Looking for the perfect gift? This Christmas, think outside the box.

As temperatures drop and the holidays draw closer, whitewater rafting in Colorado may be the last thing on your mind. But if you’re still in the market for the perfect present for that outdoorsy friend or relative, consider giving them the gift of adventure with a Colorado rafting trip gift certificate from Wilderness Aware Rafting.

The certificates come in two options so you can craft the best gift for your lucky recipient. If your sister’s been planning that Browns Canyon rafting trip since the snow started falling, bring her closer to that light at the end of the tunnel with a custom gift certificate under the tree. Choose a specific trip destination and length to give your loved one the day—or week—of their dreams. Whether it’s a Family Splash ‘n Dash on the Arkansas River or a challenging Royal Gorge rafting adventure, we have the perfect getaway for your family and friends (and you!)

And if you know that special someone eats, drinks, and breathes Colorado whitewater rafting—but you’re not quite sure where they’re raring to go—you don’t have to give away the game by asking. Give a gift certificate in whatever amount you would like, and let them worry about how to spend it. Give a little more and make their dream of rafting Colorado a reality, or give a little less and rent a wetsuit for them. Either way, you’ve shown them you care by giving them what they want the most—another excuse to get on the river this summer.

Customize your Wilderness Aware Rafting gift certificate today to share some fun in the outdoors and give a gift they’ll never forget. Use the form to purchase a gift certificate for one of our most popular whitewater rafting trips. And when the weather starts warming up, don’t forget to book the trip early in advance and secure your spot—a gift certificate doesn’t reserve a space on a specific trip.

If you don’t see the trip you want on the list, don’t despair. If you’d like to purchase a gift certificate for a different trip—or you want to purchase a gift certificate for a horse, bike, or jeep tour—just give us a call at 800.462.7238. We’re here to make your Colorado rafting dream a reality.

This Christmas, forget socks and fruitcake. Give the ones you love best the gift of adventure with one of our whitewater raft trips—and if you’re feeling generous, bump it up to a trip for two and come along. Hey, you’ve earned it. For more information on planning your Colorado rafting trip, visit www.inaraft.com.

Announcing the 2011 Wilderness Aware Rafting Facebook “Like” a Photo Contest Winners!

Wilderness Aware Rafting’s first-ever Facebook “Like” Photo Contest was a success! We had 20 photo submissions which received a total of 127 “likes.” We are intensely pleased with the photos that were submitted and we are happy to announce three awesomely unique winners:

	First Place: Allison C. from Oklahoma What she won: A full day Colorado white water rafting trip for four on Browns Canyon of the Arkansas River, a spot in this blog, her photo featured as our Facebook profile photo and as one of the slideshow images on our inaraft.com homepage. Allison’s group rafted with us on a Full Day Browns Canyon (Arkansas River) trip in July of 2011. Their photo taken with the serene beauty of the river and magnificent Mt. Princeton in the distance is definitely a winner! It truly captures the essence of whitewater rafting in Colorado. Plus – we love smiling faces! Allison: "Four River Rookies about to get blasted by the Arkansas River!!"
	Second Place: Jessica F. from Wisconsin What She Won: A Half Day Trip for 2 on Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River and a spot in this blog. Jessica’s group rafted with us on a 3-day Arkansas River trip in July of 2011. This picture is too cool for words (almost) – and now we are seriously considering putting out a Raft Guide Calendar! Beautiful river and mountain scenery framing the undeniably photogenic Jimbo – definitely worth a spot in the top three. Jessica: “Like so many others, we had great shots from the Narrows and the Flume, however, I think this one is the best. We had a great time with our guides discussing a ‘River Guide Calendar’. This is one of our favorite shots, featuring Jimbo, our fearless leader. A vote for this shot will get the ‘River Guide Calendar’ one step closer to reality!”
	Third Place: Deborah N. from Illinois What She Won: A Half Day Trip for 1 on Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River and a spot in this blog Deborah’s group rafted with us on a Full Day Browns Canyon (Arkansas River) trip in July of 2011 – ironically it was the same exact departure day as our second place winner, Jessica! So, what can we say about Deborah’s photo, oh yes, CUTE! We love taking families down the river, and the kids look more than ready to take on the rapids of Browns Canyon. Sweet photo! Deborah: “NERVOUS BUT EXCITED! About to get in a raft for the first time ever!”

Thank You Wilderness Aware Rafting!

Hello Joe & Katie,

Just wanted to let you know that I have posted our rafting video on our website and Youtube. I hope it meets with your approval. To be honest, it was very hard to convey just how great our experience was with Wilderness Aware.

