Half Day Rafting

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Best Half Day Rafting Trips on the American River

The 2024 Whitewater Rafting Season will start in mid-March and continue through October with excellent recreational water flows. Please feel free to call us to book your trip spaces at 530-642-0804, book directly online, or email [email protected]

There are heaps of good reasons why a half-day American River rafting trip on the South Fork is one of the most popular river trips in California. You will absolutely love the experience of rafting regardless of whether you decide to do a short morning or a long afternoon half-day rafting trip on the American River. When other California rafting trips have dried up, the South Fork American River still has stable fun water flows from the Chili Bar Dam, always providing an exciting and fun time. Even during drought years, great recreational water releases are guaranteed and South Fork American River rafting trips are available from April through September this year. There are many memorable rapids as the river winds its way through the rolling foothills of California’s scenic Gold Country.

So why do most people choose to do a half-day river rafting trip in California?

So, are you a first-time rafter looking for a short yet thrilling trip?

Are you someone who wants to “test the water”?

Are you limited on time and want to go on a morning half-day rafting trip?

Are you a first-time rafter looking for a short introduction to Whitewater Rafting in California?

The answer to any of the above can be found in our two awesome half-day white water rafting options.

1. South Fork – Chili Bar Run

The morning Half Day Chili Bar Run on the South Fork of the American River is the perfect trip for those looking for a short and thrilling trip or those who have limited time and would prefer to raft in the morning. It’s a 6-mile long non-stop action rafting trip with thrilling Class 3 rapids that are perfect for every level of rafter, from beginner to experienced, from youth groups to corporate groups. This approximately three-hour half-day rafting trip will give you about two solid hours of river time during which time you will be getting wet, hooting and hollering, paddling and laughing your way down rapids like Meatgrinder, Triple Threat, Maya, and culminating with Troublemaker Rapid – the biggest Class 3 rapid on the South Fork of the American.

2. South Fork – Lower Gorge Express

If you are looking for an afternoon trip that is a bit longer and has a good mix of relaxation and thrills then the Half Day Lower Gorge Express on the South Fork of the American River is the perfect trip for you. It also happens to be the longest and best value of any half-day trip offered on the American River. Our 15-mile Lower Gorge Express is an afternoon half-day run that is suitable for nearly everyone, from ages 6 to 106, including families, corporate groups, youth groups, and scout groups.

For the past 40+ years, the South Fork American River has served as a perfect introduction to California rafting adventures for hundreds of thousands of rafters. The reason for the popularity of rafting on the South Fork of the American River is because it has something to offer everyone. From thrilling rapids to beautiful scenery, historic spots, and great camping – they can all be found on the American River.