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The Chili Bar – Rapids Fun for All!

Over the course of more than 30 years, The South Fork American River has served as a perfect introduction to California rafting adventure for thousands of beginner rafters. It’s not just for beginners, though, as there are also sections of the South Fork that are exciting enough to lure many back year after year. The American River’s South Fork has runs suitable for nearly everyone, from ages 6 to 106, including families, corporate groups, youth groups and scout groups.

Are you a first time rafter looking for a short yet thrilling trip? Are you someone that wants to “test the water” on a half day rafting trip and see if you are ready for a longer adventure? If so then the Half Day Chili Bar Run on the South Fork of the American River is the perfect trip for you.

Featuring a 6-mile long non-stop action rafting trip with thrilling Class 3 rapids that are perfect for every level of rafter, everyone from beginners to experienced rafters, and from youth groups to corporate groups have enjoyed this experience. This three hour half-day rafting trip includes about two solid hours of river time during which time you will be getting wet, hootering, paddling and laughing your way down rapids like Meatgrinder, Triple Threat, and Maya, culminating with Troublemaker Rapid – the biggest Class 3 rapid on the South Fork of the American.

Your day starts at 8:30 AM when you meet for your trip at our campground. You will be given a short pre-trip briefing by your trip leader. This will let you know what to bring and what not to bring on the raft. Soon after, you’ll walk through our gear cage to grab a lifejacket, helmet and paddle before you hop onto our shuttle for a 20 minute ride up to the South Fork’s Chili Bar. Once you arrive at the put-in you can make a last minute pit stop and meet up by the rafts, which are on the water waiting to get going. Your guides will fit your river equipment, give you a detailed safety talk and show you how to sit in the raft and how to paddle. By 10:00 AM you will be hitting your first rapid and that’s when the fun really starts!

The Chili Bar - Rapids Fun for AllAfter floating and paddling through dozens of rapids you will round the bend below our camp and paddle into the grand finale – Troublemaker Rapid. Since our guides are professionals and many-year veterans of the river – they will make it look easy, but not without getting you soaked from head to toe several times over. Once you are back on solid ground you will take a short walk back to camp where hot showers and possibly even a lunch await. You’ll also have a chance to view photos of your rafting antics from the past few hours. By 12:30 PM you will be ready to head off to continue onto your next adventure!

There are heaps of good reasons why American River rafting on the South Fork is one of the most popular river trips in California. You will absolutely love the experience of rafting regardless of whether you decide to do a half-day rafting trip or a full day rafting trip. When other California rafting trips have dried up, the South Fork of the American River will still have stable fun water flows from the Chili Bar Dam, always providing a exciting and fun time. Even during drought years like this one, great recreational water releases are guaranteed and South Fork American River rafting trips are available from April through September and even on weekends in October. There are many memorable rapids as the river winds its way through the rolling foothills of California’s scenic Gold Country.

Don’t wait any more – give us a call or book your trip online, and let us show you an absolutely fabulous time on the river!

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