rafting rafting

Arkansas River

White Water Rafting, Colorado, The CVD
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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 and Fun Things to Do

ATV Tours @ Mile Hi Rafting and A & A Horseback Riding email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page
Located on Clear Creek minutes from Denver & Summit County. Scenic ATV & Horse mountain tours are just 45 minutes from Denver. We offer fun professionally guided tours on Clear Creek & Arkansas rivers.
horse atving rafting
AVA's Colorado Rafting photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
World-class rafting trips, from mild floats to advanced whitewater. Discounts offered daily, free wetsuits & jackets. Trips on 8 rivers in multiple Colorado locations, including rafting only 30 minutes from Denver.
groups weddings fishing horse rafting
Adventure Company, The photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Whitewater Rafting on 4 different rivers, serving vacationers from Breckenridge to Buena Vista. Also offered are fishing float trips, rock climbing, biking, hiking, hot air ballooning & kayak instruction.
rafting
Adventure Outfitters email link button on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page vacation specials & packages new listing with The Colorado Vacation Directory
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!
groups rafting
Arkansas River Rim Campground & RV Park email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
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.
cabins tents rv parks water scenic byway fishing rafting
Arkansas River Tours email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page
Since 1973, ART has offered exceptional whitewater rafting trips on the Arkansas River. 1/4 to 3-day trips for all ages and abilities. Located right on the river in Cotopaxi, between Canon City and Salida.
groups rafting
Breckenridge Whitewater Rafting photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Trips on 8 rivers across Colorado! Our dedicated, skilled, and enthusiastic guides will show you the best river rafting adventure. Discounts offered daily. Free wetsuits and jackets.
rafting
Buffalo Joe's Whitewater Rafting photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
A DAY OF YOUR SUMMER. . . FOR THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE! Colorado River rafting is a fun and exciting family sport. 2 offices: Buena Vista and Royal Gorge area with 1/2 day and multi day trips.
fishing rafting
Clear Creek Rafting Co. email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
TWO GREAT RIVERS - TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS! Whitewater trips on the Arkansas River (Royal Gorge) and on Clear Creek (Idaho Springs), 1/3 day to multi-day trips there's something for everyone.
groups weddings rafting
Echo Canyon River Expeditions mutual link button on advertiser page
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.
rafting
Performance Tours Whitewater Rafting email link button on advertiser page vacation specials & packages
Conveniently located in Breckenridge, Buena Vista & Royal Gorge. Raft the Blue River, Colorado River & Arkansas River.
groups weddings rafting
Raft Masters, Inc photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
ALWAYS FREE wetsuits. Raft three rivers: The incredible Arkansas, 45 miles from Colorado Springs in Canon City; Clear Creek, only 30 miles from Denver; and the Colorado, 2 hours northwest of Denver.
groups rafting
River Runners email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
The "Whitewater Professionals" since 1972! Half, Full and Multi-day trips for all ages and abilities. Private beach and hot showers await your group. Buena Vista and Royal Gorge.
groups rafting
Rock-N-Row Inc. email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page
An adventure company opening the door for new adventures in Cotopaxi in the Royal Gorge region: experience whitewater rafting, inflatable kayaks, rock climbing, fly fishing, horseback riding, trail rides.
hiking trails rafting horse fun stuff
Royal Gorge Rafting & the White Water Bar & Grill photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Experience Counts! Ours & yours! Always providing free wetsuits, private photographers, entertaining slideshows of your trip and more! All Royal Gorge Rafting guides have a minimum of 4 years experience.
groups rafting

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More Activities & Information

Buena Vista Area
Salida
Royal Gorge Area
Pueblo

Animas River Whitewater Rafting • Arkansas River Whitewater Rafting • Blue River Whitewater Rafting • Cache la Poudre River Whitewater Rafting • Clear Creek River Whitewater Rafting • Colorado River Whitewater Rafting • Dolores River Whitewater Rafting • Eagle River Whitewater Rafting • Green River Whitewater Rafting • Gunnison River Whitewater Rafting • Lake Fork River Whitewater Rafting • Little Cimarron River Whitewater Rafting • Lower Colorado River Whitewater Rafting

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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