Shoshone
Trip Details
Colorado River Class III
1/2 Day
Adventurous 1/2 day
mid-August thru mid-September
Minimum age is 6 years
Location: Aspen/Snowmass
Meeting times: 8:30 am and 12:30 pm
Includes: Lunch AM / Snack PM
Aspen Price: $170 Adult
$160 Child
Twin Lakes Price: N/A
If you wish to book within 48 hours of your trip time, please call our office at (970) 920-3511 . We would be happy to book for you!
Shoshone Rapids Rafting in Glenwood Canyon
Colorado River Whitewater Adventure
Looking for the perfect balance of excitement, scenery, and family-friendly adventure? Our Shoshone Rapids rafting trip delivers one of the most popular experiences in Colorado whitewater rafting. This unforgettable journey through Glenwood Canyon combines splashy Class III rapids, breathtaking canyon views, and approachable whitewater that is ideal for first-time rafters and experienced paddlers alike.
Known as one of the best stretches of Glenwood Canyon rafting, the Shoshone section of the Colorado River offers continuous fun without being overwhelming. The trip begins with exciting waves and technical rapids before easing into scenic floating sections surrounded by towering canyon walls, waterfalls, and wildlife.
If you are searching for the ultimate family rafting Colorado experience, this trip is designed for guests who want adventure, incredible scenery, and quality time on the river.
Related Trips
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.

Shoshone Trip Reviews
- We loved it! We had an hour and a half of an exhilarating adventure, full of laughter and thrill! Bobby was a great guide!read moreread less
Raluca Lupu9/18/2025Great local rafting company. Took great care of me and my family (three kids under 12) on the river. Maddy was an awesome guide and provided some great local Aspen scoop. Highly recommend.read moreread less
Chet Rao9/04/2025We have partnered with AWR for our annual nonprofit trip for the past four years, and it’s always a great experience! Many of the same guides return each year, which makes it even more fun as we’ve gotten to know them. The crew is knowledgeable and makes sure everyone has a great time, especially with their jokes. Looking forward to next July!read moreread less
Ashlee Kratovhil8/26/2025 -
We had the best time rafting class 2 rapids with John and Nick. John was hilarious and great with our group of kids (three 9 year olds and two 6 year olds). He kept them entertained and focused the entire time! If you have kids, ask for John from Indiana!read moreread less
Justine H8/23/2025
Why Choose the Shoshone Rapids Trip?
The legendary Shoshone Rapids are famous throughout Colorado for delivering fun, splashy whitewater in a stunning canyon setting. Unlike shorter rafting trips that focus only on rapids, this Colorado River rafting adventure combines thrilling moments with time to relax and soak in the scenery of Glenwood Canyon.
This rafting trip is perfect for:
- Families with children ages 6+
- First-time rafters looking for excitement
- Groups wanting a scenic Colorado adventure
- Visitors staying near Aspen / Snowmass
- Anyone searching for family rafting Colorado options with real whitewater
The Shoshone section is considered one of the best introductory Class III rafting runs in the state because it offers exciting rapids while remaining approachable for a wide range of ages and experience levels.
Scenic Glenwood Canyon Rafting
One of the biggest highlights of this trip is the location itself. Glenwood Canyon is one of Colorado’s most scenic river corridors, featuring massive cliff walls, evergreen forests, and crystal-clear mountain water flowing through the heart of the Rockies.
During your Glenwood Canyon rafting adventure, you may spot:
- Bighorn sheep
- Marmots
- Bald eagles
- River otters
- Black bears along the canyon walls
The combination of exciting whitewater and incredible scenery makes this trip one of the most photographed rafting experiences in Colorado.
Family Rafting Colorado Visitors Love
Families consistently choose the Shoshone trip because it offers a true whitewater experience without the intensity of advanced Class IV or V rafting. Kids love the splashy rapids, while adults appreciate the scenic floating sections and professional guides who keep the experience safe, engaging, and fun.
Our experienced guides provide:
- Professional safety instruction
- Paddle coaching for beginners
- Local knowledge about Glenwood Canyon
- A fun and encouraging atmosphere
- Top-tier rafting equipment and splash gear
Whether you are planning a summer vacation, family reunion, bachelor or bachelorette trip, or corporate outing, Shoshone Rapids rafting creates unforgettable memories for every type of group.
What to Expect on the River
Your trip begins with a safety orientation before launching into the Colorado River. The first section features exciting Class III whitewater with wave trains, splashy drops, and fun technical maneuvering through the famous Shoshone Rapids.
As the river continues through Glenwood Canyon, the pace relaxes and allows guests to enjoy:
- Scenic canyon views
- Calm floating sections
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Swimming opportunities during warmer months
- Incredible Colorado mountain scenery
This half-day rafting trip covers approximately 12 miles of river and offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Book Your Aspen / Snowmass Rafting Adventure
If you are looking for one of the best family rafting Colorado experiences, the Shoshone Rapids trip is an unforgettable way to experience the Colorado River. With exciting Class III rapids, spectacular canyon scenery, and fun for nearly all experience levels, this trip continues to be one of the most popular rafting adventures near Aspen and Glenwood Springs.
Book your Shoshone Rapids rafting trip today and experience why Glenwood Canyon is home to some of Colorado’s most iconic whitewater rafting.
