Clear Creek Rafting

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:

• Swimsuits or synthetic shorts/leggings
• Secure footwear: River sandals with a heel strap, old tennis shoes, or water shoes. (No flip-flops or Crocs—they will float away!)
• Sun protection: Sunglasses with a strap, hat, and sunscreen
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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.