River Rafting Frequently Asked Questions

Reservations/Deposits

What are your office hours? We are open daily from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM May 1st through Labor Day. Our off-season hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Mountain Standard Time.

How do I contact you? Call our toll-free number at 1-800-462-7238 and speak to our helpful reservation staff. We can also be reached via FAX at 719-395-6716 or EMAIL at rapids@inaraft.com. Our mailing address is PO Box 1550, Buena Vista, CO 81211.

How can I save money? Mention our web site coupon and save five dollars on full-day trips Monday through Friday, or return for another trip in the same summer and receive a 10% discount. You can also subscribe to our e-newsletter from our specials and news page. We sometimes send notification regarding discounted trips. Only one discount per reservation may be applied.

Do you offer discounts for groups? Groups of 10 or more qualify for savings on all trips. Larger groups qualify for bigger discounts and free trips. Call or write for our free group organizer packet, which includes our group rates. See our group rates page for more information.

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Do I need a reservation? Reservations should be made as soon as you know your plans, although seats are sometimes available up to the last minute. Late registration is on a space-available basis. We can make a tentative reservation if you need us to hold a date while you gather a group together.

How do I make a reservation? A 50 percent deposit is required to reserve space on trips with the balance of payment due 30 days before the trip. We will accept your credit card deposit via phone, fax, email or mail. Personal checks can be mailed and are also accepted on the day of your trip. Advance reservations will receive written confirmation and a pre-trip information packet. Last minute reservations can be held with a credit card for payment on arrival. If you plan on reserving at the last minute, we will give you trip information over the phone or you can print our packing list and map from this web site.

Can I make reservations online? Yes, go to our reserve page and use our on-line form. We will confirm your reservation within 24 hours.

What if I cancel my trip? If you cancel more than 10 days prior to trip departure, we will refund your entire payment less a $5/person cancellation fee for 1/2 and 1-day trips, and a $50/person cancellation fee for multi-day trips. If you cancel less than 10 days prior to trip departure, there is no refund. Trips are rarely cancelled due to river or weather conditions, or for lack of reservations. If we cancel the trip you will receive a full refund.

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Do you offer trip cancellation insurance? For a nominal fee, you may elect to purchase trip cancellation insurance. This entitles you to a full refund if you cancel your trip 24 hours prior to the trip departure. Receive a trip credit valid for one year if you cancel less than 24 hours but not less than one hour before the trip departure time.

Are there any hidden charges? 9% Land and Water Access Fee, optional rental equipment and guide gratuities are not included in the trip price. Salt River trip prices do not include an Apache permit fee of $15 for Full Day and $30 fee for Multi-day trips.

When should I arrive? Please arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior to your trip departure time on ½ and full day trips. You may want to arrive a little earlier for trips departing from our Buena Vista Office so you can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast. Picnic tables are available by the river.

On multi-day trips, please arrive one hour prior to departure. If you wish, you may check in at our office by 7 PM the day before your multi-day trip, and pick up your waterproof storage bag and rental items so that you can pack at your leisure in your motel room or campsite. This avoids having to pack your bag at our office.

Departure times are listed in each river description.

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Is there a minimum or maximum age? There are trips suitable for all ages 6 and older. Minimum ages are indicated in the price structure for each river. Call us to discuss trip options for senior citizens.

Is transportation included? We will transport you to the river put-in from the meeting point for each trip. Upon completion of the trip we will transport you back to your vehicle. Browns Canyon, Numbers, Narrows, and multi-day trips on the Arkansas River meet at our headquarters near Buena Vista. Royal Gorge and Bighorn Sheep Canyon trips meet near Canon City. You will meet close to the launch point on our other four rivers. See our map page for details.

Should I tip my guide? Tips are not included in the trip price. If your guide meets or beats your expectations, a gratuity of $5-10/guest/day on single-day trips and $8-12/guest/day on multi-day trips is common practice. Guides appreciate tips, but it is not expected. If your guide doesn't warrant a tip, please tip-off the management after your trip.

Can you accommodate my group size? We are a quality-minded organization and enjoy running personalized trips. Multi-day trips usually have 4-15 people on them, but we sometimes take large groups.

On 1/2 and 1 day trips in Browns Canyon and The Narrows we take 2 to 45 people per trip. Larger groups can easily be accommodated and are not generally combined with other groups.

The Numbers and Royal Gorge 1-day trips require a minimum of 4 people, and usually don't have more than 21. Again, larger groups can be accommodated and are not generally combined with other groups.

Bighorn Sheep Canyon on the Arkansas and the Upper Colorado 1-day trips require a minimum of 10 people.

On all trips, we are happy to coordinate smaller parties with other parties interested in the same trip.

See our group rates page for discount information.

