Arkansas River Rafting
The Arkansas is open for rafting from May though September. The 100-mile stretch of water is used by more than 400,000 rafters, kayakers, fishermen, campers and wildlife viewers each year. The Arkansas River has an average gradient of 38 feet per mile.
The Arkansas River is divided in three different sections. The upper section, the Bighorn, flows by the Cotopaxi cliffs. As you cruise down the river, you will experience geological formations and views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. It is also common to see bighorn sheep as you raft down the river. These rapids are classified as III-IV rapids.
Continuing down the river is the Royal Gorge section of the river. This section of the river features giant waves, steep technical drops and almost continuous whitewater through the narrow canyon of the Royal Gorge. As you adventure though some of the most challenging whitewater you'll find, you may not even notice the Royal Gorge Bridge 1053' above the river. To traverse this section, you must be in good physical shape to navigate the class IV-V rapids.
Brown's canyon is the last section of the Arkansas River, which runs near the Buena Vista Area. This section of the river is tamer than the other sections and is more suitable for all ages with class III-III+ rapids.
The International Rapid Rating Scale:
- Class I: Easy. Fast moving water with riffles, small waves.
- Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids, wide, clear channels.
- Class III: Intermediate. Rapids, moderate, irregular waves.
- Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful rapids, precise boat handling.
- Class V: Expert. Long, obstructed, violent rapids.
Places to Stay & Fun things to Do
COMMITTED TO SAFETY AND EXCELLENCE ! 1/2 Day & Full Day trips in Bighorn Sheep Canyon and the Royal Gorge. Great Guides - Great Prices = Great Value! It's that simple!
Walk to river fishing! Along the Arkansas River, spectacular mountain views, 4-1/2 miles north of Buena Vista, the "Banana Belt of the Rockies". RV & tent sites. On-site trailer, 5th wheel & cabin rentals.
Since 1973, ART has offered exceptional whitewater rafting trips on the Arkansas River; in Cotopaxi, between Canon City & Salida. On the Rio Chama in NM raft trips include painting & geology experiences.
Located on Clear Creek experience scenic ATV & Horseback mountain tours 45 minutes from Denver & Summit County. We offer fun professionally guided rafting tours on Clear Creek & Arkansas rivers.
A DAY OF YOUR SUMMER. . . FOR THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE! Colorado River rafting is a fun and exciting family sport. Two offices: Buena Vista and Royal Gorge area with 1/2-day and multi-day adventures.
TWO GREAT RIVERS - TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS! Whitewater trips on the Arkansas River (Royal Gorge) and on Clear Creek (Idaho Springs), 2 hours to multi-day trips. There's something for everyone!
Twice Named Colorado's "Company of the Year." Offering 1/2 to 10 day whitewater rafting trips on 5 Colorado rivers. Featuring Inn-to-Inn rafting, horseback riding, jeeping and downhill mountain biking.
31 years of experience in providing RAFTING ADVENTURES and making VACATION MEMORIES that last a lifetime! FAMILY and ADVENTURE class rafting just 1 hour from Colorado Springs.
Fun and Adventure! A great way to spend time exploring the Arkansas River: Bighorn Sheep Canyon, and The Royal Gorge Rafting! Groups discounts available. In Texas Creek between Salida and Canon City.
Your river adventure starts in Canon City: fun family floats or a wild ride through challenging whitewater, your pick! We offer trips for all ages. 2-hours from Denver. Less than one hour from Colorado Springs!
The family rafting specialists since 1983! Half-day, full-day and overnight trips on most sections of the Arkansas River. Group discounts, reservations suggested. Dedicated to excellence, adventure & fun.
Conveniently located in Breckenridge, Buena Vista & Royal Gorge. Raft the Blue River, Colorado River & Arkansas River.
The "Whitewater Professionals" since 1972! Half, Full & Multi-day trips for all ages/abilities. Swim, fish, play horseshoes. Have lunch & dinner at our Riverside Grill near Buena Vista along the Arkansas River.
Experience Counts! Ours & yours! We always provide free wetsuits, private photographers & entertaining slideshows of your trip and more! All Royal Gorge Rafting guides have a minimum of 4 years experience.
Colorado's custom outdoor specialists! Eco-friendly adventure company our group transport services uses natural gas vehicles. Guided partial to overnight trips: rafting, fishing, biking tours to fit all tastes.
More Activities & Information
Buena Vista Area - includes Johnson Village, Nathrop & St. Elmo
Salida - includes Howard, Monarch & Poncha Springs
Royal Gorge Area - includes Canon City, Coaldale, Cotopaxi, Florence, Guffey, Penrose & Texas Creek
North Platte River Whitewater Rafting • Piedra River Whitewater Rafting • Rio Chama River Whitewater Rafting • Rio Grande River Whitewater Rafting • Roaring Fork River Whitewater Rafting • San Juan River Whitewater Rafting • San Miguel River Whitewater Rafting • South Platte River Whitewater Rafting • St. Vrain River Whitewater Rafting • Taylor River Whitewater Rafting • Uncompahgre River Whitewater Rafting • Upper Colorado River Whitewater Rafting • White River Whitewater Rafting • Yampa River Whitewater Rafting
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