Not Every Family Needs the Same Trip — Here’s the Difference
Choosing a family rafting trip is less about bravery and more about who’s coming. At Raft Masters, we’ve spent nearly four decades helping families find the right Arkansas River adventure. The best trip usually comes down to one question: who’s the youngest or most hesitant person in the group?
Every Raft Masters trip is all-inclusive: gear, a complimentary lunch at the Eddy Out Cafe, and a souvenir photo are included at no extra charge from Memorial Day through Labor Day. What changes is the experience on the water.
Families With Little Ones
If your youngest is a toddler (or you have guests who prefer calm water) the Family Float is built for your group.
Welcoming children as young as 1 year old, this is the safest rafting trip in Colorado. The float covers 5 gentle miles of the Arkansas River, with sweeping canyon views and light splashing but no rapids. At 2 hours total with about an hour on the water, it’s perfectly sized for short attention spans and anyone who would rather take in the scenery than navigate whitewater.
Do you get wet on this trip? Expect some splashing — nothing that will soak you. All gear, including splash jackets and wetsuits, is provided. Pricing: Adults $95 / Children $75.
Families With Teens
The Bighorn Sheep Canyon half-day trip is the most popular family trip Raft Masters runs — and it earns that spot. For kids ages 5 and up and adults of any experience level, it delivers real whitewater without tipping into anything overwhelming.
Over 9 miles of the Arkansas River, your group works through Class II–III rapids — Five Points, Spike Buck, and Cowgirl Up — with canyon walls rising on both sides and bighorn sheep appearing regularly on the rocky slopes above. Are Class 3 rapids safe for kids? Yes. Class II–III is the sweet spot for family rafting: enough splash and momentum to feel genuinely exciting, manageable enough that first-timers come off the water grinning rather than shaken.
Total time on-site is around 3.5 hours, with 2 hours on the water. Pricing: Adults & Children $129. Just 55 minutes from Colorado Springs and 45 minutes from Pueblo, it’s one of the most accessible and rewarding day trips in the region.
Older Teens and Adults
Rafting isn’t just for kids — and for adults looking for something more intense, the Royal Gorge is in a different category entirely.
Slicing through one of the deepest canyons in North America — more than 1,100 feet of vertical canyon wall — this stretch of the Arkansas River runs Class IV–V rapids that demand full engagement. It’s the kind of experience that people talk about for years. Choose the half-day trip for a concentrated afternoon of whitewater, or go all-in with the full-day Royal Gorge run — lunch included, river all day.
Are Class 4 rapids OK for kids? The Royal Gorge is best suited for older teens and adults. Younger children are better served on the Bighorn Sheep Canyon or Family Float.
When Your Group Spans Multiple Comfort Levels
It’s more common than people think: one part of the family is ready for real whitewater, another isn’t. Raft Masters coordinates split groups regularly — younger kids and anyone who prefers calmer water on the Family Float, while the rest of the group tackles Bighorn Sheep Canyon or the Royal Gorge. Both groups return to Raft Masters, reunite over lunch, and swap stories over their souvenir photos.
For larger gatherings, the group planning page covers everything from coordinating multiple trip types to managing large party logistics.
What Every Trip Includes
Regardless of which trip your family chooses, every Raft Masters experience covers:
- All river gear — wetsuits, boots, and splash jackets at no extra charge
- Complimentary lunch at the Eddy Out Cafe — Memorial Day through Labor Day (May 23–September 7)
- Free souvenir photos — professional shots from every trip
- Expert, safety-trained guides from arrival through take-out
Check our current specials and explore Arkansas River packages, including the Rail + Raft and Boat + Bridge combos for families who want to make a full day of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can children go white water rafting at Raft Masters? The Family Float welcomes children as young as 1 year old. The Bighorn Sheep Canyon trip is recommended for ages 5 and up. The Royal Gorge is best suited for older teens and adults. Call 719-275-6645 if you have questions about your group.
Is rafting safe for kids who can’t swim? Yes — every guest is equipped with a properly fitted life jacket and guided by a trained Raft Masters professional. Safety protocols are reviewed with every group before launching. Visit our FAQs page for more details.
Can grandparents join a rafting trip? Absolutely. The Family Float is the most popular option for multi-generational groups — it’s calm, scenic, and genuinely enjoyable for guests of any age or mobility level.
Do you get wet on a rafting trip? It depends on the trip. The Family Float involves light splashing. Bighorn Sheep Canyon will get you wet at the rapids. The Royal Gorge is full whitewater — expect to get soaked. All splash jackets and wetsuits are provided at no extra charge.
What should families bring on a rafting trip? A swimsuit, sunscreen, and closed-toe water shoes. All river gear is included. Visit our FAQs page for the complete packing guide.