RAFTING FAQs
GLENWOOD CANYON RAFTING
OFFICIAL HANGING LAKE ADVENTURE CO-OP PARTNER
An image of a boat of rafters and their guide floating down river. You can see two other boats ahead of them in the distance.

RAFTING FAQs

Our rafting excursions are carefully timed and outlined according to the details provided in your reservation. For instance, if your reservation specifies a Half Day Adventure on July 21, 2024, slated from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, your designated meeting time is 11:30 AM. Should your group require an alternative meeting time, kindly reach out to us at 1-970-945-6605, and we’ll strive to cater to your needs to the best of our ability.

At Glenwood Canyon Rafting, we provide a diverse range of rafting expeditions tailored to accommodate individuals of all skill levels. Our family-oriented excursions are particularly favored, designed to be accessible to beginners and warmly welcome children. Additionally, during the high-water season, spanning from early June to mid-July, we offer more exhilarating journeys for those craving a heightened sense of adventure. Rest assured, regardless of your proficiency or preferences, we have the perfect trip waiting for you!

Our goal is to ensure that your rafting adventure is unforgettable and tailored to your personal preferences. Whether you seek an adventure-packed journey through whitewater, a delightful opportunity to splash around with loved ones, an informative and picturesque tour, or simply a tranquil float down the river, we are equipped to meet your desires. Inform us of your preferences either during your reservation or upon check-in, and we’ll go above and beyond to customize the experience to perfectly align with your needs.

To enhance your enjoyment during the trip, we recommend bringing along certain essentials. These include a swimsuit, T-shirts, and shorts made of non-cotton materials, a hat, sunglasses secured with a strap, and sandals with a heel strap or water shoes, or even old tennis shoes. Sunscreen is essential, and having a bottle of water handy is advisable. Additionally, we offer complimentary paddle jackets and paddle pants, and if needed, you can opt to rent neoprene booties for $3.00 or wetsuits for $8.00.

We ensure your adventure is equipped with all essential gear and safety measures. Nevertheless, remember to pack sunscreen and a water bottle for your convenience. If your plans include spending the day in Glenwood, it’s wise to have a change of clothes on hand. To mitigate the risk of losing or damaging valuables, we advise leaving jewelry, non-waterproof cameras, and watches either at home or in a secure location, such as your hotel or vehicle. Kindly note that Glenwood Canyon Rafting cannot assume responsibility for any lost or damaged items. For added convenience, we offer to safeguard your car keys at our office while you’re enjoying your time on the water.

At Glenwood Canyon Rafting, inclusivity is fundamental, and we extend a warm welcome to individuals of every age and skill level. For children, we require a minimum weight of 33-50 pounds, depending on current water conditions. Our array of trips caters to rafters of diverse abilities, including those with physical challenges. Should you have inquiries regarding the suitability of a specific trip for children or elderly participants, feel free to reach out to us at 1-970-945-6605. We’re here to address any concerns you may have and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Regrettably, we do not allow pets on any of our excursions. If you require accommodations for your pet during your time on the water, we suggest reaching out to Wonderlust Dogs – Glenwood Springs for day boarding solutions.

Our gift shop boasts a diverse selection of merchandise, featuring t-shirts, river-ready attire, shorts, sunglasses with straps, snacks, beverages, waterproof cameras, and various souvenirs.

At Glenwood Canyon Rafting, our top priority is ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all our participants. Nevertheless, as outdoor adventure activities inherently carry risks, we cannot accept liability for lost or damaged personal belongings or injuries sustained during the trip. Before embarking on our adventure, all participants must sign an Assumption of Risk Agreement. For those under 18 years old, a parent or guardian must sign the agreement on their behalf.

Glenwood Canyon Rafting takes pride in maintaining an outstanding safety record. Our team of professional guides is CPR and first aid certified, meeting both Colorado state requirements and our company’s additional standards. They undergo comprehensive training in river safety and will conduct a thorough safety briefing before your excursion. The majority of our trips are family-friendly and suitable for beginners, provided you’re comfortable with the possibility of getting wet! Come and join us on the water without hesitation.

We exclusively utilize top-tier equipment for all our excursions, featuring Hyside inflatable rafts in various sizes (10.5′, 13′, and 16′), NRS Type 3/5 Coast Guard approved life jackets, Carlisle oars and paddles, and helmets. Our 16-foot rafts equipped with oar frames accommodate 6-9 participants alongside one certified guide, while our 13-foot rafts accommodate 5-6 participants plus a guide. For smaller groups, our 10.5′ Mini-Max rafts comfortably accommodate approximately 4 individuals and a guide. You can trust that we provide everything necessary for a safe and enjoyable journey with us.

