Class I-II stretch offers calm waters with occasional small riffles, making it an excellent choice for those who want to soak in the beauty of the river without the challenge of big rapids. It's a gentle excursion that allows you to take in the beautiful surroundings from the unique view of the Arkansas River, the Family Float is perfect for those seeking some quality time in nature.
Surrounded by stunning views of the Collegiate Mountains, you'll float past open valleys while keeping an eye out for deer, birds of prey, and other native wildlife. The easygoing pace allows for relaxation, conversation, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the Arkansas River.
Ideal for young kids, multi-generational groups, or those new to rafting, this trip offers the perfect blend of scenic beauty and mild adventure, making for an unforgettable day on the water.
This adventure is operated as a Private Tour. What does that mean?
  1. You'll have your very own raft(s) and guide(s), and you won't be paired with anyone else not in your group
  2. Your personal guide will greet you after check-in and will be with you through the entire adventure
  3. They'll cater the experience, the conversation, and the adventure level to your desires
  4. You'll enjoy action photos of just your party
Your Group. Your Guide. Your Adventure!

Duration

- Allow Up to 2 Hours (time may vary depending on conditions)
- Departure Time: 11:00am
- Check-in time is 45 minutes prior to departure

Location / Where to Meet

Buena Vista Rafting Outpost
The outpost is just 2 miles south of Buena Vista, CO.

Ages & Requirements

  • Minimum age is 5 years old

What's Included

  1. FREE Wetsuit Package! Wetsuit, Splash Jacket, & River Shoes.
  2. Experienced guides
  3. Shuttle to & from the river

Not Included

  1. Lunch
  2. Photos (available for purchase after your trip)
  3. Gratuity

What to Wear & Bring:

Come prepared with a swimsuit and quick-drying shorts and sandals with a heel strap or tennis shoes you don’t mind getting wet. For cooler days, it’s a good idea to bring some extra layers, but be sure to avoid cotton as it will keep you cold and wet. We have modern and comfortable equipment (wetsuits, river shoes, and splash jackets) that are included at no extra charge.
  • Swimsuit
  • Quick-Drying Clothes (no cotton, no denim)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Dry Clothes & Towel for after your trip
  • Additional money for items such as guide gratuity, photos, and souvenirs.

Private Colorado Rafting Tours

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY American Adventure Expeditions

FAQs

When does the Arkansas River run?

Great question! The Arkansas River typically runs from May through August. Check out our guide to the seasonality of Colorado rivers for an overview of when rivers are running, difficulty, locations and more.

Do I need to know how to swim?

All of our guests are fitted with Coast Guard approved Type V life jackets that are designed to keep you afloat in the event that you find your self out of the raft. However, swimmers are more comfortable in the water and having this skill greatly increases your ability to get out of the river if you find yourself in the water. The question you need to ask yourself is if the boat tips over or you fall out, will you be able to get yourself to shore or back to the boat without assistance? All rafters must be willing and able to participate in their own self-rescue.

What does the free wetsuit package include?

FREE Wetsuit Package included on all trips!

- Wetsuit - Stretchy 2mm neoprene keeps your core warm without unnecessary bulk.

- Splash Jacket - Urethane coated nylon jacket with neoprene neck and wrist gaskets to help with the splash.

- River Shoes - Neoprene boots that keep your feet warm, comfortable, and well protected.

How many people go in a raft?

All of our rafts can comfortably accommodate seven guests and one guide. You do not need to fill a raft to sign up.

Can I bring my camera, or will you have photos available?

If your camera is not waterproof, we do not recommend bringing it on the trip as it will get wet! However, reusable waterproof cameras are available for sale in our retail shop and are ideal for taking on rafting trips. Also, please keep in mind that Arkansas Valley Digital Imaging will be taking multiple shots of your raft during your trip, which will be available for viewing and purchase immediately following your trip.

What if the weather is bad?

Our trips leave as scheduled, rain or shine. In the event of extreme weather conditions, we do reserve the right to alter your trip.

Are gratuities acceptable?

Yes. Gratuities for guides are acceptable and greatly appreciated. A typical gratuity can range from 10-20% of the cost of the experience and can be given in cash directly to the guide or left on a credit card in our retail shop.

Can we purchase souveniers after the trip?

Absolutely! We have a beautiful first-class retail shop stocked with a wide variety of t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, snacks, drinks, etc as well as photos of you and your group on the river….come on in!

Is rafting safe?

As with any outdoor activity, there are inherent risks. Although safety cannot be guaranteed, the entire American Adventure Expeditions staff makes your safety their top priority and it shows!

Cancellation Policy

For groups of fewer than 10 guests:
Cancellations made more than 72 hours prior to the departure of the trip will receive a full refund. Any requested changes to a trip departure time, date, or river section made more than 72 hours prior to the originally scheduled departure will not result in any additional charges, but will be subject to availability.
Once you are within 72 hours of the scheduled trip departure, no changes may be made to trip departure time, date, or river section, and if you or anyone in your party needs to cancel for any reason, you will receive no refund.
For groups of 10 or more guests:
Cancellations made more than 1 week prior to the departure of the trip will receive a full refund. Any requested changes to a trip departure time, date, or river section made more than 1 week prior to the originally scheduled departure will not result in any additional charges, but will be subject to availability.
Once you are within 1 week of the scheduled trip departure, no changes may be made to trip departure time, date, or river section, and if you or anyone in your party needs to cancel for any reason, you will receive no refund.
It is your responsibility to be at your trip’s designated office at the scheduled check-in time. There are no exceptions to this policy so please remember to account for weather conditions, traffic, construction, etc.
We reserve the right to alter your scheduled trip without notice or allowance for refund. Please note that no refunds or credits will be given if your trip is altered in any way due to water levels.
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Availability

May 2025

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Location

Address

12844 US 24/285

Buena Vista, CO, 81211

US

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