- Patty Garner

Colorado Rafting Trip Spotlight: Arkansas River Rafting

The most popular river for white water rafting in the world is Colorado’s Arkansas River. It’s not difficult to see why. Located a mere 90 miles west of Colorado Springs and 120 miles southwest of Denver, the Arkansas River offers offers 95 miles of some of the best white water rafting in Colorado.

The Arkansas River is unique in its flow and length. Fed by snow melts from the mountains of central Colorado, the Arkansas River has some of the heaviest water flows of any river in Colorado, and roars down 5000 feet between its source near Leadville and the flat lands near Canon City, 125 miles away. The combination of the large, raftable river and significant drop in elevation makes the Arkansas ideal for river-rafting, but the scenery along river is equally spectacular. Cutting through the Sawatch Mountains, the Upper and Lower Bighorn Canyon, the Royal Gorge, and the canyon lands around Canon City, the Arkansas River offers some of the most beautiful scenery in Colorado.

There are no fewer than five main areas for rafting along the Arkansas River, all with different levels of difficulty and intensity: which means that the Arkansas has something for everybody. Close to the uppermost raftable section of the river, near Leadville, the Numbers section of the Arkansas River offers some of the most exciting, extreme white water rafting in Colorado, featuring punishing drop after punishing drop through Class V rapids. Below the Numbers area is Brown’s Canyon, the most popular section of the Arkansas River, with a variety of Class III and IV rapids and incredible views of the Sawatch Mountains. Below Brown’s Canyon is the Upper and Lower Bighorn Canyon, the mildest section of the Arkansas River. The Bighorn Canyon’s Class I and II rapids are perfect for beginners and families. Below the Bighorn Canyon, the Arkansas River runs through the magnificent Royal Gorge, one of the best-known natural sites in Colorado. Royal Gorge Rafting features Class IV rapids under the shadow of one of America’s tallest canyons and the highest suspension bridge in the world.

For more information about Colorado white water rafting, or to schedule an Arkansas River rafting trip, visit inaraft.com.

*UPDATE: Colorado Rafting Open Through Labor Day

Due to high spring snowfall and an extended runoff season, river levels on most Colorado rivers remain well above average for late summer. In response to the excellent late-season river-rafting conditions, Wilderness Aware Rafting has extended its 2011 Colorado white water rafting season through September 5th.

When Colorado received a record amount of late Spring snowfall in April and May of 2011, there was some concern among white water rafting enthusiasts as to whether or not the 2011 Colorado rafting season would be any good or not. Flooding seemed inevitable, and a quick run-off would lead to a rapid transition from flooding to low water levels. Fortunately, temperatures stayed relative cool in the late spring and early summer run-off period, leading to extended runoff and ideal Colorado white water rafting conditions, particularly later in the season. In fact, according to Wilderness Aware CEO Joe Greiner, “July and August have seen the best white water rafting conditions in Colorado since 1995.”

This slow, steady runoff of a record amount of precipitation means that, while water levels have dropped well below their peak flows, they still remain well above average for mid-August. To take advantage of these the excellent river conditions, Wilderness Aware has extended its 2011 rafting season through Labor Day weekend. The Arkansas River, including Brown’s Canyon, Bighorn Canyon, and the Royal Gorge area have had particularly excellent late-season conditions. As of Friday, the Arkansas River near Parkdale remained close to 900 cfs and Arkansas River and Royal Gorge Rafting trips have been understandably popular in late July and August.

There is still time to get in one (or two!) more rafting trips before the end of the season. Visit www.inaraft.com for more information or to make a reservation for a Colorado rafting trip.

Extreme White Water Rafting on Colorado’s Arkansas River

Some of the most exciting, exhilarating river rafting in Colorado takes place on two sections of the Arkansas River: Royal Gorge and Numbers. Featuring steep drops in rapid succession and Class IV and V rapids that require precision paddling and unflinching nerves, these white water rafting trips are not for the faint of heart. For experienced rafters looking for excitement, however, taking a trip down the Royal Gorge or Numbers with an expert white water rafting guide can be about as good as it gets.

Royal Gorge Rafting

The Royal Gorge of the Arkansas River is one of the most spectacular and recognizable natural scenes in Colorado. It’s also one of the most popular river rafting destinations in the state. Canyon walls soar over 1000 feet above Class IV rapids, in the shadow of the world’s highest suspension bridge, the Royal Gorge Bridge.

