With sunny skies and rivers flowing, summer is the best time for whitewater rafting in Vail, Colorado. Family-friendly rafting in Vail with Timberline Tours isn’t simply a Vail highlight. It’s one of the most exciting things to do during the summertime throughout the state of Colorado—and beyond.
The Vail area’s scenic waterways will let you get outside and explore, and several rafting trips Timberline Tours offers are perfect for adventurers of all ages. Some are suitable for families with kids but still have age and weight limitations for safety reasons, outlined below. With many family friendly rafting trips to choose from, you can pick the one that best matches the desired adventure level of your group. Our top 3 family friendly rafting trips include:
Family-Friendly Upper Colorado River Rafting
The Upper Colorado River is a Class II (scenic, splashy float) stretch of river that makes for a relaxing rafting float trip combined with a few splashy rapids. Snowmelt adds to the Upper Colorado River’s mild rapids from early summer, when it’s at its highest, and into the fall. Rafts are equipped with oars on Upper Colorado River trips so that guides can maneuver the boat through sections of flat water.
One of our Upper Colorado River rafting variations that’s great for families with kids is Timberline’s Rafting and Dinosaur Discovery trip that allows adventurers of all ages to learn more about the history of dinosaurs along the Colorado River basin, see evidence of these mighty creatures, and have a hands-on fossil dig experience. With part of the day spent rafting on the Upper Colorado River and part of the day spent on a fossil dig at the Fossil Posse base camp, this educational adventure turns the Vail area into an outdoor classroom like no other.
Season:
May through September
Age and weight minimums:
The Upper C is appropriate for families with young children, older adults, and for anyone who wants to raft a fun, mild stretch of river.
Family-Friendly Rafting Trips: Shoshone Rafting
Shoshone is a Class III (intermediate intensity) section of the Colorado River and could very well be quintessential family-friendly Vail rafting trip. While rafting through Glenwood Canyon, you’ll experience some of Colorado’s natural wonders, with rock walls towering above the river and hot springs abounding in the lower section. Along with amazing views, Shoshone includes a mile of rapids, followed by a calm and scenic float to the take-out in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. 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 be able to relax, jump in the river for a swim on hot days, or horse around having water fights with other rafts.
Shoshone trip options include the Shoshone Triple Thriller, a trip variation that’s great for those who would like to increase the level of intensity by repeating the one-mile stretch of Class III rapids three times; and the Shoshone Skip the Rapids, a trip option for those who would like a less intense rafting trip. The Shoshone Skip the Rapids option is the required option for those who do not meet age and weight minimums of 8 years old and at least 50 pounds for the regular Shoshone trip. The Skip the Rapids trip is appropriate for children under the age of 8 years old, but the weight minimum for this trip is 30 pounds.
Season:
July through September
Age and weight minimums:
The minimum age for the regular Shoshone trip and the Shoshone Triple Thriller is 8 years old and at least 50 pounds. The Shoshone Skip the Rapids trip is appropriate for children under the age of 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.
Family-Friendly Browns Canyon Rafting
Browns Canyon is a Class III (intermediate intensity) rafting trip near Vail on the Arkansas River. The Browns Canyon rafting trip begins when Timberline guides pick guests up from Vail-area accommodations for a scenic drive to the Timberline Tours Granite, Colorado, boathouse, where guests get outfitted with essential rafting gear before heading out on the Arkansas River.
This family friendly rafting trip will take you through the heart of Browns Canyon National Monument, an area known for its incredible mountain scenery and wildlife. While you’ll get the experience of paddling through some big and splashy rapids, you’ll also have some time to relax and enjoy mountain views and a riverside lunch.
Season:
Late-June or early-July through mid-August
Age and weight minimums:
The minimum age for this trip is 8 years old and at least 50 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.
If you’d like advice about what Vail rafting trip might be the best for your family, please give us a call.
LEARN MORE
River Rafting Class Ratings Explained
What to Wear Vail Rafting
Common Rafting Paddling Commands
Vail Rafting Safety
CONTACT TIMBERLINE TOURS TODAY
Timberline Tours is the Vail-area’s premier whitewater rafting and backcountry jeep tours outfitter, also offering stand up paddle board (SUP) and duckie river trips on Colorado’s Eagle, Colorado, and Arkansas Rivers. All of our guided trips are open to Vail, Colorado visitors, locals, families, and corporate groups.
To book your Vail, Colorado adventure, call Timberline Tours at (970) 476-1414, or email us at info@timberlinetours.com.