HOTCHKISS RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Sundrenched Canyons and Slow Water: A Full-Day Float Down the Gunnison
An 8-hour, 15-mile guided float from Pleasure Park to the Delta along the Gunnison River — wildlife viewing, a riverside picnic, short hikes to petroglyphs, and optional kayaks or paddleboards.
Sundrenched Canyons and Slow Water: A Full-Day Float Down the Gunnison.
This is not whitewater for adrenaline junkies but a measured, scenic float past sandstone canyon walls, orchards and the broad silhouette of the Grand Mesa. Over eight hours you’ll drift downstream with professional guides, stop for swims and a picnic, and hike to an archaeological shelter with ancient petroglyphs — a full day that reads like a natural-history primer on the Gunnison.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Canyon Walls, Orchards and Grand Mesa Vistas
The route threads a rock-walled stretch of the Gunnison, then opens to farmland and Colorado orchards with views of the Grand Mesa — frequent stops offer swimming and sunning on riverbanks.
Eagle Rock Shelter: Petroglyphs and Ancient Tools
A short on-foot visit brings rafters to the Eagle Rock Shelter archaeological site, where petroglyph walls and stone tools attest to human presence dating back roughly 13,000 years.
A Relaxed, Family-Friendly Float
This stretch contains only Class I and II rapids, making it suitable for families, youth clubs and adults; guides prepare a riverside lunch and optional single/double kayaks or paddleboards are available for guests wanting extra variety.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
From the put-in at Pleasure Park you settle into a slow rhythm — paddles dip, conversation loosens, and the canyon’s light changes as you move. Guides steer through gentle Class I–II water, pause for a riverside lunch and short swims, lead a hike to the Eagle Rock Shelter, and provide optional kayaks or paddleboards for guests who want a different vantage. The takeout at the Delta Confluence closes an easy, 15‑mile arc back to the shuttle.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits best and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Full-day outing: approximately 8 hours covering about 15 miles on the river.
Gunnison River Expeditions is located on the river at Pleasure Park; trips launch from Pleasure Park and the takeout is at the Delta Confluence with a shuttle back to the put-in.
Bring swimwear, sun protection, quick-dry layers and anything personal you need for an all-day outing — guides provide a riverside picnic lunch.
Trips accommodate up to 12 people and are open to guests ages 5 and up, making this suitable for families and small groups.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip and how far do we float?
The excursion is an 8-hour float covering about 15 miles.
Where do we meet for the trip?
Gunnison River Expeditions operates on the river at Pleasure Park; trips launch from Pleasure Park with no drive time required before the trip.
What is the rapids difficulty and is this suitable for children?
The stretch contains Class I and II rapids and is described as family-friendly and suitable for ages 5 and up.
Is food provided?
Yes — professional guides prepare a riverside picnic lunch during the float.
Can I bring or rent a kayak or paddleboard?
Optional single kayaks, double kayaks and paddleboards are available for rafters who want that option on the trip.
Where is the takeout and how do we get back to the put-in?
The trip takes out at the Delta Confluence and the operator provides a shuttle back to Pleasure Park.
Are there opportunities to swim or stop onshore?
Yes — the route includes great spots to get out and swim or relax onshore.