Mild Family-Friendly Rafting Trips
Looking for something close to Aspen / Snowmass the whole family can enjoy? Check out our Mild Rafting Trips. These trips are the ideal adventure for families with children or for anyone looking for a laidback river experience. Aspen Whitewater’s Mild rafting trips run on the Roaring Fork River (Class II/III).
For something a little different, Aspen Whitewater offers stand up paddle board instructional tours throughout the North Star Preserve just outside of Aspen, CO. Check out our guided rafting trips and SUP tour experiences below.
BOOK YOUR RIVER EXPERIENCE
Have Questions About Our Family Rafting Trips?
Here’s some Frequently Asked Questions:
The minimum age for our mild Class II trips is typically 6 years old, and participants must weigh at least 35 pounds. We always prioritize safety and may adjust this based on current river conditions. For families with kids below 6 years old we do provide Class II trips on a private basis.
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The total trip duration includes check-in, transport to and from the river, gearing up process and river orientations, but the approximate time actually spent on the river is [specific duration, is around 2 hours for a half-day experience. The mild raft trip is a 3.5 hour adventure form door to door.
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You will get wet, but if you sit further back in the boat you don’t get as wet. We suggest wearing a swimsuit or quick-drying synthetic clothing (avoid cotton). We provide all necessary on-river gear like neoprene booties, splash tops fleece tops, splash pants and wetsuits (depending on weather and river conditions).
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Yes, wetsuits and splash jackets are provided with your trip and are available for no extra charge, especially when the water temperature is cooler (typically in May and June). As the summer warms up in late June, July and August, we provide splash pants and tops just because a wetsuit would be over kill and make people to hot. But wetsuits are always an option if wanted.
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Please bring waterproof sunscreen, sunglasses with a retention strap, and a hat, you will be rafting at altitude where the sun is intense. Clients can leave wallets, phones, and anything that shouldn’t get wet securely on our vehicles, which acts as your mobile locker room.
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Yes, we have photographers taking photos at the biggest rapid sections on our trips, and photos are available for purchase afterward online or in person in our office. We do not recommend bringing your own phone or camera on the river.
Our cancellation policy requires a certain amount of notice, 48 hours for a full refund. If change your trips departure date or time it must be done with in 24 hours of departure and it becomes non refundable. Full details are available in our Cancellation Policy
All our trips are guided paddle rafts, meaning the guide paddles and gives instructions, and all able participants will paddle as a team to help maneuver the boat. It is a lot more fun if the clients are paddling and participating in the adventure.
We provide all necessary safety and rafting equipment, including a life jacket, helmet, and paddle. We also offer complimentary use of wetsuits, splash jackets, Fleece tops, and booties to keep you warm. You should wear a swimsuit or quick-drying athletic clothes underneath. Avoid cotton! For a complete list of essentials, please see the “What to Bring” section on our FAQ – Know Before You Go page. Rafting Essentials: Non cotton bathing suit or shorts, Athletic top, dry fit, under armor type. If it is cool out you can bring a sweatshirt and you can leave it in the vehicle while you are on the water. Towels are not necessary because of the arid climate, but you can bring them if you wish.
River Education for Colorado Family Rafting Trips
Class II and Class III rapids are what make Aspen Whitewater’s Colorado family rafting trips so popular. Class II rapids offer gentle waves and smooth stretches that are perfect for younger rafters and first-timers, while Class III rapids add just enough excitement to keep everyone smiling and engaged. With experienced guides leading the way, families can relax, enjoy the scenery, and focus on making memories together on the water.
For families looking to try something a little different, Aspen Whitewater also offers stand up paddle board (SUP) instructional tours through the North Star Preserve just outside Aspen, CO. SUP is a great complement to family rafting trips, offering a calm, scenic experience where participants can slow down, spot wildlife, and enjoy the river from a new perspective. With hands-on instruction and a relaxed pace, SUP tours are beginner-friendly and fun for teens and adults alike.
Fun fact: The Roaring Fork River changes with the seasons, making every family rafting trip unique. Snowmelt in early summer creates playful waves and splashy rapids, while later in the season the river mellows out—perfect for scenic floats, paddle boarding, and spotting bald eagles, deer, and river otters along the banks.



