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South Fork American - One Day Trip - Gorge 9:30 AM

South Fork American - One Day Trip - Gorge 9:30 AM

Overview

Our most popular trip! 

Beyond Limits Adventure's 1 day rafting trip on California's South Fork American River is the top 1 day rafting adventure in the West! You won’t want to miss the outstanding intermediate level class 3+ rapids which are numerous in the lower gorge section.

The river corridor is surrounded by wilderness scenery and the crystal clear water flows high all summer long!

All Beyond Limits 1 day trips on the South Fork American River begin at River Park Resort. We provide freshly prepared lunches every day and our modern rafting gear is cleaned and dried after every trip. Restrooms and showers are available to all trip participants. 

After your trip be sure to check out your GoPro Video and photos which are taken of your raft throughout our 1 day trip. We also serve cold draft beer, wine and non alcoholic beverages during our daily happy hour when you arrive back to River Park Resort.

2023 Check-in times:

1-Day Gorge trips check in at 9:30AM.


Trip duration is usually 6 hours.

Itinerary

South Fork 1 day trip information

Check in by - 9:30AM at 7321 River Park Dr. Lotus CA 95651

Once all guests have arrived, your group will ride the Shuttle Bus to American River resort where an orientation will be given by our trip leader. Safety techniques and helpful hints are the main topics to be discussed. After the "safety talk" we will suit you up with your pfds (personal flotation devices) and hand out a paddle to each participant. Your raft will depart from our private riverfront resort. We will raft through a nice section of class 2 and 3 rapids known as the "Lotus Section". After the Lotus section we will enter a wilderness section with beautiful riparian scenery. Keep your eyes open for trout, otters, wild turkeys and white-tailed deer as we ride the rapids in this wonderful setting.

1:00PM -  A deli-style lunch is served on river. If you are a vegetarian please mention this at time of reservation.

2:00PM - Lower gorge section - Get ready for the best 7 mile section of class 3 water in the west! The lower gorge features exciting rapids like "Fowler's Rock", "Satan's Cesspool", "Haystack Canyon", and "Hospital Bar". We'll get soaked as we ride these big rapids and rest in the few pools between.

4:00 PM - Takeout at Salmon Falls bridge. Depending on the level of Folsom Lake, we might be towed across the lake for the last mile of the trip. Our shuttle bus will be waiting with a cooler full of cold refreshments when we arrive. After the gear is loaded we'll board the bus for a 30 minute ride back to camp.

4:30 PM - We arrive back in camp. Enjoy a cold refreshment while you view your photos of the trip. You may purchase a CD full of great shots of your raft riding the rapids of the fabulous South Fork of the American River!

Location

View Google map to River Park Resort

Driving Directions to River Park Resort: Our meeting place for all South Fork American River trips.

Our resort (River Park Resort) is located in Coloma CA at the end of River Park Dr. (located just north of the highway 49/ South Fork American bridge).

Coloma is located between Placerville and Auburn on highway 49. Driving time is 2.5 hours from SF, 8 hours from LA. There are several other rafting companies in Coloma so make sure you follow the directions below to our camp at River Park Resort. If you get lost or you are running late please call us directly at River Park Resort - 530-622-0553

Driving from Sacramento: Take highway 50 east from Sacramento to the Ponderosa Road/ Shingle Springs exit - EXIT NUMBER 37. (You will be following signs to Coloma). At the end of the ramp, turn left, and go over the highway. There are two stoplights immediately after the overpass, take a right turn at the second stop light (North Shingle Road). Take North Shingle Road approx. 4 miles until it becomes Lotus Road. Take Lotus road until it stops at highway 49, turn left. Go over bridge and turn left on River Park Dr., there is a left-hand turning lane just after the bridge. There is also a Pizza place here. Follow River Park drive to the left and into our resort. Our Resort is marked by a large brown "River Park Resort" and "Beyond Limits Adventures" sign.

Driving from South shore Lake Tahoe: Take highway 50 west until Placerville. Take the highway 49 (Spring Street) exit, right, off of highway. Follow highway 49 north until you reach Coloma. At the left hand turning lane just past the highway 49 bridge over the river, turn left onto River Park Drive. There is a Pizza place here. Follow River Park Drive into our resort - River Park Resort.

Driving from Reno or North Lake Tahoe: Take highway 80 west to Auburn. Take highway 49 south about 25 minutes to Coloma. This is a windy Road so take your time and closely follow the highway 49 signs so you stay on course. Just before you cross the main bridge over the river in Coloma turn right onto River Park Drive. Follow this into our resort - River Park Resort.

Driving from San Francisco Bay Area: Take I-80 East to Sacramento, take highway 50 east and follow the directions from Sacramento above.

Driving from Los Angeles or San Diego: Take I-5 North to Sacramento, take highway 50 east and follow the direction from Sacramento above.

