Frequently Asked Questions

The minimum age for most trips is age 5 including the Half Day and Full Day.
The Short&Mild has a minimum age of 2.
The “Extreme” series trips have a minimum age of 13.

There is no minimum weight for any trip. Maximum weight is 375 lbs.

All our trips are offered every day from approximately May 1st through September 15th each season. Call for April rafting each season as it is weather dependent!

• Request a guide – You can ask for a guide who is safe, experienced, funny, good with kids, adventurous, even cute.
• Tell us your concerns early – If you are already on the river, it’s probably too late. When making your reservation or when checking in, let us know if you need special assistance, are worried about anything, or want us to make it extra special for someone in the group. We’ve supplied birthday cakes, worn Chippendale bow ties, searched out Big Horn Sheep, we’ve even catapulted water bottles into a passing raft that forgot theirs.
• Dress warm – Some days its 90 degrees in the morning and raining and 60 during your trip. Ask what you should wear during check-in, we’re here to help and never up-sell or advise against your best interests. If you over dress, you can take it off. If it’s in the car, you’re going to be cold ’til you get there.
• Choose the most exciting trip you have the courage for. Most disappointed guests say, “Next time I’ll do the big rapids”. Don’t let it happen to you, if you are deciding between two trips, go for the more difficult one. You can do it!
• Don’t be late – Every trip has a group that arrived 2 minutes before scheduled departure. We cannot hold up 40-140 people to wait for you, though we wish we could. Forgetting sunscreen and still wearing your work shoes because you were in a rush won’t make the trip more fun.
• Bring your friends – Rafts hold 8 guests, so if your group is 4 remember you’ll have other people in there with you. They might be very different from you, all types go rafting. Bring a big group and you set the tone. You also get a discount for groups of 8 or more!

During May and most of June many of our guests will raft in our wetsuit outfits. If you are planning on doing so you do not need any special clothing. 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. All our trips are OK for beginners, though if it your first time we recommend the Half Day or Full day as a starting point.

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! We have never lost a life or had a life threatening injury since opening in 1974.

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. 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.

Most trips are in our 16’ oar boats. These rafts hold 8 guests plus your guide. Everyone paddles while your guide maintains complete control over the vessel with our stern mounted rowing frame. We offer smaller rafts and personal inflatable tandem or single kayaks as well. Rafts can hold up to 10 guests by request.

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 so if you are afraid of the water, we would recommend reserving a “float trip.” Please notify your guide if you are a non-swimmer.

No. Lunch is available only with our Full Day Raft Trips. 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. We no longer offer pet sitting or kennels.

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!

Links to online waivers will be sent to the email that was used on your reservation 14 days prior to your trip departure.