USA · WHITEWATER RAFTING AND RIVER FLOATS
36 tours
Below are the 15 best whitewater rafting and river floats in the USA, with what each one costs, how long it runs and the kind of traveller it suits. Start at the top; it is there for a reason.
Half-day whitewater rafting in West Glacier, Glacier National Park: Class II rapids on the Middle Fork plus John Stevens Canyon views.
“Water was very low but still a lovely raft trip. Not much in the way of rapids. Great weather day and the guidecwas great, Danny.”
Upper Pigeon River rafting from Hartford is a 6.5-mile, guided run with 70 rapids (Class 1 to 4) near Gatlinburg.
“This is what we called our senior citizens white water rafting trip. My 58th birthday and other than my son I was the youngest :) It was so fun, even my husband who can't swim a lick faced his fears and did great. No one fell out of the boat, you have the option to get into a spin on the rapids which we did 2 times. That was fun. The guides are well trained. We had Alex (female) she was very good at guiding us down the river and full of knowledge about the area.. Def reccommend as a thing to do while in Tennessee will be going again..…”
3-hour calm Snake River float near Jackson Hole. Watch moose, eagles, otters, and Grand Tetons views with guides and gear.
“Guide was in a hurry. Guide was not using microphone most of the time and couldn’t be heard in the back”
Half-day whitewater rafting in Browns Canyon with class III rapids, helmet and life jacket included, and a guided trip from Buena Vista.
“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!!”
Family standard rafting in Jackson Hole on the Snake River, Class II to III rapids, small-group guide, about 4 hours, $120.
“As a first time experience for most of our family, it was amazing! Our guide,Ben made it a fun experience by making jokes.”
Half-day Lower Animas rafting in Durango with mild rapids, small groups, provided gear, and snacks, plus Durango views from the water.
“Awesome experience. Highly recommend the rafting trip. Rode the lower Animas River. The staff was great at Mild and Wild.”
Half-day Browns Canyon rafting from Buena Vista with included wetsuit gear, Toilet Bowl and Big Drop rapids, plus scenic calm stretches.
“We had a beautiful day and fabulous experience! Hannah our guide was friendly and made us all very comfortable on our first time rafting. We had fun and appreciated the jokes and local facts (hiking recommendations, plant life, and more). Lots of fun.”
Easy Snake River float with Teton views, bald eagles in sight, and a guide who steers so you can just relax for 3 hours.
“Travelers will love this nice, relaxing raft trip down the Snake River! Our guide Matilda was the best!! A wonderful time!”
Full-day rafting in Brown’s Canyon on the Arkansas River. Paddle rapids, enjoy optional jumps, and eat a riverside lunch near Buena Vista.
“We spent 11 days in Colorado and this was the highlight of our trip. Our guide was Kayla and she was wonderful! The whole crew was great! They provided a wonderful lunch and small hike up a by a creek. I have rafted all over America and this float was my favorite. Brown Canyon is beautiful.”
A calm half-day raft float on the Middle Fork of the Flathead near Glacier. Easy pace, wildlife chances, life jacket included.
“It was a slow pace down the creek, it was perfect. The guide, Wiley, was awesome, will definitely do it again!!”
A half-day guided rafting trip to Fisher Towers on the Colorado River, with varied rapids, wildlife spotting, and ice-cold water.
“River trip was great! The guide was knowledgeable and very interactive with us. Even our 'cautious' family members felt safe and had a great time! Parking is limited, so plan some extra time to walk to the meeting place.”
Moab afternoon rafting on the Colorado River with Class I and II rapids, red-rock canyons, and expert guides. Meets at 1:30 pm.
“Fun trip, class 1 and 2 rapids were not challenging but fun. Guide was helpful in keeping us on course.”
Denali Canyon Wave rafting on the Nenana River, 11 miles of rapids, drysuits and pickup included. 3.5 hours of safe Alaska fun.
“So happy we booked this. The whole experience was amazing. I was a little worried before, but the guides were great and made the adventure of a lifetime!”
Guided 3-hour Glenwood Springs rafting on the Colorado River, tackling Class III-IV rapids with gear included and a hot-springs soak option.
“Good swim fun id do it again so fun safe so fun good fun good swim cold water fun fun safe fun fun good”
Raft the Lower Animas from Durango with Class II splashes plus one Class III. Shuttle, gear, parking. Ages 4+ in 2.5 hours.
“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!”
