Arkansas River

On the Arkansas River, you’ll find some of the best whitewater rafting in the country. With options for everyone, groups can choose from the challenging section of Pine Creek to the splashy and scenic Browns Canyon. Raft through Colorado's iconic Browns Canyon National Monument, marvel at the riverbank's stunning granite walls and lush greenery, and explore one of Colorado's wildest mountain areas. Our AVA outpost in Buena Vista--just over an hour drive from Breckenridge and Vail and two hours from Denver--offers convenient access to this mighty river.

Adventure on the Arkansas

There’s a reason that whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River in Colorado is one of the most popular and exciting river trips in the country. Combine the scenic beauty of the Arkansas River Valley with majestic Colorado mountain terrain and the excitement of continuous whitewater, and you get the best whitewater trips available in Colorado! Explore Arkansas River rafting on class III through V rapids, along with ziplining, Via Ferrata, and horseback riding, and fly-fishing adventures.

Explore Arkansas

Top Trips

AVA's Arkansas River trips include a variety of trip lengths, excitement levels and multi-adventure package options. Paddle through the breathtaking granite walls of Browns Canyon National Monument or explore Pine Creek, the most extreme section of the Arkansas River. Our nearby Buena Vista outpost also hosts exciting ziplining, Via Ferrata, and rock climbing trips, as well as the opportunity to experience multiple activities in a full day multi-adventure package.

  1. Browns Canyon 1/2 Day

      Get ready to experience the best of Colorado on our Brown's Canyon half-day trip. This family-friendly adventure rushes you down the Arkansas River and through Browns Canyon National Monument on exciting yet mellower class III rapids.  

  2. Numbers 1/2 Day

    Looking for that quintessential Colorado whitewater rafting experience? Head to the Numbers section of the Arkansas River! If you are an experienced rafter looking to take it to the next level or an adventurous beginner up for a new challenge, the Numbers rafting trip is the perfect exhilarating adventure.

  3. Browns Canyon Rafting + Via Ferrata

    Excitement and scenery await on your Browns Canyon + Via Ferrata full-day adventure. Climb into the Rocky Mountains and rush the rapids of the mighty Arkansas River.

  4. The Numbers Half Day + Zipline

    Experience an action-packed day with two of Colorado’s best summer activities. Soar between trees on our Mountaintop Zipline course and then splash your way through nonstop whitewater on the Numbers Rafting section of the Arkansas River.

  5. Colorado Via Ferrata – Granite

    Adventure awaits as you conquer the cliffside on this unique mountaintop climbing experience. Feel a rush of adrenaline as you traverse across and above the Arkansas River Valley, using iron rungs, bars, and other features to ascend. Your stomach will drop on our hanging bridge and freefall flight line!

  6. The Gauntlet – Pine Creek & Numbers

    Experience the wildest rafting offered on the Arkansas River in Colorado.  On this rafting adventure, you'll have the opportunity to navigate the Pine Creek and Numbers sections of this iconic river, rushing through class III-V rapids under towering peaks and through Colorado's most natural areas.

Arkansas River Whitewater Rafting

The Mighty Arkansas River

The Arkansas River in Colorado begins in the Sawatch Range near Leadville and Buena Vista and joins the Mississippi River in Arkansas. The Arkansas River flows east and southeast through Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, with the source basin sitting right in the Arkansas River Valley of Buena Vista, CO. The water is fed by melted snowpack from the Sawatch and Mosquito mountain ranges, and on its journey, it covers over 1,400 miles, making it the 6th longest river in the United States.

AVA's Arkansas River Outpost

AVA Rafting & Zipline was established in 1998 in Buena Vista, CO, making the Arkansas River our original rafting headquarters. We began with only a small team of 7 guides, running the Arkansas River through both exciting high-water years and 2002's intense drought. Today, one of our three outposts lies in Buena Vista, with easy access to the Arkansas River, and we are proud to run 1/2 day, full day, and overnight rafting trips on this mighty river, through a variety of river classes.

Getting to the Arkansas River

AVA's Buena Vista outpost is located just 14 miles north of the town of Buena Vista. AVA's location is just over an hour from Breckenridge and Vail and slightly over 2 hours from Denver. The Arkansas River flows directly through this charming rafting town and provides some of the most exciting whitewater adventures in the state, perfect for first-timers and rafting enthusiasts alike.