Wilderness Aware Rafting offers a full day Royal Gorge rafting trip. The trip starts in the more moderate Lower Bighorn Sheep Canyon, then drops into the Royal Gorge in the afternoon for breathtaking views and big drop after big drop. It’s an unforgettable experience. View here for more information or to schedule a Royal Gorge rafting trip with Wilderness Aware.

Numbers Rafting

If you’ve already mastered the Class IV rapids in the Royal Gorge, and want a new challenge, the Class V rapids in the Numbers section of the Arkansas River takes the level of adventure up even higher. Near the uppermost raftable section of river, the river is steep and rocky. Precision paddling and maneuvering is a must, and quick course changes and lateral paddling are necessary to navigate the Arkansas River’s steep, boulder-strewn drops. Many of the top competitive rafters in the world train here.

Wilderness Aware Rafting offers full-day and half-day Numbers white water rafting trips. The half-day trip covers six miles of the Arkansas River, while the full-day includes 15 miles of the best white water rafting in Colorado! View here for more information or to schedule a Numbers rafting trip with Wilderness Aware.

**EXTENDED COLORADO WHITE WATER RAFTING SEASON**

Due to the high spring snowfalls and mild summer weather, leading to a more moderate and sustained run-off, our rafting season has been extended to September 5th. Enjoy “the best late-season rafting conditions since 1995″ for another month. If you haven’t had a chance to take a Colorado rafting trip this year, or want to get out and enjoy some of the best rafting conditions in years, now is the time. Visit www.inaraft.com for more information or to book a trip today.

Support the Proposed Browns Canyon Wilderness

Browns Canyon “boasts some of Colorado’s most pristine forests, great hunting and fishing habitat, and draws outdoor enthusiasts from across Colorado and the country during nearly every season,” – Former Senator Ken Salazar.

Just below Sugarloaf Mountain, and a few miles north of Salida, where the Arkansas River runs north-to-south through Browns Canyon, lies some of the most beautiful land in Colorado. The rugged nature of the country, with its low rocky hills, semi-desert climate, and proliferation of wildlife makes it unique. Granite canyon walls line the rushing Arkansas River. It also makes it ideal for outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, camping, hunting, and white water rafting. The lack of rainfall and arid climate also make it uniquely fragile and more susceptible to damage from human activities.

Wilderness areas protect watersheds and forests, protect wildlife species and their habitats, and preserve the pristine solitude of the environment for those who appreciate the natural beauty of the wilderness, today and in future generations.

In addition to protecting the fragile and beautiful eco-system of the Browns Canyon area, the proposed Wilderness would protect the numerous recreational opportunities the proposed Wilderness area affords. Browns Canyon is one of the most popular white water rafting destinations in the world. Browns Canyon of the Arkansas River is a beautiful boulder-strewn river where the whitewater is lively and constant, and there is something for every skill level, featuring exciting whitewater rapids like Pinball, Zoom-Flume, Big Drop, Seven Stairs and Widow-maker. The proposed Wilderness would protect the natural beauty of the area, and help preserve one of the best river-rafting destinations in Colorado.

Unfortunately, although it has numerous supporters among Colorado outdoor enthusiasts and Colorado congressmen and women, past and present, progress toward making the area a protected Wilderness has stalled. Please write your congress-person and tell them to support the proposed Browns Canyon Wilderness, or visit http://brownscanyon.org/ for more information and how to help. View here for more information about Browns Canyon or Arkansas River white water rafting trips.

Colorado White Water Spotlight: Royal Gorge Rafting

White water rafting in the magnificent Royal Gorge of the Arkansas River, in the shadow of the famous Royal Gorge Bridge, is one of the most exhilarating and visually stunning (and popular) river-rafting trips in Colorado. Formed by the uplift of the Rocky Mountains around the Arkansas River over three million years ago, the Royal Gorge boasts one of the most dramatic canyons in Colorado, the world’s highest suspension bridge, and remains one of the most recognizable natural scenes in America.

In addition to the scenery, the Royal Gorge boasts some of the most extreme, exciting white water rafting in Colorado, featuring Class IV white water rapids and a pulse-pounding succession of big drops. Rapids in the Royal Gorge include Sunshine Falls, Sledgehammer, Wall Slammer, Corkscrew, the Narrows, Boat Eater and Soda Pop Rock.

Wilderness Aware Rafting offers a full-day Royal Gorge rafting trip. We spend the morning warming up in the exciting (but less intense) Lower Bighorn Sheep Canyon. After a picnic lunch we enter the Royal Gorge, for drop after drop of pounding whitewater and spectacular views of the canyon (which in some places is over 1000 feet high!) and the Royal Gorge Bridge.

