Overview
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This is by far the best Family Float trip on the Arkansas River! This convenient trip offers the best whitewater for little kids with spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery. Our 1/4 day is a 5 mile trip with easy Class II-III rapids. This is the perfect introductory trip for families with little kids or timid beginners. You will float from Coaldale to our riverside base in Cotopaxi while enjoying scenic views of the Sangre de Cristo Range. This itinerary is the best trip for rafting in Colorado on the Arkansas River for families with young kids. We are the only outfitter offering this trip since we conveniently finish this trip right at our riverside base!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Recommended dress code is no cotton. Anything synthetic such as swimwear, workout gear, and sandals/sneakers with a heel. No flip flops for crocks!
What To Expect
Once you arrive at our Cotopaxi location you will be greeted and checked in by our friendly office staff, then you will meet your guides, be outfitted into your necessary rafting gear, go through and in depth safety orientation, and then hop on a short shuttle to the river put in
Arkansas River
Once you arrive at the river put in you will be given specific instructions by your guide and then hit the river for a fun mellow adventure on the river. Scenic views and fun mellow whitewater! Great for Families with young children and seniors.
Options
Cottonwood
Our 1/4 day is a 5 mile trip with easy Class II-III rapids. This is the perfect introductory trip for families with little kids or timid beginners.
What‘s Included
Professional guide
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Use of Helmet/Life Vest/Splash Jacket/wetsuits
Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
Live commentary on board
Food and drinks
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Guide Gratuity
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
43 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Well Worth the Drive
Departure18605851616,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful, calm river rafting trip that was perfect for us two seniors. The water was gentle, the scenery was beautiful, and Allie, our guide, was patient, knowledgeable, and very safety-focused. It was relaxing, enjoyable, and a great way to spend time together outdoors. We would happily do it again and recommend it to families looking for a peaceful adventure.
You can't go wrong with this company!
Stephen Z,May 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Enegetic, knowledgeable staff. Exceptional backoffice support. Perfect whitewater rafting excursion. We had a blast!
Katharine was awesome!!
Jesus B,Jul 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The staff was super friendly and helpful. Out guide Katharine was very funny, knowledgeable and caring
Hales was a great guide!!
L7433EGpault,Jun 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I rafted the Arkansas River while at camp in June. It was amazing! Fun rapids and a skilled, knowledgeable guide. Thanks for a spectacular experience!!
Awesome time
Jeanne B,May 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00AMAZING!!!! Our guide was May and she “rocked the boat”! I would definitely choose to do this again. Interesting, relaxing
First time rafters
Melissa F,Jul 10, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a first experience for my kids and they absolutely love it. They are already asking to go again with bigger rapids. Our tour guy was great too!
A great family experience.
Jason G,Jul 5, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00The whole family had a great time. Our guide Dan was knowledgeable and made the experience enjoyable and we never felt that we were in danger. The kids wanted to keep going!
Terrible guide
Sabeena G,May 29, 2024
- Review from Viator
1.00The tour guide Megan was extremely rude and ignored me through out the excursion- it ruined the experience for me
Great Views/Laughs/ Fun
Rosanna V,Aug 20, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Emma was amazing! Had lots of fun! The view was straight out of a movie… We were all trying rafting for the first time and they were very understanding through the process…
What a fun experience for all of us as beginners! Courtney was so fun!
Tammy H,Jul 25, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fun experience for all beginners! Courtney was an awesome guide! We will definitely go back and move up to the intermediate level!
Related Experiences
Operated by Arkansas River Tours