USA · RAFTING & FLOAT TRIPS

15 Rafting & Float Trips in the USA That Still Read Well a Year On

24 tours  ·  from $46

Every trip has one open day too few. These 15 rafting & float trips justify the slot, priced and timed so the decision takes minutes instead of an evening.

Half Day Whitewater Rafting Trip - What the rapids feel like for first-timers
Half-Day, Rafting & Float Trips, Tour Reviews

Half Day Whitewater Rafting Trip

1.Half Day Whitewater Rafting Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,840 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $90Our pick

Meet Glacier Raft Company in West Glacier, gear up, and ride an 8-mile stretch of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Expect Class II rapids, including Bone Crusher, plus John Stevens Canyon views. Guides such as Katie, Owen, Claire, and Aaron bring clear instruction and good humor. Water levels can change the trip from lively rafting to a calmer float.

“It was great Sofia was excellent!!! She was friendly and informative Rafting was not too challenging”

Check availability →Read our full review

Upper Pigeon River Rafting Trip from Hartford - Why the guides matter
Rafting & Float Trips, Tour Reviews

Upper Pigeon River Rafting Trip from Hartford

2.Upper Pigeon River Rafting Trip from Hartford

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,444 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $51

Set out from Hartford for a 6.5-mile guided run on the Upper Pigeon River. You’ll tackle about 70 Class I to IV rapids, with certified guides such as Tye, Eve, Bart, or Jay handling the raft. The trip suits first-timers and experienced paddlers, but expect cold water, wet clothes, and calm stretches between the bigger rapids.

“Our guide Eli was fantastic. Nobody fell overboard so he doesn't have to do alot of paperwork lol! All jokes aside I'd 100% do this again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Tetons and Snake River Scenic Float Trip In Jackson Hole - Checking in downtown before the river
Jackson Hole Tours, Rafting & Float Trips, Tour Reviews, Wyoming Tours

Tetons and Snake River Scenic Float Trip In Jackson Hole

3.Tetons and Snake River Scenic Float Trip In Jackson Hole

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,000 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $120

Spend about three hours floating the Snake River from Wilson, Wyoming, with views of the Tetons, Jackson Peak, and the Gros Ventre Range. Guides such as Matt, Hailey, Egan, and Julian share local history, geology, and wildlife notes. The ride is calm, family-friendly, and may include a few gentle rapids.

“We saw several bald eagles and a lot of ducks. Our guide was so fun and knowledgeable about the surroundings and animals. She did great steering down the river, keeping us from getting wet.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Half-Day Whitewater Rafting in Browns Canyon - Getting ready for Browns Canyon’s rapids
Colorado Rockies Tours, Colorado Tours, Half-Day, Rafting & Float Trips, Rafting Trips in Colorado Rockies, Tour Reviews

Half-Day Whitewater Rafting in Browns Canyon

4.Half-Day Whitewater Rafting in Browns Canyon

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 999 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.)

Join Noah’s Ark in Buena Vista for a 2 to 3 hour rafting trip through Browns Canyon National Monument. After a safety briefing and gear fitting, you’ll paddle class III rapids such as Raft Ripper, Zoom Flume, and Pinball. Guide Seth is praised for calm, clear instruction. The trip begins and ends at Noah’s Ark.

“Noah’s Ark was recommended to us by a local friend and we couldn’t be more happy. From the time you walk onto their property, through the end of your trip, you are treated with some of the best customer service I have ever experienced. Our guide Seth was an amazing leader: clear, specific and respectful with all his instructions. Even when we got off a little on timing he always remained calm, showing the leadership skills one would want from a guide. Amazing day with an amazing staff pretty much sums it up!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whitewater Rafting in Jackson Hole : Family Standard Raft - The ride to the launch sets the stage
Jackson Hole Tours, Rafting & Float Trips, Tour Reviews, Wyoming Tours

Whitewater Rafting in Jackson Hole : Family Standard Raft

5.Whitewater Rafting in Jackson Hole : Family Standard Raft

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 965 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $120

Join Dave Hansen White Water Scenic River Trips for a four-hour Jackson Hole outing on an 8-mile stretch of the Snake River. Your guide leads the raft through rapids such as Lunch Counter and Big Kahuna, past limestone cliffs and pine-covered hills. The standard raft holds up to 16 people, with 10 paddle positions, and guides such as Bryce, Zach, Hailey, and Savannah are known for making first-timers feel at ease.

