Arkansas River Whitewater Rafting
Ride the famous Arkansas River in Colorado!
The excitement of continuous whitewater rafting, from Beginner to Advanced
Arkansas River Colorado Whitewater Rafting Season: May thru September
There’s a reason that Arkansas River whitewater rafting in Colorado is one of the most popular and exciting river excursions in the country. Combine the scenic beauty of the Arkansas River Valley in the Colorado mountains and the excitement of continuous whitewater and you get one of the most fantastic white water recreation options available. From intermediate trips for the whole family to Class V paddling challenges! All Arkansas River rafting trips leave from the AVA outpost in Granite located 12 miles north of Buena Vista in Central Colorado.
Call 800-370-0581 today for reservations.
Whitewater Rafting on the Arkansas River rafting takes place in a stunningly beautiful setting. The Arkansas River valley has all the qualities one could desire to create the ultimate Colorado vacation. Lined by 14,000-foot peaks and scattered with granite outcroppings, you’ll find 360 degrees of postcard-worthy views. From the jagged ridgelines of the Sawatch Range to the river-smoothed rock of Brown’s Canyon, inspiring beauty is on all sides of you. Whitewater rafting is only one activity available for your recreation pleasure in the area. You’ll find the finest rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing, horseback riding, hot springs, rock hounding and ghost towns. You can fill weeks, months, even years exploring all that the area has to offer!
Camping and lodging options abound in the area. Stay in one of our rustic log bunkhouse cabins at AVA’s Granite Outpost before and after your trip for the ultimate in convenience. Stay the night before your trip and you’ll be right on-site to check in for your trip. Return after your trip to your cabin, where you can relax after your incredible rafting outing.
Or camp with us at the Granite Outpost for the same conveniences. The area in the Arkansas Valley is also full of national forest and BLM land, where camping is free.
Contact us and one of our friendly reservationists will be happy to help you locate the lodging option that is best for you. Don’t forget to book other Colorado activities to supplement your Arkansas River rafting trips such as guided rock climbing, horseback riding or fly fishing. Our staff can help you plan your entire trip and make it one to remember forever!
River Trips
The Arkansas River whitewater rafting experience begins with Granite Gorge, an intermediate section of whitewater consisting of class II and III rapids. The next section of the river is a best-kept secret: it holds some of the most challenging whitewater on the Arkansas, beginning with the only Class V section on the Arkansas River, Pine Creek. Choose from a half day by itself or a full day with The Numbers called The Gauntlet. This is the ultimate trip for real adrenaline junkies. The white water continues through a series of Class IV rapids known as The Numbers. For a full day of white water action, combine The Numbers and The Narrows. One of our most popular rafting trips is our 24 Hours in Brown’s Canyon trip that includes camping in a remote canyon and a gourmet dinner and breakfast. This is less wild than the other sections and is suitable for all ages. We also offer day trips through this Class III Brown’s Canyon section: a Class III full day trip in these lower sections through the Arkansas Valley (the Brown’s Canyon Sizzler) and a ¾ day just through Brown’s Canyon (the Brown’s Canyon Express). The ultimate Arkansas River rafting trip combines all of these sections. Our Mild to Wild trip sends you through two days of Class III fun followed by a third day on the most advanced whitewater on the Arkansas River with rock climbing and rappeling in between. Don’t miss the adventure of a lifetime with Arkansas Valley Adventures!