Be aware that Royal Gorge rafting isn’t for everyone. Due to the intensity of the rapids (class IV) and necessary skill level we recommend that only experienced rafters in good physical condition attempt the trip. For rafters who have already mastered the Royal Gorge, we also recommend the even-more-intense Numbers section of the Arkansas River. View here for information or to book a Royal Gorge rafting or Arkansas River white water rafting trip.

The Best White Water Rafting Conditions since 1995

Wilderness Aware Rafting CEO Joe Greiner has heard it over and over again this year. A customer will call the Buena Vista offices of the Colorado rafting company and ask: “Are you open this year?” The answer is a resounding yes. Says Greiner, who’s ran the show at Wilderness Aware for the last 25 years:

“We have had an amazing runoff season so far. With double last year’s snowpack, we have had lower and more consistent flows than last season. It has been perfect conditions for high adventure seekers.”

Yet the myth that Colorado rivers are flooded and unsuitable for white water rafting trips remains strong. Misled by media reports of high water levels and images of roaring rivers following record spring snowfalls, many people have been hesitant to get into the white water this season. The reality is that while the big spring snowfalls have raised the water levels in Colorado’s rivers, cooler spring and early summer temperatures have moderated run-off rates, creating ideal conditions for Colorado river rafting and setting up an extended season. Because the of slow snow melt, the spring storms in Colorado have become a gift that will keep on giving to rafting enthusiasts deep into the summer.

“July and August will be the best rafting conditions we have had since 1995,” says Greiner. “The snow has been melting slowly this summer so that we have the water flows that are often in the river in June combined with great July and August weather.”

Rafting companies across Colorado are gearing up for a extended rafting season, and trying to spread the word about the conditions in Colorado’s rivers.

“The weather has been great for rafting… sunny blue skies and warm temperatures. The unusual thing about this year has been that it has been so dry in the valley that we have a campfire fire ban and at the same time, we have high water in the river…drought and plenty of water at the same time!”

The perception that high water levels were hurting Colorado rafting conditions kept some customers away early in the season, but word is starting to spread that 2011 has become a special rafting season in Colorado. Business has picked up across the state in July, as river conditions and Colorado weather have come pretty close to being perfect.

“The phones are ringing off the hook with people trying to escape the heat. . High temperatures been in the 70’s and 80’s on the Arkansas River.”

For more information or to schedule a Colorado rafting trip with Wilderness Aware rafting, view here or call 1.800.462.7238.

Thank You Wilderness Aware Rafting!

“WHAT? WHAT? YOU ARE KIDDING, RIGHT? OH MY GOSH, SARA, WHAT ARE WE DOING NOW?!?!?!? THAT IS AWESOME!!!!!”

~Sara Kranz, Fantastic Facebook 2-Day Giveaway Winner

Enlarge the font by a thousand, bold it, put about a million exclamation marks next to each sentence, and then turn your volume up to high. THAT is how we all sounded when we heard the news that we won the Colorado white water rafting trip! I, Sara, put our names in for the rafting trip without telling my girlfriends about it (ok, I finally let on a short time later…they were stoked, but realized that we were up against so many other worthy groups!)

That is not atypical for us, actually. We enjoy pushing each other to “new extremes” and getting each other out of our “comfort zones.” When I found out that we did win (realize I have never won anything in my life), I was beside myself! The reactions from my friends? They were beyond excited! Here is “our history in short form:” Andrea, Stefanie (Suds, Sudsy, Stef), Kim (Kimmers) and I have been lifelong friends. Andrea and I met when I was 2 years old, she 3 years old. Suds, Kimmers and we became friends in high school. Though Kimmers and we lost touch for a time when she left for CA, we reconnected a few years ago and it seems as though time stood still for those years that lapsed. Though we live across the states, we still see each other as often as possible and we get together as a group at least once a year. The last time was to do a half-marathon on Santa Catalina Island off of CA (another “out of the box” moment for most of us!) I’m sure that we had more fun than anyone else there!!!

This Colorado rafting trip is a milestone of sorts for us. First off, we are all turning 40 years old in the next year or two. But most importantly, Andrea and Kimmers are cancer survivors. Kimmers had an extremely rare form of cancer and it’s a medical miracle that she is here with us today. This is her 10 year of being cancer free. Andrea as well is a cancer survivor and the very day that I called her to tell her that I put our name in for the trip is the day that she found out that she as well is 5 years cancer free. We feel blessed to have each other in our lives, and therefore, when we are together, there is nothing but laughs, jokes, some serious conversation, but really just a lot of amazing, fun times!

THANK YOU, Wilderness Aware, for adding to our memories!