Rafting and Ranching
Trip Details
Roaring Fork River Class II/III
8 Miles
Mild 1/2 day
Runs May to September
Minimum age is 6 years
Location: Aspen/Snowmass
Meeting times: 1:30 pm
Includes: Snack
Adult Price: $110
Child Price: $100
Book online and SAVE!
Aspen Whitewater Rafting is continuing their partnership with ACES (Aspen Center for Environmental Studies) and Rock Bottom Ranch to bring families an exciting afternoon on the river followed by a barnyard tour of one of the few sustainable working ranches in the valley! This is a great way to give your kids a fun and educational day on the river. The afternoon will begin with rafting on the Class II-III Middle Roaring Fork.
This section is ideal for families with younger children as there are just enough rapids to offer a taste of easy whitewater rafting, while offering plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery. The trip begins in stunning Snowmass Canyon just upstream of the quaint town of Basalt and takes out just above Hooks Spur Bridge. After a snack, the group will make its way down to Rock Bottom Ranch. The ranch is a 113-acre wildlife preserve and demonstration ranch where naturalists work to explore the complex interaction between agriculture and natural ecosystems along the Roaring Fork River.
Families will get a guided tour of the barnyard at the ranch and children will learn firsthand about the animals. They may even be able to help with a couple ranch chores. Families will also have the opportunity to walk the naturalist trail on the property and keep an eye out for heron, hawk, and owl nesting grounds.
Note: Rafting and Ranching is only available on Tuesday and Thursdays. Rafting in the afternoon with pickup between 1pm and 1:30 pm, followed by a ranch tour starting at 4pm. This trip can only be booked by calling our shop.
What’s Included
The raft trip, shuttle, splash gear, wetsuit, snacks and lunch (when specified). Photos are not included but can be purchased online immediately after the trip!
What to Wear Rafting
We suggest wearing quick drying clothing such as non-cotton shorts and t-shirt or bathing suit. Be sure to bring waterproof sunscreen (you will be rafting at 9,000 feet where the sun is intense!), sunglasses with a retaining device, and comfortable walking shoes. We will provide you with neoprene booties, so your shoes will not be going in the river. Bring a towel and a change of clothes for the ride home.
Our shuttles will act as your mobile locker room. Everything that is not going on the water will stay on the van! It will be manned at all times or locked throughout your voyage to ensure your stuff will be there upon your return.
We provide splash gear on all of our trips, and wetsuits and helmets when appropriate.
Rafting & Ranching Trip Reviews
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A must do while in Aspen/Snowmass!! This was an incredible experience for the whole family. Chris was our guide down the middle roaring fork river. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and an… read more 
Katherine M7/15/2020Rafting adventure The Rafting and Ranching trip was super fun with 6 year olds. Aspen Whitewater Rafting has the trip down to a fun and safe science…. read more 
Lisen R9/04/2014Fabulous Rafting and Ranching!! A friend and I took our 6 year olds on the Rafting and Rafting trip today – AMAZING!! First we rafted a lower section of… read more 
Raydge8/21/2014
