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.

The Numbers rafting offers narrow channels, steep drops, and technical maneuverings as you travel through boulder-strewn canyons within the gorgeous Arkansas River Valley. This whitewater rafting experience combines heart-pounding whitewater with stunning scenery on all sides. Physically fit beginners and more experienced rafters will enjoy this adventure.

Minimum age: 15

Trip Highlights

2026 Expectations

2026 River Conditions

What to Expect

• Half-day whitewater adventure on the Arkansas River
• Approximately 6 miles on the river through 8 Class III-V rapids!
• Adrenaline-filled, non-stop action on continuous whitewater
• Beautiful scenery along the Arkansas River
• Expert rafting guides

Trip Itinerary

• Meet your guide at our Buena Vista outpost and gear up for your rafting adventure
• Shuttle to the water, where your guide will run you through basic paddling technique
• Spend the morning or afternoon on the water, paddling 6 miles and through 8 rapids on the Arkansas River
• Shuttle back to the outpost and review the photos from your trip

Who will love this trip?

• Adrenaline seekers hoping to navigate some of Colorado’s best whitewater, while spending time in the Rocky Mountains
• Nature lovers looking to appreciate startling scenery while undertaking an exciting adventure
• Families with children ages 15+

Related Packages

1. Browns Canyon Half Day Rafting

   <span style="font-weight: 400;">Browns Canyon half-day rafting trip delivers the perfect blend of family-friendly adventure and thrilling white water action. Paddle through Class III rapids on Colorado's Arkansas River while passing through the stunning granite walls of Browns Canyon National Monument, located just 2.5 hours from Denver and 1.5 hours from Colorado Springs. This 10-mile journey is ideal for first-time rafters, families with children ages 7+, and anyone seeking an accessible yet exciting white water experience.</span>  

2. Colorado River Float Trip: Scenic Half-Day Adventure

   <span style="font-weight: 400;">A Colorado River float trip is the perfect way to experience the natural beauty of the Gore Range, featuring gentle Class II rapids that are safe and fun for all ages.</span>

3. Browns Canyon Sizzler

   The full-day Browns Canyon Sizzler represents the ultimate Colorado rafting experience! This trip offers a full day of classic white water rafting through class III rapids on the Arkansas River, complete with a riverside fajitas lunch.  

4. Inflatable Kayaks Half Day

   Looking to take charge of the river? On AVA’s Upper Colorado Inflatable Kayak ½ Day trip you can do just that! Whether you want to try something new or are seeking a little extra excitement or independence, the Upper Colorado Inflatable Kayak trip is perfect for you!

5. Browns Canyon Express

   Experience the best of the Arkansas River on this 3/4 day trip through class III rapids and the majestic Browns Canyon National Monument. You'll get the best of our Brown's Canyon half-day with even more splashy fun and a later start to your day.

Not sure yet? Here are some other activities

1. Mountaintop Ziplining In Colorado – Half Day

   Fly between towering old-growth pine trees and cliffs on our Mountaintop Zipline, a unique Colorado experience fun for all ages. This course may be the most incredible way to see the Arkansas River valley as you experience Colorado from a unique vantage point.  

2. Buena Vista Townie Cruiser Bike Rental

   <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal" data-sourcepos="15:1-15:272;369-640">Some days call for exploring Buena Vista at an easy pace instead of chasing singletrack. Our Townie Cruiser rentals are electric assist bikes built for cruising downtown, rolling along the river, and getting from breakfast to your next adventure without breaking a sweat.</p>

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. 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!

5. Buena Vista Full Suspension Mountain Bike Rental

   Buena Vista sits in one of the best mountain biking zones in Colorado, with more than a hundred miles of singletrack carved into the foothills of the Collegiate Peaks. Rent a full suspension mountain bike from AVA's south main shop and you can be climbing switchbacks or dropping into rock gardens within minutes.

6. Gold Rush Clear Creek Rafting Adventure

     Splash down the Clear Creek mining valley on our 1/3 day Gold Rush trip. Just a short half-hour trip from Denver, this family-friendly rafting adventure offers a fun outdoor adventure that everyone in your group will enjoy.

7. Browns Canyon Half Day + Zipline Package

   This multi-adventure package will keep you energized and smiling the entire day, as you fly through the trees on our Mountaintop Zipline course and then rush the rapids on our Brown's Canyon whitewater adventure.

8. 24 Hours in Browns Canyon

   Experience Colorado's best overnight whitewater rafting. This trip provides a unique way to explore the most popular stretch of whitewater rafting in the country as you paddle and camp in the heart of Colorado's Rockies.

9. Rock Climb Half Day

   Take in the Rocky Mountain scenery while our guides cover the basics of belaying, rappelling, and setting anchors. Whether you’re looking to learn more about rock climbing or trying it for the first time this is a perfect trip for you!

10. Mt. Princeton Waterfall Ride

    Ride along the scenic Browns Creek approximately 2 hours, taking in beautiful views of waterfalls along the way. The Arkansas Valley holds the most 14,000-foot peaks of anywhere in Colorado; this stunning scenery makes it one of the best places to experience a horseback ride.