Whitewater rafting season is in full swing in Glenwood Springs. Now is the time to cool down and crank up the summer thrills with a rafting trip through Colorado’s one-and-only Glenwood Canyon.
With Glenwood Springs rafting outfitters, from the moment your raft pushes off from the boat ramp and you feel the tug of the current, it’s a thrill-a-minute, so hang on for a wild and wonderful ride through Glenwood Canyon.
Rapid Fire Whitewater & Feel-Good Floats
Looking for a splash of adrenaline? Sign up for a trip that includes the fabled Shoshone Rapids, a rollicking, roiling stretch of whitewater that’s nothing less than thrilling. With Class III hydraulics, this stretch of water delivers heart-pounding fun for adventurous first-timers and seasoned paddlers alike.
Heather Montross-Cowan, owner-operator of Defiance Rafting concurs, “The Shoshone Rapids section is a thrilling 1.5-mile stretch of continuous whitewater — pure, non-stop excitement! If you’re chasing adrenaline and want to finish your ride with a permanent grin, this is definitely the stretch for you!”
Most guided rafting trips begin with Shoshone and then mellow out as you continue downstream toward Glenwood Springs. The combination of action-packed paddling and laid-back floating gives rafters a chance to alternate between high excitement and low-key relaxation. It’s a combination that makes half-day excursions especially popular—thrills up front, followed by lazy drifting, and maybe even a few impromptu splash battles between boats.
If you’re traveling with young kids or prefer to keep your adrenaline in check, opt for a float-only trip. Give kids a gentle introduction to whitewater fun. Expect a few ripples along the way but no deep-hole hydraulics to frighten youngsters. Family-friendly, these trips are perfect for bonding with boatmates and learning more about the scenery gliding by. Your guide might point out native wildlife species, share a bit about little local cowboy lore, or make a stop at a natural in-river hot spring depending on the water level.
Canyon Views Steal the Show
Glenwood Springs is a river town and home to some of the most sensational and scenic whitewater rafting in the state. The river itself is a blast and the main draw, but the backdrop is absolutely stunning and worth noting. Towering canyon walls, dramatic limestone cliffs, and lush greenery frame every bend. Keep your eyes peeled for canyon wildlife including bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and even the occasional river otter.
You’ll float past several stunning natural drainages like Grizzly Creek, Dead Horse Canyon (where Hanging Lake is located), and No Name Creek. Each tributary bursting with snowmelt runoff from the high country adding to the volume of water in the Colorado River. Believe it or not, even the highway that runs through the canyon is a wonder. Interstate 70 is a marvel of engineering with sleek cantilevered bridges, multiple tunnels that bore through the cliffs, a paved pathway for riverside biking and recreation, and four rest areas to enjoy the surrounding beauty.
Guided by the Best in Glenwood Springs
No rafting story would be complete without a shoutout to the folks who ensure that your trip is a blast from start to finish—the rafting guides. They’re equal parts water safety pros, local welcome ambassadors, and seasoned river experts, steering your raft through choppy waters with ease while keeping you entertained for the duration. Whether they’re explaining how to backpaddle or dishing out corny jokes, raft guides are an integral part of the rafting experience—they love what they do—and Glenwood Springs has the best!
Glenwood Springs is home to five rafting outfitters, all of whom are qualified to take you for the ride of life through Glenwood Canyon:
• Blue Sky Adventures
• Defiance Rafting
• Glenwood Adventure Company/Lakota Guides
• Glenwood Canyon Rafting
• Whitewater Rafting, LLC
Launch Your Summer with a Glenwood Springs Rafting Trip
Rafting the Colorado River through Glenwood Canyon is a Colorado summer tradition. Whether you’re charging through rapids or languidly drifting downriver, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of cold water on a hot day, and the joy of experiencing nature in 3-D. This summer, go all in. Plan your Glenwood Springs summer vacation and Glenwood Canyon Rafting trip today!
