All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting

Many companies offer similar trips but the guides made our 3-​day trip a stand-​out. Because of them I’ll return to All-​Outdoors over other companies.

Rafting was amazing. Several Class IV Rapids. Our guide Joe was fantastic. Provided lunch was pretty decent. I would highly recommend this excursion.

The Cherry Creek raft tour is definitely a memorable, physically challenging Class V rapid rafting trip not for the faint of heart or out of shape. My first time rafting such a challenging river (Upper Tuolumne) and all I can say is that the AO Rafting crew was excellent (thanks especially to our guide Noah). Guest safety is their number 1 priority and I would highly recommend if you are a strong swimmer, strong boulder hopper, have good rafting experience (Class III and IV), fearless and team player.
I was very nervous during the days leading up to our trip date. We were required to meet for a 60 minute group orientation the night before. Then I was especially concerned about the necessity to pass a swimming test on the morning of our tour date that involved demonstrating strong swimming skills across the 50′ to 60′ fast moving river and then swimming underwater along the underside of the rubber raft from one side to the other. You can then decide whether the upcoming raft trip is for you.
There were two take outs where it was too dangerous to raft (Class VI) and guests were required to get out and boulder hop along the riverside while the rafts were guided down the river. In my opinion, if one were to ever be injured on Cherry Creek, then it would likely occur during either of these boulder hop periods more so than on the water. Very tricky holding your paddle on one hand and balancing yourself along the edge of large and small granite boulders with the other.
After all this, if you pass the swim test, have strong upper body and strong thigh leg strength, and don’t mind boulder hopping, then you will have the guaranteed TIME OF YOUR LIFE. Definitely a bucket list life memorable experience!

This was my first time whitewater rafting and I was a bit nervous after hearing a friend’s story about how they flew out of the rafts and thought they were going to die several times.
As soon as we got there I felt that we were in good hands. Our guide was Joe, and Joe looked like the kind of person who could save your life if you were caught in an avalanche or being attacked by a pack of wolves or knocked unconscious underwater with violent rapids flowing overhead among sharp, jagged boulders. My suspicions were confirmed as Joe guided us with clear and timely commands. I had fun without being scared. Great experience. And they take care of everything – water, lunch… it was good to hear stories about all the adventures that the guides have had over the years.
I would definitely go with them again next time I go rafting, and I am ready to try a more challenging river with them!
We were at the Merced river which is an intermediate course (class 3 to 4). They say it’s ok for an «adventurous beginner», and this is absolutely true as I am an adventurous beginner. It’s perfect for an adventurous beginner, in fact, and if it were slower I probably would’ve been bored.

THE Best rafting trip! My cousin and our friends took a 1 day trip on the Merced this past weekend. Our trip guide was Brian, he was awesome, no tip overs, super fun. We will all be back with more people next year. Highly highly recommended, the lunch was awesome and hit the spot after a super hot day!

I did the Advanced — Class V, Cherry Creek. I would recommend this to a friend, but there are other rapids I would recommend first. There are two points during this trip where you must exit the raft and walk along the rocky shore, carrying your oar (there are no trails). This is because the rapids become Class VI’s. I consider myself to be in good shape (I regularly practice Bikram yoga and mountain bike major hills) and yet I wished I was in better shape for this trip. You’re much heavier wearing all that gear!
Also, the rapids DEMAND your attention; they are very technical and unless you regularly workout your upper body, you will be in for a workout surprise. It took both me and my husband a couple of days to recover. It’s a lot of fun, but you do miss out on some of the sightseeing due to the demands of the rapids. Unless I decide to enter the Iron Woman contest, I think I’ll be sticking to Class IV’s in the future so that I get a more well-​rounded trip.

We did this for my bachelor party, and it was a total blast.
We took the one day trip, but we were definitely craving more by the end of the trip. We went at the beginning of June, and it was hot. 90 degrees hot. Although it was hot, you definitely cool down quickly while getting splashed in the boat by the rapids.
First you check in at their shack where you sign your life away on their waivers. Then, once all the parties have checked in, you will get on a short bus that takes you to the river bank. Its about a 30 minute ride. Once you arrive at the river, you will have a short orientation and then you’re on your way to the ride of a lifetime. Our group of six was comprised of all beginners but once you get started with a good guide, that shouldn’t matter much. Our guide was Noah, and if you get him, there shouldn’t be any problem navigating through the wild rapids. He’s been doing it for over fifteen years.
They also provide lunch halfway through the six hour trip. They provided us with sandwiches and wraps. They freshly cut vegetables and fruits and also provided a variety of meats and sauces. It was all very fresh and delicious. Also, I noticed that they are very willing to work with any of your dietary concerns, so just let them know. :)
Lastly, our group forgot to bring a camera, but don’t worry because they have a professional photographer who will take numerous pictures (about 50) of your whole experience. We had to pay for them, but honestly the price isn’t that bad if you split it amongst your party. For $ 90 you get a whole cd of all of the images, and if you split that amongst 6 people, it’s about $ 15 per person for some really well taken photographs. It’s definitely worth it.
All in all, «All Outdoors» was the whole package. They truly provide a unique and special way to enjoy nature.

Rafted the Tuolumne on a 1 day trip…
18+ miles of pristine California white water rafting on a summer day at 85+ degrees with the cool water hitting your legs sounds like a quick vacation to me… and it was! Brad, our guide, was awesome. Our lunch was an impressive spread, and the friendliness of the company (they made us aware of a possible scheduling conflict and happily offered a full refund in case that happened) lead me to believe that these people love what they do.
That’s always nice. What’s also nice is jumping into 40 degree reservoir water, where you can see clearly down to the rocks below. THAT’S awesome.