The Colorado River is one of the US’ most popular spots for whitewater rafting, but if you’ve never been before, the Class III rapids can seem a bit scary. Take the stress away from a trip that should be fun with this Glenwood Canyon half-day rafting trip. Not only will your guide safely lead the way down the river, but all equipment is included.

Experience the beauty of Glenwood Canyon while rafting down the Colorado River
All equipment—including helmets, lifejackets, river booties, wetsuits—are provided
Free hotel pickup and drop-off is available upon request with 24-hour notice

What's Included

Personal Flotation Device (PFD) aka, lifejacket
Helmet
Optional use of wetsuits, river booties, and splash-jackets
Post trip swag for Happy Paddlers (guests 12 and under).
Shuttle
No additional fees and taxes
Free hotel pickup and drop-off upon request with 24-hour notice

Gratuities
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

Defiance Rafting Company
1308 Co Rd 129, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
Please plan on arriving 45-minutes prior to trip departure. Defiance Rafting Company is located inside Glenwood Canyon Resort, which is just off the south side of Exit 119 (aka, the No Name exit). Proceed to the boathouse for parking and check-in.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
Children must be accompanied by an adult

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival. Please arrive 45 minutes prior to trip departure.
24-hour cancelation policy (outside = full refund; inside = partial refund up to 50%)
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Dennis_B

The guide, Taylor, was great and very helpful. The scenery was beautiful! It was a relaxing ride and we did some #2 rapids also. Taylor was knowledgeable about the area. We swam in the Colorado River and put our feet in natural hot springs. We felt safe throughout. An enjoyable experience!

Reviews

5.0

361 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 361 reviews

White water rafting fun.

Tammy_H, Sep 2023

Ben was what made this experience fun and exceptional. His expertise made us all feel great about what we were embarking. The entire staff were gracious and accomadating. We had a blast. I would do this again and again.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thanks so much for the kind words! We're happy you enjoyed your whitewater rafting trip with Ben. He's been rafting this section of the Colorado River for quite some time, we're lucky to have him guide with us!

A Trip Highlight!

Kayla_G, Sep 2023

The rapids were great. My boyfriend and I sat in the front two seats and were soaked by the end of the trip! One of the highlights of our trip! Eli was a great guide and shared insights into the area.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thanks for rafting with us! The front of the raft is definitely the best place to sit if you're looking for the most splash, even this late in the season! We'll pass on your kind words to Eli, he'll be glad to hear you had fun.

Defiance Rafting - Great Company, Great Experience

Donna_Z, Sep 2023

We had a great guide, very nice experience and a great crew on the trip. Guide was very knowledgeable about the area and the history.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thanks for coming whitewater rafting with us! We're glad to hear that everyone got on well and that the guide was a good fit!

Such a fantastic time...

Sarah_B, Sep 2023

Such a fantastic time with Defiance Rafting. Our guide Mike was both very well experienced navigating the intricacies of the river as well as hilarious! Great experience as a first time white water rafter and will be returning!

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thanks for the review, Sarah! we're glad you had a good time with Mike and enjoyed whitewater rafting through Glenwood Canyon.

A little of this and some of that

Heather_F, Sep 2023

Nice versatile trip, a little excitement some relaxing float time and history all in one, a perfect first time raft.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thanks for the review!

Roaring River Navy

Garrett_V, Jul 2023

What an amazing experience for our whole group! We had so much fun and it was amazing having Rob as our captain. I would love to go back and do it again!

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Thanks for that review! Rob will love hearing that you guys had an amazing time! We hope you come back and visit again soon

Beautiful trip!

Lily_R, Jun 2023

14th birthday on the Colorado! Loved it! Safe, organized, fun! They provide all the gear, nature does the rest! We saw 4 Bald Eagles, several Mt. Sheep, and lots of little yellow-bellied Marmots! Highly recommend!

Response from Host, Jun 2023

We're so glad that you all were able to come out rafting with us. It's great to hear that the canyon pulled out all the wildlife stops for your trip. We can't wait to see you in the future!

