Gorge Express
Float along the South Fork’s Class 2 section and take in scenic views of golden rolling foothills, before the canyon narrows into a granite gorge where you will plunge through thrilling Class 3 rapids like Satan’s Cesspool, Bouncing Rock and Hospital Bar, to name a few. A customer favorite, this trip is perfect for any size and type of group.
River Miles
Class
+
Min Age
Major Rapids
Itinerary
Departure: You will meet us at 11 AM at the private Camp Lotus campground, where you’ll meet your guide and be outfitted with everything you need to enjoy your trip, including paddles, life jackets and helmets.
The Trip: You’ll enjoy some of the most fun rapids and beautiful views the American River has to offer.
Return: You will be returned to your starting point between 4:30 and 5:30 PM. There, you will have the opportunity to purchase photos of your adventure, and utilize Camp Lotus’s showers and other amenities. Should you wish to camp at Camp Lotus the night prior to or after your rafting trip, simply book online or call us ahead of time.
Gorge Express
- RIVER: South Fork American River
- SECTION: Camp Lotus - Skunk Hollow
- BEST FOR: Families, Corporate Groups, Youth Groups, Everyone!
- CLASS: 3
- MINIMUM AGE: 7
- SKILL: First Timer, Athletic First Timer, Intermediate
- DEPARTS FROM: Camp Lotus, 5461 Bassi Rd., Lotus, Ca 95651
- DURATION: 11AM - Approximately 4:30PM
- COST: $89 Weekdays / $99 Weekends
The Gorge
Detailed description coming soon.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
For Rafting:
- Secure footwear; old tennis shoes or sturdy sandals with heel straps such as Tevas, Keens, and Chacos. NO FLIP FLOPS OR BARE FEET!
- Swimsuit or shorts and T-shirt to wear on the rafts.
- Sunglasses with neck strap (Please be sure to bring a neck strap for any glasses you plan on wearing on the raft.)
- Sunscreen and lip ointment
- Water bottle
- Waterproof camera (optional)
- Light cap or visor (optional)
- Any medicines you require (please contact us beforehand to ensure we can accommodate any needs)
Please feel free to bring whatever items you would like to leave in your car for retrieval after the trip. Camp Lotus features hot showers available for your use.
- Optional gratuity for your hardworking guides
- Dry Clothing
- Water or other beverage
- Dry towels
- Sleeping Bag
- Tent (optionally we can provide tents at no cost)
- Warm clothing for the evening.
- Personal care items (Toothbrush, deodorant, hair care products, etc.)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- One professional, talented, and possibly humorous river guide
- White water raft (Crewed by your provided guide at all times)
- Personal Flotation Device (Life-jacket)
- Helmet
- Paddle
- Other required safety equipment
- Wetsuits an paddle jackets may be required at additional cost during cooler months and are avaliable upon request in warmer months.
Take a Closer Look
Meeting Place: Camp Lotus
5461 Bassi Rd, Lotus, CA 95651
The meeting place for this trip is our private campground partner, Camp Lotus. Please take the time to download and print directions as cell phone service can be spotty.
Drive Times:
Sacramento Area: Approximately 45 mins
San Francisco: Approximately 2 hours