RAFTING FAQs

Our rafting excursions are carefully timed and outlined according to the details provided in your reservation. For instance, if your reservation specifies a Half Day Adventure on July 21, 2024, slated from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, your designated meeting time is 11:30 AM. Should your group require an alternative meeting time, kindly reach out to us at 1-970-945-6605, and we’ll strive to cater to your needs to the best of our ability.

At Blue Sky Rafting, we provide a diverse range of rafting expeditions tailored to accommodate individuals of all skill levels. Our family-oriented excursions are particularly favored, designed to be accessible to beginners and warmly welcome children. Additionally, during the high-water season, spanning from early June to mid-July, we offer more exhilarating journeys for those craving a heightened sense of adventure. Rest assured, regardless of your proficiency or preferences, we have the perfect trip waiting for you!

Our goal is to ensure that your rafting adventure is unforgettable and tailored to your personal preferences. Whether you seek an adventure-packed journey through whitewater, a delightful opportunity to splash around with loved ones, an informative and picturesque tour, or simply a tranquil float down the river, we are equipped to meet your desires. Inform us of your preferences either during your reservation or upon check-in, and we’ll go above and beyond to customize the experience to perfectly align with your needs.

To enhance your enjoyment during the trip, we recommend bringing along certain essentials. These include a swimsuit, T-shirts, and shorts made of non-cotton materials, a hat, sunglasses secured with a strap, and sandals with a heel strap or water shoes, or even old tennis shoes. Sunscreen is essential, and having a bottle of water handy is advisable. Additionally, we offer complimentary paddle jackets and paddle pants, and if needed, you can opt to rent neoprene booties for $3.00 or wetsuits for $8.00.

We ensure your adventure is equipped with all essential gear and safety measures. Nevertheless, remember to pack sunscreen and a water bottle for your convenience. If your plans include spending the day in Glenwood, it’s wise to have a change of clothes on hand. To mitigate the risk of losing or damaging valuables, we advise leaving jewelry, non-waterproof cameras, and watches either at home or in a secure location, such as your hotel or vehicle. Kindly note that Blue Sky Rafting cannot assume responsibility for any lost or damaged items. For added convenience, we offer to safeguard your car keys at our office while you’re enjoying your time on the water.

At Blue Sky Rafting, inclusivity is fundamental, and we extend a warm welcome to individuals of every age and skill level. For children, we require a minimum weight of 35-50 pounds, depending on current water conditions. Our array of trips caters to rafters of diverse abilities, including those with physical challenges. Should you have inquiries regarding the suitability of a specific trip for children or elderly participants, feel free to reach out to us via our toll-free number at 1-970-945-6605. We’re here to address any concerns you may have and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Regrettably, we do not allow pets on any of our excursions. If you require accommodations for your pet during your time on the water, we suggest reaching out to Wonderlust Dogs – Glenwood Springs for day boarding solutions.

At Blue Sky Rafting, our gift shop boasts a diverse selection of merchandise, featuring t-shirts, river-ready attire, shorts, sunglasses with straps, snacks, beverages, waterproof cameras, and various souvenirs.

At Blue Sky Rafting, our top priority is ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all our participants. Nevertheless, as outdoor adventure activities inherently carry risks, we cannot accept liability for lost or damaged personal belongings or injuries sustained during the trip. Before embarking on our adventure, all participants must sign an Assumption of Risk Agreement. For those under 18 years old, a parent or guardian must sign the agreement on their behalf.

Blue Sky Rafting takes pride in maintaining an outstanding safety record. Our team of professional guides is CPR and first aid certified, meeting both Colorado state requirements and our company’s additional standards. They undergo comprehensive training in river safety and will conduct a thorough safety briefing before your excursion. The majority of our trips are family-friendly and suitable for beginners, provided you’re comfortable with the possibility of getting wet! Come and join us on the water without hesitation.

