Kings River Trips

FLASH: Call us about our $89.00 FULL RIVER specials from July 22 through August 15th.

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 down to 7 years old.  Indeed, the Kings river provides one of the best family rafting trips in California. 

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 next to the river.  If your trip selection includes camping, you can arrive the evening before your trip, set up your campsite and relax. 

The Kings river is relatively close to the Los Angeles area, and 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. So come join us and see for yourself what sets ZEPHYR apart.

FAMILY SPECIAL:  On weekday (Monday-Thursday) trips on the Kings river, each child 17 years and younger, when accompanied by an adult at full rate, rafts for 40% off the adult rate.. To qualify, each child must be matched with a full paying adult, and the adult must be an immediate family member, as this very generous discount is designed to promote families rafting together.  Note: our family discounts do not apply to our 1/2 day trips. 

GREAT NEWS: Due to  above average snowpack this year plus late winter storms, we are accepting reservations on the Kings river through August 15.  This date is totally dependent on water levels however.

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.
• 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 amenities 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. 
• 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.
• Non-rafters, if part of a larger rafting group, are welcome to participate in the camping and meals for an additional fee.  See our rates page for pricing.  Note:  Our on-river lunch is the only meal not available to non-rafters.  Non-rafters must supply their own lunch(s). Sandwich makings in personal coolers are recommended.

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 $100.00 per night.

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.