Full-day beginner rafting on the Colorado River with fresh lunch included
~ 6 Hours
Lunch, Parking, Rafting
Spend a full day rafting or paddling an inflatable kayak on the Colorado River on a beginner-friendly route near Steamboat Springs and Vail. You’ll meet at the river, get shuttled upstream, then raft back down to your vehicle with a picnic-style lunch break.
Ages 3+ are welcome. Arrive at 9:15 for check-in to depart at 9:30. Tell the operator during booking about any dietary restrictions or medical conditions.
Cancel at least 24 hours before your trip. All refunds are charged a 10% transaction fee. If you cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled arrival time, your reservation is subject to refund forfeiture.
Wear shorts, a T-shirt, a bathing suit, a hat, and shoes that stay on your feet and can get wet. Flip flops can come off, but you can still wear them if that’s all you have.
Bring sunscreen, a bottle of water, snacks, and a camera. Dry storage is available on most boats for small items.
You get a light picnic-style grazing-board lunch (typically fruit, veggies, meats, cheeses, dips, crackers, pita or naan, and cookies), plus sparkling water and extra water to refill your personal water bottle. If you have strict allergies or dietary needs, bring your own lunch—there will be room in the cooler. Tell the operator during booking about any dietary restrictions, severe allergies, or relevant medical conditions.
Colorado River: 18231 CO-131, Bond, CO, 80423
This family-owned outfit consistently delivers memorable experiences on the Colorado River, with guests raving about guides who blend safety expertise with genuine personality. Paul gets mentioned repeatedly for his dad jokes, local knowledge, and ability to make the trip fun for both outdoor enthusiasts and reluctant nature lovers alike. Dana, Shane, and other guides earn similar praise for their storytelling about local geology, wildlife, and history. The "duckie" option (individual kayaks) is a major hit, especially with kids and teens who love the independence while parents enjoy the main raft. What really stands out is the exceptional customer service from Chelsea and the ownership team. Multiple reviewers mention how they went above and beyond, even calling in the evening to ensure guests had the best possible experience or helping accommodate weather concerns with flexibility. The logistics run smoothly from booking through execution, and families particularly appreciate how guides engage with children, giving them responsibility and making them feel included. It's the kind of place where you leave with more than just adventure photos—many guests mention taking home life lessons, historical tidbits, and yes, plenty of dad jokes.
What a phenomenal experience we had! I am only sad we didn’t opt for the full-day trip. Our expert guide was Paul, who not only safely navigated our raft, but also shared interesting tidbits and stories about the landscape, the wildlife, the local agriculture, and life. In a few short hours, he showed us how to be better parents and leaders and gave our boys independence and responsibility in their own duckie. We had an absolute blast and took so much more than adventure and fun from the experience. Additionally, the full team at Colorado River Guides are good humans, which we need more of these days. They care about their customers both on and off the river. Chelsea, in particular, was quick to demonstrate her compassion and generosity. I cannot wait to return, and strongly encourage anyone considering a trip or adventure to start here with Colorado River Guides.
Jennifer Tondera
3 months ago
What a phenomenal experience we had! I am only sad we didn’t opt for the full-day trip. Our expert guide was Paul, who not only safely navigated our raft, but also shared interesting tidbits and stories about the landscape, the wildlife, the local agriculture, and life. In a few short hours, he showed us how to be better parents and leaders and gave our boys independence and responsibility in their own duckie. We had an absolute blast and took so much more than adventure and fun from the experience. Additionally, the full team at Colorado River Guides are good humans, which we need more of these days. They care about their customers both on and off the river. Chelsea, in particular, was quick to demonstrate her compassion and generosity. I cannot wait to return, and strongly encourage anyone considering a trip or adventure to start here with Colorado River Guides.
Jennifer Tondera
3 months ago