Family team building

khoi_h, Sep 2022

Happy we caught their last trips of the season late September. Water was a brisk 50 degrees but so worth it. Plus, we warmed up in the hot springs later that day. Hope y'all get Jeremy as guide

Response from Host, Jun 2023

We're glad to had a great time with us! The water definitely gets a bit chilly in the early and late season, but it's definitely still a fun adventure! Jeremy is an terrific guide and will be glad to hear you enjoyed your trip.

This was such a fun...

William_H, Sep 2022

This was such a fun trip!! I’ve never been rafting, but I definitely have to go again! The guides were knowledgeable and really awesome people! Absolutely stunning views of The surrounding nature and a great experience all around!

Awesome!

Chris_C, Sep 2022

Don’t miss out on this activity! Great guides and excellent service! Just don’t drop your phone in the river like I did…

Rafting adventure

WILLIAM_S, Aug 2022

Was a great time from start to finish! Scenery was beyond words! Thanks Defiance Rafting Co for a job well done.

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Thanks for coming out with us! We strive to help our guests enjoy the beauty of Glenwood Canyon, while also having a blast on the river. We're delighted to hear we were able to do just that for you!

Everything my first time...

Lynn_L, Aug 2022

Everything my first time families third. Our guide Mike was funny, sweet, very helpful and information he gave on the mountains were wonderful.

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Thanks for joining us on the river Lynn! We do our best to give everyone an enjoyable and memorable experience, no matter their experience level. It's great to hear we, and Mike, were able to do just that for you and your family!

Absolutely awesome time!

Sarah_T, Aug 2022

Our guide, Taylor was awesome! She was friendly and personable. She answered all our questions and made us laugh the whole trip.

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Thanks for coming rafting with us Sarah! It's great to hear Taylor was able to give you a awesome experience, she's super knowledgeable and a great guide!

Great Low-Level Rafting

Robert_H, Aug 2022

We had a great experience with defiance rafting! The half day trip was perfect for new rafters to experience a few miles of rapids and then a nice long float. Our guide, Mike, was a local and shared a lot of great Glenwood facts. We appreciate the friendliness and organization of the company and will definitely be back!

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Thanks for coming out with us Robert! Here at Defiance we love being able to give guests with all types of previous experience a wonderful time! Mike is an awesome guide and we're glad he was able to make your experience fun and interesting!

Do it again!

Bryan_T, Aug 2022

Great guide and companions, cool refreshing water, felt safe. Exhilarating and relaxing. Do it again!

Response from Host, Aug 2022

The Colorado river is a great way to cool off in this summer heat, thanks for coming out with us!

Great time

Brianna_F, Aug 2022

Our guide Mary was super nice and we all had a great time. The scenery was pretty and have the perfect weather.

Response from Host, Aug 2022

We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed our beautiful Glenwood canyon and that Mary was able to provide you with a great time!

Good times! Our guide...

Servando_R, Jul 2022

Good times! Our guide made it fun for the entire family (all ages), I think the calm/mellow part of the trip at the river was a bit too long, but other than that, it was a blast

Response from Host, Jul 2022

Thanks for rafting with us! We are happy to hear we were able to provide fun for everyone in your group. If you decide to come back we would invite you to do our Double Shoshone trip to maximize your time in the rapids.

A Must Do

Cheryl_H, Jul 2022

We had a great experience. Our guide, Brad, was funny and very attentive to us. Some in our group had been on several whitewater trips and for some it was their first time. Brad made sure everyone had a good time. It was a definite “do again”

Response from Host, Jul 2022

Thanks for coming out with us Cheryl! We're happy to hear that you had a great experience with Brad!

Party of 11

Darrell_C, Jul 2022

Our guide, Michael H, was great. Our family had a blast and look forward to coming back next summer!

Response from Host, Jul 2022

Happy to hear it! We are glad you liked Michael, and hope to see you again!

Amazing Time!!

ashley_p, Jul 2022

Amazing time!! Our tour with Mike and he did a great job! My husband won’t stop talking about him and the trip. He was able to tell us some history on the mountains and his experiences. He recommended coming back in may for high waters and we plan on just doing that. I highly recommend going and having Mike as your guide!

Response from Host, Jul 2022

We appreciate the positive feedback on Mike! We can't wait to see you again in May!

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