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A gentle six-mile float on the Arkansas River tailored for families with small children—complete with wetsuits, a BBQ lunch, and easy Class I–II rapids. Learn what to expect, what’s included, and how to prepare for a safe, splashy day on the water.
A gentle six-mile float on the Arkansas River tailored for families with small children—complete with wetsuits, a BBQ lunch, and easy Class I–II rapids. Learn what to expect, what’s included, and how to prepare for a safe, splashy day on the water.
You push off from the put-in and the river takes over: broad water, sun on your shoulders, and a steady current that rocks small bodies in bright orange life jackets. The six-mile Family Float through Canon City keeps the pace gentle—Class I and II swells that splash but rarely demand hauling oars—making it the sort of trip that turns toddlers into river people.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Raft Masters · Canon City, Colorado
You push off from the put-in and the river takes over: broad water, sun on your shoulders, and a steady current that rocks small bodies in bright orange life jackets. The six-mile Family Float through Canon City keeps the pace gentle—Class I and II swells that splash but rarely demand hauling oars—making it the sort of trip that turns toddlers into river people.
The Arkansas River here carved deep through granite and sedimentary benches over millions of years, exposing rust-colored cliffs and revealing a working history of miners, railroads and the Royal Gorge that reshaped travel in the late 19th century. Local culture still threads through the valley in chip-sealed roads, roadside barbecue and the seasonal hum of river guides who know every riffle and calm eddy.
Expect wide views, occasional sandstone shelves, and birds of prey scanning the water for fish; the river’s motion feels like a conversation—sometimes teasing you with small waves, sometimes pulling you gently forward.
Practical notes: the trip is roughly 2–3 hours on the water, operators provide wetsuits, splash jackets, river boots and personal flotation devices, plus a BBQ lunch and a digital photo. Minimum age is 1; not recommended for pregnant guests. Check-in requires arriving within 15 minutes of your slot. Bring a secure hat, sun protection, and a dry bag for phones; wear quick-dry layers and shoes that can get wet. The operator may cancel for unsafe conditions—spring runoff can raise difficulty and winter trips are rare. For families wanting a low-risk, high-fun introduction to whitewater, this float balances ease with genuine river time.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; participants should be able to sit in a raft and follow simple safety instructions.
This trip is recommended for children ages 1 to about 4; minimum age is 1 year. Infants must be accompanied by an adult and will wear a PFD provided by the operator.
The trip includes wetsuit use, river boots, splash jackets, personal flotation devices, a digital photo, and a BBQ lunch (hot dog or hamburger, chips, cookie, and fountain drink).
The commercial run covers about six miles and lasts roughly 2–3 hours on the river with predominantly Class I–II rapids—splashy but appropriate for families and beginners.
The operator lists the tour as wheelchair accessible—advise at booking if assistance is required so staff can prepare for transfers and accommodations.
The Arkansas River corridor around Canon City was shaped by mining and railroad development in the late 1800s; the Royal Gorge railroad and bridge remain key historical touchpoints for the valley.
Operators follow leave-no-trace principles—pack out trash, avoid disturbing banks and nesting birds, and use provided restrooms when available to reduce shoreline impact.
Raft Masters operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You push off from the put-in and the river takes over: broad water, sun on your shoulders, and a steady current that rocks small bodies in bright orange life jackets. The six-mile Family Float through Canon City keeps the pace gentle—Class I and II swells that splash but rarely demand hauling oars—making it the sort of trip that turns toddlers into river people.
You push off from the put-in and the river takes over: broad water, sun on your shoulders, and a steady current that rocks small bodies in bright orange life jackets. The six-mile Family Float through Canon City keeps the pace gentle—Class I and II swells that splash but rarely demand hauling oars—making it the sort of trip that turns toddlers into river people.
The Arkansas River here carved deep through granite and sedimentary benches over millions of years, exposing rust-colored cliffs and revealing a working history of miners, railroads and the Royal Gorge that reshaped travel in the late 19th century. Local culture still threads through the valley in chip-sealed roads, roadside barbecue and the seasonal hum of river guides who know every riffle and calm eddy.
Expect wide views, occasional sandstone shelves, and birds of prey scanning the water for fish; the river’s motion feels like a conversation—sometimes teasing you with small waves, sometimes pulling you gently forward.
Practical notes: the trip is roughly 2–3 hours on the water, operators provide wetsuits, splash jackets, river boots and personal flotation devices, plus a BBQ lunch and a digital photo. Minimum age is 1; not recommended for pregnant guests. Check-in requires arriving within 15 minutes of your slot. Bring a secure hat, sun protection, and a dry bag for phones; wear quick-dry layers and shoes that can get wet. The operator may cancel for unsafe conditions—spring runoff can raise difficulty and winter trips are rare. For families wanting a low-risk, high-fun introduction to whitewater, this float balances ease with genuine river time.