The Cotopaxi: Cottonwood Gentle Whitewater Rafting Tour is a thrilling yet family-friendly adventure on the Arkansas River. Spanning 5 miles, this 3-hour journey offers a comprehensive safety briefing, opportunities for swimming and wildlife spotting, and an enthusiastic guide to lead the way. With essential safety gear provided and a high customer satisfaction rating, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking to enjoy the great outdoors. But the real question is – are you ready to take on the rapids?
Key Points

- A family-friendly 3-hour rafting tour on the Arkansas River, suitable for all ages and abilities.
- The tour includes a 5-mile rafting journey with opportunities to swim, spot wildlife, and enjoy scenic mountain views.
- Essential safety equipment, such as helmets, life vests, and splash jackets, are provided for all participants.
- Minimum age requirements vary based on water levels, with the tour not suitable for children under 4 or individuals with certain medical conditions.
- The tour has received high customer ratings, with reviews highlighting the safe and enjoyable nature of the experience.
Overview of the Cotopaxi: Cottonwood Gentle Whitewater Rafting Tour

The Cotopaxi: Cottonwood Gentle Whitewater Rafting Tour offers a family-friendly rafting experience suitable for all ages and abilities.
The 3-hour tour starts with a safety briefing, followed by a 5-mile rafting journey down the Arkansas River. Participants can expect to swim, spot wildlife, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range.
The tour includes a guided experience, all necessary equipment, and optional hotel pickup and drop-off.
Includes guided experience, all necessary equipment, and optional hotel pickup and drop-off for a convenient and fully-equipped adventure.
While not suitable for children under 4 or those with heart problems, the tour is an excellent opportunity for an adventurous yet gentle whitewater rafting adventure.
Looking for more options in Cotopaxi Colorado? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Pricing and Availability
The Cotopaxi: Cottonwood Gentle Whitewater Rafting Tour starts at $142.59 per person.
The 3-hour tour is available for booking, with the option to reserve now and pay later. Customers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour runs from the Arkansas River Tours Colorado location in Cotopaxi. It’s suitable for all ages and abilities, making it a great family-friendly activity.
Minimum age requirements vary based on water levels, so customers should contact the local partner for confirmation.
Tour Itinerary and Experience

Customers begin their Cotopaxi: Cottonwood Gentle Whitewater Rafting Tour with a 15-minute safety briefing, where guides provide essential information and instructions. After the briefing, they embark on a 5-mile rafting journey, with opportunities to swim, spot wildlife, and enjoy views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. The itinerary and experience are summarized in the table below:
| Itinerary | Duration |
|———–|———-|
| Safety Briefing | 15 minutes |
| Rafting Journey | 5 miles |
| Return to Starting Point | – |
This family-friendly rafting adventure is suitable for all ages and abilities, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Safety Briefing and River Journey
Guides begin the Cotopaxi: Cottonwood Gentle Whitewater Rafting Tour with a 15-minute safety briefing, covering essential information and instructions.
They review:
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Proper paddle techniques
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Safety hand signals
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Navigating rapids and obstacles
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Exiting the raft in case of emergency
After the briefing, participants embark on a 5-mile rafting journey down the Arkansas River.
They’ve opportunities to swim, spot wildlife, and admire the stunning Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range.
Throughout the ride, guides provide expert navigation and ensure a fun, safe experience for all.
More Great Tours NearbyIncluded Equipment and Rentals
The tour includes a helmet, life vest, and splash jacket for all participants. These essential safety items are provided to ensure a comfortable and protected experience on the river.
A helmet, life vest, and splash jacket are provided to ensure a comfortable and protected experience on the river.
Plus, wetsuits and booties are available for rent, helping keep guests warm and dry throughout the rafting journey.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 4 years old, pregnant women, or individuals with heart problems due to safety concerns.
Guests are advised to wear waterproof shoes and bring a change of clothes. For safety reasons, masks aren’t permitted on the river.
Age and Participant Requirements
The minimum age for participants on the Cottonwood Gentle Whitewater Rafting tour depends on the current water level, so guests should contact the local partner for confirmation.
The tour isn’t suitable for:
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Children under 4 years old
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Pregnant women
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Individuals with heart problems
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Guests wearing sandals or flip flops
Masks are also not permitted on the river due to safety risks.
Guests are advised to wear waterproof shoes and bring a change of clothes.
What to Bring and Prohibited Items
Although the Cottonwood Gentle Whitewater Rafting tour provides guests with all the necessary equipment, participants should bring a change of clothes and wear waterproof shoes.
Sandals or flip-flops aren’t permitted on the river due to safety concerns. Masks are also prohibited, as they could pose a risk while navigating the rapids.
Guests are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring any personal items they may need during the 3-hour excursion.
The tour company recommends packing light and leaving valuables at home to ensure a hassle-free experience on the Arkansas River.
Customer Reviews and Highlights
Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Cottonwood Gentle Whitewater Rafting tour, awarding it an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 7 reviews.
The Cottonwood Gentle Whitewater Rafting tour has earned an impressive 4.9/5 rating from 7 enthusiastic customer reviews.
Key highlights include:
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A safe environment perfect for families
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Enthusiastic, knowledgeable guides
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An enjoyable river ride despite high water levels
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Overall positive experiences, with reviewers describing the tour as "fun" and "safe."
The reviews emphasize the tour’s suitability for all ages and abilities, the guides’ professionalism, and the scenic beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range.
Customers appear highly satisfied with this family-friendly rafting adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Life Jacket or Equipment?
You can’t bring your own life jacket or equipment. The tour includes all necessary gear, like helmets, life vests, and splash jackets. Participants must use the provided safety equipment for the whitewater rafting experience.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
There’s no option to extend the tour duration. The 3-hour rafting experience is set, and participants must adhere to the scheduled itinerary. The tour can’t be customized beyond the included activities and transportation.
Do I Need Any Special Skills or Experience to Participate?
No special skills or experience are required to participate. The tour is suitable for all ages and abilities, with a focus on providing a safe, family-friendly rafting experience. Participants just need to be able to follow instructions from the guide.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
You can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour provider supplies all the necessary equipment and refreshments. However, you’ll want to bring a change of clothes and waterproof shoes.
Are There Any Discounts or Group Rates Available?
The tour provider offers group rates for 4 or more people. Plus, there may be discounts available for seniors, students, military personnel, and children. Customers should contact the local partner directly to inquire about any special offers or pricing.
The Sum Up
The Cotopaxi: Cottonwood Gentle Whitewater Rafting Tour provides a thrilling yet family-friendly adventure for all ages. With a comprehensive safety briefing, essential gear, and enthusiastic guides, this 5-mile journey along the Arkansas River offers an unforgettable outdoor experience, complete with opportunities for swimming and wildlife spotting against the stunning backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Boasting a high customer satisfaction rating, this tour is an excellent choice for families seeking an exciting yet safe way to enjoy the great outdoors.
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