Reserving a spot for any of our trips can be easily done either over the phone or through our online booking system. For groups, especially those with 8 or more participants, it’s advisable to secure your reservation ahead of time to guarantee availability. Walk-in bookings are also accepted, depending on availability. To finalize your reservation, full payment is required, and we accept various payment methods including Apple Pay, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

You may cancel up to 12 hours prior to your reservation without any penalty. Any reservation cancelled less than 12 hours before check-in time will be charged 10% of the invoice. “No shows” will be charged the full cost. Simply call our office to modify or cancel your reservation.

Our excursions are offered daily, typically from early May through late September, throughout each season. For details regarding rafting availability in April or October, we encourage you to contact us, as it is contingent upon water levels and weather conditions.

Request a Guide: If you’re seeking a guide who embodies safety, experience, entertainment, kid-friendliness, adventure, and even charm, just let us know! We’re here to cater to your needs.

Express Your Concerns Early: Don’t hesitate to communicate any concerns or special requests before hitting the river. Whether it’s during your reservation or check-in, inform us of any assistance needed or ways to make the trip extra memorable for someone in your group. From arranging birthday surprises to donning special attire or embarking on wildlife quests, we’re eager to accommodate your requests.

Dress Accordingly: River weather can be unpredictable, so dressing in layers is advisable. Feel free to seek our guidance during check-in for attire recommendations. Remember, it’s easier to remove a layer if you’ve overdressed than to be caught unprepared without necessary clothing.

Punctuality Matters: Kindly arrive on time for the scheduled departure to avoid inconveniencing other guests. Being tardy and ill-prepared, such as forgetting sunscreen or wearing unsuitable footwear, can detract from your overall experience.

Bring Your Friends: Rafts accommodate up to 8+ guests, meaning smaller groups may be paired with others. Embrace the opportunity to share the adventure with fellow rafters, adding to the excitement and diversity of the journey. Plus, if you bring a large group of 8 or more, enjoy a special discount!

Complimentary Transportation Provided: Leave the hassle of transportation to us! Enjoy the convenience of our free shuttle service to and from the raft launch and pick-up points. If you’re lodging locally in Glenwood Springs or arriving via Amtrak, take advantage of our complimentary shuttle service straight to your accommodation. Just reach out to us to coordinate your pickup – it’s that easy!

Seize the Moment: Professional-grade photographs are taken of every raft during each trip, resulting in approximately 20-60 shots per raft. Upon completing your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to peruse and acquire these photos, which are promptly made available for viewing. Accessible via a private web page, you can effortlessly share, download, or print these high-resolution images without any restrictions.

Swimming Not Mandatory: You don’t need any prior swimming experience for our Half Day Rafting Trip. However, since there’s a chance of getting splashed, if you’re uncomfortable with water exposure, we recommend opting for a “float trip.” Please inform your guide if you’re unable to swim.

Lunch is exclusively included in our Full Day Raft Trips. For Half Day trips, feel free to bring your own snacks or purchase them from our gift shop. Additionally, for groups comprising 20 or more individuals, we provide custom catering options at affordable rates.

Weather Policy: While our trips are never canceled due to adverse weather conditions like rain, hail, or snow, you retain the option to cancel your trip at any point, even immediately before departure, without facing any fees associated with weather-related circumstances.

Your guide is dedicated to ensuring your adventure is both enjoyable and secure, and they would value a gratuity if you believe they’ve delivered an excellent service. While tipping isn’t obligatory, it’s always welcomed if you decide to do so. It’s important to note that tipping is never obligatory but serves as a gesture of appreciation for your guide’s hard work.

