Scout Groups · Colorado

Scout Group Rafting

Build Confidence, Teamwork, and Outdoor Skills on the River

When you’re planning a Scout trip, you’re not just checking off a merit badge; you’re creating an experience that builds real skills and confidence. River Runners has worked with Scout troops for decades, and we know what Scout leaders need: safe, well-coordinated trips that support your advancement goals and let you focus on your Scouts.

Recommended Trip Options for Scout Groups

Many Scout troops use our trips for merit badge work, including Outdoor Adventure and Whitewater merit badges. We’ll help you choose the right experience based on your troop’s ages, abilities, and advancement goals.

Buena Vista

Family Float Beginner Rafting Trip

Mild rapids, easy paddling, and wildlife viewing—ideal for young kids, beginners, and families seeking a calm adventure.

Buena Vista

Numbers Whitewater Rafting Trip

Tackle Colorado’s most intense whitewater stretch—continuous, technical rapids deliver nonstop excitement perfect for adrenaline seekers.

Cañon City

Bighorn Sheep Canyon Beginner Rafting Trip

Fun class III (IV) rapids that are ideal for families and first-timers, featuring scenic desert views and frequent wildlife sightings.

Cañon City

Royal Gorge Whitewater Rafting Trip

Thrilling Class IV (V) rapids beneath towering cliffs and the iconic Royal Gorge Bridge—Colorado’s top rafting experience.

Buena Vista

Browns Canyon Whitewater Rafting Trip

Family-friendly Class III (IV) rapids through spectacular granite cliffs in Colorado’s scenic Browns Canyon National Monument.

Questions? Our team has worked with Scout troops for decades. Tell us what you’re planning, and we’ll help you build the right trip.

Group Pricing & Logistics

Scout group pricing is based on trip length, group size, and date, with tiered pricing for larger troops. All trips are led by certified guides trained for youth groups, and we’ll match your troop to river sections that fit your ages and skill levels.

5 Star Rating on TripAdvisor And Google!

Trusted by Scout Leaders Across Colorado

"River Runners made planning our troop trip incredibly easy. The guides were patient, safety-focused, and really engaged with the Scouts. Perfect for merit badge work and building troop camaraderie."

— Scoutmaster, Colorado Springs

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 951 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Jc Connell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great time and our guide Shawn was awesome!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Cecilia Green 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an absolute ahhhmazing experience today.  We had Noah as our tour guide and could not have asked for a better time.  Thank You!   Everything was well explained and the conversations were so helpful and informative as we rafted.   Would recommend coming here for any age and stage in life.  There were little people on other rafts in our group that did wonderful too.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jakob Ekelöw 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great guide! Great river! everyone should do it! Thanks Jayson!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Neil Lacey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Enjoyed a great whitewater rafting trip with River Runners near Buena Vista. The River guide Shaun was excellent- he made the trip fun. He was a great coach in guiding us down River. Had a great experience with Courtney in making my trip reservation. They also recently opened a restaurant on the property and serve awesome fish tacos. Check out River Runners for an exciting and fun day on the water!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   River Runners 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. AWESOME TIME! Eryn is the best guide ever. She is the best guide I have ever seen, wow!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shawn McMillan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Such an awesome trip!! Our guide, "Dodge", was very nice, instructive, professional, kind, and honestly just fun to be with. I highly recommend for anyone!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chris T 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I very rarely leave reviews, but we had an awesome run with Tay! She was easily the best guide I've ever rafted with, including my past runs on other rivers in Colorado, Tennessee, South Carolina & Georgia. Literally everyone in the boat had a blast, kids and adults included! We will definitely ask for her again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kelsey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been coming to River Runners yearly for almost a decade. It’s one of the highlights of our summer! The guides are ALL fantastic (Ask for William, also known as Mr Pancake), knowledgeable, safe, and entertaining. It's a GREAT activity for families and adults, the scenery is stunning.

Planning Details

Have questions about what to expect, safety protocols, or whether rafting is right for your troop? We’ve got you covered.

