Colorado River Rafting Glenwood Springs Class: III Rapids

Paddle through Shoshone Rapids, then drift past canyon cliffs and wildlife.

A half-day whitewater rafting trip on the Colorado River near Glenwood Springs puts you on the water for 3 to 3.5 hours, paddling class III rapids and floating class I–II sections through a canyon with steep cliffs and lush vegetation. Professional guides lead trips in English or Spanish, children are welcome from age 4, and all splash gear, paddles and life jackets are provided.

The Experience

The Colorado River at Glenwood Springs splits into two distinct stretches. The first half takes you through Shoshone Rapids—the class III whitewater that defines the trip—where you're actively paddling and reading the current with your guide. The second half slows down as the canyon opens up, and you float through Glenwood Canyon itself, where steep rock walls rise on both sides and you're more likely to spot wildlife and take in the geology than fight the water.

You'll wear splash gear (tops and pants), carry a paddle, and have a life jacket fitted before you push off. The trip departs and returns from 152 W 6th Street in downtown Glenwood Springs, so there's no long shuttle or drive to a remote put-in. The whole experience—gearing up, paddling, floating, and getting back—runs 3 to 3.5 hours. Your guide is a professional who speaks English or Spanish and can adjust the pace depending on the group; the rapids themselves don't change, but how you move through them does.

Children from age 4 can join, and infants can ride along if they sit on an adult's lap or in a specialized infant seat. The area is wheelchair accessible, and public transportation options are nearby if you're not driving. River shoes are available to add to your booking if you want extra foot protection in the water.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• splash gear (tops and pants).
• paddle.
• life jacket.
• all equipment and instruction.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Blue Sky Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this trip for a morning or afternoon when you want to be on the water without a full-day commitment—the half-day format fits a free afternoon or a first day to get your bearings, and the mix of active rapids and scenic float means you're paddling when it matters and floating when the canyon is worth watching.

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Top questions

What are Shoshone Rapids like—how rough is the whitewater?

Shoshone Rapids are class III whitewater, which means moderate rapids with waves and some rocks to navigate. You'll be paddling actively, but it's not extreme; the trip is designed for water enthusiasts of all ages and fitness levels, and your guide will walk you through technique before you launch.

Can I bring my 3-year-old on this trip?

Children must be at least 4 years old to paddle on the Colorado River trip. Infants under that age can ride along if they sit on an adult's lap or in a specialized infant seat, though they won't be paddling themselves.

What's included in the half-day rafting trip?

The trip includes all splash gear (tops and pants), a paddle, a life jacket, and a professional guide. You choose whether to add river shoes at checkout; photography services are not included, though you're welcome to bring your own camera.

How long does the whole trip take from start to finish?

The total trip time is 3 to 3.5 hours, which includes gearing up, paddling the rapids, floating the scenic canyon sections, and returning to the starting point at 152 W 6th Street in Glenwood Springs.

What should I expect in Glenwood Canyon after the rapids?

After Shoshone Rapids, the Colorado River slows as it flows through Glenwood Canyon, where you'll see dramatic steep cliffs, lush vegetation along the banks, and often spot wildlife. You'll be floating more than paddling in this section, giving you time to take in the scenery.