EXPLORE MORE RAFTING TRIPS

OTHER RAFT TRIPS & WHITEWATER ADVENTURES

(8 person max / boat) Half Day Rafting Adventure or $599 Private Boat VIEW RAFT TRIP DETAILS PRICE: $67.99 - $73.99 BLUE SKY RAFTING & GLENWOOD CANYON RAFTING ADVENTURE TIME: 3.5 - 4 HOURS ADVENTURE LEVEL: EASIER - MODERATE MINIMUM AGE: 4 YEARS (Increases during high water) (Class II -III) Private Half Day Rafting Trip VIEW RAFT TRIP DETAILS $794 / Boat (Private Trans., Photo. & Guide) (8 person max / boat) PRICE: BLUE SKY RAFTING & GLENWOOD CANYON RAFTING ADVENTURE TIME: 3.5 - 4 HOURS ADVENTURE LEVEL: EASIER - MODERATE MINIMUM AGE 4 YEARS (Increases during high water) (Class II -III) Mild & Scenic Half Day Rafting Trip or $599 Private Boat (8 person max / boat) VIEW RAFT TRIP DETAILS PRICE: $67.99 - $73.99 BLUE SKY RAFTING & GLENWOOD CANYON RAFTING ADVENTURE TIME: 3 - 3.5 HOURS ADVENTURE LEVEL: EASIER MINIMUM AGE 3 YEARS (Increases during high water) (Class I-II) Mini-Max Raft Trip VIEW RAFT TRIP DETAILS PRICE: $99.99 BLUE SKY RAFTING ADVENTURE TIME: 3.5 - 4 HOURS ADVENTURE LEVEL: CHALLENGING MINIMUM AGE 13 YEARS (Increases during high water) (Class II-III) Raft & Kayak Adventure VIEW RAFT TRIP DETAILS PRICE: $87.99 - $93.99 BLUE SKY RAFTING & GLENWOOD CANYON RAFTING ADVENTURE TIME: 3 - 3.5 HOURS ADVENTURE LEVEL: CHALLENGING MINIMUM AGE 8 YEARS (Increases during high water) (Class II-III) Full Day Rafting Adventure VIEW RAFT TRIP DETAILS PRICE: $129.99 GLENWOOD CANYON RAFTING ADVENTURE TIME: 5 - 6 HOURS ADVENTURE LEVEL: EASIER - MODERATE MINIMUM AGE 4 YEARS (Up to 14 during high water) (Class II -III) Double Shoshone Rafting Adventure VIEW RAFT TRIP DETAILS PRICE: $99.99
BLUE SKY RAFTING ADVENTURE TIME: 2 - 2.5 HOURS ADVENTURE LEVEL: MODERATE MINIMUM AGE 8 YEARS (Up to 14 during high water) (Class III)
An image of a boat of rafters and their guide paddling through whitewater rapids on the Colorado River. An image of a group of three rafters and their guide paddling through rapids. One rafter lifts paddle over his head in victory and celebration of the activity. An image of a boat of rafters on the Colorado River with the beautiful green trees of Glenwood Canyon in the background. In this image, three individuals, accompanied by their guide, skillfully navigate a Mini Max through Class III waters on the Colorado River. In this delightful scene, a couple enjoys kayaking in a double Duckie, paddling through gentle Class II waters with smiles on their faces. Image of a family paddling through the Shoshone Rapids on the Colorado River. They are smiling and enjoying the moment. Image of rafters and their guide paddling through whitewater on the Colorado River. They all have helmets and safety gear, yet you can hardly see them due to the water splashing around them.

Robin – 5 Star Google Review

“We spent a lot of time deciding between rafting companies in Glenwood, and we’re so happy we ended up with Blue Sky. We’re rafting novices, and this was a great starter trip with some impressive rapids at the beginning followed by a leisurely float down the canyon…”

Half Day Rafting Adventure Guest

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Brian – 5 Star Google Review

“Rafting wasn’t even on our list of things to do, but we are so glad we saw Blue Sky Rafting reviews and decided to do it! Their staff are all so great and easy to work with and it’s very reasonably priced for such a cool and memorable experience.”

Raft & Kayak Adventure Guest

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Lisa – 5 Star Google Review

“My kids and I had an amazing experience with Blue Sky Rafting. We went white water rafting and Shelby was our guide and fellow adventurer. He was the best we could have gotten. He calmed my daughters fears with his really funny and hilarious jokes…. “scouts honor”! Hahaha”

Mild & Scenic Half Day Rafting Guest

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Kris – 5 Star Google Review

“What a great experience! The Shoshone rapids were perfect for my family. This time of the year the water level is perfect for little ones… Go earlier in the season for bigger rapids. CatJo did an amazing job guiding us safely down the river…”

Private Half Day Rafting Adventure Guest

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Molly – 5 Star Google Review

“We had the BEST time! Our guide Gabbie was so knowledgeable of the river, gave us interesting facts and fun ideas to do in town. I called ahead because I was worried about rain. They were so great and put us on an earlier trip. So accommodating! You will not be disappointed.”

Half Day Rafting Adventure Guest

VIEW RAFT TRIP ITINERARY
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