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Private Colorado River Raft Trips

Guided

Duration: 3 hours

Features

Free Cancellation
Beginner Friendly
Kid Friendly
Instant Book
Locally Owned
Shuttle Included
Private
$850 Rafts
(Each raft holds up to 8 people)

Description

Private Colorado River Rafting Trips

Create the perfect private whitewater rafting trip in Colorado! Private shuttles, private rafts, and custom launch times are available, paired perfectly with our top guides. Raft exclusively with your own party, from arrival at our building to the end of the day, to make your day intimate and special. For our guests who like to avoid the crowds or want a more intimate river experience, we can customize your trip on the Colorado or Roaring Fork Rivers to avoid public encounters or offer your group a private experience. These trips help keep a family reunion family only, a bachelor party private (did we mention alcohol is allowed), or make a special day with loved ones extra special.
These premium priced private trips are each customized to the group and no two are the same. Our private trips can include a few or all of the following:
  1. Private launch time to avoid the crowds and create a more intimate experience
  2. Private shuttle with only your group on board keeping it cozy from start to finish
  3. Private raft(s) with one of our most senior and most requested guides
  4. Custom routes on the river to suit your group
Upgraded catered lunch, pre-stocked coolers, inflatable kayaks and many other custom options are available
Whether you want a private raft, a private trip, or an entirely private facility, we can cater to your needs. Please let us know how we can create the best private river experience for you! Private Raft Trips are offered on a per-raft basis, with each raft holding a maximum of 8 guests. Catering, inflatable kayaks, etc are additional charges.

Private Rafting Trip Options

Check out our rafting trip options, ordered from easiest to hardest, all of which can be offered for private groups:
  1. Short & Mild Rafting Trip
  2. Half-Day Rafting Trip
  3. Full-Day Rafting Trip
  4. Double Shoshone Rafting
  5. Double Shoshone Extreme Rafting

Duration

Our trips range from 2 hours to 6 hours.
All trips meet 45 minutes prior to departure. Private trips are typically offered at 10:00am. 

Location

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

Ages & Requirements

The minimum age varies by trip, but we can accommodate kids as young as 2 on the Short & Mild Trip! Check each trip for specific age requirements. The maximum weight for all trips is 375 lbs.

What's Included

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

Not Included

Upgraded catered lunch, pre-stocked coolers, inflatable kayaks and many other custom options are available.
Full wetsuits, booties, splash jackets, and all other supplies are available in our gift shop for rent or purchase at very reasonable prices.
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.

What to Bring

We recommend guests bring the following items to maximize their fun:
  • Shorts or Swimsuits (Light nylon clothing is best as everything gets wet!)
  • Old Tennis Shoes, sandals, or water shoes (Flip Flops not recommended as they float away!)
  • Windbreaker or Fleece (if cool)
  • Sunscreen/Lip balm
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Water Bottle
  • Change of clothes (for after your trip)
  • Towel (to take a warm shower at our riverside facility after your trip before hopping back in the car)
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!

About the Outfitter

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

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Whitewater Rafting, LLC

FAQs

Which trip is best for my group?

For families with kids under 5 or those looking for a mellow float, the Short & Mild trip will be the perfect option.

The half-day and full-day trips are the best options for groups with a range of ability levels - they're exciting enough to keep experienced rafters entertained, but not too intimidating for first-timers. Opt for the full-day for maximum river time, and a riverside lunch.

The Double Shoshone trips are the most exciting option - perfect for bachelor or bachelorette parties who want maximum whitewater and high adventure!

How many guests does each raft hold?

Each raft holds 8 guests, and this trip is priced per raft.

Do I need to wear a wetsuit?

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.

Do I need previous experience?

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

How safe is rafting?

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!

Is transportation provided?

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!

Will there be photos?

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.

What is the best time of day to raft?

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.

What do I do with my valuables?

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.

Do I need to know how to swim?

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

Can I bring my pet?

Pets are not permitted on any of the trips.

Do you raft in all weather?

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.

When does the Colorado River run?

Great question! Check out our guide to the seasonality of Colorado rivers for an overview of when rivers are running, difficulty, locations, and more.

Cancellation Policy

  1. Cancellations made 24hrs or more before departure are fully refundable.
  2. Cancellations within 24hrs of departure are refundable less $20/person.
  3. Cancellations within 2hrs of departure are not refundable.
  4. Late arrivals, within 15mins of departure, may be bumped to the next available departure without refund.
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Availability

May 2025

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Location

Address

Glenwood Springs, CO,

US

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