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Float the Scenic Canyon: Half-Day Adventure in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Leave your worries behind and relax as you glide through Glenwood Canyon, enjoying just the right amount of splash to remind you you’re on a river without the intensity of the Shoshone rapids; you’ll have plenty of time to kick back, take in the canyon scenery and make stops along the way to swim or wade. As you approach Glenwood Springs, you can even dip your toes where the Colorado River is warmed by nearby hot springs, giving you a soothing, memorable riverside experience in Colorado that’s perfect for families, couples, and groups seeking a balanced mix of relaxation and gentle Water-Based adventure.
About this activity in Glenwood Springs
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Enjoy a relaxed river float through Glenwood Canyon that delivers refreshing splashes without the intensity of major rapids - perfect if you want scenic Colorado river time without the adrenaline overload.
- Stop along the way to swim or dip your toes in natural hot spring inflows where the warm water meets the Colorado River for a unique local experience.
- Soak up canyon vistas and riverside scenery at a leisurely pace, with plenty of opportunities to sit back, take photos, and appreciate the surrounding rock walls and river corridor.
- Family- and beginner-friendly - the trip is designed so everyone can participate, whether you’re after a calm outdoor nature outing, a romantic escape, or a group activity.
Important Information
- Dress for the river: bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and water shoes or sandals you don’t mind getting wet; optional wetsuits and splash gear are available if you prefer.
- You’ll be provided with all required safety equipment on site, and the experience is accessible to a wide range of fitness levels and ages - check your booking confirmation for any age or seating details.
- Purchase souvenir photos on board if you want keepsakes; gratuities for guides are appreciated but not included in the booking price.
- Service animals are welcome and public transportation options are nearby; plan to arrive early so you have time to check in and get briefed before launching.
Meeting Point
Choose free hotel pickup with prior notice or meet at the riverside launch/check-in area in Glenwood Springs - confirm your exact pickup or meeting location on your booking confirmation and allow extra time to check in before departure.
Includes
- Free shuttle with hotel pickup and drop-off upon request - call at least 24 hours in advance to arrange pickup in Glenwood Springs and the surrounding area.
- Lifejacket (personal flotation device) provided for every guest to ensure water-safety compliance.
- Helmet provided for added safety during your Water-Based activity.
- Optional use of wetsuits, river booties, and splash jackets available if you want extra warmth or protection on the water.
- Family-friendly 'happy paddlers' offering for guests 12 and under to accommodate younger adventurers.
- No additional fees or hidden taxes - the price you see includes the listed inclusions.
Excludes
- Gratuities are not included; please plan to tip your guides if you wish to show appreciation.
- Souvenir photos are not included but are available for purchase if you want keepsakes from your trip.
Other
- Wheelchair accessible - the operation provides access accommodations to support travelers with mobility needs in the area.
- Infants and small children may ride in a pram or stroller; however, infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap during the activity.
- Service animals are allowed to accompany you on this experience.
- Public transportation options are available nearby, making it easy to reach the meeting point from central Glenwood Springs.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels - this experience accommodates a wide range of abilities.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times for safety and supervision.
- Operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately for the season and river conditions.
- Please arrive 45 minutes prior to departure time; refunds will not be issued if you miss the tour or activity due to late or non-arrival.
- A 48-hour cancellation policy applies - be sure to modify or cancel within this window if your plans change.
Customer Reviews
10/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
Family friendly floating on the river. Beautiful scenery. They tried to upgrade us to the less-family friendly float. That float is a few miles longer (they start higher up on the river) but the floating time is equal. We were just happy with the simple version.
Including a stop at a natural hotwater (really hot!) spring for a little soak.
They make beautiful pictures from the sideways. You can buy them for 36 USDollar (1 photo) up to 86 USDollar (all of them, over 20 photos). Too expensive for me.
The starting time is 10 am, and NOT 9 AM as advertised by Viator. So we had to wait an hour in front of the building...
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Summary:
The people in the garage were as helpful and friendly as they could possibly be. Their knowledge of the river conditions was exceptional.
Eric, our guide did a great job explaining the safety issues. When we got on the river, it was in an organized manner. Eric had complete command of the raft at all times. He explained the different parts of the river, i.e. hot springs, 60 foot deep areas.
He pointed out rock formations.
Eric was well prepared and quite friendly.
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Summary:
I love rafting with Defiance their guides are awesome. We had Jeremy for this trip. He definitely made it fun and interesting with all his knowledge of the Glenwood Springs area. He also had great recommendations for other nearby attractions and amenities.
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Book Adventure, Wellness & Tours in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
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Know more about Glenwood Springs
You can expect a relaxed, scenic float with just enough splash to remind you you’re on a river without the intensity of the Shoshone rapids. The trip emphasizes kicking back and taking in canyon views along the Colorado River as you approach Glenwood Springs.
Absolutely. The gentle nature of the river experience makes it family-friendly and ideal for visitors seeking outdoor nature and Water-Based activities together in and around Glenwood Canyon.
You’ll travel through iconic Glenwood Canyon with river views and scenic stretches of the Colorado River, offering multiple chances to stop, swim, and enjoy the natural hot spring inflows as part of your outdoor sightseeing experience.
Yes - the route gives you plenty of opportunities to hop out for a swim or to dip your toes in the hot springs that feed into the Colorado River as you near Glenwood Springs, making it a refreshing Water-Based outing.
This trip intentionally tones down the intensity - you’ll feel light splashes and steady floating instead of the strong rapids associated with Shoshone, so you can relax and focus on sightseeing and soaking up the canyon scenery.
Yes - the calm river pace, scenic canyon backdrop, and access to warm spring-fed water make it well suited for romantic couples, Group-Friendly outings, and anyone looking for wellness-focused relaxation in Glenwood Springs.
