Arkansas River White Water Rafting Trips
Private Half or Full Day Rafting Trip
Private shuttle!
Private raft with guide for up to 6 guests!
Fully customized for your group. Pick what time you would like to leave and which section you would like to raft.
Treat yourself!
Browns Canyon Half Day National Monument
Browns Canyon is the most popular white water rafting destination in the country! This section is great for all ages and ability levels. Bring the whole family for a half day of exciting class III+ rapids, surrounded by unforgettable mountain views.
Browns Canyon Full Day Rafting Trip
Spend the day with us rafting the number one whitewater destination in the country! Our full day trip is recommended for all ages and ability levels. This class II-III+ Colorado whitewater adventure includes a riverside lunch, as well as remarkable views of Browns Canyon National Monument.
Numbers Half Day, Buena Vista Colorado Class IV
The Numbers section offers some of the greatest whitewater on the Arkansas River and in Colorado! Experience huge drenching waves, steep drops, and non-stop action as we guide you through eight Class IV+ rapids! Best suited for experienced rafters and paddlers over 15, this Buena Vista rafting trip is designed to give you the thrill of a lifetime.
Numbers Full Day
Are you up for a challenge? The Numbers full day trip is 13 action packed miles of continuous class IV+ whitewater! Located in Buena Vista, this section of the Arkansas River is known for it's steep drops and big thrills. This is a physically demanding trip is designed for experienced rafters or adventurous first timers.
Family Float Half Day
This trip offers something for everyone, ages 4 to 94! Bring the kids to Buena Vista and let them see the wonders of life on the Arkansas River. Water fights and quick dips in the river are a refreshing reprieve from the Colorado sun. You can paddle along with your guide or just relax on this Class I-II section as we row you down the river.
Private Mini Raft Half Day Team Extreme
Looking to step up your rafting game? There's room for up to 3 plus a guide on our Team Extreme rafts. Our 10 ft long mini rafts make every trip a little more exciting. Offered from our Buena Vista location only. Choose between Browns Canyon or the Numbers on this extreme adventure! JOIN TEAM EXTREME!!
Private Mini Raft Full Day Team Extreme
Looking to step up your rafting game? There's room for up to 3 plus a guide on our Team Extreme rafts. Our 10 ft long mini rafts make every trip a little more exciting. Offered from our Buena Vista location only. Choose between Browns Canyon or the Numbers on this extreme adventure! JOIN TEAM EXTREME!!
Half Day Inflatable Kayaking
Inflatable kayak trips are a fun, exciting and memorable experience. Perfect for individuals, families and groups of all ability levels. You will be master of your own craft. Our experienced and certified guides will accompany and instruct you down the river in a personal setting. We offer beginner to advanced inflatable kayaking trips tailored to your groups ability level.
Full Day Inflatable Kayaking
Try something new, kayak the Arkansas River. Great for all ages & ability levels! We customize each trip to your groups ability level. Your guide will show you the ropes of this fun and exciting sport!
Pine Creek Full Day Colorado Class V
A trip so extreme we can only offer it to advanced paddlers age 16 and older. Paddle hard and challenge yourselves with heart-pounding Class V rapids. You'll need to pay close attention to our expert guide during this Buena Vista rafting adventure. Warning: YOU WILL GET WET!
Browns Canyon 2-Day Overnight Trip
Take the time to get away with your family and friends for a Browns Canyon overnight rafting trip! With this all ages adventure, we invite you to spend 2 days and 1 night rafting, camping, hiking, fishing, and experiencing the Arkansas river as you make your way through Browns Canyon National Monument and 28 miles of Class III+ whitewater.
Numbers & Browns Canyon 2-Day Overnight
This trip is great for thrill seekers ages 15 and up! Join us in Buena Vista for a multi day rafting trip on the Arkansas River. Enjoy 2 full days and 1 night of advanced whitewater rafting, hiking and relaxation in the Colorado wilderness with this all inclusive rafting trip. Spend time with family and friends, and challenge yourself with class IV+ whitewater!
