Vail CO: Family-Friendly Colorado River White Water Raft

Discover the exhilaration of white water rafting on the Colorado River near Vail, Colorado. This family-friendly adventure combines gentle Class I-II rapids with occasional Class III excitement, making it suitable for adventurers aged 5 and up. Led by experienced professionals from Colorado Adventure Guides, you’ll witness stunning scenery and possibly spot local wildlife as you navigate the river’s twists and turns. With convenient parking, comprehensive safety briefings, and flexible booking options, this 3-hour excursion provides an unforgettable way to create cherished memories with your loved ones. What else can you expect from this thrilling journey on the river?

Key Points

• Family-friendly whitewater rafting on the Colorado River near Vail, CO with a 3-hour duration and pricing starting from $93.50 per person.
• Experienced guides provide a comprehensive safety briefing and transport participants to the river’s edge for a scenic rafting adventure.
• Suitable for ages 5 and up, with a mix of Class I-II and occasional Class III rapids, offering excitement and adventure for all skill levels.
• Customizable gear and clothing rentals available, including splash jackets and water shoes, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience.
• Flexible cancellation policy allows for full refunds up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for family planning.

Activity Overview and Pricing

What’s the activity overview and pricing for the family-friendly white water rafting in Vail, CO?

The white water rafting experience takes place on the Upper Colorado River and lasts about 3 hours, including a 30-minute safety briefing and 2.5 hours on the river.

Prices start from $93.50 per person. Visitors can also take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot with no upfront payment.

The rafting adventure offers a mix of mild Class I-II rapids and occasional Class III rapids, depending on the water flow.

Itinerary and Experience

The white water rafting adventure begins at the Colorado Rafting Company – Colorado River Boathouse in Bond, CO.

After meeting at the boathouse, adventurers gear up and receive a comprehensive safety briefing.

Next, they’ll hop on a shuttle for the ride to the river’s put-in location.

Once on the water, thrill-seekers can expect a mix of mild Class I-II rapids and occasional Class III rapids, depending on the water flow.

Along the way, they’ll take in picturesque meadows, valleys, and rocky cliffs that are home to diverse wildlife like bald eagles and big horn sheep.

Safety and Equipment

The excursion is overseen by experienced professionals from Colorado Adventure Guides and Colorado Rafting Company.

All the necessary safety equipment and rafting gear, including rafts and paddles, are provided. For additional comfort, specialized clothing rentals like splash jackets and booties are available.

Participants are advised to purchase personal insurance and provide tips for the guides, which is typically 15-20% of the total cost.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, the following guidelines are recommended:

1. Avoid wearing cotton and opt for quick-drying materials like wool, polyester, and waterproof jackets.
2. Wear water shoes or old tennis shoes; flip-flops and bare feet aren’t allowed.
3. Bring a towel, but keep it in the vehicle as it may not stay dry on the river.
4. Be aware of the weight and age restrictions for participation.

Participant Restrictions and Recommendations

Certain participant restrictions and recommendations apply to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all white water rafting participants.

Children under 5 years, individuals over 350 lbs (159 kg), or over 95 years aren’t permitted to join the tour.

Participants should avoid cotton and opt for quick-drying materials like wool, polyester, and waterproof jackets.

Water shoes or old tennis shoes are recommended, as flip-flops and bare feet aren’t allowed.

Customers can bring their own water shoes, but towels must be kept in vehicles as they can’t be kept dry on the river.

The rafting experience is suitable for ages 5 and up, with appropriate safety precautions in place.

Customer Feedback and Additional Information

Customers have provided an overall rating of 5/5 based on their reviews of the family-friendly white water rafting experience in Vail, CO.

They can bring their own water shoes, but towels should be kept in vehicles as they can’t be kept dry on the river.

The trips leave twice daily at 9 AM or 1 PM, with open availability for booking.

Here are 4 additional tips to help customers enjoy their rafting adventure:

1. Avoid cotton and opt for quick-drying materials like wool or polyester.
2. Wear water shoes or old tennis shoes – no flip-flops or bare feet allowed.
3. Personal insurance and tips for guides (15-20%) are recommended.
4. Bring water and snacks, as they can’t be kept dry on the river.

Getting to the Boathouse

To reach the Colorado Rafting Company’s Colorado River Boathouse, visitors can take a 15-minute drive from the heart of Vail, CO.

The boathouse is located in the town of Bond, just off Highway 131. Ample parking is available at the facility.

Upon arrival, guests will check in at the main office to receive their safety briefing and get outfitted with the necessary rafting gear.

From there, a shuttle will transport the group to the river’s edge for the start of their white water adventure.

With clear directions and easy access, reaching the boathouse is a seamless part of the overall rafting experience.

What to Bring and Wear

Adventurous rafters should pack a few essential items to make the most of their white water excursion.

Recommended attire includes:

1. Quick-drying synthetic clothing, such as moisture-wicking polyester or wool, to stay comfortable and dry.
2. Sturdy water shoes or old sneakers to protect feet from rocks and rapids.
3. A lightweight, waterproof jacket to keep out splashes and wind.
4. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield from the sun’s rays.

Avoid cotton, which absorbs water and can make you feel cold.

With the right gear, rafters can focus on navigating the thrilling Colorado River without worrying about their comfort and safety.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Typically, white water rafting enthusiasts can book their experience in advance with no upfront payment. The adventure company offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing customers to cancel up to 24 hours prior to their scheduled trip for a full refund. This provides peace of mind for those unsure of their availability or the weather conditions on the river.

Booking	Cancellation	Refund
Reserve now, pay later	Up to 24 hours in advance	100%
No upfront payment required	24 hours or less prior	No refund
Secure your spot with ease	Weather or scheduling conflicts	Full refund available

With this convenient booking and cancellation policy, families can confidently plan their white water rafting adventure on the Colorado River.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Life Jacket?

Customers can use their own life jackets, but the company recommends using the provided safety equipment for optimal safety and comfort during the rafting trip. Personal floatation devices must meet industry standards.

Do I Need to Know How to Swim?

While swimming ability is recommended, it’s not mandatory for this guided white water rafting trip. The experienced guides provide all necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, to ensure an enjoyable and secure experience for participants.

How Experienced Do I Need to Be?

You don’t need prior rafting experience for this trip. The river has mild rapids suitable for beginners, and the guides provide thorough safety instruction. As long as you can swim, you’re ready to enjoy this family-friendly white water rafting adventure.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement?

The minimum age requirement for the white water rafting activity is 5 years old. Children under 5 are not permitted to participate due to safety concerns.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks?

Yes, customers can bring their own snacks and drinks. However, the company recommends packing light and waterproof containers, as items may get wet during the rafting trip. Disposable or glass containers are not permitted.

Recap

For an exhilarating yet family-friendly white water rafting experience, the Colorado River in Vail, CO is the perfect destination. With a mix of gentle and exciting rapids, stunning scenery, and experienced guides, this 3-hour adventure offers unforgettable memories for all ages. Convenient parking, comprehensive safety briefings, and flexible booking make it easy to plan an unforgettable day on the water.