Glenwood Canyon Shoshone Rapids
Colorado River rafting featuring fun Class II–III rapids, stunning canyon scenery.
Colorado River Glenwood Canyon Rafting near Glenwood Springs & Vail | Colorado River’s Most Popular Adventure
Raft through the heart of Glenwood Canyon on the Colorado River, where towering canyon walls, fun Class II–III rapids, and calm scenic stretches create one of Colorado’s most complete rafting experiences, just minutes from Glenwood Springs and a short drive from Vail and Beaver Creek. Experience the best of Colorado River this half-day adventure combines fun rapids making it our most popular trip for guests looking for both excitement and incredible views. Making it perfect for all ages and experience levels.
Choose Your Experience
Glenwood Canyon / Shoshone Rapids
Colorado River Shoshone Rapids Half Day
Location
Glenwood Springs
River
Colorado River
Adventure Time
2.5 hours
Total Time
3.5 hours
Tags
Great for Groups
Thrill Seekers
Per Person
All Ages: $85
Must be at least
50 pounds
Available
Apr 04 - Oct 31
Adventure level
Tags
Great for Groups
Thrill Seekers
Best Whitewater Rafting near Glenwood Springs & Vail Valley
Experience the most popular whitewater rafting near Glenwood Springs on the Shoshone Rapids section of the Colorado River just minutes from downtown Glenwood and only 40 minutes from the Vail Valley. This half-day trip delivers fun, splashy Class III rapids with just the right amount of excitement perfect for first-time rafters, families, and anyone looking for a step up from a scenic float without going extreme. If you’re looking for a rafting trip that’s fun, accessible, and packed with classic Colorado whitewater, this is it.
Experience the most popular whitewater rafting near Glenwood Springs on the Shoshone Rapids section of the Colorado River just minutes from downtown Glenwood and only 40 minutes from the Vail Valley. This half-day trip delivers fun, splashy Class III rapids with just the right amount of excitement perfect for first-time rafters, families, and anyone looking for a step up from a scenic float without going extreme. If you’re looking for a rafting trip that’s fun, accessible, and packed with classic Colorado whitewater, this is it.
- A perfect mix of adrenaline and scenic floating
- Class III rapids, exciting but not overwhelming
- One of Colorado’s most iconic rafting stretches
If you’re visiting Glenwood Springs or the Vail Valley, this is the perfect mix of excitement and scenery—close, convenient, and fun for all levels.
Book your Shoshone Rapids adventure today and get ready to paddle through one of Colorado’s most iconic river runs.
Glenwood Canyon
Shoshone Rapids – 3-Peat
Location
Glenwood Springs
River
Colorado River
Adventure Time
2.5 hours
Total Time
3.5 hours
Tags
Great for Groups
Thrill Seekers
Per Person
All Ages: $100
Must be at least
50 pounds
Available
May 01 - Oct 31
Adventure level
Tags
Great for Groups
Thrill Seekers
Weekdays Only (Weekends Starting Sept. 12th)
Designed for thrill-seekers looking to get three times the adventure. Your journey begins with a high-energy section of Class III whitewater—fun, splashy, and fast-moving. You’ll power through rapids like “Entrance Exam,” “Tuttles-Tumble,” “Tombstone,” and more, all while guided by professional river experts trained in safety, navigation, and on-the-water fun. Once you think you’re done, we load you back up on our bus and do it another two times! In this action packed trip, you get to ride the best rapids around, not once, not twice, but three times, making this trip a guide favorite!
Designed for thrill-seekers looking to get three times the adventure. Your journey begins with a high-energy section of Class III whitewater—fun, splashy, and fast-moving. You’ll power through rapids like “Entrance Exam,” “Tuttles-Tumble,” “Tombstone,” and more, all while guided by professional river experts trained in safety, navigation, and on-the-water fun. Once you think you’re done, we load you back up on our bus and do it another two times! In this action packed trip, you get to ride the best rapids around, not once, not twice, but three times, making this trip a guide favorite!
Glenwood Canyon
Shoshone Rapids – Double
Location
Glenwood Springs
River
Colorado River
Adventure Time
2 hours
Total Time
3 hours
Tags
Great for Groups
Thrill Seekers
Per Person
All Ages: $90
Must be at least
50 pounds
Available
May 02 - Sep 06
Adventure level
Tags
Great for Groups
Thrill Seekers
Only Available Saturdays & Sundays
Double the whitewater action! This adrenaline-pumping trip kicks off with a splashy ride through a thrilling stretch of Class III rapids, including “Entrance Exam,” “Tuttles-Tumble,” and “Tombstone.” Led by expert guides who know every twist and turn, you’ll navigate fast-moving waves and heart-pounding drops. After your first lap, we shuttle you back up to do it all over again—twice the rapids, twice the fun. This high-energy two-lap adventure is perfect for anyone looking to crank up the excitement and make the most of their time on the river.
