Best Multi-Day Rafting Trips for First-timers
Why Choose a Multi-day Rafting Trip?
If you’re new to rafting or have only done day trips, a multi-day rafting trip might seem like a big leap—but these experiences offer one of the best ways to fully unplug and immerse yourself in nature.
These beginner-friendly rafting trips combine the thrill of whitewater with the slower pace of river life. You’ll have time to soak in stunning scenery, bond with your travel mates, and disconnect from the stress of everyday life. Expect to splash through fun rapids, explore remote wilderness only accessible by raft, enjoy hearty meals, camp under the stars, and wake up to the soothing sounds of the river.
Best of all, with expert guides leading the way and handling logistics, even first-timers can feel confident and comfortable from day one.
For those ready to get their feet wet, we’ve rounded up some of the best multi-day rafting trips for beginners.
6 Beginner-Friendly Rafting Trips
1) Green River through the Gates of Lodore, Utah/Colorado
- Trip Length: 3, 4, or 5 days
- Season: May – September
- Difficulty: Class III
Recognized as one of North America’s most beautiful river canyons, this Southwest adventure promises picturesque scenery as you raft through scarlet slot canyons, gaping valleys and lush ledges of emerald evergreen in the heart of Dinosaur National Monument. On a Green River rafting trip you’ll also have the chance to inflatable kayak through fun whitewater, hike along rippling creeks to side canyon waterfalls and hunt for petroglyphs in the canyon’s open-air archive of ancient Puebloan ruins.
2) Main Salmon “River of No Return,” Idaho
- Trip Length: 6 days
- Season: June – September
- Difficulty: Class III
Featuring miles upon miles of protected wilderness where little has changed since first appearing on the U.S. map, Idaho’s Main Salmon offers a rich river experience including free-flowing Class III whitewater that’s great for any age and experience level. This adventure also boasts big, sandy beaches perfect for camping and playing, beautiful mountain scenery, abundant wildlife and a natural hot spring.
3) Rogue River, Oregon
- Trip Length: 3, 4 or 5 days
- Season: May – September
- Difficulty: Class III
The Rogue River, with its fun rapids, beautiful pine-forested canyon scenery, abundant wildlife and unparalleled beach camping, is a popular trip among first-timers. Add to that, inflatable kayak fun, hours of beach games, adventurous side hikes, warm water for swimming, and even a waterfall or two, and we think you’ve got the perfect vacation.
4) Grand Canyon Ranch, Heli & Raft Trip, Arizona
- Trip Length: 5 days
- Season: May – September
- Difficulty: 5 rapids rated 5 or above on the Grand Canyon scale of 1 to 10
On this Grand Canyon rafting trip you’ll explore 93 miles of the desert wonderland that makes up the Lower Canyon. Complete with incredible beaches, beautiful side canyons and spring-fed streams this option is perfect for those who don’t have the time for a full Grand Canyon trip or just want to test the waters before signing on for the whole shebang. Plus, you’ll enjoy a stay at a working cattle ranch before you go and a scenic helicopter flight to the river.
5) San Juan River, Utah
- Trip Length: 3 to 6 days
- Season: late-May – September
- Difficulty: Class II
On this diverse rafting trip you’ll twist and turn through a beautiful red rock labyrinth on easy whitewater, venture out on remote hikes, and explore the fascinating archaeological treasures that are hidden along the way like Native American cliff dwellings and well-preserved rock art. Got little ones? The San Juan is also a fantastic first-time rafting trip for families with kids as young as six.
6) Colorado River through Cataract Canyon, Utah
- Trip Length: 4 or 6 days
- Season: April – October
- Difficulty: Class III-IV (Class V possible during high water in late-spring/early-summer)
The Grand Canyon’s Punk Rock Uncle shouldn’t be overlooked. Rafting the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon has it all: breathtaking scenery, easy floating, wild Class III-IV whitewater and massive sandy beaches. Access to remote hiking trails in the heart of Canyonlands National Park, slot canyons and waterfalls also add to the lure of this adventure.
Rafting for Beginners: What to Expect on Your First Multi-day Raft Trip
If it’s your first time preparing for a multi-day river trip, you’ll likely have some questions about what to expect. OARS’ Multi-day Rafting 101 video sets out to answer many of the most common questions about multi-day river trips:
- How do I pack my gear?
- What type of boats can I expect on my rafting trip?
- What does a typical day on the river look like?
- What’s the food like?
- Where do we camp?
- How do I go to the bathroom on a river trip?
- Plus, much more.
Still have questions? Check out A First-Timer’s Guide to Rafting and explore our Trip Resources library for more helpful tips and advice beginners should know before their first rafting trip.
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