Mild Scenic Family Float on Arkansas River

A float down the Arkansas River near Colorado Springs offers a relaxed, scenic adventure suitable for families, first-timers, and anyone looking for a gentle taste of Colorado’s outdoor allure. For around $146 per person, you’ll spend about 1.5 to 2.5 hours enjoying easy rapids amid breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery. Guided by friendly, knowledgeable professionals, this quiet float is designed to be safe, fun, and accessible—ideal for children, seniors, or novices.

What we love most about this tour is the stunning mountain vistas you’ll enjoy from the water, combined with the calm, rolling rapids that keep the experience lively yet manageable. Plus, the included gear—helmets, life vests, wetsuits—means you don’t have to fuss with packing your own clothing or safety equipment. The second highlight? The guides are praised for their expertise and friendliness—notably, several guests mention guides like Dan and May making the trip memorable with their knowledge and lively commentary.

One thing to consider? The tour is quite popular, often booked 34 days in advance, so planning ahead is wise if you want to secure a spot during peak times. Also, while the experience is suited for most, travelers expecting more adrenaline might find the mild rapids less thrilling. This trip is best for families, first-timers, or those simply seeking a relaxing outdoor adventure with fantastic views.

If you’re after a laid-back, scenic river outing that emphasizes safety, comfort, and the chance to enjoy Colorado’s rugged landscape, this float ticks all the boxes.

Key Points

• Gentle Class II-III rapids make this perfect for families and novice rafters.
• Includes all gear and safety briefings, so you can relax and focus on the scenery.
• Guides like Dan and May receive high praise for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Stunning Rocky Mountain vistas are a highlight, offering great photo opportunities.
• Booking well in advance is recommended due to popularity.
• Suitable for all ages, including seniors and children, with a focus on safety and comfort.

In-Depth Review of the Arkansas River Family Float

Setting the Scene: What Makes This Float Special?

This float isn’t about conquering wild rapids or conquering big waves. Instead, it offers a peaceful, family-friendly way to experience Colorado’s natural beauty from the water. The Arkansas River runs through some of the most striking mountain scenery you’ll encounter, with the rugged Rockies framing your view at every turn. This is a gentle whitewater experience, with Class II – III rapids providing just enough splash and excitement without risking safety.

The tour begins at the Arkansas River Tours office just outside Colorado Springs, in Cotopaxi. The check-in process is friendly and straightforward, with staff guiding you through gear fitting and safety instructions. The fact that all necessary equipment—helmets, life vests, wetsuits—is included adds real value, removing the hassle of sourcing your own gear.

The Itinerary: Breaking Down the Experience

Stop 1: Check-in and Gear Fitting
Once you arrive at the office, expect a warm welcome and clear instructions. The staff will equip you with wetsuits if needed (especially helpful if you’re visiting in cooler months) and explain safety protocols thoroughly. This prep ensures everyone understands what to expect and feels secure.

Stop 2: Short Shuttle to the Put-In
After gearing up, a quick shuttle whisks you to the river’s edge. It’s a brief drive, but it offers a taste of Colorado’s rural charm, with scenic views along the way. The guides keep the atmosphere upbeat, setting the tone for a relaxed, fun trip.

Stop 3: The Float Down the Arkansas River
This is the heart of the experience—about an hour of floating through gentle rapids, scenic landscapes, and perhaps some playful splashes. Guides like Dan and May are repeatedly praised for their knowledge and ability to keep everyone comfortable. Expect to see stunning views of the Rockies, and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the river. The guides will provide live commentary, pointing out interesting features and wildlife, enhancing your understanding of this beautiful landscape.

Stop 4: Return and Photo Opportunities
Back at the private beach where you began, you’ll have a chance to change into dry clothes and explore your photos. Many guests mention how enjoyable it is to relive the moments through these pictures, which capture the smiles and splashes from your trip.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Feedback

Numerous reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery. Jason G. notes that “the whole family had a great time,” praising Dan’s expertise and the feeling of security throughout. Jeanne B. calls her trip with guide May “AMAZING” and “relaxing,” emphasizing how much fun they had. Melissa F. was delighted that this was her kids’ first rafting experience—they loved it so much they want to come back for bigger rapids.

Interestingly, the reviews also underline that the tour is suitable even for first-time rafters. Several guests mention how their children or elderly relatives enjoyed the trip, feeling safe and engaged. This speaks to the tour’s gentle, welcoming nature.

The Practical Side: What You Need to Know

The tour lasts roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours, including check-in, gear fitting, shuttle, the float itself, and photo viewing. The price of $146 per person may seem steep, but when you consider gear, safety, and guided expertise included, the price reflects good value—especially for families or first-timers looking for a memorable yet low-stress adventure.

Booking ahead is strongly recommended, as the tour is popular, often booked 34 days in advance. The activity operates most days starting at 1:30 pm, making it a perfect afternoon outing.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This float is ideal for families with children, seniors, or anyone new to rafting. It’s designed for those who want to enjoy Colorado’s scenery in a laid-back setting without the adrenaline rush of more intense whitewater adventures. If you’re looking for stunning vistas, professional guides, and a relaxing experience, this tour will deliver.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a safe, scenic, and family-friendly way to experience Colorado’s outdoors, this float on the Arkansas River offers an excellent combination of gentle whitewater, expert guiding, and breathtaking views. The inclusion of all gear and the positive reviews about guides like Dan and May highlight the quality of this experience.

While it may not satisfy thrill-seekers craving big waves or intense rapids, it’s perfect for those wanting to ease into Colorado’s outdoor offerings or introduce children to river adventures. The scenery alone makes this worth the trip, and the friendly guides ensure you’ll come away with smiles—and maybe a few splash marks.

This is a trip you’ll remember for its relaxing pace, stunning landscape, and the opportunity to share a fun outdoor experience with loved ones. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty at a gentle float, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention children enjoying the float, and the experience is designed to be safe and relaxing for all ages.

How long does the tour last?
Expect about 1.5 to 2.5 hours total, including check-in, gear fitting, shuttle, the float, and photo viewing.

What gear is included?
All necessary gear—helmet, life vest, splash jacket, wetsuits—is provided, so you don’t need to bring your own.

Do I need prior experience to join?
No. The tour is designed for beginners and those without rafting experience, making it accessible for everyone.

What should I wear?
It’s recommended to avoid cotton—synthetic swimwear, workout gear, and sturdy shoes like sneakers or sandals with straps are best. No flip flops or Crocs.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 34 days ahead, as the tour is popular and spots fill up quickly.

Can I purchase photos of my trip?
Yes, photos are available for purchase after the float, capturing your fun moments on the river.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points are included, making logistics easier.

Ready to enjoy Colorado’s stunning mountains from a peaceful float? This tour offers gentle thrills and breathtaking scenery—perfect for creating lasting outdoor memories with family or friends.