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Arkansas River Numbers Section - Pre-Trip Information

Here's How to Find US!
Here's What You Need to Know

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Please share with everyone in your group. If you have any questions or need additional information call us at 1-800-462-7238.

DEPARTURE and RETURN TIMES
Please arrive 30-45 minutes before your trip departure time - You may want to allow more time to leisurely enjoy our complimentary continental breakfast.

WHERE TO MEET
Your trip departs from the Wilderness Aware office at 12600 US Hwy 24 and 285, Buena Vista, CO (3 miles south east of Buena Vista - see map) Look for our mountain shaped sign on the north side of the highway, just east of the river and Johnson Village at mile marker 213.8.

We suggest you use a Colorado state map and plan for delays.

Directions to your meeting point at Wilderness Aware Rafting near Buena Vista, Colorado

Your trip departs from our office at 12600 US Hwy. 24 / 285 near Buena Vista, Colorado. Look for our mountain shaped sign on the north side of US Hwy. 24 / 285 at mile marker 213.8 just east of the 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 and follow the 'Vail, I-70 and Summit County' directions below. Visit our Denver Region Map for assistance on getting out of Denver.

Getting Out of Denver:
From North Denver, I-70 west. Just before entering the mountains, take Exit 260 onto C-470 towards Colorado Springs and continue on C-470 and exit at the Highway 285 and Fairplay exit. Follow the Denver directions below once you are on Highway 285.

From Central Denver, take Hampden Avenue west. Hampden Avenue turns into Highway 285 as you leave Denver. Follow the 'Denver' directions once you are on Highway 285.

From South Denver, take C-470 towards Grand Junction and continue on C-470 and exit at the Highway 285 and Fairplay exit. Follow the Denver directions in the next paragraph once you are on Highway 285.

From Denver: Take Hwy. 285 south for about 120 miles until you descend Trout Creek Pass into the Arkansas River Valley (about 35 miles or 40 minutes past the town of Fairplay). At the bottom of Trout Creek Pass look for our mountain shaped sign at mile marker 213.8 on the right. Our office is just east of the bridge over the Arkansas River just before you enter Johnson Village. Approximately 2-½ hours.

From Colorado Springs: Take US Highway 24 west to the junction with US Highway 285 (about 80 miles or 1 ½ hours from Colorado Springs). Turn left and proceed south on Highway 24 / 285 for about 20 minutes until you enter the Arkansas River valley. At the bottom of Trout Creek Pass, look for our mountain shaped sign on the right at mile marker 213.8. Our office is just east of the bridge over the Arkansas River and just before you enter Johnson Village. Approximately 2 hours.

From Salida and all points South: From the junction of Highways 50 and 285 in Poncha Springs (five miles west of Salida and 60 miles east of Gunnison) head north on Highway 285. Continue north 23 miles to the junction of Highways 24 and 285 (2 miles south of Buena Vista). Turn right (east) on Highway 24 / 285 and drive less than 1 mile through Johnson Village and look for our mountain shaped sign at mile marker 213.8 on the left. Our office is just east of the bridge over the Arkansas River. Approximately 40 minutes from Salida.

From Vail, I-70 and Summit County: Take I-70 to Copper Mountain and take Exit #195 onto Highway 91 south. Just before entering Leadville, Highway 91 merges with Highway 24. Continue through Leadville on Highway 24 and travel another 35 miles south along the river to the town of Buena Vista (about 1 hour south of I-70). Turn left two miles south of Buena Vista at the junction of Highways 24 and 285. Drive less than 1 mile through Johnson Village and look for our mountain shaped sign on the left at mile marker 213.8. Our office is just east of the bridge over the Arkansas River. Approximately 1-½ hours.

From Aspen: Take Highway 82 east over Independence Pass to the junction of Highways 82 and 24. Turn right on Highway 24 and continue south along the river about 20 miles to the town of Buena Vista (about 20 minutes). Turn left two miles south of Buena Vista at the junction of Highways 24 and 285. Drive less than 1 mile through Johnson Village and look for our mountain shaped sign on the left at mile marker 213.8. Our office is just east of the bridge over the Arkansas River. Approximately 1-½ hours.

From Breckenridge: Take Highway 9 south over Hoosier Pass for 36 miles through the town of Fairplay to the stoplight at the junction of Highways 9 and 285. Turn right on Highway 285 and go south for 35 miles until you descend Trout Creek Pass into the Arkansas River Valley (40 minutes from Fairplay). At the bottom of Trout Creek Pass look for our mountain shaped sign on the right at mile marker 213.8. Our office is just east of the bridge over the Arkansas River and just before you enter Johnson Village. Approximately 1-½ hours.

WHAT TO BRING

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

WE PROVIDE

• Deli-Style Lunch on Full-Day Trips
• Free Continental Breakfast
• Post Trip Snack and Drink
• Senior Guide on Each Raft
• Rafting and Safety Equipment - Including Helmet
• Shuttle from our Office to the River and Back (Full day trips end at our office)
• Comfortable Changing Facilities
• Free Use of our Dog Kennel

AVAILABLE RENTALS

• Wetsuits - $10/day or $7/half-day
• Wetsuit Booties - $5/day or half-day
• Splash Jacket - $5/day or half-day
• Be Warm! Package $17/day or $14/half-day (Includes wetsuit, booties and splash jacket)

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 from. These completed liabilities must be presented to us upon check-in. Liabilities can be downloaded here.
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-$15/guest/day. We always appreciate hearing from you so that we can recognize extraordinarily 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. Guests who have been drinking prior to their trip will not go on the river and will not receive a refund.
WETSUITS: Wetsuits are required on class V whitewater for your safety. Hypothermia can set in quickly if you fall out of the raft.
NON-SWIMMERS: 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. Due to the nature of the whitewater on this trip we strongly recommend that participants be able to swim.
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: Colorado Whitewater Photography takes photos of every raft. 8x10 prints and digital copies are normally available to view and purchase at our office by the time your trip returns.
ALTITUDE: You will be rafting at 8000 feet above sea level. 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 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 $5/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: Allows you to cancel all or part of your trip up to 24 hours prior to departure without penalty. The cost is $9.00/person/day and $5/person/half-day. If you must cancel with less than 24 hours notice, but more than 1 hour before departure, we can issue a gift certificate good for next year's season. Insurance must be purchased for every member of the group at the time of your deposit.

LOCAL ACCOMMODATIONS

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Gunnison Gorge- Scenery reminiscent of the Inner Gorge of the Grand Canyon makes the Gunnison a place not easily forgotten.

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North Platte River- Flowing through the forested Northgate Wilderness Area, the North Platte is the best-kept secret in Colorado.

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Wilderness Aware Rafting | P.O. Box 1550 WS, Buena Vista, CO 81211
Toll Free: 800.462.7238 | Phone: 719.395.2112 | Fax: 719.395.6761 | Email: rapids@inaraft.com