Glenwood Canyon Half-Day
Overview
If we only had two to three hours to spend on the water and wanted show our friends or family what it's like to experience the thrill of Class III (Class IV at higher water) Colorado whitewater rafting and the beauty of Glenwood Canyon, this would be the trip we'd take them on. And if we only had two hours because everyone had plans after the trip, well, we'd probably cancel them so we could all go rafting.
At lower water levels it's perfect for first-timers, families, and people who like experiencing life rather than Snapchatting it. At higher water levels, typically late-Spring thru early-Summer, this experience is best for adrenaline junkies and experienced paddlers in good physical condition and without pre-existing medical conditions.
What's Included
- Shuttle
- Free hotel pickup and drop-off upon request with 24-hour notice (Please Call)
- Optional use of wetsuits, river booties, and splash-jackets
- Helmet
- No additional fees and taxes
- Post trip swag for Happy Paddlers (guests 12 and under).
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD) aka, lifejacket
- Gratuities
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Meeting Location
1308 County Road 129
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Your experience starts by meeting at the Defiance boathouse located in Glenwood Springs, CO. There, we will gear you up, talk about the trip, and introduce you to your river pro. Then Defiance will shuttle you and your river pro up the Glenwood Canyon to the Shoshone Rapids where you will put-in on the Colorado River. You'll find action right away as your river pro navigates you down the Class III Shoshone section. You'll follow that up with 2+ hours of scenic canyon float that offers occasional splashes and opportunities to jump in the water through lower Glenwood Canyon and into the community of Glenwood Springs.
Class I–III
Trip Length: 2 1/2 hours to 3 hours (dependent on river flow)
Departs daily @ 9:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm
Check-In is 45 minutes prior to departure (77 Mel Rey Rd., Glenwood Springs, CO 81601).
Requirements: Paddlers must be at least ten (10) years old to raft through the Shoshone Rapids. Paddlers under ten (but over 30 lbs) will join us at Grizzly Creek, just below Shoshone Rapids.
Higher water levels have additional age and ability requirements.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival. Please arrive 45 minutes prior to trip departure.
- 24-Hour Cancellation Policy
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 48 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: Will I get seasick on Glenwood Canyon Half-Day?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-86675P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.94 out of 5 stars based on 386 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (MST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Shuttle.
- Free hotel pickup and drop-off upon request with 24-hour notice (Please Call).
- Optional use of wetsuits, river booties, and splash-jackets.
- Helmet.
- No additional fees and taxes.
- Post trip swag for Happy Paddlers (guests 12 and under).
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD) aka, lifejacket.
- Gratuities.
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase).
The minimum age to participate is 8. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Glenwood Canyon Half-Day is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Glenwood Canyon Half-Day will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Shuttle
- Free hotel pickup and drop-off upon request with 24-hour notice (Please Call)
- Optional use of wetsuits, river booties, and splash-jackets
- Helmet
- No additional fees and taxes
- Post trip swag for Happy Paddlers (guests 12 and under).
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD) aka, lifejacket
- Gratuities
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival. Please arrive 45 minutes prior to trip departure.
- 24-Hour Cancellation Policy
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 48 travelers