 

Please arrive on time for your trip:

It is a good idea to arrive at least 15 minutes before your trip departure time to allow yourself time to check-in, use our restrooms and change into your river attire. Each trip has a designated departure time, make sure you know the time and plan to arrive before it. It is better to be early than late. We do not hold up trips for late arrivers.

Questions

  • When is the best time of the year to raft the South Fork American River?

California has rafting nearly year round but the most popular time to go is April through July for high water and maximum excitement. July through October still has plenty of action due to dam released water. Early season has great whitewater and we have discounts for April and May trips. Look here for information.

  • Do I have to know how to swim well?

Due to higher water levels this summer, we recommend all participants have basic swimming abilities. If you are not a strong swimmer, consider booking a trip in mid to later August, when water levels will be lower again.

  • Will I need a wetsuit?

If you raft during high water (spring season) you will need a wetsuit whether you rent one from us or provide your own. Summer rafting on the South Fork American River does not require a wetsuit. Contact us if you have questions.

  • What should I bring?

You need to bring shorts, swim suit, t-shirt, foot protection (old tennis shoes, booties or sport sandals), and a dry set of clothes for your ride home. Everything that you wear will get wet so plan accordingly. Please do not bring valuable items (i.e. expensive clothes or shoes, jewelry, non-waterproof cameras or other items) on the raft. Under a wetsuit you will wear swimwear or insulated synthetic winter underwear (No COTTON) on cold spring days. On cold days wear wetsuit booties for extra warmth.

For camping trips bring all the camping equipment you need (even the kitchen sink if required) since all of our 2 day trips operate from a base camp where you can drive in. We have lists of equipment recommended for all trips. Do not bring pets to any of our trips.

  • What if I am a vegetarian

    All our meals are buffet style with plenty of non-meat items available to you. If you have other dietary restrictions please call us before your trip.

  • How often do trips run?

We run trips seven days a week from April through October. There are certain days in early and late season during the week that we may not have trips scheduled but can run a trip if you have at least 4 persons. Plan your trip as far in advance as possible and this will give you more options for trip dates if you have a group since most of our popular dates book well in advance.

  • How many people go with each trip?

During midweek we have smaller sized groups and the rivers are generally less crowded making the solitude of the trip much better than on weekends. On weekends we generally book out so we run the maximum group size that is listed for each river. Sundays are sometimes less crowded than Saturdays. Early and late season are less busy than prime season.

  • What if the weather is bad?

    We will run in any condition of weather or may give everyone the option to take a rain-check credit if the weather is extremely unpleasant at the check-in point. After April, the weather is usually perfect for rafting.

  • Can we request a guide?

If we have at least 2 weeks notice we will make every effort possible to schedule a guide that you enjoyed in the past.

  • Is it appropriate to tip our guide after the trip?

Although a tip is not expected, if you feel your guide has done an exceptional job or gone that extra step to make your trip more enjoyable and memorable, a tip is a nice way to show your appreciation.

  • Can we still raft if we have young children (under 7 years)?

Yes. On a two day trip on the South Fork American we can run a split trip where a different parent stays in camp during each day. We can also take kids as young as 5 on the Lotus section of the South Fork.

 

What to Bring

What to bring:

For your river trip, we recommend the following items:

1 Day Trip:

  • Swimsuit/ shorts
  • Tennis shoes, sports sandals or wetsuit booties
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • T-shirts or rash-guard shirts
  • Dry clothes for after the river
  • Cash if you would like to tip your guide

Please do not bring pets on the river. Beyond Limits has a dog watching service while you are rafting. Ask us for details.

Camping & Lodging

CAMPING:

  • River Park Resort   - Stay in one of our glamping tents which are located at our trip check in. Our accommodations are located river front!

Motels:

Inns:

Lake Tahoe

 

Things to do:

 

Trip Details

1 Day Trip - Lower Gorge
Difficulty: 3
Minimum Age: 7 yrs

Make Reservation Now!
View Available Dates! Recent Photos

Price: $120 - $145

Includes Lunch, served on river

South Fork American
River Map



“Fantastic facility and guides”

We had a group of 13 people rafting and camping and Beyond Limits was so accommodating. Most of the people had been rafting before but a few people hadn't and were a bit nervous. Each guide was great at making the trip as mellow or 'adventurous' to fit the different groups in the rafts. Everyone had a great time and people that had been rafting before with other outfitters said this one was the most fun. It was great to see both Scott and Chris, who had guided us previously a couple years ago.
What set the trip apart was the campground and services available. There are flush toilets and hot showers available. The tent site was right by the river on a flat grassy area with swimming and some fishing available. Most impressively the dinner and hot breakfast were delicious. The staff literally work all day and most of the night to prep, guide, cook and clean. It took a lot of the hassle away that usually comes with organizing a group trip.

June 2015, South Fork American - One Day Trip - Gorge 9:30 AM