Explore Trips
Summer in Colorado means one thing: it’s time to unplug, get outside, and make memories that last longer than screen time. Summer is the season for family – kids are out of school, the weather is warm, and vacation days are ready to be used. Whether you are planning a massive multi-generational gathering or a simple weekend getaway, Arkansas River Tours offers the perfect balance of safety, scenery, and excitement.
While everyone is counting on you to plan the best family vacation, we’d like to hand it to you on a silver platter. Since 1973, we have been the trusted choice for families, prioritizing safety with certified guides who are experts at managing family dynamics and easing nerves. With Colorado rafting adventures ranging from gentle, scenic floats for ages 4+ to splashy Class III rapids for the adventurous, we ensure every member of your tribe has the time of their life.
Our knowledgeable staff handles all the logistics, so you don’t have to. We specialize in coordinating large groups and diverse needs, often running different trip levels simultaneously so your group can split up for the trip and meet back up for your next activity. From the moment you gear up in our high-quality safety equipment to the final splash, we take care of the details so you can focus on what matters most: your family.
Need help with the rest of your itinerary? Check out our info pages for your desired destination! From information about Denver to the Colorado Springs area to planning a visit to Cañon City, our area guides and knowledgeable staff can help you plan your activities, where to eat, and where to stay.
The Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting trip on the Arkansas River is ideal for first-time rafters and the younger members of your party. With exciting waves that aren’t overwhelming, this is the perfect setup for adventurous families! We launch beneath the dramatic Cotopaxi cliffs at our convenient riverside base and start in easy water to give us time to form a competent paddle crew (or passengers in an oar boat). Floating past spectacular geological formations and views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, we run exciting Class II-III rapids like Texas Creek, Maytag, and Devil’s Hole. After a delicious buffet lunch, we plunge into more demanding and technical rapids.
A Cottonwood Canyon scenic family float is by far the best family float trip on the Arkansas River! This perfect introductory trip offers the best rafting experience for young children, with small splashes and many swimming opportunities. You will float from Coaldale to our riverside base in Cotopaxi while enjoying scenic views of the Sangre de Cristo Range. This itinerary is the best trip for rafting in Colorado on the Arkansas River for families with young kids. We are the only outfitter offering this trip since it conveniently ends right at our riverside base!
The Middle Clear Creek rafting trip is our favorite family-friendly trip near Denver, Colorado, perfect for those seeking a fun and convenient outdoor outing. This trip provides a gentle introduction to the world of whitewater rafting. The guided trip will take rafters through the historic mining valley of Idaho Springs. You’ll enjoy scenic views and the thrill of splashes and riffles along the way. With multiple leave times available throughout the day, this 2-hour rafting experience is a fantastic option for Denver-based families looking for an exciting and accessible adventure in the great outdoors.
We introduce children to the river as young as 4 years old on our Cottonwood Canyon Family Float. This trip is designed specifically for little ones, featuring calm waters and plenty of smiles. For families wanting more splashes and paddling action, we recommend waiting until children are 7 years old to tackle the Bighorn Sheep Canyon or Middle Clear Creek.
For our Family Float and Class II-III trips, swimming ability is recommended but not strictly required. Every guest is issued a Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) designed to keep heads above water. Our guides are trained to handle non-swimmers safely. However, for the advanced Royal Gorge (Class IV) trips, strong swimming skills are required.
Safety is our top priority. While all outdoor activities carry inherent risks, we mitigate them by using specific river sections that are appropriate for children. We provide kid-sized gear (helmets and life jackets) that fit securely, and our guides give a comprehensive safety talk before the boat ever leaves the shore. For nervous children, we recommend the Cottonwood Canyon Family Float as a positive first introduction.
Avoid cotton (like jeans or regular t-shirts) as it gets cold when wet. We recommend:
Note: We provide wetsuits and splash jackets for free!
Usually, yes! Our rafts generally hold 6–7 guests plus a guide. If you have a large family reunion, we can split you into multiple boats that travel down the river together, so you are never far apart. We can also arrange “split trips” where the older cousins tackle the big rapids while the younger kids do the float, and everyone meets up afterwards.