FAQs
When considering whitewater rafting in Colorado – or any other outdoor adventure activity – turn to Arkansas Valley Adventures. Here at Arkansas Valley Adventures we will put your mind at ease by answering each and every one of your pre-trip questions. The guides and staff at AVA are the experts when it comes to Colorado whitewater rafting and outdoor recreation in Colorado. Arkansas Valley Adventures’ knowledgeable staff will tell you what you need to bring and what you should wear for white water rafting in Colorado and for other exciting adventures. They can give you suggestions about how to be totally prepared for whitewater rafting in Colorado. For early morning check–in times, it may be beneficial to spend the night close to one of our Outposts. We can give you suggestions on where to stay.
There are many enjoyable activities available in the area that can be extensions to whitewater rafting in Colorado. Arkansas Valley Adventures provides guided horseback riding, fly-fishing, and rock climbing tours, and we are always happy to make these arrangements for you. The staff at Arkansas Valley Adventures can answer any questions you may have regarding these outdoor activities.
Arkansas Valley Adventures Outpost is also centrally located to several 14,000-foot peaks, and the hiking options abound! This is a great way to take a break between days of whitewater rafting in Colorado. We are happy to provide you with maps and point you in the right direction. We can also recommend natural Hot Springs for you to soak in after whitewater rafting in Colorado.
Arkansas Valley Adventures specializes in accommodating large groups and customizing trips. If you have any questions about what we can do to enhance whitewater rafting in Colorado please contact the staff at Arkansas Valley Adventures.
When you book a Colorado whitewater rafting trip with Arkansas Valley Adventures your confirmation will contain lots of information that will answer common questions about your specific trip and about whitewater rafting in Colorado. You may also choose to have information emailed, faxed, or mailed to you. If there is anything we haven’t covered regarding whitewater rafting in Colorado, please, feel free, to call or email us 7 days a week at 800.370.0581 or info@coloradorafting.net
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to go whitewater rafting in Colorado?
The whitewater rafting season in Colorado runs from early May through late September. In that time sections of rivers will open and close due to demand for water from various entities in the state. Almost all of the rivers in Colorado are dam controlled. This allows us to always have somewhere to run Colorado whitewater rafting trips, depending on what type of rafting is desired. The months of June and July, however, will give you the most options.
Who can paddle whitewater?
Anyone can enjoy whitewater! We have a section of river for all ages and abilities. Our guides are experienced, fun, and knowledgeable river runners who enjoy all levels of rafting. Discuss limitations with our reservation staff and they will place you on the best Colorado whitewater rafting trip to address the circumstances.
How do I judge the difficulty of a river?
The rivers and rapids have been classified to help you gauge their difficulty on a scale of I to VI; Class I means the easiest flat water and Class VI means basically unrunnable. Class V is the most difficult level in commercial rafting.. This is an objective scale, but the ratings of a river can change depending on water levels and conditions. We also have a simple guide for the sections we run: Beginner and Intermediate sections are appropriate for all ages & abilities. Advanced and Advanced+ sections are appropriate for active and aggressive lifestyles. (See our Difficulty ratings & Ability ratings) Arkansas Valley Adventures has a Colorado whitewater rafting trip for everyone!
What if the weather is bad?
We run Colorado whitewater rafting trips rain or shine. Our simple philosophy is you’re going to get wet regardless of the weather. We have gear available if Mother Nature is enhancing our day. Wetsuits and splash jackets are included free of charge on all of our rafting trips–we don’t want you to have to pay to be comfortable. Colorado traditionally does not have entire days of foul weather. The sun shines 300 days out of the year in Colorado. Either way, Arkansas Valley Adventures strives to make your Colorado whitewater rafting experience a good and memorable one.
Are pictures of my Colorado whitewater rafting adventure available?
Photographers will take your picture while you are on the river going through specific rapids. When you return to the AVA office, you will look at your digital pictures on TV and computer screens. You can decide if you would like to purchase printed pictures. You can also purchase your pictures on disc. There is no cost for your picture to be taken.
Is there a guide and can we all be on the same boat?
There is a guide in each boat on all of our Colorado whitewater rafting trips except for the Inflatable Kayak Trips on the Colorado River. If you are paddling an Inflatable Kayak, a guide will always accompany the trip in a raft or another Inflatable Kayak. Our rafts hold up to seven people plus the guide on our intermediate and advanced sections, six people on our advanced + sections, ten people on our beginner sections, and five on Gore Canyon. Our Advanced+ sections and Gore Canyon have a safety kayaker on the trip for additional support. If you would like a custom ride with just your own group of four or five in a boat our reservation staff will accommodate you but there is an additional charge.
