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Float 15 miles of the Gunnison River from Pleasure Park to Delta on an eight-hour, family-friendly Class I–II trip. Enjoy petroglyphs, a riverside picnic, optional kayaks and paddleboards, and big views of the Grand Mesa.
Float 15 miles of the Gunnison River from Pleasure Park to Delta on an eight-hour, family-friendly Class I–II trip. Enjoy petroglyphs, a riverside picnic, optional kayaks and paddleboards, and big views of the Grand Mesa.
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Operated by Pleasure Park · Hotchkiss, Colorado
Set out on a full-day float of the Gunnison River from Pleasure Park to the Delta confluence, a relaxed 15-mile run managed by Gunnison River Expeditions that highlights canyon walls, orchards, and ancient sites. Launching at Pleasure Park near Hotchkiss, Colorado, this eight-hour Class I–II trip suits families with children ages five and up and groups up to twelve. Paddlers will pass layered sedimentary cliffs carved by the river, low desert scrub, and stands of cottonwood along quiet eddies. Guides make a picnic lunch on the riverbank, and optional single and double kayaks and paddleboards are available for guests who want to explore close to shore.
About halfway through the float a short riverside hike leads to Eagle Rock Shelter, an archaeological site with petroglyph panels and stone tools stretching toward 13,000 years of human presence—one of the trip’s most compelling stops. Downriver, the route opens to farmland and Colorado Orchards, with views of the Grand Mesa’s broad, flat summit looming on the horizon. Wildlife sightings are common: songbirds, raptors, river otters, and mule deer often appear along bend pools and riparian corridors.
The river here offers mellow Class I and II rapids that provide a touch of excitement without requiring technical whitewater skills, making the run ideal for young families, first-time rafters, and mixed-ability groups. Guides from Gunnison River Expeditions handle rigging, safety briefings, and shuttle logistics back to Pleasure Park after the Delta takeout, so visitors can focus on scenery, photography, and swimming stops in warm weather.
Plan for sun and wind in the canyon: bring layered clothing, sun protection, and water. Footwear that grips when wet is essential for scooting onto riverbanks and climbing the short trail to Eagle Rock Shelter. Expect wildlife viewing opportunities and a slower pace that emphasizes natural and cultural history over adrenaline.
The trip covers roughly 15 miles across river meanders and quiet runs, with a typical pace that balances drifting and short paddle sections; total trip time is about eight hours including breaks. Groups are capped at twelve to limit impact. Children five and older are welcome; guides run a thorough safety briefing and fit everyone with life jackets. There is no extra drive before launch because Gunnison River Expeditions operates from Pleasure Park.
This float is a distinctive way to read the Gunnison’s geologic record while tasting Western Colorado’s orchard country; it links river ecology to human history in a single-day outing. Whether you arrive with kids, friends, or a camera, the Pleasure Park to Delta float is a gentle, full-day river trip that reveals quiet canyon walls, ancient art panels, and big-Mesa panoramas—the kind of accessible outdoor day that stays with you long after you pack up the picnic.
Gunnison River Expeditions operates from Pleasure Park on the Gunnison River; there is no extra drive before launch—the meeting point is at the river.
This is an approximately 8-hour trip covering roughly 15 miles from Pleasure Park to the Delta takeout, including stops and a picnic lunch.
Children ages 5 and up are permitted; guides will review safety and fit life jackets for all participants.
The route contains Class I and II rapids—mellow enough for beginners but still fun; no technical whitewater skills are required.
Bring your own if you prefer, but Gunnison River Expeditions offers single and double kayaks and paddleboards as trip options—confirm availability when booking.
Facilities are limited along the river; expect basic restroom access at launch and the Delta takeout—plan accordingly.
Pleasure Park operates out of Hotchkiss, Colorado, offering guided river trips on the Gunnison River and through the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. Pleasure Park runs a range of experiences from half-day scenic floats to multi-day whitewater and fishing expeditions. Trips include full-day and two-day float fishing on Gunnison Gorge and the Lower Gunnison, jet boat and dory fishing, half-day and full-day scenic rafting, and two-day whitewater rafting through the Gunnison Gorge. Trips cover varied river conditions, from gentle Class I–II scenic floats to Class III–IV whitewater runs, and access Gold Medal trout waters and private stretches of river. Guests can expect river scenery that includes sandstone canyons, limestone cliffs, ancient petroglyphs, waterfalls, orchards, and native wildlife. Pleasure Park offers family-friendly scenic options and more technical whitewater and fly-fishing excursions for anglers seeking trophy rainbow and brown trout. Overnight trips include riverside camping on sandy beaches and opportunities for hiking, kayaking, or paddleboarding depending on the itinerary. Safety protocols, guided instruction, and appropriate equipment are part of each trip package; specific safety details and requirements are provided at booking. Reservations and logistical details are arranged from the Hotchkiss base, with departures timed to match seasonal river conditions. For travelers seeking guided fishing, scenic rafting, or an adrenaline-driven whitewater adventure on the Gunnison River or in the Dominguez-Escalante NCA, Pleasure Park provides locally guided trips and varied itineraries to match skill and interest levels. Booking information, seasonal availability, and specific trip maps are published on the business's official site.
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