Pine Creek 2-Day Overnight Trip
If you are looking for a great way to spend time with family and friends then this trip is for you! Enjoy whitewater rafting, hiking and relaxing in the outdoors while your guides prepare all your delicious meals. Truly the best way to experience Colorado’s whitewater rafting! Email us with your groups size and dates for more information.
Colorado Raft & Ducky Combo
Combine the two best adventures we have to offer, Rafting and Inflatable Kayaking! We have multiple sections you can choose from to create the best full day adventure for your group.
Colorado Raft & Zipline
Raft & Zipline Combo Soar over a rugged canyon
Horseback Ride & Raft
Paddle & Saddle Combo Colorado rafting and horseback riding
Directions to Browns Canyon Rafting – Access Arkansas River Rafting
Arkansas River Rafting Trips
Arkansas River rafting trips are Colorado’s best white water rafting experiences, hands down! The Arkansas River has the perfect mix of fun white water and breath taking views. Located near Buena Vista, Colorado the Arkansas River is convenient to access from Denver, Colorado Springs, Summit County, Aspen and Vail amongst other locations.
The Arkansas River offers rafting for all ages and ability levels, from mild to wild! Our most popular trips are Browns Canyon National Monument and The Numbers. If you have any questions on any trips or which trip is right for your group feel free to call us at (719) 275-2890. And feel free to check out all of our trip offerings here.
How Do I Get to the Arkansas River?
The Arkansas River is the sixth longest river in the United States. It flows through several states with the headwaters starting near Buena Vista in Leadville, CO.
Buena Vista is the main launching point for rafting activities in Colorado. Buena Vista offers numerous rafting sections for all ages and experience levels. This small mountain town provides rafting during the day and nearby hot springs offer therapeutic relaxation in the evenings.
Located in Summit County, CO – Buena Vista is located on Highway 24. Highway 24 can be accessed via I-70 west of Frisco.
What Should I Bring to the Arkansas River?
When deciding what to wear during a Colorado rafting trip, it is important to bring a swimsuit that is quick drying. Ensure you also bring sunscreen and sunglasses with a sunglass strap. Come prepared with quick drying layers – as the weather can vary significantly from one hour to the next. Water shoes, quick drying shoes and sandals with a strap are great for rafting!
Early in the rafting season (early to late Spring), the water temperature can be cold. These temperatures increase into Summer and the end of the rafting season.
Browns Canyon Rafting provides wetsuits, inflatable devices, helmets and paddles and the rafts. In the event that you need to buy materials for the rafting trip, many helpful rafting items are in stock in the guest shop.
What Sections of the Arkansas River Can I Raft?
The Arkansas River is the sixth longest river in the United States and provides some of the best whitewater rafting in Colorado. Our experienced rafting guides take outdoor enthusiasts of all ages on a perfect whitewater rafting trip in the Colorado Rockies.
Pine Creek
Pine Creek is one of the most extreme whitewater rafting trips in Colorado and an advanced section of the Arkansas River.
Located in Buena Vista, CO – Browns Canyon Rafting offers half day and full day rafting trips for advanced rafters on this Class V section of the Arkansas River. The minimum age for Pine Creek is 16 years. Rafters should be in good physical condition.
The Numbers
The Numbers is an intermediate to advanced trip that offers Class IV rapids. Participants that book this trip should be at least 15 years or older and in good physical condition.
This scenic section of the Arkansas River is an ideal trip for experienced rafters and brave first timers that enjoy a challenge. Full day and half day trips through the Numbers are available that offer challenging rapids and beautiful vistas.
Browns Canyon
Browns Canyon is one of the most popular sections of whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River. With more than 16 miles of rafting, the full day trip includes Class III – Class IV rapids.
The minimum age to raft Browns Canyon is 7 years old and the trip operates between April to Early September.