Glenwood Springs stands out as a destination for its spectacular natural scenery and endless outdoor activities. Its unique blend of adrenaline-pumping adventures and relaxed floats makes it a magnet for travelers seeking both excitement and serenity. The Colorado River with its roaring rapids and gentle stretches is at the heart of many tour options, offering experiences that range from family-friendly floats to challenging whitewater trips. We especially like the Glenwood Springs Half-Day Rafting Trip because it combines thrilling rapids with top-notch guides, making it a memorable adventure for first-timers and seasoned paddlers alike. And for those wanting a more leisurely day, the Scenic Canyon Half-Day Float offers a peaceful ride through Glenwood Canyon’s stunning scenery—perfect for families or those with limited time.
Glenwood Springs is also about diverse ways to explore: from riding horses with panoramic mountain views to zooming through rugged landscapes on ATVs. Whatever your style, there’s a tour that fits. For a quick overview, we’ve rounded up the best options, including whitewater adventures, scenic floats, horseback rides, ATV tours, and even a uniquie scavenger hunt, all detailed below.
1. Glenwood Springs Half-Day Rafting Trip
At number 1, the Glenwood Springs Half-Day Rafting Trip offers a classic Colorado experience. For about $78 per person, you’ll spend approximately 3 hours navigating Class III-IV rapids like Baptism, Tuttle’s Tumble, and The Wall. This guided trip is ideal for thrill-seekers wanting a balanced dose of adrenaline and scenery. The tour departs morning or afternoon, giving flexibility to fit your schedule, and includes all necessary rafting gear, such as life jackets and helmets.
What makes this trip stand out is the combination of expert guides and the variety of rapids that challenge without overwhelming. Reviewers consistently praise the staff, with comments like “Dillon was a great oarsman” and “staff was tremendous,” emphasizing how well-organized and fun the experience is. Many say it’s a “once in a lifetime” thrill, perfect for families or groups of friends looking for a quick, active, and memorable outing.
Bottom Line: If you want a well-rated, adrenaline-packed half-day adventure on the Colorado River, this trip balances excitement with safety—and at a reasonable price.
2. Scenic Canyon Half-Day Float
Number 2 on the list is the Scenic Canyon Half-Day Float, a peaceful alternative to whitewater. For $64, you’ll enjoy about 2 to 2.5 hours floating down the Colorado River, starting at Glenwood Canyon’s Grizzly Creek. This trip is perfect if you prefer a relaxed, scenic experience. All equipment, including life jackets and wetsuits, is provided, and you can choose your departure time to suit your plans.
What makes this float unique is the opportunity for gentle swimming and the chance to see wildlife like deer, otters, and eagles. Guides like Jo make the trip especially enjoyable with engaging commentary and a friendly demeanor. Reviewers mention how fun and relaxing it was, with one saying, “This has definitely been the highlight of our visit,” highlighting its appeal for families or anyone wanting a calming day on the water.
Bottom Line: For a laid-back, scenic outing that still offers adventure with splashes and swimming, this float delivers a memorable experience at a fair price.
3. Glenwood Springs Short and Mild Rafting Trip
Position three goes to the Glenwood Springs Short and Mild Rafting adventure. At just $70 per person for roughly 2 hours, it’s designed for those wanting family-friendly fun. The guide takes you on a gentle ride down Class II rapids, making it ideal for beginners and kids, especially between 2 and 5 years old.
What makes this trip particularly appealing is its short duration, leaving the rest of your day open for other activities. Reviewers praise it as “great for beginners,” with guides like Randi providing helpful and interesting commentary. It’s a fantastic way for families to introduce children to whitewater rafting without the fear factor, while still enjoying Colorado’s scenic beauty along the river.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect if you’re looking for a family-friendly, short outing that emphasizes safety, scenery, and a gentle introduction to rafting.
4. Half Day Roaring Fork Rafting
Next up is the Half Day Roaring Fork Rafting, priced at $69 per person. This 2.5-hour trip takes you on the Crystal River between Carbondale and Glenwood Springs, navigating Class II and III rapids. It’s tailored to beginners and families, with small-group settings that ensure personalized attention. You’ll enjoy stunning views of Mount Sopris and have opportunities for wildlife sightings.
What makes this adventure stand out is the combination of exciting rapids and scenic beauty, making it an engaging yet manageable experience. The guides are known for their professionalism and fun attitude, with reviews like “The guides are awesome,” reinforcing the high-quality service. It’s a great choice for those wanting a solid dose of whitewater with plenty of Colorado landscape.
Bottom Line: For a well-balanced, scenic, and family-friendly whitewater trip, this tour offers excellent value and a memorable outing.
