Milk Run - The Family Rafting Experience
A fun-filled introduction to whitewater rafting in Colorado! This beginner-friendly Class II rafting trip features gentle rapids, breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery, and a steady current—perfect for families with young children.
Want to learn more about our trips? Download the Adventure Company Trip Chart!
- If you need assistance booking your trip give our friendly Adventure Coordinators a call at 800.497.RAFT
- Free sanitized wetsuit package rentals included on your trip!
- Check out our packing list and what to wear here
Details
Difficulty Level:
Beginner
Minimum Age:
2 Years Old
Meeting Place:
Buena Vista, Colorado
RAFTING TRIP OPTIONS
1/2 Day Rafting Trip
This trip meets at our Buena Vista office location, it is a shorter float on the Arkansas River. This trip lasts about 1 hour on the water and covers 5 miles. This trip is perfect for small kids or adults just looking to float and take in the scenery, without over doing it!
Beginner
11:15am–1:15pm
$98/Person
Beginner
11:15am–1:15pm
$98/Person
$78.40
Last Chance Sale 20% off
Promo Code: LAST20
Beginner
11:15am–1:15pm
$98/Person
$83.30
Summer Sale 15% off – exp. 4/15/24
Beginner
11:15am–1:15pm
$98/Person
What to Expect on the Milk Run
Gentle Rapids, Easy Fun
Family Friendly Adventure
Scenic Colorado Float
Begin at our Buena Vista outpost, gear up with free use of our sanitized wetsuits and safety gear, then enjoy a short beginner raft trip on Colorado’s Arkansas River with playful Class II rapids, and smooth, steady current. Your professional and experienced Guide will help ensure a safe and fun trip. This trip is perfect for beginners and kids as young as two.
Enjoy around five river miles in just over an hour as you cruise downstream with small splashes, calm sections, and impressive mountain views. A perfect introduction to Colorado whitewater rafting for families, first timers, kids and even grandparents. This trip conveniently drives 3 minutes to its launch point and 7 minutes back from its finish location. This experience takes around 2 hours total from check in to return – perfect to prevent your kids from getting bored. Enjoy ice cream and snacks at our cafe afterward to complete your perfect outing!
Recharge and connect with nature under big skies while keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife and soaking in dramatic mountain views. The Collegiate Peaks are amongst the tallest mountains in the Rockies and provide a stunning backdrop on the Milk Run rafting trip. Our professional photographers will take fun digital photos of your raft in between splashes to capture your group’s excitement and remind you of the fun times you shared on the river. After returning to our outpost, your group can change, shower, and view or purchase your photos, which will be on display in our Outfitter Store. Don’t forget to check out our coffee shop next door for freshly baked pastries, cookies, decadent chocolate, or ice cream.
Beginner Rafting Itinerary
Arrive at our Buena Vista outpost and check in at our Outfitter Store where you’ll receive clear and simple instructions.
- Go to go to our boathouse
- Get fitted for optional sanitized wetsuit gear
- Get suited up in our Coast Guard approved lifejackets and rafting helmets
- Use changing and restrooms
- Lock your car and put your keys in a key locker so they cannot get lost on the river
- Gather in our shaded picnic area before heading off to the river in our van or bus
Take a short shuttle to the river in one of our vans or buses, where your guide will give a quick safety briefing. Then you will learn how to sit in the raft and how to paddle together in response to your Guide’s commands. Finally, you push off to begin your Milk Run raft trip.
Spend about one hour rafting five miles of the Arkansas River. Enjoy the fast pace as you paddle through gentle Class II rapids with a mix of swift current and calmer stretches, perfect for kids, first timers, and families.
Return to the outpost to change, shower if you choose, grab a snack or coffee at Station 24 Café, and view and purchase your rafting photos to remember the day.
Rafting Trip Essentials
When rafting in Colorado, you can expect to get wet from cool river water. It is best to wear quick drying materials like a nylon or polyester swimsuit and a performance shirt. You can also rely on free rental of our sanitized wetsuits, splash jackets, and neoprene shoes, especially if the weather is cloudy or cool. For your comfort, you should avoid cotton or denim. Secure footwear is required, such as sandals with a heel strap, water shoes, or old sneakers. Flip flops, Crocs, and bare feet are not allowed, but we provide free use of our neoprene river shoes.
We supply all the gear you need: Coast Guard-approved life jackets, helmets, sanitized wetsuits, splash jackets, and river shoes, when needed. Our guides will ensure you’re properly fitted for your safety and comfort, before heading to the river.
Pack sunscreen, sunglasses with a retainer strap, and a change of dry clothes for after your trip. These items along with souvenirs are available in our Outfitter Store. You may want cash or a card for guide gratuities, photos, or snacks at our Station 24 Café.
Check Out Our Other Popular Family Rafting Trips
Pumphouse Canyon Rafting
on the Colorado River
Enjoy beginner Class II–III rapids with classic Colorado canyon and mountain scenery. This 3-4 hour trip on the river is a short full day including our Ultimate Fajita Feast hot lunch served riverside. Consider this trip for children 4+ years old, first timers, or anyone wanting a mild whitewater rafting adventure.
Browns Canyon Whitewater Rafting Trip
A Colorado classic, Browns Canyon combines fun Class III – IV rapids with stunning granite walls and mountain views. Great for adventurous families looking for a little more excitement, with kids 6+ years old.
Boulder Canyon Rafting
on the Blue River
Convenient for those staying in Breckenridge, this short half-day trip offers splashy Class III rapids in a beautiful alpine setting. This trip is located in Summit County and we meet at our satellite location in Frisco. Unfortunately, this trip has unreliable flows and only runs sporadically in late May or early June.
