Red Canyon River Trips 7 Mile Whitewater Rafting 9am Daily

The best part of this Cody rafting trip is the mix: seven miles of moving water with enough rapids to make things exciting, but not so much that a first-timer feels out of place. You will pass canyon walls, wildlife habitat, Buffalo Jump, and rock shaped by glaciers and fault lines while guides explain the area.

I like the family age range, with children as young as two allowed, and I like the short, useful format. At about two hours, it fits neatly into a busy Cody day. The main consideration is physical fitness: this is still an active river trip, and class III water can feel lively even when the route is beginner-friendly.

Key points to know before you book

• Seven miles on the Shoshone River: The route gives you a real river outing without taking up an entire day.
• Class II and III rapids: Little Big Drop, Colters Falls, and Sitting Bull add splashes and excitement for beginners.
• Family-friendly minimum age: Children as young as two can participate, making this one of the easier family adventure choices near Cody.
• Old West and Indigenous history: Your guide points out Buffalo Jump, Roadrunner Bridge, and canyon features along the way.
• Transport and safety gear included: Pickup and drop-off from Cody, life vests, a guide, and slickers when needed are part of the package.
• A private group experience: Only your group participates, which can make the pace more comfortable for families and mixed-age groups.

A lively morning on the Shoshone River

The day begins at 9 a.m. at 1119 12th Street in Cody. The full activity takes about two hours, so you can still plan a museum visit, lunch, or another Cody sight afterward. Transportation to and from the river is included, which saves you from sorting out a separate ride.

That short schedule is useful, but it also tells you what this is and what it is not. This is a focused rafting outing rather than an all-day river expedition. You get several named rapids, scenery, and local stories, then return to the same meeting point before the day gets away from you.

Your guide handles the river orientation and provides a life vest. Guides are CPR certified, drug and alcohol tested, and background checked. Slickers are available if conditions call for them. Those details matter when you are bringing young children or someone who has never sat in a raft before.

The physical demand is listed as moderate. You do not need advanced rafting experience, but you should be ready for a wet, active ride and follow the guide’s instructions. The trip is family-friendly, not completely effortless.

Three named rapids keep the ride exciting

The Shoshone River route includes class II and class III rapids, with Little Big Drop, Colters Falls, and Sitting Bull called out as highlights. These ratings generally mean you can expect waves, splashes, and some quick decisions from the guide, without the extreme conditions associated with more advanced whitewater.

For a first rafting outing, that is a sensible level. You get the pleasure of working with the river rather than simply floating past it, while the guide remains in charge of steering and safety. You will likely have moments when everyone paddles, braces, or laughs through a splash.

Class III water can still feel serious to a small child or a nervous adult. If anyone in your group dislikes getting wet, feels uneasy around moving water, or has limited physical ability, think carefully before booking. The operator asks for a moderate fitness level, and that guidance is worth taking seriously.

The route is seven miles long. That gives the trip enough time to feel like a proper river adventure, while the two-hour duration keeps the commitment manageable. You are not signing up for a full day in a raft, which is a major plus if your group includes young children.

Canyon walls, wildlife, and glacier-cut rock

The Shoshone River setting gives this experience more than rapids. As you move through the canyon, your guide points out rock formations shaped by glaciers and local fault lines. These features are easy to miss when you are driving through the area, but from the water you get a slower look at the walls and river corridor.

The area is also known for wildlife. Sightings are never promised, so you should treat animals as a bonus rather than the main reason to book. Keep your eyes open as the raft moves along, especially during calmer stretches when you have time to look beyond the next wave.

One useful benefit of a guide is that the scenery comes with context. The trip includes explanations about Roadrunner Bridge and other points along the river, so you are not left trying to guess what you are seeing. The stories give the ride a stronger sense of place than a simple wet-weather thrill ride.

Because the river changes pace, the trip has a natural rhythm. Rapids demand attention, then quieter water lets you look up at the canyon and listen. That balance makes the outing work well for families who want some excitement but also want to see Wyoming from a different angle.

Buffalo Jump connects the river to Cody’s past

A particularly memorable point along the route is the Buffalo Jump at Sage Creek. Your guide explains how Indigenous peoples used this type of place to help feed and clothe their communities. The subject adds human meaning to the geology and river scenery around you.

You can follow up by visiting the Buffalo Jump bronze replica at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West museum. That makes this rafting trip a useful part of a larger Cody day. The river shows you the setting, while the museum gives you another way to understand the practice and its importance.

The connection is practical as well as educational. Many outdoor outings near Cody focus only on scenery or adrenaline. Here, the guide uses the river corridor to explain how people lived with the land long before modern tourism arrived.

The tour also touches on the area’s Old West story. Red Canyon River Trips traces its own rafting history to 1972, and the company connects its story with Kit Cody, Buffalo Bill’s great-grandson, and early paddle rafting in North America. You will hear these local stories during the outing rather than reading about them afterward.

A bit of movie history on the water

The river has even appeared in the fun Western comedy Meet the Deedles. Kenny Martin of Red Canyon helped with stunts for the movie on this stretch of water. That is a small detail, but it gives the trip a nice local flavor.

You do not need to know the film to enjoy the ride. If you have seen it, the reference may add a grin. If not, it is simply another example of how this stretch of the Shoshone River has been used beyond ordinary sightseeing.

