Half Day Rafting Trip

Rafting Glenwood Canyon on the Colorado River is a perfect Class III whitewater rafting adventure. Come enjoy the excitement and thrills of the Shoshone rapids including Baptism, Tuttle’s Tumble, Tombstone, The Wall, and Maneater combined with the magnificent beauty of Glenwood Canyon on the Colorado River.

This 3 hour rafting trip meets at our river front facility, and is the most popular section to raft on the Colorado River. Heading up river about 9 miles to the Shoshone Rapids in Glenwood Canyon on the Colorado River, we get off to an exciting start as we navigate the class III(IV) rapids including The Wall, Tombstone, Maneater, Pinball, and many more. The river gradually begins to mellow out and your guide will educate you on the incredible history of Glenwood Canyon and the Colorado River. At lower fall flows, natural hot springs flow right into the river and we can stop and soak. Your trip will end right back at our private river ramp at our facility, where you can walk from the raft, to your car and belongings, and immediately view photos from your trip.

3 hours in total, 2.5 hours on the water

All trips meet 45 minutes prior to departure. During peak season (Memorial Day through August 20) there are multiple departures are available each day: 9am, 12pm, 1pm, and 4pm (4pm begins mid-June). During early and late season, standard trip times are 10:00am and 1:30pm. 

All trips meet at our location in Glenwood Springs, CO, which is about 2.75 hours from DIA, 1 hour from Vail and Aspen.

Minimum age 5 (13 and older on Shoshone when class IV), minimum weight 30 lbs, max weight 375 lbs.

We provide all safety equipment and necessary gear including life jackets/PFDs and helmets.Shuttles to and from our facility are also included. 

Full wetsuits, booties, splash jackets, and all other supplies are available in our gift shop for rent or purchase at very reasonable prices.

Lunch is not included. You are welcome to bring your own snacks or we have a great selection of munchies in our gift shop for that quick pick me up after the river. 

We offer professional grade photos of every raft on every trip, usually 20-40 shots of each raft. Immediately following your trip all photos will be on display and offered for sale. Photos are conveniently hosted on a private webpage where you can share, download or print your photos at full resolution with no restrictions.

We recommend guests bring the following items to maximize their fun:

DO NOT BRING any electronics such as smart phones, digital cameras, car keys or anything you would not want to get wet. These items have a tendency to be taken into the depths of the mighty Colorado! Please leave these items in your car and we will be happy to hold your car keys while you enjoy your trip!

The minimum age is age 5 including, with a minimum of 30 pounds. The maximum weight is 375 pounds. 

Rafts hold 8 guests, so if your group is 4 remember you’ll be paired with other guests. You do not need to book a full raft to participate. Everyone paddles while your guide maintains complete control over the vessel with our stern mounted rowing frame.

During May and most of June many of our guests will raft in our wetsuit outfits. From mid-June onward in the season most guests will raft in shorts and T-shirts. Hats, sunscreen, a water bottle and shoes that would stay on in the event of a swim are always good ideas. Heavy cotton like jeans or sweaters perform poorly and are not recommended.

No previous experience is required! This is a great trip for first-time rafters.

While there is an inherent risk in rafting, we have an impeccable safety record as each of our guides is fully certified by state and US Forest Service regulations. This includes CPR, First Aid, and extensive on-river training maneuvers. Most of our trips are perfectly suitable for families and beginners as long as you are willing to get wet! Even non-swimmers can participate! 

Yes, complimentary transportation is provided to and from the raft launch and pick-up sites. We also provide complimentary shuttle service from any local (Glenwood Springs) accommodations or the Amtrak station. After booking, just call to arrange your pick-up!

We offer professional grade photos of every raft on every trip, usually 20-40 shots of each raft. Immediately following your trip all photos will be on display and offered for sale. Photos are conveniently hosted on a private webpage where you can share, download or print your photos at full resolution with no restrictions.

We have almost limitless sunny days here in Glenwood Springs. Typical in-season daytime highs are in the 80s. Our afternoon trips may see an occasional thundershower, but normally a break from the heat and sun is welcome. Our noon and 1pm launch times are the most popular.

For those rare rainy days we provide rain gear and have full wetsuits available for anyone who may tend to chill easily. We guarantee our trip departure so come rain or shine, we go out regardless. However, you have the right to cancel or change your trip due to inclement weather, 24 hours prior to the trip departure, with no penalty.

We don’t recommend bringing any valuables on the trip as they are subject to getting wet or lost. There is no need for any money while on the river. We have lockers available in our offices for car keys and valuables. We cannot assume responsibility for property loss or damage.

No. You are not required to know how to swim for our Half Day Rafting Trip. However, you will get splashed! Please notify your guide if you are a non-swimmer.

No. Lunch is not included. You are welcome to bring your own snacks or we have a great selection of munchies in our gift shop for that quick pick me up after the river. For (30+) very large groups custom catering options exist at reasonable prices.

Pets are not permitted on any of the trips. 

Yes we do, but you don’t have to. We never cancel trips due to rain, hail, or snow, but you are free to cancel anytime including at departure time with no fees due to weather.

No. Well technically 2 people, but if you have a reservation we’ll take you rafting! We never cancel!

Whitewater Rafting, LLC has been operating on the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs, CO continuously since 1974. In 1998, we moved to our current riverfront headquarters in Glenwood Springs just below the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers. In 2022, the company was purchased by Thomas and Jenny Carter from Erik and Phoebe Larsson. We look forward to continuing the family business tradition for another 40 years!

“We spend every day of the season at our boathouse, open to close, to ensure the best time for anyone that visits. We want every customer that joins us to be a part of our community, both in the building and out on the river. We strive to protect our beautiful canyons, rivers, and forests, so we can show you the beauty by a raft. Each day we strive to give our guests the best day of their summer, and each of our guides, the best summer of their lives!” -Thomas Carter, Owner