South Fork Gorge Express

Express Yourself!

Our South Fork Gorge Express trip is a class II-III rafting experience that accommodates tighter timelines than our full-day trip. If you want to get up later or just don't want to rush to meet us, this trip is for you.

This magical day begins gently and ends with a bang on class III rapids. Our guides will give you time to relax and experience the excitement of rafting the South Fork of the American while staying on track.

While the Gorge 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.

South Fork Gorge Express Itinerary

This trip is ideal if you are pressed for time in the morning but still want an epic day of whitewater rafting! Arrive at our campsite at Camp Lotus by promptly 11:30 AM for check-in and your safety briefing. Your guides will provide you with safety equipment and instructions before launching your trip.

Lunch is not included in your reservation, so we recommend eating a hearty meal before arrival. All of our boats are equipped with mesh bags that can hold extra snacks as well to tide you over.

After your guides prepare you for the river, the South Fork Express Gorge adventure begins with a fun class II stretch, giving you some time to play and swim before the class III “gorge” section kicks in.

The Gorge is an exciting and beautiful place where the river has carved through rock deep below the chaparral-covered hillsides, forming incredibly fun rapids. If you are lucky, you may see a great blue heron, a bald eagle, a deer and sometimes even a mink, beaver or river otter.

After experiencing the joy of exciting whitewater on the South Fork Gorge Express trip, you will arrive at the take-out area in Folsom Reservoir where a bus or van will be waiting to take you back to our camp. There your adventure with us ends.

Rafters jumping off rocks into The South Fork American River

Quick Facts

  • Difficulty: Class II-III
  • Minimum Age: 6-years-old
  • Season: April - September
  • River Miles/Distance: 12 miles
  • Trip Duration: Approximately 6 hours, start to finish
  • Check In: 11:30 AM at Camp Lotus
  • Check Out: Approximately 5:30 PM at Camp Lotus
  • Trip Cost: $130 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?

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