Scenic Float Trips & Why We Love Them

One of the best ways to cool down, unwind, and reset is by spending a day on the Colorado River or Roaring Fork River. Going on a scenic float trip with Defiance Rafting offers one of the most accessible ways to do that and more. This trip is especially good for families with small children or those looking for a way to slow down and take in the breathtaking scenery the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon or the nearby Roaring Fork River has to offer.

What to Expect

When considering a whitewater rafting trip, the expectation is often to have a fun, adrenaline-inducing adventure through various levels of rapids and, of course, lots of big splashes. A whitewater rafting trip with Defiance Rafting checks those boxes. However, if you are looking for something a little more laid back, there are options. For those who want to get out onto the water with their family or friends and enjoy the peace and tranquility that the river offers – but without as much adrenaline, Defiance’s Scenic Canyon Float may offer the perfect way to go.

When planning a rafting experience, there are a few frequently asked questions, such as age requirements, experience needed, health concerns, etc. Please read on for answers to some of those questions, and for anything else that may come up, contact Defiance Rafting Company. We are happy to share recommendations, update you on river conditions, and answer any other questions.

Many families are excited to give their little ones their first experience on the river, but how little is too little? Defiance will prioritize families with small children based on weight rather than age. For kiddos under 30lbs, they are just too small to fit into the life jackets safely, and it may be better to wait until they are just a little bit older and/or bigger before getting on the water. Children between 30lbs-50lbs can do a downriver scenic float trip on the Colorado or Roaring Fork rivers. However, they’re still too small to safely run the bigger water on the upriver Shoshone rapid section of the Colorado River.

Outside of some of the age/weight considerations, it is not recommended that you go rafting if you have any health concerns that may run counter to your doctor’s recommendations or that may limit your ability to follow your guide’s instructions in the event you went for an involuntary – or voluntary swim.

For those who don’t meet any of the above criteria and want to get out, doing a scenic float doesn’t mean there won’t be a few splashes along the way. Still, this trip is more about deep emerald green pools to swim in or to get into and float on your back while taking in the bright blue Colorado sky. At the right water level, you may also enjoy hot springs that flow into and directly out of the cool waters of the Colorado River, where you can relax and take in the views and sounds of the canyon. It is the perfect trip to ‘just be’ while you absorb the majestic stillness of nature as you float beneath the towering cliffs of picturesque Glenwood Canyon.

Although the rafting season starts pretty early in the year, one of the best times to do a scenic float is in August and/or September, but any time you get to go rafting is a good time to go. With water and ambient temperatures hovering right around perfect, a late-season float just can’t be matched. In September, the leaves are starting to change, and there are few places where you can get the type of scenery and temperatures that you will experience on Defiance Rafting’s scenic canyon float.

Other scenic adventures offered by Defiance Rafting include full-day trips that take you a little further downriver, a private experience, or a float down the Roaring Fork River. On the latter trip, you will have unimpeded views of 12,965’ Mt. Sopris at your back, pass by blue heron rookeries, have a good chance at floating below majestic bald eagles, and have some great, splashy fun along the way.

Whitewater Rafting

Of course, choosing to do a scenic float trip doesn’t prevent you from including the Shoshone rapid section as part of the trip. If you have little ones who are too small for the rapids, or if there are some in your group who would prefer not to do the rapid section, Defiance can customize your trip by dropping some of your group off below the rapid section. That way, those who choose to run the rapids can, and anyone who chooses to join the group downriver from the rapids has that as an option. And no worries, with the rapids being the first mile and a half of the experience, the group opting out of the rapids will still be able to carry on downriver with the rest of the group and still cover about ninety percent of the overall experience.

For those who want the best of both worlds, the popular Glenwood Canyon Half-Day is the way to go. It gives you a good dose of adrenaline and then a relaxing scenic adventure through the rest of Glenwood Canyon.

Wherever you look, you are surrounded by natural beauty in Glenwood Springs. One of the true jewels in the area is Glenwood Canyon and the Colorado River that flows through it. People come from the surrounding areas, as well as from all over the world, to experience the magnificent views, the world-class whitewater, and the tranquility that can be found in the canyon.

The crew at Defiance Rafting feels fortunate to be able to share their knowledge of the area, their experience running the river, and the passion that comes with doing something that you love – in the place that you love. That passion and knowledge are passed on to those who want to come and share the experience with those at Defiance Rafting.