Shoshone Whitewater Trip

Whitewater rafting the Colorado River’s Shoshone stretch is perfect for visitors to the Vail area and for Vail locals alike. This trip will take you through the gorgeous Glenwood Canyon, where rock walls tower above the river and hot springs abound in the lower section. Along with amazing views, Shoshone offers a mile of Class III rapids, followed by an incredibly scenic float. This stretch of river is a great introduction to whitewater rafting, and it’s fun for all ages. While floating Shoshone’s mild sections, you’ll encounter numerous spots to take a swim on hot days or start a water fight with other boats. When this rafting trip is over, you’ll enjoy snacks served at the Timberline Tours private take-out. See trip options for variations on the classic Shoshone trip.

What to expect on a Shoshone Whitewater Trip

Our drivers will pick you up or you can drive yourself to our Eagle boathouse. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your raft guides who will help you get suited up in our top-of-the-line river gear including wetsuits, helmets, splash jackets, life jackets and neoprene footwear. You’ll take your dry clothes with you for a 25- minute ride to the put-in. To keep you entertained on the ride, your guides will discuss everything you need to know about river safety.

Within minutes of launching on Shoshone, you’ll be paddling in splashy Class III rapids. After a mile of rapids, the tempo changes and you can kick back and enjoy a scenic float through Glenwood Canyon. Your dry clothes and lunch will be waiting for you at the take out for the morning trip…a snack and refreshments for the afternoon trip. Photos of your group paddling the rapids will be available to view and purchase. After the snack we’ll drive you back to the boathouse or your lodging.

Telephone: 970.476.1414

Reservations: AM TRIP – Book Now                                                            DOUBLE THRILLER – Book Now                   

Rating:

Class III (Intermediate intensity; see trip options for variations)

Price:

  • AM trip: $155 adults, $135 kids (7-12), $115 youth (6 & under); includes lunch
  • Double Thriller $135 adults, $105 kids (7-12)
  • + 12% land use fee

Approximate Door-to-Door Time:

AM: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Double Thriller: 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Each lap is approximately 30minutes on the water)

***WATER TIMES MAY VARY***

***Please be aware these time windows include driving to/from, check-in, gear-up, and safety talks.

Season:

July through September

Put In:

Shoshone

Take Out:

Private Timberline Tours takeout in West Glenwood Springs

Minimum age and weight:

The minimum age for the rapids on the regular Shoshone trip is 8 years old and at least 50 pounds. The minimum age for the Shoshone Double Thriller is 8 years old and at least 50 pounds. The Shoshone Skip the Rapids trip on the AM Shoshone trip is appropriate for children under the age of 6-8 years old, but the weight minimum for this trip is 30 pounds.
Note: These age and weight minimums can vary depending on water level. Please call our offices to discuss age requirements closer to your trip date.

Included:

Lunch served at the Timberline Tours private takeout following the morning trip.
Refreshments and snacks served following the afternoon trip.
Required rafting gear included.

Shoshone Trip Options:

  • Double Thriller

    For those looking for a bit more intensity on the Shoshone Rapids, we offer the Double Thriller, which is an afternoon-only trip offered daily. Run the one-mile stretch of Class III rapids two times! Our guides make sure this trip is filled with excitement by running the rapids differently each time, so you can try going through backwards or even spinning in a circle.

  • Skip the Rapids (AM ONLY)

    The Shoshone run is rated Class II if rafters join the trip at Grizzly Creek, one mile below the regular starting point at the Shoshone power plant. This option allows rafters to skip the Class III rapids but still join in on the scenic float section of the trip.

Learn More

What to Wear
Rafting Safety
Paddling Tips
Rafting History: Vail
River Ratings