Scenic Canyon Half-Day Float

Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

Feel free to leave the worries at home. This trip has just enough splash to remind you that you’re on a river but leaves out the intensity of the Shoshone rapids. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to kick-back and take in all that Glenwood Canyon has to offer. Hop out and do some swimming or even dip your toes in the hot springs that make their way into the Colorado River as you approach Glenwood Springs.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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.

48-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).

Happy Paddlers (guests 12 and under)

Optional use of wetsuits, river booties, and splash-jackets

Helmet

No additional fees and taxes

Personal Flotation Device (PFD) aka, lifejacket

Gratuities

Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

What To Expect

Defiance Rafting

Your experience starts by meeting at the Defiance boathouse in Glenwood Springs. There, we will gear you up, talk about the trip, and introduce you to your river pro. Then we'll shuttle up Glenwood Canyon to Grizzly Creek where we will put-in on the Colorado River. You'll begin your scenic float right away as we navigate down the lower half of Glenwood Canyon. There will be occasional splashes and opportunities to jump in the water through lower Glenwood Canyon and into the community of Glenwood Springs. • Class I–II • Trip Length: 2 hours to 2 1/2 hours (dependent on river flow) • Departs daily @ 9:00 am; 1:00 pm; and 4:00 pm • Check-In is 45 minutes prior to departure • Requirements: Paddlers must weigh at least 30lbs.

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Float

2 - 2.5 hr scenic float through on the Colorado River through Glenwood Canyon.

Reviews

4.95

238 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

228

Easy going float on the beautiful river.
Marieke D,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Family friendly floating on the river. Beautiful scenery. They tried to upgrade us to the less-family friendly float. That float is a few miles longer (they start higher up on the river) but the floating time is equal. We were just happy with the simple version. Including a stop at a natural hotwater (really hot!) spring for a little soak. They make beautiful pictures from the sideways. You can buy them for 36 USDollar (1 photo) up to 86 USDollar (all of them, over 20 photos). Too expensive for me. The starting time is 10 am, and NOT 9 AM as advertised by Viator. So we had to wait an hour in front of the building...
The people in the garage...
Michael M,
Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The people in the garage were as helpful and friendly as they could possibly be. Their knowledge of the river conditions was exceptional. Eric, our guide did a great job explaining the safety issues. When we got on the river, it was in an organized manner. Eric had complete command of the raft at all times. He explained the different parts of the river, i.e. hot springs, 60 foot deep areas. He pointed out rock formations. Eric was well prepared and quite friendly.
I love rafting with...
Debra S,
Sep 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
I love rafting with Defiance their guides are awesome. We had Jeremy for this trip. He definitely made it fun and interesting with all his knowledge of the Glenwood Springs area. He also had great recommendations for other nearby attractions and amenities.
wonderful and relaxing
547asheshs,
Aug 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was wonderful and relaxing. The views are just awesome and breathtaking. Our rafting guide Erike has gave us the historic information.
What a wonderful...
Wanda W,
Aug 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
What a wonderful experience! Did the half day float so I could relax and enjoy the scenery and it did not disappoint.
Great day on the Colorado River
Edward K,
Aug 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The easy ride was wonderful. The scenery was amazing and our guide, Aiden, was very helpful in pointing out different points of interest and helping us spot wildlife along the way. He also stopped and let us jump in the Colorado to cool off and then took us to the natural hot springs to get that experience.. Be sure to take plenty of water and sunscreen.
Great Fun!
Mary C,
Aug 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was great fun! The guides were super friendly, experienced, and provided a great experience for all. We enjoyed the rafting experience as well as stopping at hot springs in the river and banking at a sand bar to jump in the river and swim. I'd do it again in a heartbeat! Thank you MQ and the entire Defiance Team!
We took the easier,...
Don J,
Aug 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We took the easier, non-whitewater half day trip. No helmets required, still fun and lots of splashes.
Beautiful way to spend the afternoon. Great scenery and a fun experience.
Hfa7761,
Aug 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Relaxing trip with beautiful scenery. The guides were friendly, informative and helpful. The trip was peaceful yet fun. We had a nice pace and our group of 5 enjoyed the experience.
A must do!
Katherine B,
Aug 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
All staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. They made us first-timers feel safe and at ease. Hats off to Aiden - excellent leadership and guide.