At Blue Sky Rafting, we exclusively utilize top-tier equipment for all our excursions, featuring Hyside inflatable rafts in various sizes (10.5′, 13′, and 16′), NRS Type 3/5 Coast Guard approved life jackets, Carlisle oars and paddles, and helmets. Our 16-foot rafts equipped with oar frames accommodate 6-9 participants alongside one certified guide, while our 13-foot rafts accommodate 5-6 participants plus a guide. For smaller groups, our 10.5′ Mini-Max rafts comfortably accommodate approximately 4 individuals and a guide. You can trust that we provide everything necessary for a safe and enjoyable journey with us.

Reserving a spot for any of our trips can be easily done either over the phone or through our online booking system. For groups, especially those with 8 or more participants, it’s advisable to secure your reservation ahead of time to guarantee availability. Walk-in bookings are also accepted, depending on availability. To finalize your reservation, full payment is required, and we accept various payment methods including Apple Pay, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

You may cancel up to 48 hours prior to your reservation without any penalty. “No shows” and any reservation cancelled less than 48 hours before check-in time will be charged the full cost of the invoice.

You have the option to purchase the Trip Cancellation Guarantee for an additional 10% of your invoice total. This would allow you to cancel at any time leading up to your check-in and receive a 90% refund. We understand life happens, so this is created for guests who need additional flexibility. Simply call our office to modify or cancel your reservation.

Our excursions are offered daily, typically from early May through late September, throughout each season. For details regarding rafting availability in April or October, we encourage you to contact us, as it is contingent upon water levels and weather conditions.

Request a Guide: If you’re seeking a guide who embodies safety, experience, entertainment, kid-friendliness, adventure, and even charm, just let us know! We’re here to cater to your needs.

Express Your Concerns Early: Don’t hesitate to communicate any concerns or special requests before hitting the river. Whether it’s during your reservation or check-in, inform us of any assistance needed or ways to make the trip extra memorable for someone in your group. From arranging birthday surprises to donning special attire or embarking on wildlife quests, we’re eager to accommodate your requests.

Dress Accordingly: River weather can be unpredictable, so dressing in layers is advisable. Feel free to seek our guidance during check-in for attire recommendations. Remember, it’s easier to remove a layer if you’ve overdressed than to be caught unprepared without necessary clothing.

Punctuality Matters: Kindly arrive on time for the scheduled departure to avoid inconveniencing other guests. Being tardy and ill-prepared, such as forgetting sunscreen or wearing unsuitable footwear, can detract from your overall experience.

Bring Your Friends: Rafts accommodate up to 8+ guests, meaning smaller groups may be paired with others. Embrace the opportunity to share the adventure with fellow rafters, adding to the excitement and diversity of the journey. Plus, if you bring a large group of 8 or more, enjoy a special discount!

Complimentary Transportation Provided: Leave the hassle of transportation to us! Enjoy the convenience of our free shuttle service to and from the raft launch and pick-up points. If you’re lodging locally in Glenwood Springs or arriving via Amtrak, take advantage of our complimentary shuttle service straight to your accommodation. Just reach out to us to coordinate your pickup – it’s that easy!

Seize the Moment: Professional-grade photographs are taken of every raft during each trip, resulting in approximately 20-60 shots per raft. Upon completing your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to peruse and acquire these photos, which are promptly made available for viewing. Accessible via a private web page, you can effortlessly share, download, or print these high-resolution images without any restrictions.

Swimming Not Mandatory: You don’t need any prior swimming experience for our Half Day Rafting Trip. However, since there’s a chance of getting splashed, if you’re uncomfortable with water exposure, we recommend opting for a “float trip.” Please inform your guide if you’re unable to swim.

Lunch is exclusively included in our Full Day Raft Trips. For Half Day trips, feel free to bring your own snacks or purchase them from our gift shop. Additionally, for groups comprising 20 or more individuals, we provide custom catering options at affordable rates.

Weather Policy: While our trips are never canceled due to adverse weather conditions like rain, hail, or snow, you retain the option to cancel your trip at any point, even immediately before departure, without facing any fees associated with weather-related circumstances.

Your guide is dedicated to ensuring your adventure is both enjoyable and secure, and they would value a gratuity if you believe they’ve delivered an excellent service. While tipping isn’t obligatory, it’s always welcomed if you decide to do so. It’s important to note that tipping is never obligatory but serves as a gesture of appreciation for your guide’s hard work.