Kings River Trips
Originating high in the mountains of central California near Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Park, the Kings River boasts the largest watershed of any river in the Sierra Nevada range. Un-dammed and un-spoiled, the Kings river truly is one of the most scenic rivers in the West, and provides for an excellent whitewater rafting trip experience.
A big water river without the technical difficulty of the Tuolumne or Merced, our Kings river trips are suitable for both the first timer and the advanced rafter. Later in the season, when the water level slows down, the Kings river is great for families and kids. Located due east of Fresno, the Kings river is an easy drive from either Northern or Southern California. All Kings river whitewater rafting trips are run out of our beautiful 5 acre base camp right on the banks of the river. Arrive the evening before your trip, set up your campsite and relax on the banks of the Kings River. Come rafting with us and see for yourself what sets us apart.
Last trip
of the 2008 season will be Tuesday, July 22. Don't miss out on great
family rafting trips through July 22, which feature fun but gentle class 2-3
rapids, fantastic swimming and water play, and great camping with meals.
Our lower water Kings trips are probably the best family rafting trips we
are aware of on any river.
The Kings river is relatively close to the Los Angeles area. The round trip drive is about 6 hours shorter than going up to the American River. We are convinced that our Kings River programs are the finest rafting-camping value to be found anywhere.
During Spring runoff on high water years, the Kings is one of the most powerful rivers in the state. Waves can reach heights of 10 feet and more, with very fast current and intense hydraulics. We recommend that people who book during this period be in good physical condition. Wetsuits are usually needed into early June, and in high water years, late June. Wetsuits and paddle jackets are provided by ZEPHYR at no extra charge.
Our Kings river trip options
- 1/2 day trips meet at 12:00 noon, the day of your trip, and provide a low-cost full 10 mile river experience for those with time and budget constraints. No lunch is provided, so make sure that you have eaten well before you meet us...you will need the energy! You are welcome to bring your own picnic lunch, and eat at our base camp prior to boarding the bus to the trip starting point. We do provide some snacks and cold beverages at the end of the day, usually around 5:30. Sorry, no camping is available at our base camp for 1/2 express trips. There are other campgrounds in the area that can conveniently be used...please call our office for information on these campgrounds.
- "Streamlined" 1-day trips include the full day of rafting with lunch served on the river, but without camping the night prior to the trip or breakfast. You should arrive by 9:00 a.m. the morning of your trip. Lunch is usually served around 1:00 p.m., so make sure you have a hearty breakfast before arriving at our base camp.
- "Full service" 1-day trips include one night's camping, one full day of rafting (10 miles), and 2 meals (breakfast and lunch) plus beverages and snacks at trips end. Camp with us the night prior to your trip, and enjoy a wonderful night on sandy beaches right next to the river. You are back in camp by 4:30 or so, with plenty of time for the drive home.
- "Streamlined" 2-day trips include 1 nights camping (the night of your trip), and 4 meals. No camping is available the night prior to your trip for this option. You need to arrive at our base camp by 9:00 a.m., the morning of your trip. Meals start with lunch on day 1, end with lunch on day 2, and include all other amenites that our full service 2-day trips offer, including the evening slide show. We have you back in camp between 3:30 and 4:30 on day 2. schedule and rates
- "Full service" 2-day trips are the best way to go for those groups or individuals looking for a complete and relaxing whitewater rafting vacation. Included are 2 nights of camping (the night prior to your trip, and the night of your trip), 2 full days of rafting (20 miles), and 5 fantastic meals, starting with breakfast on day 1 and ending with lunch on day 2. Also included are beers, wines, snacks, juices, and other beverages. All overnight trips include a great evening slide show after a fantastic dinner showing fresh photos of YOU rafting that day. Hoot and howl as you and your friends get to re-live the days events while you nibble fresh strawberry shortcake and enjoy a glass of wine. We normally have you back in camp between 3:30 and 4:30 on day 2, allowing for plenty of time to drive home.
Our Base Camp
All Kings trips stage out of our beautiful 5 acre base camp right on the river. Our camp features flush toilets, changing rooms, sinks, mirrors, and 1 rinse off shower. Picnic tables are scattered throughout the camp, and a sandy volleyball court is only 50 feet from the river. Horseshoes, individual barbecues, and sandy riverfront campsites are also available. Our base camp is relatively close to the very scenic Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Park. Our camp also easily accommodates large groups up to 72 guests plus campers.
Want to raft and spend the night but don't want to camp? The recently restored USFS riverside Ranger's cabin for is available for rent, only 1 mile from our base camp, at only $75.00 per night.
Also, the Wonder Valley Ranch Resort and Conference Center is a handy option for families or groups who want a great place to stay either before or after your rafting trip. The resort is only about 1 hour from our base camp, and it is basically right on the way. Wonder Valley Ranch is in a beautiful setting nestled in the Sierra foothills, and both lodging and meals are available. For corporate groups or any teambuilding groups, conference rooms are also an option. Call Wonder Valley Ranch at 1-800-821-2801 for price quotes.
Extra Dinner/Camping Option: Want to raft for only 1/2 or 1-day, but want to stay over? An extra nights camping, our lavish dinner with wines and other beverages, our evening slide show showing YOU rafting that day, and another great breakfast the next morning, plus the full use of our base-camp, can be added onto either the 1/2 day or 1-day trips (space permitting) for an extra $50.00 per person ($40.00 for youth 12 and younger). In addition, those on a one-day trip can add the full dinner the evening prior to your trip for an extra $25.00 per person ($15.00 for youth 12 and younger). Advanced reservations are required for either option. Our dinners are normally served on Saturday, Monday, and Thursday evenings with some exceptions.
Garnet Dyke to Kirch Flat
Class 3, 10 miles
April through Early August
Streamlined 1-day trip
(no camping or breakfast, but includes lunch with full day of
rafting.
Class 3, 10 miles
Full service 1-day trip (camping, bkfst, lunch)
Garnet Dyke to Zephyr Camp
Class 3, 10 miles
Streamlined 2-day trip (1 night camping,
4 meals)
Garnet Dyke to Zephyr Camp Twice
Class 3, 20 miles
April through early August
Full service 2-day trip (2 nights
camping, 5 meals)
Garnet Dyke to Zephyr Camp Twice
Class 3, 20 Miles
April through early August
