Gentle Float

Scenic Whitewater Rafting Trips

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Take a relaxing float down the Arkansas River

Mellow whitewater fun

Mild (ages 4+) whitewater rafting with Class I-III rapids in most flows. Minimum weight 35 pounds.

Let our guides do the work

Our friendly guides will take care of everything – from the steering to the stories we've got you covered.

Smiles for miles

Splash, paddle, laugh, and bring out the kid in everyone.

Soak it all in

Take in all the sights, sounds, and wildlife as you gently float down the river with family and friends.

Choose this trip if

What to expect

Half-day trip lasts a total of 3 hours, with about 1.5 hours on the river
Wetsuit gear available with no additional charge
Fun for everyone on this easy, scenic, and mild section of river
You are encouraged to bring water on your trip and are welcome to bring additional snacks
8 Mile Bar and Grill has food and beverages for purchase before/after your trip
Departs from the Echo Canyon office near Cañon City

Half Day Float $119

Adults and children. Minimum weight 35 pounds. 5-mile trip. Includes wetsuit gear.

Scenic Float booking tips

Go with the flow – river flows are best before mid-August when we usually see seasonal declines in volume
Rise and shine – morning trips tend to be less busy and have the best chance for sunny skies and warmer temps
Build and bundle – you can pair trips with additional activities and lodging on the same reservation
Stay and play – we have cabins and glamping tents on-site and endless activities in the area

The full story

Testing the waters

Life is busy. Sometimes you just want to kick back and take it easy. If you are looking for a more laid-back river experience, especially with young adventurers (35lbs and up), our family whitewater rafting trips are sure to float your boat. Designed for groups with kids as young as 4 years old, our scenic float is the best way to explore the beauty of Colorado rafting in a safe and relaxing environment.

Go with the flow

Let the rippling river waters gently carry you down a 5-mile stretch of the Arkansas River as you take in the sights and sounds. Moving at nature’s pace allows you to focus your attention on the blue skies, wildlife, and the looks on your kids’ faces as they experience life on the water. To keep things interesting, your guide will take you through a handful of easy class II and III rapids in upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon. These rolling rapids are a great introduction to mild white water, even for our littlest river adventurers.

Get on the same wavelength

Our guides are experts at keeping your kids engaged in the adventure. Large oar boats, which hold 7-8 people, allow our guides to steer, power, and stop the raft to explore every nook and cranny of the river. Children and adults can get in on the action, paddling along with their guide at any time. Depending on the vibe and water level, scenic family rafting trips often stop to swim, splash, and check out that cool rock on the river bank.

We’ll help you tame your wildlife

Kids can quickly go from ansty, to excited, to flat-out bored. We keep the process simple and safe so everyone can get floating with confidence, quickly. First step, check-in and get geared up. Next, we’ll head upstream where your guide will walk you through a brief safety orientation, answer questions, and show you the ins-and-outs of the raft. Then, it’s time to get out and explore the river.

Welcoming white water

We think everyone should get to experience life on the river – young children and grandparents included. We’ve hand-crafted this family rafting trip to build memories and create miles of smiles in the heart of Southern Colorado. See local flora and fauna, towering red rock canyon cliffs, lush cottonwood groves, ponderosa pines, and perhaps even a Bighorn Sheep or two. Want to keep chasing the chill when you get out of the raft? Stay in one of our family cabins or glamping tents, make some s’mores, and gaze at the night sky while you recount the adventures of the day.