Safety is our top priority. All trips are led by certified guides with specific training for youth groups. Every Scout gets a thorough safety orientation, proper gear (wetsuits, helmets, PFDs), and we’ll match your troop to the appropriate river section based on ages and abilities.

If you have specific concerns (Scouts with medical conditions, varying skill levels, or younger participants) our team is always happy to talk through the details. Call us at (719) 395-2466.

Absolutely. Many troops use our rafting trips as part of their Outdoor Adventure or Whitewater merit badge requirements. Let us know your advancement goals when you book, and we can provide documentation and tailor the experience accordingly.

We work with Scouts of all ages and experience levels. Age requirements depend on the trip:

Family Float (Class II): Ages 3+ – gentle rapids, perfect for younger Scouts
Browns Canyon (Class III-IV): Ages 6+ – our most popular Scout trip
Happy Hour (Class III-IV): Ages 12+ – exciting intermediate rapids with a shorter time commitment
Advanced trips like The Numbers (Class IV-V): Ages 14+ – for older, more adventurous troops

Trip recommendations also depend on current river conditions. If you have a mixed-age troop, we’ll help you choose a trip that works for everyone or discuss options for splitting into different sections.

Scout trips book quickly, especially during summer months and peak season weekends. Advanced reservations are highly recommended, but walk-ins are welcome if space is available. This is not always the case; especially during peak season and on weekends.

We’ll send detailed pre-trip information once you book, but the basics are:

Clothes that can get wet (synthetic or quick-dry materials)
Secure footwear (no flip-flops)
Sunscreen and water bottle
Towel and dry clothes for after

We provide all rafting gear (wetsuits, splash jackets, helmets, PFDs).

Once you submit a quote request, our team will follow up to confirm details, discuss your advancement goals, recommend the best trip options, and answer any questions. There’s no obligation, just helpful guidance from people who’ve worked with Scout troops for decades.

If you’re still unsure, reach out. We’re happy to help.

Two outposts, one operation.

One on Highway 285 in Buena Vista, one on Highway 50 in Cañon City. Same guide standards on both sides.

Highway 285 · Buena Vista

Buena Vista Outpost

Browns Canyon, The Numbers, Family Float, Happy Hour, overnights, kayaking & tubing.

Colorado Springs

1h 45m

Denver

2h 15m

Vail

1h 30m

Breckenridge

1h 15m

Salida

30m

Highway 50 · Cañon City

Cañon City Outpost

Royal Gorge and Bighorn Sheep Canyon, beneath the Royal Gorge Bridge.

Colorado Springs

50m

Pueblo

45m

Denver

2h 30m

Salida

1h

More than 50 years on this water.

Since 1972

Longer than any other commercial outfitter on the Arkansas. We were the first company to run paddle boats through the Royal Gorge.

Travelers' Choice 2025

Top 10% of attractions on TripAdvisor based on guest reviews — earned, not bought.

Certified Guides

Every guide holds Swiftwater Rescue, CPR, and First Aid certifications at minimum. Most have run this water for 5+ seasons.

Two Outposts, One Operation

Buena Vista for Browns Canyon and The Numbers. Cañon City for Royal Gorge and Bighorn Sheep. Same standards on both sides.

AROA

America Outdoors

CROA

Leave No Trace

Get A Group Quote

Ready to start planning? Share a few details about your event and we’ll help build the right experience.

*48hr cancellation policy on all trips

Scout Group Rafting

Recommended Trip Options for Scout Groups

Buena Vista

Family Float Beginner Rafting Trip

Buena Vista

Numbers Whitewater Rafting Trip

Cañon City

Bighorn Sheep Canyon Beginner Rafting Trip

Cañon City

Royal Gorge Whitewater Rafting Trip

Buena Vista

Browns Canyon Whitewater Rafting Trip

Group Pricing & Logistics

Trusted by Scout Leaders Across Colorado

Planning Details

Two outposts, one operation.

Buena Vista Outpost

1h 45m

2h 15m

1h 30m

1h 15m

30m

Cañon City Outpost

50m

45m

2h 30m

1h

More than 50 years on this water.

Since 1972

Travelers' Choice 2025

Certified Guides

Two Outposts, One Operation

Get A Group Quote

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