Learn more about our trips:

White Water Rafting Trips

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

Arkansas River White Water Rafting Trips, CO

America’s most popular river near Denver & Colorado Springs.

Salt River Trips, Arizona

World-class whitewater near Phoenix & Tucson.

Family Rafting Trips

Choose from a variety of family & group-friendly rafting trips.

Royal Gorge & Numbers

The most challenging rafting trips on the Arkansas River.

Multi-Day Getaways

Rafting combined with riverside camping or bed & breakfasts.

Land-Based Adventures

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

Arkansas River Multi-Day Camping – 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.

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DEPARTURE & RETURN TIMES

9:00 am - Please arrive one hour before departure time (you may want to allow more time to enjoy our complimentary continental breakfast). If you wish, you may check in prior to 7 pm the day before your trip to pick up your overnight bags, which allows for leisurely packing in your motel room or camp. 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!

RIVER MAPS

• Arkansas River Map – Overview

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 youth liability release signed by one or both parents. Liabilities can be downloaded 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 be on the water by 9 am. We pull into camp between 3:30 pm – 5 pm, depending on water levels and playtime. During the day we will pull over to scout rapids, eat lunch, and explore points of interest.
MEALS: We provide fresh hearty meals starting with lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day. Special diets can be accommodated upon request. Remember we provide only lemonade and water. If you would like to bring your own drinks in metal or plastic containers, please feel free. We will provide a place to carry them.
CAMPING CONDITIONS: All campsites are primitive-no plumbing or electricity. We provide a portable chemical toilet for use in camp. You may wash in the river.
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 do not provide alcohol on our trips, and alcohol is not permitted while on the river. On multi-day trips you may bring alcohol for consumption in camp but it must be in plastic or metal containers (no glass). Guests that have been drinking prior to their trip 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: Photos will be taken of every raft. Digital copies will be available to view or purchase at www.inaraft.com/your-rafting-photos.php.
FISHING: Feel free to bring fishing gear! If there is space on an oar boat, you may fish from the raft even if you aren’t on a “fishing only” trip. You may also fish at lunchtime and in camp. A lightweight rod is best for these 6-22 inch trout. 4-6 lb. test line is best. Bring several lures, as they tend to snag out of reach. Old standby lures include silver and brass colored #1, #2, or 1/6 oz. “Blue Foxes” and “Mepps” brands. You will need a Colorado fishing license, available at sporting goods and hardware stores. Licenses can be purchased for terms of 2 days or more.
LITTER: Please keep in mind that on our trip we will carry out all of our trash and whatever other trash we may find as we travel down the river. We appreciate your assistance in keeping the river clean and beautiful.
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.
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 hour�s 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.