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Whitewater rafting is open to just about everyone, from families with young kids to adventurous adults, as long as you choose the right river. Families can start with the Tom Sawyer Float Trip, a gentle family rafting experience designed for children ages 5–7, or step up to the South Fork American, a fun Class III whitewater run that’s great for first-timers and families with kids seven and older. At the other end of the spectrum, intrepid paddlers take on Cherry Creek, California’s most advanced rafting trip with challenging Class V rapids. If you’re unsure where you fit on the spectrum, our trip finder tool makes it easy to compare rivers and choose the adventure that’s right for you.

Recommended minimum ages vary depending on the river, the season, and the level of whitewater. Higher spring flows can raise the minimum age requirements on most rivers. Here's a quick guide:

• Tom Sawyer Float on the easy Class I–II section of the South fork American: Typically 5 years old.
• South Fork American (Class III): Typically 7 years old.
• Merced & Middle Fork American (Class III-IV): Typically 12 years old.
• Tuolumne at summer flows (Class IV+): Typically 12 years old.
• North Fork American, North Fork Stanislaus, Kaweah, Goodwin Canyon, Tuolumne at spring flows (Class IV+): Typically 15 years old.
• California Salmon (Class V): Typically 15 years old.
• Cherry Creek / Upper Tuolumne (Class V): Typically 17 years old.

A parent or legal guardian must give permission for an unaccompanied minor (aged 17 years or younger) to participate in an All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting river trip. This is done electronically in advance of the trip. The information may be alternatively provided by filling out our Parent / Guardian Permission & Liability Release Form on paper.

You can make a reservation online or over the phone. Our California Rafting Consultants are available during business hours to help you plan and book your trip. Most trips can be reserved directly through our online booking platform with real-time availability. Book your trip today and secure your adventure on California’s rivers!

Reservations are based on the overall space available on each trip. Our guides determine the boat assignments on the morning of the rafting trip and keep parties together whenever possible. Booking a Private Charter Trip guarantees an exclusive trip with only your group members in all the rafts. Other reserved boat options can be made available in certain circumstances - please direct special requests to our office in advance.

All-Outdoors rafting guides are skilled professionals and very likable, so requests for a specific guide are common. If you've had a guide you especially liked, we'll do our best to match their schedule to yours. Just let us know when you make your next reservation.

To provide flexibility and peace of mind, we have a lenient and simple Cancellation Policy. If your trip must be canceled for any reason, you will receive a fully transferable 100% credit toward a future river trip. Guests canceling their trip must notify us by phone or Live Chat during business hours, at least 3 days prior to the departure date.

We're proud to serve high-quality, gourmet-style meals with plenty of options, allowing our guests to create their ideal meals. Think hearty breakfasts to fuel your morning, satisfying sandwiches for mid-day energy, and delicious dinners after a full day on the river. Our offerings also include a variety of homemade specialties crafted by our talented food staff. If you have special dietary requirements, we encourage you to tell us at the time of your reservation so we can discuss options.

Many of our guests ask us, "should I tip my guide?". Our high level of service is not exercised in order to receive a tip. We serve you because we want to. If you feel the service you received from your guide is exceptional, and you want to say "thank you" with a tip, although it is not expected, it is always appreciated. Our guides are happy to accept tips given in cash, credit card, or via Venmo right after the trip, as well as those called/emailed into our office at a later time. Any amount you feel appropriate is a valued gesture, but if you are looking for a tipping guideline, most gratuities in the rafting industry range between 10% and 20%. Any and all tips collected are shared by all guides who worked on the trip.