Glenwood Canyon Half-Day
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
If we only had two to three hours to spend on the water and wanted show our friends or family what it's like to experience the thrill of Class III (Class IV at higher water) Colorado whitewater rafting and the beauty of Glenwood Canyon, this would be the trip we'd take them on. And if we only had two hours because everyone had plans after the trip, well, we'd probably cancel them so we could all go rafting.
At lower water levels it's perfect for first-timers, families, and people who like experiencing life rather than Snapchatting it. At higher water levels, typically late-Spring thru early-Summer, this experience is best for adrenaline junkies and experienced paddlers in good physical condition and without pre-existing medical conditions.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival. Please arrive 45 minutes prior to trip departure.
24-Hour Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Shuttle
Free hotel pickup and drop-off upon request with 24-hour notice (Please Call)
Optional use of wetsuits, river booties, and splash-jackets
Helmet
No additional fees and taxes
Post trip swag for Happy Paddlers (guests 12 and under).
Personal Flotation Device (PFD) aka, lifejacket
Gratuities
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
What To Expect
Your experience starts by meeting at the Defiance boathouse located in Glenwood Springs, CO. There, we will gear you up, talk about the trip, and introduce you to your river pro. Then Defiance will shuttle you and your river pro up the Glenwood Canyon to the Shoshone Rapids where you will put-in on the Colorado River. You'll find action right away as your river pro navigates you down the Class III-IV Shoshone section. You'll follow that up with 2+ hours of scenic canyon float that offers occasional splashes and opportunities to jump in the water through lower Glenwood Canyon and into the community of Glenwood Springs. Class I–III (Class IV at higher water) Trip Length: 2 1/2 hours to 3 hours (dependent on river flow) Departs daily @ 9:00am and 1:00pm Check-In is 45 minutes prior to departure (77 Mel Rey Rd. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601). Requirements: Paddlers must be at least ten (10) years old to raft through the Shoshone Rapids. Paddlers under ten (but over 30 lbs) will join us at Grizzly Creek, just below Shoshone Rapids. Higher water levels have additional age and ability requirements.
Options
Departure Time
2.5 hour raft trip with a mile of Class III - IV whitewater followed by Class I - II scenic float on the Colorado River.
Reviews
378 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wedding Reception Murphy Party
alimH5347ZZ,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an absolute blast it was the best thing to do the day after my Wedding Reception ❤️ I took my husband, family and friends out on two separate rafts to the best scenic and rapids experience in Glenwood Springs. I think our guide was just a blast 💥
Thrilling, fun, and some of the most beautiful views you have seen. Everything was perfect!
Roam20169808213,
Aug 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful half day trip down the Shoshone River! Greggy was the greatest tour guide. So funny and also made those of us first timers feel comfortable and safe on the Class III rapids. Great knowledge of the Canyon and the area. Ask him to show you the marmot tunnels in Glenwood Springs. We'd definitely do this again!
1/3 rapids, 2/3 scenic cruise
Sara H,
Jul 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The rapids we did encounter and our guide (Cross) were fantastic, and the views through Glenwood Canyon were breathtaking. The reason for 4 instead of 5 stars was because all the rapids occurred in about the first 20 minutes of the trip. I was shocked when he told us this would be the last rapid and we had just started rafting! We had a great swim about half way through which was very refreshing, but two hours on calm water was not what we had expected at all. Again, Defiance staff was excellent and we felt safe the entire time. It was just the very limited number of rapids and the verrry long period of smooth sailing was disappointing. It felt much more like a scenic cruise than a whitewater rafting trip.
Family fun adventure
Joseph M,
Jul 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was awesome. The equipment, safety, mostly our guide Gabriel were all top notch. The scenery is great. We all loved hitting the rapids. Five star rating!!
Ya gotta do this...!!!
Naomi M,
Jul 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was our first rafting experience and it was EPIC! It was the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation. The adrenaline rush you feel at the beginning of the tour with the biggest waves (class III) is then tampered down by the most breathtaking scenery imaginable. You can't help feeling closer to God after such an experience. Our guide Cross was exceptional! He gave clear and concise instructions and was very knowledgeable about the area. He answered every single question we peppered his way and was just a pleasant and fun person! Highly recommend this experience. My entire family LOVED it!
15 minutes of rapids …2 hours of floating
Michele M,
Jul 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00If you are looking for an afternoon of active whitewater rafting. This is not it. The active rapids were about 15 minutes and the rest of the tour was floating down the River. For a half day tour, we expected more active time. So 15 minutes of activity and 2 hours and 45 minutes of just sitting on the raft. The scenery was beautiful, but after an hour of sitting and floating … it was a little boring … The staff was very nice and tried to make it interesting by talking some history of the river and a few special spots … but all in all .. this just wasn’t what our family was expecting. The tour should state in their description that is it only about 15 minutes of actual Class 3 rapids ….
Family Fun!
Jeff L,
Jul 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We have done this several times and always enjoy it! The canyon is beautiful and the guides always make sure that everyone has a great time!
We’ve done a few rafting...
Kelly K,
Jul 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We’ve done a few rafting trips and this was by far the best. Very organized and the guide was amazing; he was funny, knowledge and engaged the whole trip.
Good times on the river
Jessica B,
Jun 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Bring a dry bag so you can stow your things. We had a blast! The guides were fun and organized. The canyon scenery was spectacular
Taylor is tops!!
Z5142OGritao,
Jun 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The views were amazing and the whitewater was a good class 3. Our guide, Taylor was great! She absolutely knew what she was doing and safety was a top priority . We had a blast!
From $79.00
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Operated by Defiance Rafting Company