Whitewater rafting excursions are no exception to the rule that travelling alone is significantly different from travelling with others. You can't simply go anywhere when organising a rafting trip with a large group of friends or family. While many rivers in the United States provide an amazing rafting experience, some are better than others when it comes to handling larger-than-average group sizes. As a result, we've created a list of North America's top group-friendly rafting locations.
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Now we'll show you the top rafting locations that satisfy all of our criteria. While some are more well-known than others, they are all sure to have something to offer everyone at your big party.
1. Grand Canyon, Arizona, Colorado River
The Colorado River portion that runs through the Grand Canyon is probably the most well-known rafting trip in the world, and the reasons are easy to comprehend. It has thrilling waves, huge holes, and, of course, breathtaking views of the canyon above. Even if you've previously seen the canyon from the rim, the rafting excursion is worth it simply to experience the canyon from this stunning new viewpoint - one that few park visitors get to see.
There are nine outfitters operating on the river, so large parties contemplating a rafting trip to the Grand Canyon will have plenty of options. Keep in mind, though, that you'll need to plan your vacation well in advance, since excursions may sell out up to two years in advance.
If your party is mainly novices — or if you all want a more relaxed experience — the single-day tour through the Hualapai Reservation is a good option. The rapids are typically Class II or III, both of which are mild, and give rafters magnificent vistas of the canyon walls' deep orange hues.
2. California's Tuolumne River
The Tuolumne River has some of the finest rafting in California, and the state is not short of exciting rivers. This picturesque river runs through the stunningly magnificent Yosemite National Park before plunging into the Cherry Creek section, which is widely regarded as one of North America's most challenging whitewater rafting sites. Of course, if your party prefers a less intense thrill, an 18-mile journey on the less challenging, but equally beautiful Main Tuolumne portion is an option.
3. Arkansas River in Colorado
The Arkansas River starts in Colorado and flows all the way to the Mississippi River in Arkansas, passing through Kansas and Oklahoma. However, in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, this river provides some of the most exciting whitewater rafting, and many consider it to be the best rafting experience in the area. This river flows across a wide glacier valley flanked by 14,000-foot-high peaks before plunging into a 1,000-foot-deep gorge. Rafting on the Arkansas River is a fantastic opportunity to see the stunning scenery that Colorado is renowned for.
Many outfitters on the Arkansas River offer half-day, full-day, and multi-day excursions, so whether your party is looking for a peaceful vacation or a thrilling adventure, the Arkansas River has something for everyone. The higher section of the river, immediately downstream of Buena Vista, is quieter and easier to float. Rafts will face Class II and III rapids farther downstream, including the Big Drop and the Zoom Flume, as the river flows through Browns Canyon.
Browns Canyon Rafting, Arkansas River Tours, and AVA are all recommended outfitters.
Fishing, hiking, bicycling, ATVing, gold panning, horseback riding, rock climbing, and tubing are some of the other activities available on the Nenana River in Alaska.
Whitewater rafting is only one of the numerous outdoor activities available in Alaska. The Nenana River, a glacier river that starts at Mt. McKinley and runs through the famous Denali National Park, is its most popular rafting site. It provides spectacular vistas of scenery and animals, including sheep on the hills and golden eagles in the skies, as it meanders through the valleys.
Canyon Run, a day excursion provided by the Denali Outdoor Center, is one of the most popular portions of the river. This river has a wide range of difficulty levels and offers something for everyone, including Class IV rapids for those looking for a full-body exercise.
4. West Virginia's Gauley River
The Gauley River in West Virginia seems to be tailor-made for whitewater rafting. It is the birthplace of whitewater rafting on the East Coast, as well as one of the most well-known yearly rafting events: during weekends in the autumn, an upstream dam releases water, creating world-class whitewater rapids that draw tourists from all over the globe.
This river has a 35-mile stretch of Class V and higher rapids, with over 100 of them ranking among the most challenging in the country. This difficulty, along with the breathtaking natural environment, draws a large number of experienced rafters to this river each season. A more laid-back excursion on the adjacent Upper New River, which is generally quiet but provides the option of experiencing Class III rapids, is ideal for those looking for less adrenaline.
New & Gauley River Adventures, ACE Adventure Resort, and Adventures on the Gorge are all recommended outfitters.
Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and horseback riding are some of the other activities available along the Salmon River in Idaho.
The Salmon River in Idaho, famous for its breathtaking vistas and thrilling whitewater sequences, provides a diverse range of landscape and rapids. Rafters may see bighorn sheep, bears, mountain lions, and moose as they go through granite canyons, meadows, and high country woods. This river runs through the biggest area of unspoiled wilderness in the lower 48 states, making it perfect for anyone looking to get away from it all.
The river is divided into three sections: the Middle Fork, Main Salmon, and Lower Salmon, and provides a range of trip lengths. For example, the Middle Fork offers five- to six-day excursions that start on a raging alpine river and finish in a beautiful desert canyon. From seven-day to half-day excursions are available in the Main Salmon area.
5. The Rogue River
The Rogue River runs through the Klamath Mountains in southwest Oregon before reaching the Pacific Ocean. The river was designated as one of the country's eight "wild and picturesque rivers" by Congress in 1968, and it's not hard to see why. This river is home to eagles, herons, ospreys, otters, and bears, and provides stunning vistas of wooded valleys. The Argo rapids are a Class II rapid, the Black Bar Falls are a Class III rapid, and the Blossom Bar is a Class IV to V rapid on the Rogue River.
Outfitters to consider: Morrisons, Northwest Rafting Co. Wilderness Rogue
Fishing, zip lining, and wine tasting are some of the other activities available.
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