South Fork American River

South Fork American River Express Trips

Select from the following Express Trips

Lower "Gorge" Trips

 

Float before Class III rapids

12 miles

Lunch not included

 
South Fork American River Rafting Map
 

Express Lower "Gorge" Sample Itinerary:

  • Meet in early afternoon (mid-morning in spring), in Lotus
  • Sign-in, instruction
  • Class II warm-up rapids
  • Class III rapids, the "Gorge"
  • Take-out in Folsom Lake, shuttle
  • Trip ends late afternoon (early afternoon in spring)

This trip begins with mellow Class II rapids, giving you time to warm-up before we reach the Class III whitewater of the "Gorge." Your paddling skills will be tested in Fowler's Rock Rapid, the first Class III rapid we encounter. After Fowler's, the whitewater continues at a perfect pace, one Class III rapid after another, until late afternoon when we reach our take-out in Folsom Lake.



The itinerary above may be altered due to a range of variables, including river flow levels, water release schedules, time of year, and other factors.
Contact us if you have any questions.

 

$149 Monday-Friday

$159 Saturday, Sunday

Upper "Chili Bar" Trips

(offered Year-Round)

Class III rapids followed by a float

9 miles

Lunch not included

 
South Fork American River Rafting Map
 

Express Upper "Chili Bar" Sample Itinerary:

  • Meet mid-morning in Lotus
  • Sign-in, shuttle, instruction
  • Class III rapids
  • Class II rapids, take-out in early afternoon

The action begins right after put-in with Class III Meatgrinder Rapid--the longest rapid on the river. The fast pace continues until you reach the last Class III challenge of the day--Troublemaker Rapid. After this wild, S-turn rapid, you'll begin a more leisurely three-mile Class II section to take-out in Lotus.



The itinerary above may be altered due to a range of variables, including river flow levels, water release schedules, time of year, and other factors.
Contact us if you have any questions.

 

$129 Monday-Friday

$139 Saturday, Sunday

View Available Discounts
Cancellation Policy

Fun time for everyone!

"I organized this rafting trip as a family and friends event to get together and shred some rapids. The tour guides were very knowledgeable about the rapids and the flow of the water. Not only did my group have a blast going down the express upper chili bar, but we are already planning on doing the next trip for next year. I would definitely recommend this rafting company to anybody wanting to have some fun in the American River."

David from Yolo

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Deals & Discounts

Start here to find the best possible deal for your next California whitewater rafting adventure. Please note that only one discount can be applied per person and must be mentioned at the time of reservation.

Group Discount

There are a variety of discounts for group rafting trips. All types of groups are welcome!

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Youth Discount

Youth 17 years or younger receive a 10% discount on any trip on any date!


Frequent Floater Program ®

You earn a FREE day of rafting with our exclusive Frequent Floater Program!®


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