The strongest history here is not the movie connection. It is the way the guide links the river, Cody, Indigenous use of the area, local bridges, geological features, and the company’s long-running relationship with the water. You get a more rounded introduction to the region while your raft moves downstream.

What the private format means for your group

This is a private activity, so only your group participates. That can be a real advantage if you are traveling with children, older family members, or people with different comfort levels around rapids.

A private trip may also make it easier to ask questions about the river, the history, or the scenery. The guide can focus on your group instead of managing a large mixed crowd. The tradeoff is that the experience depends on the pace and mood of your own party. If your group is quiet, the ride may feel more relaxed. If everyone is eager to paddle and ask questions, it can feel more social.

The published price is $59 per person. For that fee, you receive the guide, life vests, transportation to and from the river, and slickers if needed. A 15 to 20 percent service gratuity is not included, so add that to your budget.

I consider the price reasonable for a short outdoor activity because transportation and safety equipment are already covered. You are paying for access to the river, a guided route, and local interpretation, not just a boat rental. The value is strongest if you would otherwise need to arrange a separate ride or if your group wants an easy-to-fit morning activity.

The trip is often booked about 50 days ahead. That suggests you should not leave it until the last minute during a busy Cody visit, especially if your dates are fixed or your group is large.

The guide makes the difference

The guide is central to this experience. You are not simply being carried through whitewater. The guide manages the raft, explains how to participate, and adds the historical and geological details that give the route character.

One guide associated with the trip is Burns, who has years of river-guiding experience and is noted for explaining the area’s history. Guides are also CPR certified, drug and alcohol tested, and background checked. No safety system removes every risk from river travel, but these standards offer useful reassurance.

Expect a guide who talks about more than the next rapid. You may hear about Buffalo Jump, Roadrunner Bridge, glacier-carved formations, local fault lines, Kit Cody, and the company’s connection to Meet the Deedles. Those stories help fill the quieter stretches between rapids.

The experience has earned a 4.6 rating from 11 reviews, with 91 percent recommending it. The strongest praise centers on friendly guides, clear information about local history, attractive scenery, and a fun river ride. That matches what the trip is designed to do well: combine easy-to-moderate whitewater with a sense of place.

Who will enjoy this Cody rafting trip most

This outing suits families who want to try rafting without committing to a full day. The minimum age of two makes it unusually accessible for a family adventure, though every child and adult should be comfortable with water, splashes, and an active boat ride.

It also works for first-time rafters. The class II and III rapids offer real action, but the route is not presented as an expert-level challenge. You can enjoy the river without needing prior paddling experience.

The trip is a good match for you if:

• You want a two-hour outdoor activity near Cody.
• Your group includes children and adults.
• You prefer a private group to a mixed public boat.
• You like history and geology along with scenery.
• You want transportation and equipment handled for you.
• You have moderate physical fitness and do not mind getting wet.

It may not be right for you if you want calm sightseeing with no physical effort, a long backcountry expedition, or advanced whitewater. It is also less appealing if your schedule cannot accommodate the fixed 9 a.m. start.

Planning the morning around the 9 a.m. start

The meeting point is 1119 12th Street in Cody, and the activity ends back there. Pickup and drop-off are provided from Cody if needed, so check the arrangements when you book and allow enough time to reach the starting point.

A morning departure has two practical benefits. Temperatures may be more comfortable than later in the day, and you have the afternoon free for Cody’s museums or other activities. The return to the same meeting point makes it easier to continue your day without arranging a second transfer.

Confirmation is normally sent at booking. If you book within two hours of departure, confirmation arrives as soon as possible and depends on availability. Because the trip is commonly reserved well ahead, I would book early rather than rely on a same-day opening.

The operator requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number is not met.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 9 a.m. start. Cancellations and changes inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off uses local time, so pay attention if you are booking from another time zone.

Should you book the Shoshone River rafting trip?

Book it if you want a short, family-friendly river adventure with genuine rapids, scenic canyon views, and a guide who adds local history. The private format, included transport, and low price make it an easy choice for many Cody families.

I would be especially inclined to book it for a group with young children that wants more action than a standard sightseeing tour but less commitment than a full-day rafting trip. The Buffalo Jump connection and geology stories also make it more worthwhile than a ride focused only on splashing.

Think twice if anyone in your party has limited fitness, strongly dislikes getting wet, or wants a completely gentle float. Class III rapids are still active water, even on a beginner-friendly route.

For most families and first-time rafters, this is a well-priced way to spend a Cody morning. Reserve early, arrive ready for water, and leave room in your afternoon for the Buffalo Bill Center of the West if you want to follow the river story back onto dry land.

FAQ

How long is the rafting experience?

The activity lasts approximately two hours and covers seven miles of the Shoshone River.

What time does the trip start?

The scheduled start time is 9 a.m.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at 1119 12th Street, Cody, Wyoming 82414, and ends back at the meeting point.

What class rapids will I encounter?

The route includes class II and class III rapids, including Little Big Drop, Colters Falls, and Sitting Bull.

Can young children participate?

Children as young as two can participate. The activity also recommends a moderate physical fitness level.

What is included in the price?

Transportation to and from the river, a guide, life vests, and slickers if needed are included. A 15 to 20 percent service gratuity is not included.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather or an insufficient number of participants cancels the activity, you will be offered another date or a full refund.