“Our family with 3 kids had a great time on this raft trip down the Snake River. At the end of September, the rapids are not as wild which was perfect for us since we had never been white water rafting. The water was cold but wearing the wet suit really helped and it wasn’t anything that kept us from enjoying ourselves. The whole process from check in to transportation to rafting was smooth and easy. We would definitely use Dave Hansen again!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Durango Half Day Rafting Trip - Lower Animas River - Shuttle, safety talk, and your first paddle strokes
Colorado Rockies Tours, Colorado Tours, Half-Day, Rafting & Float Trips, Rafting Trips in Colorado Rockies, Tour Reviews

Durango Half Day Rafting Trip – Lower Animas River

6.Durango Half Day Rafting Trip – Lower Animas River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 942 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $107

Paddle the Lower Animas River on a four-hour rafting trip for ages 4 and up. Your guide handles the raft through Train Bridge, Baby Smelter, Class III Smelter, Sawmill, Santa Rita, and Pinball rapids, depending on water flow. Guides such as Sam, Nina, Anna, and Rob are known for clear instructions, local stories, and a relaxed approach.

“It was a fun and exciting trip on the river with Sam Cook. He gave excellent instructions while reminding us to relax and enjoy the trip. He pointed out the trees and wildlife of interest. Safety was a priority along with fun. The entire staff at Mild2Wild was friendly and helpful. Very glad that I added this trip on the river to my itinerary while on vacation in Durango.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Half Day Browns Canyon Rafting Adventure - What happens at the Buena Vista base
Colorado Rockies Tours, Colorado Tours, Half-Day, Rafting & Float Trips, Rafting Trips in Colorado Rockies, Tour Reviews

Half Day Browns Canyon Rafting Adventure

7.Half Day Browns Canyon Rafting Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 903 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $99

Spend about three hours rafting the Arkansas River through Browns Canyon National Monument with an experienced guide such as Emma, Justin, Sam, or Julia. You’ll paddle through rapids including Toilet Bowl and Big Drop, float past mountain scenery, and use provided wetsuits, splash jackets, river shoes, helmets, and life jackets.

“Going through the class three and four rapids Our guide Sam was very good and knowledgeable and kept us safe and had fun with us as a group”

Check availability →Read our full review

Snake River Scenic Float Trip with Teton Views in Jackson Hole - From Stilson Lot to the launch point
Jackson Hole Tours, Rafting & Float Trips, Tour Reviews, Wyoming Tours

Snake River Scenic Float Trip with Teton Views in Jackson Hole

8.Snake River Scenic Float Trip with Teton Views in Jackson Hole

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 864 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $115

You’ll float 13 miles down the Snake River with a professional guide handling the rowing and steering. Expect broad Teton views, bald eagles, osprey, ducks, and the chance of moose or otters. Guides such as Zach, Andrew, Matilda, and Emma add local stories. The ride is gentle, with one short stretch of class 1 or 2 rapids.

“Great scenic float. Zach our guide did a wonderful job. Love supporting small business. Highly recommend. Saw several bald eagles but no other animals.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Browns Canyon Full Day Rafting Adventure - Rapids With Room to Catch Your Breath
Colorado Rockies Tours, Colorado Tours, Full-Day, Rafting & Float Trips, Rafting Trips in Colorado Rockies, Tour Reviews

Browns Canyon Full Day Rafting Adventure

9.Browns Canyon Full Day Rafting Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 825 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $169

Spend about six hours rafting the Arkansas River through Browns Canyon near Buena Vista. Your guide teaches paddling, leads you through family-friendly rapids, and serves lunch beside the river. You may also have time for swimming, a creek-side walk, and optional jumps from 10 and 20-foot rocks. Guides such as Kayla and Jade have led this trip.

“Great trip and our guide, Kayla was fantastic. Lunch was great and we stopped to jump off 10’ and 20’ rock. Thoroughly enjoyed the trip and highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Denali Rafting Canyon Wave - Choosing between paddle rafting and the oar boat
Alaska Tours, Denali Tours, Rafting & Float Trips, Tour Reviews

Denali Rafting Canyon Wave

10.Denali Rafting Canyon Wave

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 643 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $147

Join New Wave Adventures for a 3.5-hour Canyon Wave rafting trip on the Nenana River near Denali. You’ll cover 11 miles of rapids with guides such as Beau, Pat, Luke, or J Money, depending on the departure. Choose an active paddle position or ride in the oar boat, with transport, drysuit, helmet, river shoes, and safety gear supplied.

“Very safe, not near as strenuous as I thought it would be. Really fun, will definitely go again! Raft guide doubled as a tour guide!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Glenwood Springs Half-Day Rafting Trip - Riding nine miles upriver to Glenwood Canyon
Colorado Rockies Tours, Colorado Tours, Half-Day, Rafting & Float Trips, Rafting Trips in Colorado Rockies, Tour Reviews

Glenwood Springs Half-Day Rafting Trip

11.Glenwood Springs Half-Day Rafting Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 596 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $78

Meet Whitewater Rafting, LLC at 2000 Devereux Rd for a three-hour Colorado River run through Glenwood Canyon. You’ll tackle Shoshone Rapids such as The Wall, Tombstone, and Superstition, then float past canyon scenery and possible riverside hot springs. Guides including Franco, Misael, Ed, and Nick add safety, stories, and humor. Equipment is included.

