Plan your next white water adventure on the Arkansas River!
The upper Arkansas River in Colorado is the most rafted section of white water on the planet. The variety of trips available on the Arkansas River makes it adaptable to rafters of every experience level.
As the river goes through the scenic Arkansas Valley – lined with 14,000-foot peaks – there are different sections of whitewater rafting to meet your adventuring needs: you’ll find family whitewater to advanced Class V. Beginner to Intermediate paddlers can venture through Brown’s Canyon or with trips available going through Class II-III rapids that are sure to excite even seasoned rafters. The scenery along the Arkansas River is breathtaking so even during the “down times” on your rafting trip you will be in awe of the beauty that surrounds you. AVA’s trips through Brown’s Canyon vary from a half-day to overnight, and this trip will truly please everyone.
— Danika, Chad and Nate, Maine, Milwaukee and BostonSo we’ve done this several times and MILES by far has taken the cake in our world of rafting guides. In fact we just told someone in the parking lot (who is booked for tomorrow) to request Miles! Thank you AVA and especially thank you Miles for keeping it real, making us work (& smile) and keeping us safe!
For more advanced whitewater rafting:
“The Numbers” section of the Arkansas River near Buena Vista, Colorado are class III-V rapids that start from near our Granite Outpost. The stretch of the Arkansas known as The Numbers got its name in the late 1800s when area miners could not navigate through the rapids and figured that naming them would be a waste of time, so they just numbered them instead. The rapids here come in quick succession to give you a trip packed with whitewater paddling.
Royal Gorge Rafting on the Arkansas River is one of the most thrilling white water trips in the nation and fun for all intermediate to advanced rafters. If you want a trip to write home about, this is the one to take. The heart-pounding rapids through the Royal Gorge are challenging and fun and rafters get to see the Gorge from a whole new perspective as they splash through the 1, 100-foot canyon. This trip leaves from a more southern location near Canon City.
Pine Creek rafting – just across the highway from our Granite Outpost – is the ultimate advanced rafting on the Arkansas River. Combined with The Numbers, our full day trip is called “The Gauntlet” This trip takes you through the beautiful Granite Gorge before you hit the pounding whitewater of Pine Creek and Triple Drop. Finish with a nonstop set of rapids through The Numbers.
When you are finished rafting and still want some excitement, check out our zip lines that let you sail through the Rockies at speeds of up to 30 mile per hour! Our guides will tell you all about the rich history in this area of the Rocky Mountains as you glide through the sky. Marvel at views of the Arkansas and see all the rapids you rafted through from above with AVA zip line tours.
River trip pricing varies depending on the time of year, but right now we have some great river trip discounts on some of our most popular rafting trips!
Arkansas Valley Adventures strives to provide you the highest level of guest service on tours that promote the world’s natural resources. Our Arkansas River rafting and adventure vacations will help connect you with the natural environment while offering adventure experiences with a unique perspective. We want to share our passion with you. Let us help you create the memory of a lifetime with one of our whitewater or land-based adventures!