THE BEST OF THE ARKANSAS RIVER

The Arkansas River is the sixth longest river in the United States and one of Colorado’s most important waterways. Its stretch near our Buena Vista outpost offers some of the best rafting in the state, coupled with stunning scenery. Here, visitors can even raft through Browns Canyon National Monument, a Colorado landmark boasting impressive granite walls set against crystal blue water. With its mesmerizing spray, impressive rock formations, and lush greenery, the Arkansas River and its valley represent one of Colorado's incredible natural areas, ripe with adventure, wildlife, and unparalleled views.

ARKANSAS RIVER FAMILY FRIENDLY RAFTING

Browns Canyon trips are our most popular family rafting trips! For beginner to intermediate rafters, we suggest our Browns Canyon half-day trip. This stretch of rafting on the Arkansas River takes you through Browns Canyon National Monument, providing scenic rafting on whitewater for all ages. The Browns Canyon Express and Browns Canyon Sizzler also represent family friendly rafting options through this iconic area in 3/4 day and full day options, respectively.

THE ARKANSAS FOR ADRENALINE JUNKIES

For adventurers seeking non-stop whitewater action, the Arkansas River has plenty of opportunities! We recommend the Gauntlet-Pine Creek and the Numbers full-day trip or the Numbers half-day trip. This full-day experience will take you on an exhilarating ride through Colorado’s most continuous whitewater and steepest rapid, while the half-day on the Numbers provides a condensed opportunity to rush some of the wildest rapids.

ADVENTURE OFF THE ARKANSAS RIVER

Adventure may begin on the Arkansas River, but it doesn’t stop there! Our Buena Vista outpost offers convenient opportunities to explore the best of the surrounding Arkansas River Valley. Discover this area’s unique granite cliffs, as you climb high into the mountainside. Soar through the trees on our Mountaintop Zipline course, climb the cliffside on a rock-climbing trip, or try out our exciting Granite Via Ferrata course complete with a 78-foot free-fall.

Overnight Opportunities

Our Buena Vista outpost on the Arkansas River is unique in that we offer both an overnight trip opportunity, as well as camping and lodging options. Raft the Arkansas on our 24 Hours in Browns trip, passing through a National Monument with the chance to sleep under the stars. For those looking to stay in the area, we offer campsites and cabins for rent near our outposts. Settle in for the night and wake up refreshed and ready for adventure!

Cabins and Camping

Explore Arkansas Adventures

FAQs

How accessible is rafting on the Arkansas River?

Arkansas River rafting is easy and convenient from our Buena Vista outpost! The drive is about 2 hours from Denver, 1 hour and 15 minutes from Breckenridge, and 1 hour from Vail. Our Buena Vista outpost is perfect for a day trip or longer adventure.

What ages can raft the Arkansas River?

We offer rafting trips on the Arkansas River for ages 7 and up! These are family-friendly and ideal for all ability levels.

What other adventure activities can I participate in near the Arkansas River?

At our Buena Vista outpost, we also offer ziplining and Via Ferrata trips, as well as horseback opportunities in the surrounding area. The town of Buena Vista also has many restaurants and a walkable area for exploration.

Why should I choose the Arkansas River for my rafting adventure?

The Arkansas River and the Arkansas River Valley boast some of the most beautiful scenery and best whitewater in the state. This is a unique opportunity to have a blast on the water, as well as spend time in one of Colorado’s most pristine outdoor areas. The river also offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, and the bright blue water in contrast with the area’s granite cliffs will be sure to take your breath away.

FAQs

Where are you located?

AVA has locations across the state of Colorado. Our primary outposts are located in Idaho Springs, Kremmling, Buena Vista and Breckenridge. For more information on getting to your adventure with us, please visit our Getting Here page.

Is transportation to and from the outpost provided?

Transportation to the outpost is not included. You can enhance your experience and add our shuttle service as an additional offer during the booking process. If you add this transportation to your adventure, a private car will pick you up at your address and transport your group to our outpost, and our driver will be ready to take you home at the conclusion of your tour!

When is the best time to go rafting?

If you’re planning a vacation to Colorado you likely have a limited time window from which to choose – and that’s just fine. Depending on the type of challenge, length of time you want to be on the river, and the location you’ll be visiting, we have multiple options for beginner to advanced paddlers. The Best Time To Enjoy River Trips at AVA: Arkansas River: May – Sept Clear Creek: May – Sept Colorado River: May – Sept Blue River: June Dolores River: May – June Salt River: Late February – mid-May

When can I go ziplining?

You can zipline with AVA from March through November each year! The Cliffside Zipline in Idaho Springs near Denver will open the first weekend of March and stay open on a limited schedule through the end of November. The Mountaintop Zipline in Buena Vista will open between the end of April and early May and stay open through Labor Day. During the summer there are zipline trips hourly starting at 8:00am at both locations.