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River/Rafting Questions

Why are your multi-day trips special? Every Wilderness Aware multi-day trip is assigned a special gear boat to carry the group's camping equipment down the river. This gives us the flexibility to stop at secluded campsites in the canyons, offering unparalleled views of the river and mountains. Many companies in Colorado don't offer this wilderness-style trip.

Our first time guests are thrilled by the quantity and quality of the food served on our trips. Hearty meals from our extensive menu are prepared from scratch with fresh ingredients. A meal with us is an event to remember. When you raft with us, you will enjoy comforts that are not normally associated with backcountry camping. After a great day on the river, imagine yourself enjoying a cold drink by the campfire while your guides prepare a delicious multi-course meal. Guides will even deliver hot drinks to your tent in the morning! Backcountry camping in a remote setting can only be this comfortable on a Wilderness Aware Rafting trip!

Do the boats have guides? A guide captains every boat. Our guides represent the most qualified professionals in the industry. Guides must attend a 5-day interview trip prior to being hired. They are thoroughly experienced in the techniques of river running and are first-aid and CPR certified. Before guiding their first commercial trip, our guides receive river training that far exceeds the state requirement. What sets our guides apart is the personal attention they give our participants. Our crew of fun loving professionals is dedicated to making each and every trip the finest possible.

We regularly conduct interpretive workshops to provide our guides with additional information on the natural, cultural, and political history of the rivers we run. We are proud of our staff and we know you will enjoy this fine group of people.

Can our group be on the same boat? Up to seven guests plus the guide can paddle in a raft. We can take eight people if someone is willing to ride in the middle of the raft as a passenger. Groups larger than eight people must split between multiple rafts. We can tell you at the time of your reservation if your group will need to split up for other reasons.

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Can I help paddle? The paddle raft option is for our adventurous guests that want to have a hand in the action. Here, you are part of a crew and must contribute to the team effort in maneuvering the raft. The crew is captained by one of our qualified guides.

Will you teach me how to paddle? Before every trip we conduct an in-depth participant safety orientation and paddling instruction. We regularly take first time rafters on most of our trips.

Can I just hold on? You may elect to ride in an oar boat where the guide has complete control of the raft. This gives you freedom to admire the scenery and use both hands for holding on. This is a nice option if you have young children or senior citizens in your group. One or two non-paddling passengers may also ride on a paddle raft.

Will I see wildlife? Wildlife is abundant in the Rockies! Bighorn sheep, eagles, deer, beaver, and coyotes can often be seen during your river trip.

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What kind of boats do you use? We use top-of-the-line self-bailing rafts. These seven-chambered, self- bailing, inflatable rafts are virtually indestructible. All rafts are equipped with grab lines and foot stirrups for your safety.

Can I use an inflatable kayak? On some Class II and III sections during multi-day trips, you may try our one- and two-man self-bailing inflatable kayaks. These "kayaks" are actually long, skinny, one- or two-man rafts, controlled with kayak paddles. With an inflatable kayak, you are free to challenge the rapids and explore the river on your own.

Will my trip be photographed? Colorado Whitewater Photography professionally photographs all Arkansas River trips. These quality 8x10 photos are back at our office and available for purchase immediately after your trip. You can reorder photos from their website at www.viewmyimages.com.

Are restroom facilities available on the river? Facilities are not available at some launch points and lunch spots. In this case, you will commune with nature in the purest form. In our camps on the river you will enjoy the convenience of our portable chemical toilet.

What if the weather is bad? In Colorado, we rarely have an entire day of bad weather. It is sunny in the morning almost every day. Afternoon thunderstorms are fairly common. We almost never cancel a trip due to weather conditions. In the event of an extreme weather cancellation by us, your money may be refunded or applied to another trip as your desire. If you are a fair weather outdoorsman, consider trip cancellation insurance.

Can I fish on my trip? If you want to fish on a one-day trip, we offer guided fishing trips. On 2-day or longer trips, the fishing is great. If there is space on an oar boat, you may fish from this raft even if you are not on a "fishing only" trip. You may also fish at lunchtime and in camp. A lightweight rod with 4-6 pound test line is best for these 6-22 inch trout. Bring several lures as they tend to snag out of reach occasionally. Old standby lures include silver and brass colored number 1, 2, or 1/6 ounce 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. Fishing rods and reels are available for rent for $10/day.

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What to Wear/Equipment

What is provided on one-day trips? A highly trained professional guide captains every boat. We provide all rafting equipment including Coast Guard approved lifejackets. Each boat carries accessible drinking water, rain ponchos, wool sweaters, and waterproof storage for personal items. You can rent wetsuits, booties and paddle jackets from us if weather or water conditions warrant their use. Also included in your trip is transportation to and from the river in reliable 2-way radio-equipped vehicles. A fantastic deli-style smorgasbord lunch is served on one-day trips. Please arrive early enough to enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast.

