When many people think of whitewater rafting, big adventurous rapids come foremost to mind. And, no question: That sort of “wildwater” is very much part of the appeal of this immensely rewarding, increasingly popular outdoor activity. But here at Echo Canyon River Expeditions, where we’ve got some of the preeminent whitewater in the nation at our doorstep, our guides also lead guests on gentler, lower-octane routes that compose some of the very best family float trips in Colorado.
What exactly is “floating” in terms of river-running? At Echo Canyon—in the rafting business since 1978, mind you—we typically consider floating to be “family-class,” or beginner to intermediate sections of whitewater. That may mean super-mild flow: primarily flatwater sections drenched in scenic splendor. Or it might refer to mid-level raft trips, including routes with up to Class III rapids, which provide plenty of splash and excitement but don’t require overly aggressive paddling or the “must-make” moves that define truly technical rafting.
If you’re curious about family-friendly rafting in the Centennial State, we’ve prepared the following basic guide to highly accessible rivers, ideal for beginner trips and all-ages groups—including the fabulous reaches we’re lucky to call our liquid backyard!
What to Consider When Choosing a River
For most guests, the primary consideration when choosing a river to run is, simply, location. They don’t want to have to drive too far to enjoy this thrilling experience.
That might be the foundation for selecting a river trip, but there’s much more to weigh—especially streamflow conditions and setting. On the snowmelt-dominated rivers of Colorado, you can expect higher, more exciting, and much splashier flows in early summer (June-ish), given the annual meltwater-powered peak in discharge. As you get into July and early August—an incredible time to raft, if you ask us—you’ll normally be experiencing more moderate flows: lower-volume streamflow with less splashiness and a bit more paddling required. That’s all the more true past mid-August, during a normal year anyway.
A given river’s watershed and dynamics impact decision-making. Some Colorado streams don’t have the luxury (from a river-running standpoint) of upstream reservoirs to augment their “native” meltwater-powered flow regime. Clear Creek and the Cache la Poudre (aka the Poudre), for example, don’t typically support raft trips to a major degree past late July, on account of seasonally low water. By comparison, the reservoir-moderated Arkansas and the Colorado boast more consistent volume for much of the summer.
You also want to think about creature comforts: Facilities and amenities vary quite a bit between different rafting companies. Some outfitters function on the barebones side of things—rustic outhouse-style bathrooms, for example—whereas others, Echo Canyon being a case in point, offer modern bathrooms and changing rooms at the check-in location, plus other perks such as a restaurant and bar during the busy summer months, a gift shop, and even—in our case, anyhow—on-site glamping-tent and cabin rentals.
Top Rivers For Family Float Trips in Colorado
The following four Colorado rivers are some of the best and most popular for family-friendly rafting.
- Arkansas River: Among the most celebrated whitewater streams in the country, the “Ark” appeals to the widest range of abilities, offers the full variety of river trips in terms of length, and boasts the most consistent river levels and the longest rafting season. It’s also conveniently close to the major metropolitan area of Colorado Springs. And among its multiple top-class river-running sections are some of the most scenic routes anywhere, not least the world-famous Royal Gorge—aka the “Grand Canyon of the Arkansas.” The Ark also delivers excellent opportunities to spot wildlife, including magnificent Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
- Clear Creek: This tributary of the South Platte River is only about 45 minutes from Denver, meaning it offers some of the most convenient rafting adventures to the biggest city in Colorado. It also surges its way through a lovely mountain river canyon drenched in fascinating mining history. All that said, Clear Creek has a summer rafting season on the briefer end of the spectrum (late May to late July, typically) and runs next to Interstate 70. If other locations are within acceptable driving distance, you might want to consider alternative rivers.
- Colorado River (Glenwood Canyon section): If you’re vacationing in the Grand Junction/Colorado National Monument area, no question that the Glenwood Canyon section of the mighty Colorado River offers some of the best family float trip options. This is a gorgeous chasm with fun splashy rapids, although it’s not particularly remote given (as with Clear Creek) an Interstate highway runs along the route.
- Poudre River: Another utterly spectacular canyon-slicing river, the Poudre is nice and close to Rocky Mountain National Park and Fort Collins, Colorado, and offers a great range of rapids. As we’ve mentioned, though, its flow is entirely contingent on the winter/spring snowpack on account of no upstream reservoirs, and therefore rafting here often phases out by late July or very early August.
Safety Tips & Preparation
When it comes to safety on family float trips in Colorado, selecting the right route for your group’s abilities and experience level is critical. Not sure which whitewater trip is best for you? Don’t hesitate to call the outfitters you’re considering and ask questions—that’s what they’re there for, after all. And once on the river, listen carefully to your guide’s instructions, and wear the proper gear for the conditions (such as a wetsuit—which we provide here at Echo Canyon—when things are on the colder side of things).
Trip preparation comes easy with Echo Canyon River Expeditions, where we offer a range of rafting/accommodations packages. You can bed down right across the street from our rafting operation at the Royal Gorge Cabins, an ideal springboard not only for our whitewater trips but all the other activities and sightseeing this spectacular corner of Colorado offers.
Book With Echo Canyon For Your Next Family Float Trip
When you’re ready to book your family float adventure in Colorado, look no further than Echo Canyon. With a focus on safety, breathtaking views, and charming accommodations, we’re your premier choice for an exceptional family rafting experience.
