Learn more about our trips:

Colorado and Arizona River White Water Rafting Trips

White Water Rafting Trips

Rafting trips on six rivers from 1/4 day to 10 days in length.
Rafting in Colorado: Arkansas River

Arkansas River White Water Rafting Trips, CO

America’s most popular river near Denver & Colorado Springs.
White Water Rafting in Arizona Salt River

Salt River Trips, Arizona

World-class whitewater near Phoenix & Tucson.
Family Rafting Trips in Colorado and Arizona

Family Rafting Trips

Choose from a variety of family & group-friendly rafting trips.
Royal Gorge Rafting and White Water Rafting Numbers

Royal Gorge & Numbers

The most challenging rafting trips on the Arkansas River.
Multi Day River Colorado Rafting Trips

Multi-Day Getaways

Rafting combined with riverside camping or bed & breakfasts.
Colorado Adventure Vacations

Land-Based Adventures

Enjoy a horseback ride, Jeep tour or downhill mountain bike trip.

Arkansas River Inn to Inn Rafting – Pre-Trip Information

Packing List, Directions and Other Important Information for Your Trip

Please share with everyone in your group. If you have any questions or need additional information call us at 1.800.462.7238.

DEPARTURE & RETURN TIMES

9:00 am – Please arrive one hour before departure time. You may want to allow more time to leisurely enjoy our complimentary continental breakfast buffet. You will return to our office at the end of your trip between 4 pm and 6 pm.

WHERE TO MEET

Your trip departs from our office at 12600 Hwy 24 & 285 near Buena Vista, Colorado. Look for our mountain shaped sign on the north side of Hwy 24 & 285 at mile marker 213.8 just east of the Arkansas River and Johnson Village. We suggest you use the Colorado State Road Map or Arkansas River Region Road Map and plan for delays. Our preferred route from the Metro-Denver area to Buena Vista is via Highway 285. As an alternative you can take I-70 west from Denver to Copper Mountain then south through Leadville to Buena Vista. Click Here for a Google Map!

WHAT TO BRING

WE PROVIDE

DAY GEAR

  • Do Not Wear Cotton on the River (no jeans or sweats)
  • Swimming Suit and/or Shorts
  • Sunglasses with Securing Strap
  • Waterproof Sunscreen
  • Waterproof Camera
  • Hat or Visor
  • Fleece Jacket or Synthetic Insulating Layer
  • Tennis Shoes or Secure Sandals (no flip-flops or Crocs)
  • Comfortable Biking or Horseback Riding Clothes
  • Water Bottle (If you don’t want to share)
  • Cash for Souvenirs and Tipping Your Guide

EVENING

  • Casual Change of Clothes and Light Jacket
  • Toiletries
  • Money for shopping and additional drinks at dinner
  • Free Continental Breakfast at our Office
  • Meals from Lunch on the First Day to Lunch on the Last Day
  • Evening Happy Hour Drinks and Hors D’oeuvres
  • Snack and Fruit Drink at the End of Each Day
  • Double Accommodations at B&B ($50/night single surcharge)
  • Mountain Bike Tour or Horseback Ride on the First Afternoon
  • All Transportation Upon Check-in
  • Luggage Transfers
  • Senior Guides
  • Rafting and Safety Equipment

Attn: All Bed & Breakfasts are Non-Smoking

HIGH WATER / COOL WEATHER RENTALS

  • Wetsuits – $10/day
  • Wetsuit Booties – $5/day
  • Splash Jacket – $5/day

RIVER MAPS

LODGING INFO

  • Buena Vista Lodging Guide – Download detailed information on accommodations in Buena Vista, Salida and Leadville.
  • For Additional Lodging and Activity Information, contact the Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce at 719-395-6612.

IMPORTANT TRIP INFO

ORIENTATION: Prior to boarding your raft, you will receive a complete safety orientation.
LIABILITY RELEASE: Everyone will be required to sign a liability release form prior to trip departure. Youths not riding with their parents will need to provide a copy of our liability release signed by one or both parents. You can download a copy of our liability release form here.
RIVER TIME: The first day of the trip we are usually on the water by 10:30 am. The following days we are usually ready to depart from the inn at 9 am. We return to the inns between 2:00 and 5 pm, depending on water levels and amount of playtime. During the day we will pull over to scout rapids, eat lunch, and explore points of interest.
MEALS: We provide deli style lunches. Dinner will served at a local restaurant. The inns provide breakfast.
TIPPING: Tipping is appropriate, particularly if you have received exceptional customer service. If you believe that a tip is appropriate we recommend an average tip of 10%-20% of your trip cost. We always appreciate hearing from you so that we can recognize extraordinary customer service and we also appreciate hearing from you if you feel that there are areas that we can improve upon. We strive to exceed your expectations!
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: We will have happy hour in the evening with alcoholic drinks and hors d’oeuvres, and guests may choose to enjoy a drink at dinner. Alcohol is not permitted while on the river. Guests who have been drinking prior to river time will not go on the river and will not receive a refund.
NON-SWIMMERS: Many of our participants cannot swim. We provide U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation devices designed to float you face-up in whitewater. Personal floatation devices are required to be worn at all times.
HELMETS: Helmets are required and provided on the Arkansas River..
DAY GEAR: Each raft is equipped with a waterproof bag for any small items that you may need during the day.
DRINKING WATER: We carry drinking water on each raft. If you don’t wish to share with others, feel free to bring your own water bottle.
RETAIL STORE: We have a retail store for those last minute items such as sunscreen and waterproof cameras. Plan to check out our t-shirts, hats and souvenirs after the trip.
PHOTOS: There will be photos taken of every raft. Digital copies are normally available to view and purchase at our office by the time your trip returns. They can also be found at www.inaraft.com/your-rafting-photos.php.
ALTITUDE: You will be rafting at between 5000 and 8000 feet. Most people don’t have serious problems here, but shortness of breath and dehydration are possible. Come a day or two early to acclimatize yourself if you can. We recommend that you drink plenty of water during your stay.
PREGNANCY: We cannot take you rafting if you are 3 months or more pregnant. This is for your own safety and that of your unborn child.
CANCELLATION POLICY:If you cancel more than 10 days prior to trip departure, we will refund all of your deposit less a $50/person cancellation fee; if you cancel less than 10 days prior to trip departure, there is no refund. We reserve the right to reschedule, move or cancel any trip due to insufficient reservations or poor water levels.
TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE: If insurance is purchased, you may cancel up to 24 hours prior to your trip departure with no penalty. If you cancel within 24 hours but with at least one hours notice we will give you trip credit in the form of a gift certificate good through the following season. Gift certificates cannot be extended beyond their expiration date. Cancellation insurance can be purchased at the time of your deposit for 10% of your trip total and is non-transferrable. Insurance does not cover no-shows. Cancellation fees at the inns may apply.

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