Youth Groups · Colorado

Youth Group Rafting

Bring Your Group Together Through Shared Adventure

When you’re planning an outing, you want something that builds genuine connection and creates stories and lasting memories. River Runners has worked with schools, churches, nonprofits, and community organizations for decades. We know what matters: trips that are safe, well-organized, and actually fun.

Recommended Trip Options for Youth Groups

River rafting helps youth groups build trust, confidence, and stronger connections through shared adventure. We’ll match your group with the right trip based on age, schedule, and energy level—balancing excitement, teamwork, and meaningful time together.

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.

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.

Not sure where to start? Tell us about your group (ages, size, what you’re hoping to accomplish) and we’ll help you figure out what works best.

We also offer lunch options at The Beach after your trip, plus easy bus parking at our Buena Vista basecamp. And for qualifying groups, chaperones may go free; ask us about eligibility when you request a quote.

Group Pricing & Logistics

Youth group pricing is based on trip length, group size, and date. We offer tiered pricing for larger groups and coordinated scheduling to keep planning simple. Chaperones and youth group leaders may qualify for discounted or complimentary spots depending on group size; we’ll walk you through what makes sense when you reach out.

5 Star Rating on TripAdvisor And Google!

Trusted by Scout Leaders Across Colorado

"River Runners made planning our youth group trip incredibly easy. The guides were professional, engaging with the students, and the experience brought our group closer together. Highly recommend."

— Youth Pastor, Denver

      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 safety, what to expect, or whether rafting is right for your group? We’ve got you covered.

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

If you have students with specific needs (medical conditions, anxiety about water, varying physical abilities) we’re happy to discuss accommodations. Call us at (719) 395-2466.

That’s completely normal. Our guides are skilled at making nervous first-timers feel confident and included. We’ll match your group to a trip that’s challenging but not overwhelming. Rafting has a way of bringing people together; even the students who were skeptical often end up having the best time.

We work with youth groups from elementary through high school. Age requirements depend on the trip:

Family Float (Class II): Ages 3+ –calm water, ideal for younger participants
Browns Canyon & Bighorn Sheep Canyon (Class III-IV): Ages 6+ – our most popular youth group trips
Happy Hour (Class III-IV): Ages 12+ – exciting intermediate rapids
Advanced trips (Class IV-V): Ages 14+ – for older groups seeking bigger thrills

Trip recommendations also depend on current river conditions. If you have a wide age range, we can recommend trips that work for everyone or discuss splitting into different sections if needed.

Youth group trips book quickly, especially during summer and around spring break. 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 offer discounted or complimentary spots for youth group leaders and chaperones on a case-by-case basis depending on group size. When you request a quote, we’ll walk through what makes sense for your group.

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

Clothes that can get wet (synthetic or quick-dry)
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 your group size, ages, dates, recommend the best trip options, and answer questions about safety, logistics, and pricing. There’s no obligation; just helpful guidance from people who’ve worked with thousands of youth groups.

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

Youth Group Rafting

Recommended Trip Options for Youth Groups

Buena Vista

Family Float Beginner 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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