COVID-19 Updates and Procedures

Our number one priority is the safety of our guests and our staff. We are monitoring recommendations and mandates set by local, state and federal agencies.

We open May 1st for the season!

If you have questions or concerns, please contact our office at 719-275-2890.

Rafting Best Practices During COVID

The Arkansas River Outfitters Association (AROA) has created a subcommittee to develop best practices to safely operate during the phased approach of reopening the economy after the stay-at-home orders have been rescinded. We are confident outfitters can adopt procedures to provide safe trips for our guests and employees. Some of our preliminary protocols are highlighted here:

Employees will wear facial coverings in all situations where it does not cause an additional risk to one’s health.

Employees

  • All employees are encouraged to be vaccinated.
  • Daily symptom screening including temperature readings and questioning.
  • Assign work stations that are 6’ apart for indoor employees.
  • Frequent hand washing throughout the day. Access to hand sanitizer.
  • Employees will be updated daily of any new protocols as conditions change.

 Guest Check-in Process

  • Outfitters will provide a no contact check-in for guests when possible.
  • Signage at entry doors will display procedures to explain the movement of guests through our facilities.
  • Occupancy will be managed by staff.
  • Additional check-in times will reduce the volume of people arriving at the same time.
  • Guests will sign digital waivers when appropriate to eliminate contact.
  • Hand sanitizer will be available in the office, retail areas and in restrooms.

 Trip Size

  • One family unit can stay in one raft or if there are multiple groups we are fitting up to 2 groups plus a guide in each raft.

Transportation

  • Outfitters will use guidelines used by public transportation operation in regards to vehicles.
  • We will be running vehicle capacity per Chaffee County Public Health’s recommendations.
  • Hand sanitizer will be available in each vehicle.
  • Employees will wear face coverings and guests will be encouraged to do the same.
  • Windows will remain open during transport.
  • All surfaces including seats, windows and railings will be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

Food Service

  • We will continue to follow existing food safety protocols for storing, packaging, serving and cleaning. All staff and guests will wash or sanitize their hands before food is served.  In addition we will do the following for lunches:
  • All employees will be required to wear masks and gloves.
  • Guests will be seated, if using State Park tables, with proper social distancing in mind. All tables will be sanitized before using.
  • All coolers, food containers and trash containers will be washed and sanitized daily.
  • Multi-day trip meals will follow the same guidelines with staff preparing, cooking and plating dinners and breakfasts for guests.

 Equipment

  • All rafting equipment will be cleaned and disinfected after every trip. This includes life jackets, wetsuits, helmets, splash jackets, paddles and boats.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

  • All cleaning and sanitizing will be done using procedures and products verified by the CDC. Hand sanitizer will be available where hand washing may not be.