An Overnight Raft Trip: Part 1
So maybe you’ve been rafting before. You went on a half day raft trip or a day trip and got a quick taste for what whitewater rafting in Colorado is all about. Or maybe you’ve never been rafting and it’s on your bucket list. Do yourself and your family a favor; make your next trip (or your first trip) an overnight rafting trip. You won’t be disappointed and I’ll tell you why.
Time flies: Invest a little more time for a lot more fun
As a guide for over twenty years I can’t tell you how often I hear at the end of a half day or full day trip, “It went so fast! Let’s keep going.” But the trip is over and we’ve only just started to quench your whitewater thirst. I can have the most apprehensive crew at the start of the raft trip but after a little paddle instruction, after that first wave crashes over the bow and that first rapid is behind us, we’re all smiles and can’t wait to see what’s around the next bend.
“My family had no idea what to expect, but after it was over they wanted to do it again the next day. Our trip did not allow that, but we will definitely come back. Hope to camp next time!” – James P. in Lee’s Summit, MO
Overnight trips are easy: All you need is your swimsuit and your toothbrush
Camping trips are a lot of work, right? They don’t have to be. Multi day raft trips are one of the easiest vacations out there so long as you choose an experienced rafting outfitter. All you have to do is show up and they take care of the rest. Well, you may want to bring along your swimsuit and a toothbrush… and something to wear around camp; wetsuits are great for rafting but they haven’t yet become fashionable for lounging around camp and roasting marshmallows! Be sure to check with the outfitter, but most Arkansas River outfitters (and all Echo Canyon overnight trips) include all camping gear, wetsuit rental gear, meals, dry bags, transportation and of course, your guides. You really just need a change of clothes for camp, that book you’ve been meaning to start reading and your favorite adult beverage. Echo even supplies the ice and cooler.
“My family is still talking about the great time they had and our outstanding trip. It is apparent to us as ‘experienced campers’ ourselves, the great amount of behind the scenes preparation that goes into getting a trip of this kind ready. You think of EVERYTHING!!!” – Diane in Colorado Springs, CO
There are a lot of reasons to choose a multi-day raft trip for your next river experience. We’ll explore more in the next post…
