logo
  • Activity preview
  • Activity preview
  • Activity preview

Short & Mild Rafting Trip

Guided

Duration: 2 hours

Features

Free Cancellation
Beginner Friendly
Kid Friendly
Shuttle Included
Instant Book
Locally Owned
$70 Adult
(13 and up only)
$65 Child
(12 and under)

Description

Best Beginner Colorado River Rafting Trip for Families

Looking for a trip but have kids under age 5? Our Short & Mild Rafting Trip through South Canyon is great for anyone seeking a milder experience or trying rafting for the first time. This fun, scenic float with our experienced guides will keep everyone happy and safe. Easy class II rapids are a great introduction for young children or those who just want to enjoy the scenic beauty of the river without getting soaked! 
We meet at our riverside facility before heading down the Colorado River. Our experienced guides pilot 16’ rafts capable of carrying 8 guests through roughly 7 miles of beautiful scenery. The most exciting rapid, South Canyon, can be up to class III during June runoff, but it's not too intimidating for young kids and first-timers. Expect just the right amount of splash to add some excitement to your relaxing float!
After about 1.5hrs of float time, it’s just a 12 minute shuttle ride back home, making this the perfect primer to river experiences. Launch site and take-out are subject to change due to water conditions but will always contain scenic views and a beautiful Class II float.

Duration

2 hours
Times & Departures
  1. Memorial Day Weekend to August 20th: 9am and 1pm daily
  2. Early/Late Season: 1:30pm only
All trips meet 45 minutes prior to departure.

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

This trip is open to families with children as young as 2 years old. For families with children age 5 and older, we recommend the Half-Day Rafting Trip.
There is no minimum weight. Maximum weight 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

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.

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

How many guests does each raft hold?

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.

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 Half Day Rafting Trip. However, you will get splashed! Please notify your guide if you are a non-swimmer.

Is lunch provided?

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.

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.

Do you have a minimum number of people required to launch?

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

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.
Read more
Read more

Availability

May 2025

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

Reviews

Location

Address

Glenwood Springs, CO,

US

ASK THE LOCAL EXPERT

Reserve

✔️Easy, secure, instant booking

✔️No extra fees

✔️Book directly with top-rated outfitters

adventure

Discover 5,000+ handpicked human powered adventures.

connect

Book directly with vetted local experts.

Average 4.8 ⭐️ across 185,000 reviews.

protect

Every booking contributes to conservation.

Proud member of The Conservation Alliance and Leave No Trace.