Double the whitewater action! This adrenaline-pumping trip kicks off with a splashy ride through a thrilling stretch of Class III rapids, including “Entrance Exam,” “Tuttles-Tumble,” and “Tombstone.” Led by expert guides who know every twist and turn, you’ll navigate fast-moving waves and heart-pounding drops. After your first lap, we shuttle you back up to do it all over again—twice the rapids, twice the fun. This high-energy two-lap adventure is perfect for anyone looking to crank up the excitement and make the most of their time on the river.
Exclusive private pickup from Vail & Beaver Creek
Shoshone Rapids – Signature Series
Location
Vail / Beaver Creek
River
Colorado River
Adventure Time
3 hours
Total Time
5 hours
Tags
Family Experiences
Great for Groups
Signature Series
Thrill Seekers
Private Experience
$1,250 per raft.
Up to 6 guests per raft
Must be at least
50 pounds
Available
May 15 - Oct 31
Adventure level
Tags
Family Experiences
Great for Groups
Signature Series
Thrill Seekers
Private whitewater rafting on The Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon
Looking for the best private rafting experience near Vail or Beaver Creek? The Signature Shoshone Rafting Adventure delivers the perfect blend of fun, splashy whitewater and a fully customized Colorado River experience with private, door-to-door service from your lodging. Located in the heart of Glenwood Canyon, just 45 minutes from Vail and Beaver Creek, the Shoshone section is one of Colorado’s most iconic rafting stretches. Known for its continuous Class II–III rapids, warm water, and stunning canyon scenery, it’s the ideal half-day escape from the resort. The Shoshone section is already one of the top-rated rafting trips near Vail and Beaver Creek but experiencing it as a fully private Signature Adventure transforms it into something truly exceptional.
Looking for the best private rafting experience near Vail or Beaver Creek? The Signature Shoshone Rafting Adventure delivers the perfect blend of fun, splashy whitewater and a fully customized Colorado River experience with private, door-to-door service from your lodging. Located in the heart of Glenwood Canyon, just 45 minutes from Vail and Beaver Creek, the Shoshone section is one of Colorado’s most iconic rafting stretches. Known for its continuous Class II–III rapids, warm water, and stunning canyon scenery, it’s the ideal half-day escape from the resort. The Shoshone section is already one of the top-rated rafting trips near Vail and Beaver Creek but experiencing it as a fully private Signature Adventure transforms it into something truly exceptional.
Just your group. Your guide. Your adventure.
This is more than a rafting trip , it’s a seamless, private adventure designed entirely around your group.
From the moment your day begins, everything is handled for you:
- Private transportation from your lodging in Vail or Beaver Creek
- A dedicated guide and vehicle exclusively for your group
- A private raft on the river no mixing with other guests
- A personalized pace and experience tailored to your group
From pickup to drop-off, your entire day is 100% private, comfortable, and customized.
Trip Details
- Professional, certified river guide
- Whitewater raft, helmets, PFDs, and paddles
- Wetsuits, splash jackets, and booties (as needed, included)
- Transportation to and from the river
- Dry bag for small personal items
- Check-In: Arrive at the designated time specified in your confirmation email.
- All guests must sign a waiver (minors require a parent/guardian signature)
- Minimum age: 7–16 years old (depending on water levels)
- No rafting experience required—perfect for first-timers and repeat adventurers
- Wear quick-dry or athletic clothing and secure footwear (no flip-flops)
- Be ready for splashy rapids, sun, and fun!
Age and Weight Requirements: Minimum recommended ages vary depending on river flow and conditions. Participants must weigh at least 50 lbs.
The Shoshone Half-Day trip through Glenwood Canyon is one of the most popular whitewater adventures in Colorado—for good reason. You’ll start off strong with a lively series of Class III rapids known as the “Shoshone” section: fast-moving, splashy, and full of energy. Rapids like “Maneater,” “Tombstone,” and “The Wall” will have you paddling hard and laughing harder.
After the rapids, the river mellows out, offering a scenic float through the majestic walls of Glenwood Canyon. Kick back and enjoy the views, swim in calm stretches, and soak up stories from your guide about the canyon’s geology and wildlife.
It’s the perfect mix of whitewater thrill and scenic relaxation—great for families, friends, and anyone looking for a classic Colorado rafting experience.
How long is the trip?
Plan for 3.5 – 4 hours total, with about 2.5 hours on the water.
Do I need to know how to swim?
You will be wearing a lifejacket, so you do not need to be strong swimmer. However, if you do end up out of the boat you will need to be able to make progress back to the boat or the shore.
How difficult are the rapids?
Class III rapids in the upper section are splashy and exciting but very manageable for beginners. The second half of the float is calm and scenic.
Is this good for kids or seniors?
Yes! It’s a favorite for multi-generational groups. Age minimum depends on flow, but the trip is accessible and fun for most ages. A reasonable level of fitness is required
Will I get wet?
Definitely in the first half during the Shoshone rapids, We provide splash gear to keep you comfortable ( weather dependent and water flow )
Do we stop along the way?
Yes but depending on timing, group preferences and water flows, your guide may pull over for a swim or to share more about the canyon.
When is the best time to go?
Shoshone runs strong from late June through October. Early season offers bigger water; later season offers a more mellow experience.