5 Rafting Trips For Families And Beginners

Whitewater rafting can be fun and exhilarating. It canbreakfast buffet, 1 lunch buffet and 1 dinner buffet.
also be scary and dangerous if you venture out byYou have many different types of lodging to choose
yourself in an area that's rated way above yourfrom, including cabin, RV, camping, cabin tent or the
experience level. But, are there rafting trips whichQuality Inn. If you want more adventure to go with
offer fun and excitement, but still mild enough foryour rafting, Rivermen also offers multi-sport,
beginners and children? Absolutely. Here are a fewmulti-day adventure packages, such as a rafting and
you might consider.climbing package, a rafting, climbing and jetboat
1. Little Gore Canyon - Near Denver, Coloradopackage, or a rafting, climbing, jetboat and horseback
With a rating of Class I to III, the Little Gore Canyonriding package. Call them at 800-545-7238 for more
section of the Colorado River offers mild yet excitinginformation.
whitewater suitable for beginners and families with4. South Fork of the American River - near
children. You can enjoy Little Gore Canyon in a raft,Sacramento, California
kayak, inflatable kayak or a canoe.The South Fork of the American River is a favorite in
Companies which offer rafting trips for families inCalifornia, rated a Class II and III and suitable for
Little Gore Canyon include:beginners and children ages 7 and above. The 3-mile,
Bill Dvorak's Kayak & Rafting ExpeditionsClass II "Coloma to Lotus" stretch of the South Fork
Providing expeditions since 1969, Dvorak's wasis a perfect place for novices to try out rafting. You
Colorado's first licensed outfitter. They offer 2-daywill also enjoy the scenery of oak and pine forests.
family expeditions in Little Gore Canyon, with mealsCompanies which offer family rafting trips on the
included. For more information, call them atSouth Fork include:
800-824-3795.O.A.R.S.
Rancho Del RioHas been in business for over 30 years and offers a
Offers half and full-day trips with lunch included, as2-day rafting trip on the South Fork, which includes
well as an overnight and three-day trip with choice oflunch and dinner and overnight camping at River's
three meal plans. Call them at 970-653-4431 for moreBend Resort in Coloma, as well as breakfast the next
information.morning. Call them at 800-346-6277 for more
2. San Miguel River - Near Telluride, Coloradoinformation.
A rafting trip along the San Miguel River nearAmerican Whitewater Expeditions
Telluride, Colorado will provide you with Class II andOffers half, full and 2-day trips on the South Fork, as
occasional Class III rapids, along with spectacularwell as family midweek specials of 1 and 2-day trips.
scenery of red rock cliffs and alpine terrain. This tripFor those of you in Southern California, American
is great for beginners and families with children overWhitewater Expeditions has a special 2-day South
10 years of age.Fork trip with round trip deluxe bus from Orange
Companies which offer rafting trips for families alongCounty, Los Angeles or San Fernando. And for those
the San Miguel River include:family members or friends who don't wish to raft but
Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Trail Tours, Inc.wish to camp at the company's campsite, they have
Trip leaders average 3,000 river miles (the state ofa special of 2-nights camping and 4 meals for $69. Call
Colorado requires 750), and they offer shuttles877-825-3206 for more information.
around rapids for kids and elders. Mild to Wild offers5. Upper Main Salmon River - near Sun Valley, Idaho
1-day, 2-day or 3-day trips down the San MiguelThis section of the Salmon River in the Sawtooth
River, including meals on the river and in camp.Wilderness Area provides mild Class II rapids with
Bill Dvorak's Kayak & Rafting Expeditionssome thrilling Class III rapids to provide the beginner
They offer 1 to 5-day family rafting expeditions alongand veteran alike with a very enjoyable rafting
the San Miguel River, with meals included. For moreadventure.
information, call them at 800-824-3795. If you wishCompanies which offer beginner and family trips on
longer trips of 6 to 12 days, you can combine a tripthe Salmon River include:
on the San Miguel River with a trip on the Dolores.White Cloud Rafting Adventures
are available by combining the San Miguel with theOffering half and full-day Class II and III trips suitable
Dolores.for beginners and children. Half-day trips include a
3. Upper New River - South Central West Virginiasnack, full-day trips include lunch. They also offer
Beginners will appreciate the "beginner-friendly" rapidshalf-day scenic float trips for those who want an
of the Upper New River, rated I to III in difficulty. Aneven milder trip down the Salmon River. This trip is a
added feature is the incredibly beautiful scenery andsmooth and easy float with Class II rapids. Call them
the belief by some that the New River is the world'sat 800-571-RAFT for more information.
2nd oldest river.Whichever river and outfitter you choose, do
Companies which offer family rafting trips on theremember to apply sunscreen and wear water shoes
Upper New River include:or tennis shoes (no flip-flops), and bring a change of
Rivermenclothes. And do be careful, whitewater rafting can be
Offers a 1-day family rafting trip package on theaddictive.
Upper New River which includes 2 nights lodging, 1