Arkansas River Royal Gorge Pre-Trip Information

Outstanding Adventure, Extraordinary Value - Whitewater Rafting in Colorado!

Rafting Trips

Horse Trips

Jeep Trips

Bike Trips

Maps

Photo Gallery

Colorado Rafting Arizona Rafting

Wilderness Aware
1-800-462-7238
Space is Limited & Fills Fast - Call Now

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

>>> Download a Printer Friendly Version of this Page

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

WHERE TO MEET
Your trip departs from Pinnacle Rock Recreation Site. Look for the recreation site sign located 20.6 miles west of Cañon City on Hwy 50 at mile marker 258.1. (Do not meet at Wilderness Aware Headquarters in Buena Vista!) See directions on page 3. Please do not pay the parking fee, as it is already included in the price of your raft trip!

We suggest you use the Colorado State Road Map or Arkansas River Region Road Map and plan for delays. Visit our Denver Region Map for assistance on getting out of Denver

Directions to your meeting point for the Royal Gorge

Your trip departs from the Pinnacle Rock Recreation Site. Pinnacle Rock is a developed site in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area located at Highway 50 mile marker 258.1 (Mile markers are on the left side of the highway as you travel west from Cañon City and on your right if you are heading east from Salida). Pinnacle Rock is on the north side of the highway 11.6 miles west of the junction of Highways 50 and 9 and 36 miles east of Salida. Parking, changing and restroom facilities are available at the site. Please do not pay the parking fee, as it is already included in the price of your trip. Please note that this trip does not meet at the Wilderness Aware office in Buena Vista.

Getting Out of Denver:
From North Denver, From the junction of I-25 and I-225 (the Denver Tech Center), go south on I-25 62 miles to the junction of I-25 and Highway 115 (just south of downtown Colorado Springs). Exit I-25 at Exit #140 onto Highway 115 south towards Cañon City. Go 32 miles and turn right onto Highway 50 at the junction of Highways 115 and 50, following the signs to Cañon City and the Royal Gorge. Pass through Cañon City and continue on to the Pinnacle Rock Recreation Site located at mile marker 258.1 (31 miles beyond the junction of Highways 115 and 50). Approximately 2-1/4 hours from the Denver Tech Center.

From Colorado Springs: Exit I-25 at Exit #140 onto Highway 115 (Nevada Avenue) south towards Cañon City. Go 32 miles and turn right onto Highway 50 at the junction of Highways 115 and 50 following the signs to Cañon City and the Royal Gorge. Pass through Cañon City and continue on to the Pinnacle Rock Recreation Site located at mile marker 258.1 (31 miles beyond the junction of Highways 115 and 50). Approximately 1-1/2 hours.

From Salida and all points South: Take Highway 50 east for 36 miles to the Pinnacle Rock Recreation Site at mile marker 258.1. Approximately 1 hour.

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). Continue south two miles through the town of Buena Vista to where Highway 24 and 285 meet. Continue south towards Salida on Highway 285 for approximately 23 miles to the junction of Highways 285 and 50 (about 25 minutes). Turn left on Highway 50 and turn left again in less than a mile staying on Highway 50 towards Cañon City. Continue on Highway 50 to the Pinnacle Rock Recreation Site at mile marker 258.1. Approximately 3 hours from Vail.

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 for about 20 miles to the town of Buena Vista (about 20 minutes). Continue south two miles through the town of Buena Vista to where Highway 24 and 285 meet. Continue south towards Salida on Highway 285 for approximately 23 miles to the junction of Highways 285 and 50 (about 25 minutes). Turn left onto Highway 50 and turn left again in less than a mile staying on Highway 50 towards Cañon City. Continue on Highway 50 to the Pinnacle Rock Recreation Site at mile marker 258.1. Approximately 3 hours from Aspen.

From Breckenridge: Take Highway 9 south over Hoosier Pass for 36 miles to the town of Fairplay and the junction of Highways 9 and 285. Turn right on Highway 285. In about 1 mile, turn left to get back onto Highway 9. Go 17 miles to the junction of Highways 9 and 24 near Hartsel. Turn left onto Highway 24 and go about 1 mile through town. On the other side of Hartsel, turn right onto Highway 9 and continue 57 miles to the junction Highways 9 and 50. Turn right on Highway 50 and go 11.6 miles to the Pinnacle Rock Recreation Site located at mile marker 258.1. Approximately 2-3/4 hours from Breckenridge.

WHAT TO BRING

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

WE PROVIDE

• Deli-Style Lunch on Full-Day Trips
• Post Trip Snack and Drink
• Professional Guide in Every Raft
• Rafting and Safety Equipment - Including Helmet
• Shuttle Back to Your Car at the End of the Trip

HIGH WATER / COOL WEATHER RENTALS
We recommend warm clothing at higher water levels and the early season in May and June. Booties are always a good idea, even in late summer. If you want rental clothing for this trip, it must be rented advance!

• Wetsuits - $10/day
• Wetsuit Booties - $5/day
• Splash Jacket - $5/day
• Be Warm! Package $17/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. Please note that unaccompanied youth must have a parent or guardian co-sign a liability release ahead of time. 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 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!
FACILITIES: There are parking, changing and restroom facilities at the Pinnacle Rock Recreation Site.
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.
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.
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.
PHOTOS: Photos will be taken of every raft. Digital copies will be available to view or purchase at whitewaterphotography.com.
ALTITUDE: You will be rafting at 6000 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 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 $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 10% of your total trip cost. 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.

Reserve your Royal Gorge Arkansas River Whitewater Rafting Adventure NOW! Space is Limited. Click Here... or CALL: 1.800.462.7238

Wilderness Aware Rafting • PO Box 1550 Buena Vista, CO 81211 • Toll Free: 1-800-462-7238 • Phone: 719-395-2112 • Email: rapids@inaraft.com