What do I need to bring on a one-day trip? Bring only your quick drying clothing and sun protection for on the river. We recommend shorts and a swimming suit. Sunglasses and sunscreen are important since at high altitude you are closer to the sun than you may think. Each boat will carry accessible drinking water, but if you require a lot of water or don't wish to share with other passengers, you may bring your own water bottle. See our Packing List for a detailed list and an explanation of river conditions. See our links page if you want to research local weather forecasts or flow conditions.

What is provided on overnight trips? A complimentary continental breakfast is available at our Buena Vista Office upon your arrival. Picnic tables are available by the river We prepare fresh hearty meals from lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day. Vegetarians and special diets are happily accommodated upon request. Lemonade and water are included with every meal. In addition to items listed under "what is provided on one day trips", we make every effort to make you comfortable by supplying a kitchen shelter, camp chairs, and toilet facilities.

What do I need to bring on an overnight trip? Bring everything mentioned above plus a change of clothes for camp, toiletries, personal alcoholic drinks, and toys (Frisbee, fishing equipment, etc.). If you have a sleeping bag and tent, you may bring them, or rent from us. See our Packing List for a detailed list and an explanation of river conditions. See our links page if you want to research local weather forecasts or flow conditions.

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Can I rent equipment? Many people come with only their normal vacation attire. We can outfit you with anything you need that is special for rafting or camping. See our Packing List for a detailed list of items we have available to rent.

Do I need to wear a wetsuit? Wetsuit, splash jacket or wetshoe rentals are appropriate when the water is over about 1000 cfs (cubic feet per second) or if rain showers are expected. Wetshoes are a good idea anytime to keep your feet warm and your traveling shoes dry. See our links page for weather forecasts and water flow conditions.

How do you keep my camping equipment dry? We will issue you a rubberized duffel bag big enough for your personal clothing and sleeping bag. It is approximately 3.8 cubic feet in size (about the size of a large ice chest). We use a custom built cargo net system to secure camping equipment and have never lost a bag, even in the roughest rapids.

Our Base

Where are you located? Our main headquarters are near Buena Vista on the Arkansas river. We meet at other locations for other rivers and for lower Arkansas river trips. See our Directions and Maps pages for specific directions.

Do you have restroom and changing facilities? In the Spring of 1999 we completed a brand new 7200 sq. ft. riverside headquarters. Our large, clean restrooms and changing rooms are a welcome departure from traditional rustic western rafting facilities.

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Do you have a retail store? We offer sunglasses, retaining straps, hats, and sunscreen to protect you from high altitude UV rays. You may also purchase waterproof cameras, and waterproof storage boxes for your trip. Souvenir T-shirts, mugs and 8x10 photos of your group are also available. Snacks and drinks are also available.

Can you watch my dog while I raft? We have a lockable 10'x10' kennel on our property that you may use free of charge.

Safety

What experience do I need? Rivers and individual rapids are rated on a scale of I to VI as a way of comparing their relative difficulty. Class I is fast moving water and class VI is not rafted commercially. Our most popular trips are class III to IV. Most trips do not require previous experience.

Is rafting safe? Safety in any activity, including rafting, can never be guaranteed. Wilderness Aware can assume no responsibility for personal injury or for equipment lost or damaged in any way. We are, however, very proud of our outstanding 30 plus year safety record. Your safety is always our primary concern.

Do you carry outside communications? We carry 2-way radios on all Arkansas River trips and shuttle vehicles. These radios are capable of calling our headquarters where changes in logistics or response to emergencies are quickly handled by our full-time staff. We carry an emergency cell phone on our wilderness rivers, but service is inconsistent and far from reliable.

Do you drug test your guides and drivers? All guides and drivers are required to pass a pre-employment drug test as well as random tests throughout the summer.

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What if I can't swim? Non-swimmers do quite well floating and maneuvering in a lifejacket. Swimmers have more confidence and are less prone to panic in the event you fall out of the raft. Many of our participants cannot swim. We provide U.S. Coast Guard approved life preservers designed to float you face-up in heavy whitewater. Everyone will wear these at all times while we are on the river.

What if I get hurt? Although we spare no effort to ensure a safe trip, a river trip, bus ride, or a canyon hike carries some risk. We cannot assume responsibility for injury to participants or damage to personal belongings or for time or expense incurred. We are equipped to handle emergency first aid in case of illness or accident. We will provide aid and arrange evacuation when a trip leader deems necessary or desirable. Costs of specialized means of evacuation, such as helicopters, and medical care beyond first aid are the financial responsibility of the ill or injured person. Anyone carrying a Colorado fishing license has insurance coverage for extreme evacuation expense.

