Central Colorado
Whitewater Rafting

sponsored by Arkansas Valley Adventures

Rafting Waters

Arkansas River Central Colorado's Arkansas River is the nations top rafting river. Known internationally for its challenging rapids and scenic beauty. Whitewater enthusiasts say the Arkansas offers "more excitement per mile" than most other rivers. From it's headwaters in Leadville it flows 148 miles through Colorado's Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. Then it makes it's way eastward to join the Mississippi River. With nearly 300,000 users annually the Arkansas' 148-mile stretch in Central Colorado is America's most popular rafting water. What makes the Arkansas so popular is its length of season, variety of rapids, continuous numbers of rapids, rapids' technical nature, wildlife, and unparalleled beauty. The rafting season normally begins in May but can start as early as April. The season runs through the summer to mid-August and often to Labor day. This three month season gives rafting enthusiasts ample opportunity to enjoy excursions with one of the many river rafting outfitters operating on the Arkansas.

Trips on the river vary from mild Class I water all the way up to wild Class V and VI whitewater. Class VI is considered all but impassable. No other river has the variety or continuous number of rapids. They follow one after the other. You get out of one rapids and start to high five your rafting partners and you're in another; its time to hold on again. Thrills like this continue one rapid after another on the Arkansas. Most people find one trip is not enough and keep coming back year after year to enjoy the excitement. The rapids are not only numerous they are technical in nature requiring skill and experience to navigate. Trips vary in length from half day to full- and multi-day excursions with gourmet meals. Scenery along the river is fantastically beautiful and the wildlife abundant. Rafters often see deer, elk, and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep near the river.

Outfitters on the Arkansas offer a variety of trips. They include quiet leisurely float trips on Class I water which typically begin at Stone Bridge north of Salida and travel through town and then head east along U.S. Hwy 50 toward Cotopaxi. Those seeking more excitement pick Brown's Canyon and its Class III-IV whitewater. This section has breathtaking rapids with colorful names like Pinball, Zoom Flume, Staircase, Widowmaker, Last Chance, and the infamous Seidel's Suckhole. If you want the ultimate challenge and excitement then raft the Numbers east of Buena Vista or the Royal Gorge near Canyon City. They have huge waves, steep drops, and almost continuous Class IV and V+ whitewater. These rapids are not for the weak-of-heart and will thrill even the most experienced whitewater enthusiasts. If you want a rafting experience filled with fun, excitement and beauty then raft Central Colorado's Arkansas River.

Rio Grande River The Rio Grande River from the Rio Grande Campground/Fisherman Site, west of Marshall Park Campground, to South Fork is popular for rafting. Rio Grande Campground, Marshall Park Campground, and Palisade Campground serve as good put-in points. In general, the river is more difficult the further upstream you begin. Other floatable sections include from Thirty Mile Campground, just below Rio Grande Reservoir, to State Bridge about 8 miles west of Del Norte. The Rio Grande River from Thirty Mile Campground to South Fork, Colorado is a good stretch of water. The distance between these two points via the river is approximately 54 miles. The river from Thirty Mile Campground to the Rio Grande/Box Canyon Summer Home Group, located on the Hinsdale-Mineral County line, flows over public land. The lower four miles of this section of river, from just below River Hill Campground to the summer home group, flows through a narrow, steep, rocky canyon known as "Box Canyon." Depending on the season and the water level, this portion can either be dangerous or impossible to navigate if the water level is high and swift. Trips on the river generally vary from Class II to Class III water.

Most of the river from the Rio Grande/Box Canyon Summer Home Group to South Fork flows over private land - only about five miles flows over Forest Service System Lands. Several barbed-wire fences cross the river at various locations, which pose a safety hazard to those who are running the river.  While most land owners do not mind you floating across their private property, they do object to those who fish while floating through their property or get out of their rafts onto private property.

The best water occurs from mid-May to the third week in June. This is dependent on spring runoff conditions. In low snow years, the river can remain relatively low, which makes navigation difficult due to the lack of bottom clearance and exposed rocks. In normal years, the early season provides adequate and swift water, and enough white water to test the skills of the inexperienced and even provide a moderate challenge to the relatively experienced paddlers. In heavy snow years, the river can successfully be run even through most of the month of July.

Rafting Outfitters

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Choosing an Outfitter

From pampered indulgent getaways, to rugged challenging adventures, there's a trip and outfitter to suit every taste. In addition to river rafting many outfitters also offer combination packages which include many outdoor recreation options, including fishing, whitewater kayaking, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, camping, rock climbing, horseback riding, photography and much more! It is important for you to select the right outfitter who will put your group on the appropriate section of river at the right time and with all of the essential equipment. In selecting the right trip and outfitter for your needs, the following questions should be considered:

	Type of trip: fishing, instructional, paddle or oar boats, paddle assist or inflatable kayaks?  Half-day, full-day or multi-day trip?  Whitewater thrills or relaxing float trip.
	Level of participation: to paddle with the guide, paddle on your own or relax and let the guide row?
	Many outfitters provide transportation; How far is the drive? When does the trip depart and return? Is there a transportation fee? If so how much?
	Picnic or barbecue; food provided or bring your own? Do the multi-day trips include all meals? What type of food is offered?
	How long has the owner operated their business? Which agencies issue them permits? Call the agency and verify the information. Ask if there have been any complaints or citations against the outfitter.
	What is the experience level of the guides and owners? What type of safety, rescue and first aid training / certification do they have?
	What type of equipment does the outfitter use? Certain sections of some rivers require that wetsuits, helmets and self-bailing rafts are used at certain water levels.
	What equipment, such as wetsuits, booties, flotation devices, helmets, camping equipment (for multi-day trips) and safety gear does the outfitter provide? Does it come with the cost of the trip? If not, what is the rental fee?
	What services does the river outfitter offer children? What's the minimum age requirement for a trip?
	What programs does the outfitter offer for the disabled, at-risk youths, senior citizens or corporate groups?
	What is included in the price?
	Special note: Word of mouth is the best recommendation! Ask friends and neighbors about their rafting experiences.

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