If you type “whitewater rafting” into You Tube, any number of videos of monstrous haystack waves and major paddle raft carnage will probably show up. The top 10 searches usually contain a paddle raft with eight people being absolutely annihilated, or a single boatman, one moment gripping the oars and in the next completely washed away. While this sort of whitewater rafting asks for a somewhat fearless mindset and an aptitude in body and mind, it is by no means the rule of a rafting trip.

In actuality, a river trip is the perfect setting for people of all ability levels. No really. Here, let me walk you through it. Say it’s a family reunion. Grandma and grandpa, a smattering of nieces and nephews ranging in age from five to starting college, your brother – an avid fly fisherman – and his wife, more the urban socialite than the outdoorsy type. Grandma and grandpa can enjoy the serenity of the water and take in the stunning sights all from the comfort and ease of a stable raft – no paddling on their part required. Little Sally and the younger children can jump in and out of the water, collect sand from every beach on every part of them, while the older kids can challenge themselves on the side hikes and – guides allowing – take on the rapids in inflatable kayaks or even try the hands at the oars (again, guides allowing). Finally, at camp, your sister-in-law can enjoy an iced beverage (no joke) and a warm gourmet meal with a side salad (again, no kidding) and brother bill can fish from the bank to his hearts content.

Still skeptical? Maybe you’re worried about something else. Perhaps you’re thinking your guide will be some craggy bearded man, a beer or cigarette a constant fixture in his hand? Think again. These days your typical guide is much harder to pin down. Some are music teachers, others are college students of one discipline or another. Sure, there’s plenty of ski patrollers and ski bums who make rafting their summer job, but they are by no means all dudes. Girls are guides, and serious fan favorites – just ask little Sally or grandma and grandpa.

Still worried? Worried, perhaps, that you won’t be able to bring that absolute necessity? Won’t be able to pack all the clothing to stay warm, dry, cool, and stay fashionable? Let me assure you, your worries are in vain. A rafting trip is like car camping without the crowds, the noisy cramped campsites, or the wet dogs or bored children in the car. Camp has nearly all the amenities of home, even the kitchen sink (no seriously). Granted, the toilets may not flush, but they have the best views of any water closet you’ll ever use. So throw that sports coat or sleek black dress in a waterproof bag (provided by your outfitter) and enjoy a cocktail on a remote river beach.

A river rafting trip whether it is a one day Utah river rafting excursion on the Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam or a multi day adventure rafting Colorado’s world famous Yampa River or Green River Gates of Lodore is an absolute treat. A vacation of a lifetime and something the whole family will remember and want to do again and again each summer.

We offer Utah one day rafting trips on the Green River from Vernal, Utah. Also 4 and 5 day Colorado rafting trips on the Yampa River and Green River through Dinosaur National Monument. Debunk the myth’s and come raft Colorado and Utah with us today.