“It was a blast! Our guide was awesome. Super funny and did a great job keeping us informed and entertained.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Durango 1/4 Day Rafting Trip - Lower Animas River - One Hour Through Class II and Class III Water
Colorado Rockies Tours, Colorado Tours, Rafting & Float Trips, Rafting Trips in Colorado Rockies, Tour Reviews

Durango 1/4 Day Rafting Trip – Lower Animas River

12.Durango 1/4 Day Rafting Trip – Lower Animas River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 583 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $75

Spend about an hour on the Lower Animas River, paddling through Class II rapids and one Class III drop near Durango. Guides such as Kaleb, Dylan, Stephen, Riley, and Trey have earned praise for clear instruction and good humor. Trips suit ages 4 and up, with milder summer water and bigger spring splashes.

“Our rafting trip was so fun!! Beautiful river, knowledgeable and fun guide. We loved it and cannot wait to join this company on The Salt River!”

Check availability →Read our full review

White Water Rafting Experience on the Upper Pigeon River - Why the gorge scenery matters between the rapids
Rafting & Float Trips, Tour Reviews

White Water Rafting Experience on the Upper Pigeon River

13.White Water Rafting Experience on the Upper Pigeon River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 580 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Paddle the Upper Pigeon River with Big Creek Expeditions in Hartford, Tennessee. You get a helmet, life jacket, paddle, safety briefing, and a short shuttle to the launch point before tackling more than a dozen Class III and IV rapids. Guides such as Miranda, Shane, and Justin are praised for making first-timers feel safe while still delivering an exciting ride.

“It wasn’t nearly as long as advertised but still fun. We were only on water for 40 min and advertised as 1.5 hr which was disappointing. Expect to wear close toed shoes which will get soaked unless want to pay $18 for a pair or water shoes.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2 Hour Rafting on the Yellowstone River - What Class II and III rapids feel like
2-Hour Experiences, Rafting & Float Trips, Tour Reviews, Wyoming Tours, Yellowstone Tours

2 Hour Rafting on the Yellowstone River

14.2 Hour Rafting on the Yellowstone River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 549 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $95

From Gardiner, paddle a raft through Class II and III rapids on the Yellowstone River for about two hours. Guides such as Spencer, Jess, Jack, and Bode lead the way, point out wildlife and river features, and pause in calmer water for swimming. Wetsuits, water shoes, splash jackets, and changing facilities are included.

“Our family had the best time and our guide, Dylan, was so good at pointing out points of interest and engaging with all the kids!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whitewater Rafting in Jackson Hole: Small Boat Excitement - From downtown Jackson to the river
Cruises & Boat Tours, Jackson Hole Tours, Rafting & Float Trips, Tour Reviews, Wyoming Tours

Whitewater Rafting in Jackson Hole: Small Boat Excitement

15.Whitewater Rafting in Jackson Hole: Small Boat Excitement

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 542 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $135

Join Dave Hansen White Water in downtown Jackson for an 8-mile Snake River run in an 8-person raft. You will paddle through Big Kahuna, Lunch Counter, and Rope with a guide such as Ben, Delaney, Bryce, or Egan, while mountain scenery and bald eagles add a quieter side to the trip. Expect to get soaked, and consider renting a wetsuit.

“People were great. A lot of level 3-4 rapids. Family enjoyed the experience. Lauren, our river guide did a great job.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Rafting & Float Trips

★ 5.0Jackson Hole Whitewater Rafting Classic from Jackson Hole,Wyoming365 reviews
★ 5.0The Best Whitewater RaftingFrom $45456 reviews
★ 5.0Montana Whitewater Half Day Raft Trip – Yellowstone RiverFrom $92375 reviews

Keep browsing

Jeep & Off-Road Tours25ATV & UTV Tours34Eco Tours16Wildlife34Manatee Encounters27Sea Turtle Tours16Surfing Lessons7
Scroll to Top

The American map

Start with a shoreline, a rim or a river.

On the water

Boat TripsSnorkelingWhale WatchingAirboat ToursKayak Trips

Parks and rock

National ParksGrand CanyonAntelope CanyonZion & BryceYellowstone

Cities on foot

Walking ToursHistory WalksGhost WalksFood ToursArchitecture

Tickets and shows

Attraction TicketsMuseum TicketsShowsBroadwayLuaus