5. Half Day Shoshone Rafting in Glenwood Springs
Number 5 is the Shoshone Rafting trip, priced at $74. It features Class II-IV rapids over a two-mile stretch—perfect for beginners eager to try more challenging whitewater. The trip offers interesting geology and stunning scenery, with opportunities to swim depending on water conditions.
The trip is especially popular for its whitewater variety and engaging guides. One reviewer called it an “amazing experience” and appreciated the opportunity to see big horned sheep during the trip. It’s a fantastic option for families or adventure-minded travelers who want a more vigorous ride without the complexity of full-day excursions.
Bottom Line: If you’re after whitewater excitement with a scenic backdrop, this trip provides good value and a memorable challenge.
6. 2-Hours Glenwood Springs Short and Mild Family Raft Trip
Here’s a shorter, family-friendly option. For $65, you get about 2 hours on gentle rapids, with plenty of opportunities to see Colorado wildlife like deer and eagles. It’s designed for younger children and first-timers, with a relaxed pace but enough splashy fun to keep everyone engaged.
Reviewers mention how “the ride was easy and calm,” with guides like Shane making the experience enjoyable. It’s perfect for those who want a quick, safe introduction to whitewater and love scenic views.
Bottom Line: This is an ideal introductory family trip—it’s quick, safe, and offers a good mix of scenery and fun.
7. 2-Hour Side by Side Adventure
Number 7 is the Side by Side Adventure, a thrilling ATV tour. For $330 per group, you’ll explore 6,000 acres of private land with a guide, who ensures your safety and shares local highlights along the way. Participants can learn how to operate the ATV, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced riders.
What sets this tour apart is the chance to see Glenwood Canyon from a different perspective. Reviewers praise the personalized experience and spectacular views, noting it as their favorite activity in Colorado. It’s perfect for travelers seeking adventure with a focus on landscape photography or wildlife.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a fast-paced, scenic off-road experience, this tour delivers on excitement and personalized attention.
8. 2 Hour Horseback Ride
A classic Western activity, the Horseback Ride is ideal for lovers of nature and animals. At $155, this 2-hour journey offers panoramic mountain views, crossing meadows, aspen groves, and cedar forests. Guides help you spot wildlife and take in vistas of the Colorado River and surrounding peaks.
Reviewers love the easy ride suitable for all levels, with one mentioning, “Horses were great, and my son became a horse lover,” exemplifying how accessible this experience is. It’s perfect for those wanting to connect with Colorado’s rugged landscape on horseback.
Bottom Line: This tour is best for nature lovers and first-time riders wanting a peaceful, scenic mountain ride.
9. Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Glenwood Springs Hospitality Hunt
Number 9 is a fun, interactive scavenger hunt for $20. Using your smartphone, you’ll solve clues that lead to historical landmarks and local secrets around Glenwood Springs. It’s a great way to explore independently and learn about the town at your own pace.
Reviewers note that it’s a “fun group activity” with the flexibility to start and stop whenever you like. This experience suits families, team-building groups, and curious travelers who want a different way to discover the town.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a self-guided exploration with a touch of competition and fun, this scavenger hunt offers a memorable twist on sightseeing.
$20.00 per person
10. 2 Hours Sporting Clay Shooting
Finally, the Sporting Clay Shooting experience is a more niche activity, offering challenging target shooting on a spectacular canyon location. Costing $185, it is suited for adventurers with some shooting experience, with equipment available for beginners and kids (BB guns).
Though no reviews are available, the focus is on precision and fun, making it a good choice for those wanting something different from water-based activities. It’s best suited for groups, friends, or families with older children.
Bottom Line: For target practice in a scenic setting, this activity offers a fun and competitive edge to your Glenwood Springs trip.
$185.00 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Glenwood Springs Tour
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, physical fitness, and interests. If you crave adventure and thrills, the Half-Day Rafting Trip or the Side by Side ATV Tour are great picks. For a relaxing day with scenic views, the Float or the Horseback Ride fit perfectly. Families with young children might prefer the Mild Rafting or Family Raft Trip, while those wanting a bit of culture and discovery can try the Scavenger Hunt.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak summer months, and think about the best time of day for your experience—mornings tend to be quieter and cooler for most water activities.
Glenwood Springs offers a diverse array of tours and outdoor activities that cater to every taste and comfort level. Whether you’re after whitewater adrenaline, a peaceful float, or an off-road adventure, the options are plentiful. For first-time visitors, the whitewater rafting trips provide memorable thrills, while seasoned explorers might prefer the ATV or horseback rides for a more personal and immersive experience. Be sure to book early to secure your preferred dates, and prepare yourself for a range of incredible Colorado scenery—this town truly has something for every outdoor enthusiast.