3 MOST POPULAR RIVER TRIPS

Let's dive into the three most popular river trips! Rafting is an activity that can take on a conflicting mixture of descriptive words or phases: Action packed vs. mild. Heart pounding vs. relaxing. Thunderous rapids vs. beautiful silence. Class IV vs. flat water. Each descriptive word or phrase is 100% accurate and true to the sport, as it can take on a chameleon-like appearance, changing and conforming to its surrounding environment. Tightening canyon walls or significant elevation drops can cause thrilling rapids and fast moving water while a consistent elevation grade or a wider channel allows for the water to slow and move at a meandering pace. At times, these changes can take place in a rather sudden and very short distance.

For our partners, Blue Sky Rafting and Glenwood Canyon Rafting, and the river sections that they operate, this diversity provides a wonderful diversification of trip offerings. Anchored primarily by the Colorado River and the breathtaking 1200 foot canyon walls of the Glenwood Canyon, Hanging Lake Adventure Co-op is sure you will not be disappointed by the backdrop. And, with nearly 50 years of perfecting each individual adventure, we are also confident that you will find a river trip that fits perfectly into your weekend plans, your family reunion gathering, or your thrill seeking vacation!

We look forward to the opportunity to show you our backyard while providing an unforgettable rafting adventure on the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers!

Take a look below and read more about our most popular rafting adventures.

HALF DAY ADVENTURE (MOST POPULAR)

Let’s start with a mix of excitement and a calming river float, that is how we would describe our Half Day Adventure. In the beginning, our guide will take you through the Shoshone Rapids where you have a great chance of being soaked and getting that adrenaline pumping all at the same time. After the excitement, you will have the first opportunity to be in awe of the Glenwood Canyon’s beauty. As you continue downriver, you will encounter calmer waters with a few rapids trickled here and there until you reach the West Glenwood Springs take-out. The trip is amazing for all experience levels and ages (water dependent), a perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon!

MILD & SCENIC ADVENTURE

Our Mild and Scenic Adventure will feature a calmer, guided float down the Colorado River if you are not interested in the rapids. The trip will start in the Glenwood Canyon at the Grizzly Creek Rest Area and continue downriver until you reach West Glenwood Springs, the same end point for our other trips. Throughout the float, you will have the opportunity to see the differing landscape and chance to quiz our guides about how to best experience Glenwood Springs. We would suggest this is an ideal trip for families with children younger than 8 years old or those not wanting to go through the rapids.

RAFT & KAYAK ADVENTURE

For those true adventure junkies and don’t mind putting a little elbow grease into your trip, the Raft and Kayak Adventure is PERFECT! Similar to both the Half Day Adventure and the Mild and Scenic Adventure, you have the chance to experience the river in a whole new light. The trip will start with your group going through the Shoshone Rapids in a raft, allowing the adrenaline to start flowing as you prepare for the next leg of the trip. After the rapids, your guide will pull off at the Grizzly Creek Area where you will ditch the raft for your choose of single or double inflatable kayak or duckie. For the remainder of the trip, you will follow your guide the rest of the way in your duckies until you reach the West Glenwood Springs take-out.

All trips provide direct transportation from the HLA Co-op Basecamp to and from the Colorado River. Trips have age and weight minimums and may vary depending on daily water levels. If you would like more information about current conditions do not hesitate to reach out to our reservations team. Photos of your trip will also be available to view and purchase at the conclusion of your trip.

Take the opportunity to explore our rivers, canyons, and open valley floors from an ever-changing vantage point, as rafting in Glenwood Springs is an experience worthy of anyones bucket list.