South Fork Chili Bar Express

Our Quickest Trip on The South Fork American

This magical day begins with an exciting class III section and ends in a leisurely float through II rapids in the Coloma Valley. While the South Fork Chili Bar Express trip is an abbreviated version of our premium full day trip, we still try to give you a taste of the “extra” river activities that are unique to River Runners such as rock jumping, swimming, and nature exploration.

Our guides give you time to relax and experience the excitement of rafting the South Fork of the American all in one day.

South Fork Chili Bar Express Itinerary

The South Fork Express Chili Bar trip is ideal if you are on a budget or pressed for time in the afternoon but still want an epic day of whitewater rafting! Arrive at our campsite at Camp Lotus by promptly 8:30 AM for check-in.

After check-in, you’ll have time to get into your rafting clothes and shoes and then head to the bus or van which will travel upstream to where your boats will be waiting at Chili Bar. You will receive a safety briefing and equipment from your guides, and then it’s time to get on the river!

After your guides prepare you for the river, the adventure begins with an exciting class III stretch of rapids. After experiencing the joy of exciting whitewater on the class III section of your trip, you will find yourself floating through the beautiful and historic Coloma Valley, the site of the original gold discovery in California in 1848. Your South Fork Chili Bar Express trip ends back at our campsite at Camp Lotus with plenty of time left in your afternoon to get where you need to go.

Please be aware: Lunch is not included in your reservation, but snacks are provided to tide you over. All of our boats are equipped with mesh bags that can hold extra snacks as well if you would like to bring extra.

Looking over the shoulder of a River Runners Raft in Rock Garden Rapid

Quick Facts

  • Difficulty: Class II-III
  • Minimum Age: 6-years-old
  • Season: April - September
  • River Miles/Distance: 9 miles
  • Trip Duration: Approximately 5 hours, start to finish
  • Check In: 8:30 AM at Camp Lotus
  • Check Out: Approximately 1:30 PM at Camp Lotus
  • Trip Cost: $110 per person
  • Lunch is not included
  • Taxes and fees are included
  • Guide gratuity is not included

You can book online by paying the full amount or a deposit.

Are you ready to book this trip today?

View our calendar and check availability.