Glenwood Springs: Class II Rafting for Young Kids & Beginners
Gentle Colorado River Float for Families with Small Children
You arrive forty-five minutes early, get briefed by a certified guide, then float six miles of gentle Colorado River rapids in a small group raft. The ninety-minute float includes one Class II rapid and mostly scenic water, with a short shuttle ride back to the facility. No soaking required, and kids from age two can come along.
2h
Step-by-step itinerary
Short and mild rafting on Colorado River
- Meet at riverside facility 45 minutes early
- Depart from facility on 16’ raft
- Float 6 miles on Colorado River
- Navigate easy Class II rapids
- Experience South Canyon rapid if conditions allow
- Complete 1.5 hours of rafting
- Take 12 minute shuttle back to facility
The Experience
The raft launches from the Glenwood Springs facility right on the water, and you're floating downriver within minutes of the safety briefing. The 16-foot raft holds eight people, so it stays small and manageable — your guide handles the current while you settle in and watch the canyon walls rise around you. Class II rapids mean splashes, not chaos; the water moves but the boat stays upright, which is exactly what makes this work for kids as young as two.
Six miles takes about ninety minutes of actual float time, and most of that is smooth water with views. The South Canyon rapid — the one that gets interesting — can push toward Class III during June runoff, but even then it's brief and your guide reads it before you hit it. You're not getting soaked, you're not fighting the current, you're just moving through the river. After the float ends, a twelve-minute shuttle brings you back to the facility, so the whole thing fits into a morning or early afternoon without eating your whole day.
The facility sits about two hours forty-five minutes from Denver airport, an hour from Vail, and an hour and a quarter from Aspen, so it's accessible without a long drive if you're staying in the area. Arrive forty-five minutes before your departure time — that's when the guide goes over what to expect and gets everyone fitted into life jackets and paddles. The weight limit tops out at three hundred seventy-five pounds, and there's no minimum weight, so the boat adjusts to who shows up. Launch and takeout points can shift depending on water conditions, but the scenery and the Class II float stay the same.
What’s included
Your trip includes river transportation in a sixteen-foot raft with a certified guide, life jacket, paddle, and free parking at the facility. A twelve-minute shuttle ride returns you to the starting point after the float.
Operated by Whitewater Rafting, LLC
Is this one for you?Right for families with young children or anyone trying rafting for the first time — the Class II rapids and ninety-minute float give you a real river experience without intensity. Plan to be at the facility forty-five minutes before departure, which is when the guide covers safety and gets everyone ready.
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Top questions
What's the minimum age for this rafting trip?
Children as young as two years old can go. For kids five and older, the Half Day Rafting Trip is recommended instead.
How long is the actual time on the water?
About ninety minutes of float time, plus a twelve-minute shuttle back to the facility.
What does Class II mean?
Class II rapids are mild — the water moves and there are small waves, but the raft stays stable. It's a good introduction to rafting without heavy whitewater.
What's included in the trip?
River transportation, a certified guide, life jacket, paddle, raft, and free parking. You don't need to bring your own gear.
How far is Glenwood Springs from major airports?
About two hours forty-five minutes from Denver International Airport, one hour from Vail, and one hour fifteen minutes from Aspen.
Do I need to arrive early?
Yes, arrive forty-five minutes before your departure time for the safety briefing and to get fitted with gear.
What if water conditions change?
Launch and takeout sites may shift due to water levels, but the scenic Class II float and distance remain the same.
Is there a weight limit?
The maximum weight is three hundred seventy-five pounds. There's no minimum weight.
Glenwood Springs: Class II Rafting for Young Kids & Beginners
2h
from US$ 75 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.96133 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider
