Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Looking for a river trip that hits the sweet spot between adventure and relaxation? Welcome to the Roaring Fork River, where mountain beauty, clear water, and splashy rapids combine for a truly unforgettable float. This stretch — from Carbondale to Glenwood Springs — is a local’s favorite, and we can’t wait to share it with you.
Flowing clear and cold from the high country near Aspen, it winds through picturesque valleys, historic towns, and red rock canyons — and offers just enough splash to keep everyone grinning. As you float the Roaring Fork, you’re paddling through more than just water — you’re traveling through history, geology, and culture. Named for its lively current and “roaring” runoff, this river has carved its way through volcanic cliffs, cottonwood groves, and sandstone outcrops for thousands of years.
Ideal for families, first-timers, and anyone looking to unplug and experience the quieter side of Colorado rafting with less crowds then on the Colorado River.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum weight required is 30 pounds
What To Expect
Enjoy a perfect mix of calm water and whitewater. The float from Carbondale to Glenwood Springs offers incredible views of 13,000 ft. Mount Sopris, interesting geology, possible sightings of bald eagles and other wildlife, and fun class II/III whitewater. This Class II-III paddle provides a thrill or two—like the infamous cemetery rapid—but there’s little chance of bouncing out of your raft. (And if you do, it’s usually nothing more than a refreshing dunk and no-big-deal hoist back into the raft.) Meander through gentle Class II and low Class III rapids, and calm, relaxing pools. Lounge on the boats or swim in peaceful areas as you wind through the Roaring fork Valley in Colorado's high country.
Options
Roaring Fork Rafting
What‘s Included
Transportation to and from the river
Professional Whitewater Raft Guide
Rafting Equipment - self bailing rafts, lifejackets, and paddles
Digital Photos (available to purchase after trip)
Guide Gratuity
Souvenirs (available to purchase before or after trip)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
44 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Alex was our guide. He was fun and informative
Charlotte C,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We only had 4 on our the raft. All the other raft had at least 6 plus. Alex our guide was great fun.
Got kitted out in waterproofs which will not keep your under clothes dry once the water hits you. Our instructor Willie
seankG234AX,Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00GLENWOOD ADVENTURE VERY ACCOMODATING PICKED US UP AT HOTEL AS WE HAD ARRIVED AT GS BY TRAIN AND RETURNED US AS WELL STAFF VERY FRIENDLY . WE HAD A TERR8FIC MORNING RAFTING UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF WILLIE WHO THANKFULLY WAS ABLE TO PILOT US DOWN RIVER TWICE.
Great
Allen H,Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great. It was great 80 characters long but review burden is too much experience good review bad very bad
Great time
R2931YGelizabethg,Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fully equipped, knowledgeable and fun staff. This outfit is 100% professional, especially about safety, and offers something for everyone.
Great family trip!
ERIC N,Aug 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00First white water trip for four of the five if us. Had an absolute great time! The guides were great, locally knowledgeable, and very entertaining! The weather was hot, and the water was lower than it's peak, but we still had a blast. Would absolutely recommend for a good intro!
Awesome day trip!!
O2479VKdenisep,Jul 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The staff is awesome! Evan and Brad did great on keeping us informed. It was a new part of the river for my best friend and I so it was awesome. We saw a couple dear and even a marmot on a tree branch! We actally got stuck on a rock and it was fun getting off of it. All and all a great trip! Thank you!! I would recommend them!!
Happy Rafter
Elmer K,Jul 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The guides are awesome!!! A family friendly place!! The guides are very informed & personable!! So much fun. We laughed as much as we screamed.
V1235JMkarent,Jul 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Did the half day rafting trip in duckies. Charlie was our guide - he was great. The duckies are fun and a more adventurous trip when the water flow isn't very high. Second year doing this trip with them and will be back
Super fun!
seasonit,Jul 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went on the half day Roaring Fork rafting trip and Becca was our guide. It was tons of fun! She was a great guide for our raft. We had a family from CA in the same boat with little kids and she interacted really well with them. The company was great to work with from the time I called with some questions to see which river would be good for us and they all were professional the day of. They made it fun and easy. Gave a great local hamburger place rec for lunch too (Vicco's Charcoalburger drive in). I would highly recommend Adventure Outdoors, we are going to use them for a horse back trip in a few weeks as well.
Excellent company and a very fun day
mwmaggie,May 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is our third rafting trip with Glenwood Adventure Co. We keep coming back because they do an excellent job. Our guide today was Michael - he was experienced, personable and made the ride enjoyable for all of us. Our 3 yr old and 5 yr old grandchildren had a blast and can’t wait to go back again.
Related Experiences
Operated by Glenwood Adventure Company