We may well be biased, but if you ask us, there aren’t many group activities so rewarding and all-out fun as whitewater rafting. If you want a bonding experience, plunging through frothing rapids against a backdrop of soaring canyon walls and conifer-studded rims is about as good as it gets!
At Echo Canyon River Expeditions, we run a slew of packages on the Arkansas River (and beyond) that are ideal when it comes to whitewater rafting trips for large groups. Below, we’ll break down some of what goes into planning such a venture and which itineraries might be best suited to your party.
What Makes the Best Group Rafting Trip?
What factors should be considered when choosing a whitewater rafting trip for a large group?
The trick with ironing down whitewater rafting trips for large groups is—like anything that involves coordinating a whole crew of folks—accounting for the different interests, personalities, and ability levels of everybody involved. That’s actually easier said than done: It’s all too easy to set something up that checks the boxes for most of your party, but which maybe leaves one or two people a bit in the lurch.
Whitewater rafting is something that is—perhaps surprisingly—accessible to a really broad swath of individuals, including those who’ve never run a river before and those who aren’t necessarily ultra-fit adrenaline junkies. In fact, that’s one of the ultimate beauties of this activity: that it can be enjoyed by such a range of different people, with the actual in-the-moment experience spanning the laidback, scenery-soaking float to the wild Class IV or V shot-through spectrum.
To effectively plan such an adventure, poll your companions as to what they’re looking for in the experience and what they feel comfortable tackling. Maybe you’ve got a friend or family member who’s decidedly leery of true whitewater, and then another who’s gung-ho about the biggest rapids. There’s almost always a nice compromise to be had: say, a rafting adventure through mid-level Class III whitewater.
Best 3 Whitewater Rafting Experiences for Large Groups
The following are some top-of-the-line choices for whitewater rafting trips for large groups in Colorado—all of which we offer here at Echo Canyon!
Bighorn Sheep Canyon Rafting Trips
The Arkansas’s Bighorn Sheep Canyon is an absolutely quintessential whitewater run, the perfect balance between lively rapids (mainly Class I-III, but one Class IV) and chill-out reaches. Throw in stirring scenery—and the opportunity to eyeball wildlife, including the mountain sheep that give this beautiful defile its name—and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better river-running outing—whether a day trip or an overnight experience—for a big group.
Indeed, this is the most popular itinerary for groups coming from the Colorado Springs area, given the convenience, accessibility, and beauty.
Clear Creek Canyon Rafting Trips
Remarkably close to Denver, Clear Creek is a classic Class III river run, nicely suited to large groups. You can readily get to the river in the morning and be back in the city by dinner time.
Royal Gorge Rafting Trips
The Arkansas River’s terrifically turbulent passage through the narrow and high-walled chasm of the Royal Gorge produces one of the great whitewater rafting runs in America. There are no fewer than five Class IV rapids, interspersed with delightful Class III tumbles, and the vistas are absolutely knockout. This is a good fit for groups with rafters who are confident, fit swimmers and keen on an across-the-board adventure.
Tips for Booking Your Rafting Trip as a Group
Here at Echo Canyon River Expeditions—in business since 1978—we’re very accustomed to working with big groups, so you can rest assured we’ll make you look good when you schedule a rafting package with us. From all the catering options to the motorcoach-friendly parking lot and always-clean bathrooms and changing rooms, we aim to impress!
What is the maximum capacity for a whitewater rafting trip? Here at Echo Canyon, we can accommodate as many as 150 guests at a time, normally divvying out five to seven rafters in each boat. If you have a big group such as that, we definitely recommend reserving an Echo Canyon package at least several months in advance. Smaller groups can often get away with booking trips and rentals a month or so ahead of time, but there’s really no downside to arranging your trip as early as possible—especially if you’re coming with a big team.
Choose the Best Whitewater Rafting Outfitters in Colorado
What’s the best river in Colorado to go whitewater rafting as a large group? All things considered, we’d propose that the Bighorn Sheep Canyon of the Arkansas River is just about the best option for a family rafting trip and other all-hands-on-deck whitewater adventures. It promises that sweet spot of just the right amount of splashes and thrills, without the amped-up wildness that can scare off first-time or timid rafters.
Get in touch with the expert rafting team at Echo Canyon to learn more about your thrilling rafting adventure in Colorado. With our extensive knowledge, diverse rafting routes, and comfortable accommodations, your entire group will be eager to return for more.
