Coming from Southern California
River Runners was started back in the early '70s by a group of people who drove the 8 hours from Los Angeles to Coloma to go rafting and fell in love with the river and the excitement of whitewater rafting.
To this day, many River Runners guests drive up from LA and its surrounding areas to get a taste of the refreshingly cool river and the rejuvenating relaxed pace of life in the Coloma/Lotus Valley. River Runners is an escape from the hectic pace of life in the city.
In camp, you can put your feet up and relax with a cold drink whilst your guides prepare you a delicious meal after a full day of rafting. At River Runners we believe a good meal can only be made with good quality, fresh ingredients served on real plates.
On the river, we have the same ethic. A good rafting trip begins at the very moment we take your booking and continues as you dance and weave your way through the fun and refreshing rapids on the American River. We focus on providing a trip that is tailored to the experience you want, and our guides are experts at creating a fun and adventurous adventure for all.
At River Runners, we want to help you unwind from the hustle and bustle of busy scheduling. Our trips are designed to feel relaxed and give you time to enjoy the journey.
Recommended River Trips
River Runners two day/two night trips are perfect for groups making the trip from LA. Our standard two-day trip offers two nights of camping instead of just one, so you have plenty of time to drive up in your own vehicle, or fly into Sacramento, rent a car, and arrive at your campsite the evening before your first day of rafting. One and two-day rafting trips on the South Fork of the American River are offered April through September.
For a one-day trip from the LA area, the Kaweah river offers an incredible class IV+ rafting experience for those looking for a thrill not far from home. Situated near Visalia, The Kaweah River is a 3-4 hour drive from LA. Trips launch from a beautiful riverside campsite, so you can sleep under the stars before launching the trip of a lifetime. Kaweah River trips are offered April through June, depending on river flows.
At River Runners, we want to help you unwind from the hustle and bustle of busy scheduling, so our trips are designed to feel relaxed and give you time to enjoy the journey. Learn more about our South Fork American River trips here and our Kaweah trips here.
South Fork of the American River
- Class II-III
- Long, leisurely days floating through natural wonders punctuated by exciting class III rapids.
- Full-day, express, and two-day camping & rafting packages are available.
- Season: April - September.
- Minimum age: 6-years-old
- Trips start at $110 per person.
- Ideal for families, groups, and thrill-seekers alike!
South Fork Two-Day Trip
Relax, unwind, and unplug with River Runners' premier two-day whitewater rafting adventure on the South Fork of the American River.
This trip combines the Chili Bar and Gorge rafting sections of the South Fork of the American River to give you a memorable and inspiring California whitewater rafting experience. Two-day whitewater rafting trips with River Runners include two nights of camping at our private campsite within Camp Lotus, tent rentals, five meals prepared with love and fresh ingredients, and two days of rafting.
Kaweah River
- Class IV+
- 10 miles of continuous action.
- Full day trips available.
- Season: April - June. NOTE: Kaweah River trips are offered as soon as there is enough snow melting to create the river itself. The season generally starts in April, and ends by early June.
- Minimum age: 14-years-old
- Trips start at $180 per person
- Ideal for experienced rafting enthusiasts looking for an exciting and challenging step up.
Kaweah Full Day
Nestled close to Southern California is the steepest river in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Cold clear water sweeps the adventurous paddler out toward California’s Central Valley. Look over your shoulder and you will see 13,000-foot peaks covered in snow and giant Sequoia trees. Look downstream and you will see lots of whitewater. There is never a dull moment on the Kaweah.
Highlights include rapids like The Chute, Osterizer, Powerhouse, Cyanotic, Suicide Falls, The Slickies, and Holiday. And an unbelievable amount of raft surfing too!