Is altitude an issue on raft trips? By definition, rivers are located at lower elevation than the highest areas of Colorado. Our rivers are located between 5,000 and 8,000 feet. Altitude causes shortness of breath and dehydration. Most people do not have serious problems here, but try to arrive a day or more early to acclimatize yourself if you can, and drink plenty of fluids while you are here. A headache often means you are dehydrated, drink a big glass of water.

What if I'm pregnant? Pregnant women cannot be taken rafting. This policy is for your own safety and that of your unborn child.

Will I need to sign a liability release? You will be required to sign a release of liability prior to trip departure.

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About Wilderness Aware

What Sets Wilderness Aware apart? We survey over 5,000 guests each year to find out what made their experience with us exceptional and what we could do to make it even better. Using that input, here are a few examples of the efforts we have made that set us apart as a leader in the outdoor industry.

• Complimentary continental breakfast at our Buena Vista Office
• 1/2 to 10 day adventures on six Colorado and Arizona rivers
• Outstanding safety record
• Elite handpicked guides - some of the most highly trained professionals on the river
• Helpful, knowledgeable and friendly office staff
• New 17-acre headquarters on the banks of the Arkansas River
• 1st class amenities - clean restrooms, retail store, and licensed food preparation facilities
• Top of the line equipment - cleaned and upgraded regularly
• 2-way radios for better safety
• Self-bailing rafts - guaranteed
• Custom tailored trips to provide you with the best possible experience
• Complimentary drinks and snacks on all Arkansas River trips
• Free use of our dog kennel

Are the owners active outdoorsmen? Joe and Sue Greiner have been working in the outdoors most of their adult lives. Joe's degree in Environmental Interpretation and Sue's degree in Wildlife Biology have given them an understanding of the wilderness that they enjoy sharing. Both Joe and Sue are very accomplished guides, having rafted most of Colorado's rivers, the Grand Canyon, many eastern United States rivers and many rivers in New Zealand and Costa Rica. Their broad experience and their deep interest in rivers and the environment come through in every trip that Wilderness Aware runs.

Is Wilderness Aware a licensed outfitter? Wilderness Aware holds Colorado River Outfitter License #4, Outfitters Registration License #863, and is an equal opportunity service provider. We are members of Colorado River Outfitters Association, America Outdoors Professional River Outfitters, and Arkansas River Outfitters Association. All or part of our operation is conducted on public lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Colorado State Parks, and Routt, Medicine Bow and San Juan National Forests.

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Food/Drink

Do you provide breakfast for when I arrive? Included in the trip price is a complimentary continental breakfast. Come a little early if you would like to enjoy a picnic breakfast at our riverside picnic tables.

What meals are included in the trip price? A delicious smorgasbord-deli lunch is provided on one-day trips. Multi-day trips include fresh, hearty meals from lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day.

What is the food like? Lunches include a variety of meats and cheeses wrapped in breads, bagels, tortillas or pitas. Our goal at lunch is to provide a wide variety of fresh, quick, healthy, and tasty choices.

Dinners are prepared from scratch and include a main dish such as lasagna, steak, chicken, fajitas, stir-fry, or seafood. Included is a salad, vegetable and drink. We carry Dutch ovens and prepare a freshly baked cake or pie for dessert.

Breakfast dishes include main dishes such as French toast, eggs or pancakes. Sides include a meat, fruit, juice and coffee, tea or cocoa.

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Do you provide drinks? After every Arkansas River trip you will enjoy a snack and juice drink on the ride back to our office. Water is provided on every raft on every trip. If you wish to bring your own container, we have a place to keep it. Full-day trips include cold lemonade and water at lunch. Multi-day trips include hot drinks in the morning and evening (cocoa, tea, coffee). Juice is included at breakfast. You are welcome to brink alcoholic drinks for the evening.

Is your food service facility licensed? We are one of only a handful of Arkansas River companies that hold a restaurant certification for our food handling facilities as required by the State of Colorado.

Is alcohol permitted on raft trips? Alcohol and rivers do not mix. We do not provide alcohol, and alcohol is not permitted while on the river. For multi-day trips: You may bring alcohol for consumption in camp, but it must be in plastic or metal containers, no glass. If you bring beer it must be purchased in aluminum cans. DO NOT DRINK BEFORE RIVER TRIPS. Guests who have been drinking will not go on the river and will not receive a refund.

Can I drink from the river? It is not safe to drink from any stream in Colorado. We will carry our drinking water with us. If you frequently desire water during the day, or don't wish to share with other passengers, we suggest that you carry a canteen or other plastic or metal drinking container on the raft with you.

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