Welcome to the Numbers white water rafting adventure, part of the legendary Arkansas River rafting experience! This exhilarating, adrenaline-charged journey is best suited for confident paddlers. Brace yourself for a whirlwind of thrills as you tackle the continuous Class IV and V rapids that have earned this stretch of river its legendary status. This trip is more challenging with more continuous rapids than our Royal Gorge rafting trip.
The Numbers is not just about big rapids. It’s about how the trip is guided.
Decades of Arkansas River Experience
Wilderness Aware has guided whitewater trips on Colorado rivers since 1976, and our guides are the reason guests return year after year.
Guides Who Read Both the River and the Group
The Numbers section requires precise navigation and teamwork. Our most senior guides combine technical skill with clear, proactive communication so guests understand what’s ahead and feel confident paddling together. Whether you’re new to Buena Vista rafting or a seasoned rafter in search of a quick fix, our guides provide expert instruction and support every step of the way.
Structured Trip Design
Whether you choose the Half Day or Full Day option, our trips are designed to balance excitement with moments to relax, learn about the river, and enjoy the scenery.
Adventure Without Chaos
The Numbers delivers outstanding whitewater, but our approach emphasizes comprehensive leadership and preparation so guests feel supported even in big rapids.
Many repeat guests specifically return to raft The Numbers with Wilderness Aware because of this balance of skill, preparation, and first-class guiding.
Price listed includes transportation to the put-in and back to our office. Price listed does not include land and water access fees (9%) or gratuity for your guide.
The Numbers is widely regarded as one of the most exciting commercially rafted stretches of river in Colorado.
The full-day trip combines the adrenaline of The Numbers with additional river time through the Fractions, Narrows, and the Town of Buena Vista Whitewater Play Park.
Perfect for guests who want an intense whitewater experience in a shorter time window.
This trip focuses entirely on the exciting Numbers section.
The Numbers rafting trip is ideal for guests who:
Great for team building, corporate groups, bachelor and bachelorette events.
This trip may not be the best fit for guests who:
If you’re unsure whether The Numbers is right for your group, our reservation team can help you choose the best trip. Call us at: 719-395-2112 or 1-800-462-7238
What to Bring:
Other Items to Bring:
When You NEED a Wetsuit (provided by us upon request):
When a Wetsuit is Optional:
Provided Cold Weather Gear:
Weather Note: Mountain weather can change quickly. Even if it’s warm when you arrive, afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. This is why wetsuits and splash jackets are always available.
Still Have Questions? Check out our complete Packing List page or call us at 719-395-2112.
The Numbers typically runs from May through early September, depending on river conditions.
Snowmelt creates high water and bigger waves, making The Numbers fast and exhilarating.
Flows remain exciting but become more friendly as you help guides maneuver around exposed rocks.
Lower water levels reveal more of the riverbed and create a more technical boating experience.
No matter the water level, our guides carefully adjust each trip to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
We get that plans change, so we’ve designed our cancellation policy with our guests’ busy schedules in mind.
Half and Full Day Trip Cancellation Policy:
View full Half and Full Day Trip Cancellation Policy
Wilderness Aware reserves the right to modify or cancel your trip due to extremely high or low water conditions. We will give you as much notice as possible, if possible, of conditions that may affect your scheduled trip. Please note that if a suitable section of the river is available for your group and you choose not to participate, no refund will be provided. If Wilderness Aware cancels your trip, a full refund will be provided.
Our office staff would be happy to assist you.
Please give us a call at: 719-395-2112 or 1-800-462-7238
Many rafters consider The Numbers to be one of the most exciting commercially rafted sections of the Arkansas River due to its continuous Class IV rapids.
Experience is helpful but not required. Adventurous first-time rafters often enjoy The Numbers when guided by experienced professionals.
The Numbers is typically rated Class IV whitewater, meaning guests should expect impressive waves, fast current, and active paddling.
The Numbers section of the Arkansas River is located just north of Buena Vista, Colorado in the Upper Arkansas Valley.
Wear quick-dry clothing such as swimwear or athletic wear and secure footwear like river sandals or water shoes.
All safety equipment is provided.
Our guides evaluate river conditions daily and adjust trips based on water levels and guest experience to maintain a safe trip.
Guests often mention:
Many say rafting The Numbers with Wilderness Aware became the highlight of their Colorado adventure.
The Numbers” gets its name from the way its major rapids were originally labeled. In the early 1960s—likely around preparations for the 1964 National Slalom Championships—paddlers needed a clear, simple way to identify each rapid. Instead of giving them traditional names, they numbered the most significant rapids sequentially from upstream to downstream (No. 1 through No. 6).
The name stuck, and today “The Numbers” refers to one of Colorado’s most famous whitewater runs—known for its steep gradient, continuous Class IV rapids, and fast-paced, technical character. Despite the straightforward naming, this stretch delivers some of the most exciting rafting in the state
Get set for your adventure! Here, you’ll find everything you need to gear up and get ready. From essential packing lists and detailed directions to convenient waiver forms and comprehensive river maps, we’ve got you covered. Prepare to dive into the excitement of white water rafting with confidence and ease.
Choose from a variety of Colorado rivers, day trips, and multi-day trips to find just the right option for you and your crew. Better hustle, because they’re booking up quick!
