A Pro’s Guide to Spotting Bighorn Sheep
These majestic beasts have a reputation for being extremely elusive. Spotting one along the river is one of the many rewards for spending time in the Colorado backcountry. Here are my top tips for making the most of viewing opportunities while on your whitewater rafting trip! Timing Bighorn sheep follow a schedule similar to ours, so you’ll see them out and about throughout the day. These animals are most active in the mornings and late afternoon, which lines up perfectly with our full and half day whitewater rafting trips. In the middle of the day, bighorn sheep typically are found lounging about so they might be a bit trickier to spot from your raft. May and June are when lambs are born so if you join us for at the beginning of our Colorado whitewater rafting season, your odds of spotting yearlings and lambs in nursery groups are high. Location Browns Canyon National Monument and the surrounding areas are prime bighorn sheep habitats. The fertile landscape and abundant “safe zones” for ewes to raise their young attracts many sheep throughout the summer. Keep an eye out for bighorn nestled in groves of grass midday. During dawn and dusk, your best luck is spotting them playing near sources of water like the cliffs above an eddy along the Arkansas River in Colorado. Wilderness Aware guides study the bighorn sheep dwellings all season long so be sure to ask for tips on where to spot them. They prefer to live on sunny hillsides at elevations of 8,000 ft or higher. Our headquarters are at 8,000 ft and Browns Canyon National Monument is at an elevation of 10,000 – the perfect height for bighorn sheep! Action Bighorn sheep live up to their reputation for being aggressive head-butters. If you listen closely, sometimes you can hear their horns clashing against each other. Males prove themselves as worthy mates for the females by competing for their attention. In addition to this behavior, bighorn sheep are known for effortlessly appearing to ascend steep rocky cliffs. Their stocky legs are perfectly suited for stabilizing bighorn sheep as they climb. Bighorns are social animals, so if you spot one, scan around – there will be others hanging out nearby! Immerse yourself in the Colorado wilderness this summer by joining us on whitewater rafting trip! Secure your spot online or by giving us a call at 1-800-IN-A-RAFT.
Best Eating in Buena Vista
For being such a small river town, Buena Vista does a fabulous job keeping folks well fed. There are a variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner before and after rafting! Breakfast The Evergreen Café is a favorite among River Guides and locals alike. Its cozy atmosphere consists of a lot bright natural lighting, local art adorns the walls and a hodgepodge of colorfully decorated tables invite you to settle in for a delicious meal. If you make it there before 8:00 am they have an early bird special for $5! The Rooster’s Crow has perfected the art of country breakfast skillets. The portions are hearty and their quirky theme of rooster décor gives it a unique personality. Jan’s Restaurant is your classic diner experience. If you are hankering for French toast and eggs after your full day on the river, you’re in luck – they serve breakfast all day! Lunch If you join us on one of our many full day trips, you will get to enjoy the riverside dining at its best! We provide a deli sandwich spread with a variety of options including gluten free and vegan friendly sandwiches. If you aren’t joining us for lunch, but still craving deli sandwiches, Biggies Subs is your answer. Known for their extremely generous portions for fries, they have also perfected the art of deli sandwiches. Biggies exclusively features local meats and cheeses from Salida’s Scanga Meat Company. A more upscale option, House Rock Kitchen is perfect if you are craving a sit down dining experience on Main Street. They embody the farm to table concept, almost everything on their menu is local to the Buena Vista area. They are known around town for their mouthwatering bowls – a bed of greens topped with your choice of protein like house-braised beef brisket, grilled chicken, or even vegetarian friendly Indian curry. Dinner Our Arkansas River dinner float is by far the most unique and fun dinner option in town. We depart from our headquarters in Johnson Village and take on a gentle portion of the Arkansas River that features the best views of the collegiate peaks. After cruising for 3.5 miles, we eddy out at the delicious Riverside Grill known for their amazing fish tacos and specialty cocktails. Asian Palate is the answer if you find yourself craving sushi or Southeast Asian inspired dinners. The ambiance is very modern for Buena Vista with contemporary artwork decorating the walls and warm cozy lighting. In addition to their sushi, my favorites are their Thai and Indian curries – such a satisfying meal after a day on the water! Quincy’s steakhouse offers a fixed menu featuring Filet Mignon Sundays – Thursdays, Prime Rib or Slow Roast Sirloin Fridays – Saturdays, and a veggie lasagna option is available every day. Their dinner menu includes a baked potato and side salad so you certainly won’t go hungry! Happy Hour If you are looking for whiskey or a creative cocktail Deerhammer Distilling Company on Main Street is the place to go. This distillery has ample outside patio space, fire pits, and there is often live music featuring local artists on the weekends. Eddyline Brewery is so popular there are two locations! You can’t go wrong at either one if you’re seeking a friendly atmosphere and some beer and pizza.
All About Browns Canyon National Monument
With an area of over 21,500 acres, Browns Canyon National Monument’s gorgeous granite cliffs and breathtaking views of the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains are best admired in a raft! Before your trip, let’s take a moment to learn more about the special qualities that make Browns Canyon National Monument so unique. Wildlife Browns Canyon National Monument features a 3,000 foot range in elevation allowing it to support a wide variety of life. The granite cliffs provide sanctuary to many protected species including bighorn sheep, golden eagles, elk, falcons, black bears, and bobcats. Birdwatchers, take note, the area also serves as an essential migration corridor for migratory birds. During our spring and summer rafting season, the riparian habitat along the river comes alive with vibrant wildflowers blooming right along the Arkansas River. This river is home to world class fishing. In 2014, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission designated the Arkansas River as Gold Medal Trout Water (learn more about this in our post “Arkansas River: Come for the Rafting, Stay for the Trout!”). History While you are enjoying your Arkansas River rafting adventure through Browns Canyon National Monument, you will notice railroad tracks hugging the river bank. These are from the mining days of the Upper Arkansas Valley dating back to the 1880’s. From 1880-1910 three railroads served the area transporting goods to support the mining, ranching, and farming industries. In the 1800’s, Leadville established itself as the most productive silver mining district in the state of Colorado. There also proved to be an abundance of gold, lead, copper and zinc in the area. Unfortunately the heavy mining caused a significant amount of pollution impacting the Arkansas River since its headwaters are located in Leadville. Thankfully today, the hard work of environmentalists and Chaffee County locals such as ourselves has lead to the clean up of Arkansas River. It is with great pride that we can now enjoy our whitewater rafting trips on beautiful clear waters. Geology Glacial runoffs are responsible for the unique formations and windy path of the Arkansas River. Over 70 million years ago while the glaciers melted, their initial runoffs caused a blockage of trees and stones preventing the water from flowing down the naturally occurring fall line. The water persevered and forced itself to carve through the granite creating Browns Canyon and feeding into the Arkansas River. When you are rafting through the Numbers you can see the distinct markings from the glaciers in the cliffs. The cliffs themselves are a mostly comprised of granite however, there are patches of igneous rock along the Browns Canyon (keep an eye out when you hit widow maker!). Whitewater Rafting + Other Fun With over 21,500 acres Browns Canyon National Monument boasts a lot of potential for all sorts of outdoor recreational activities. Our favorite is whitewater rafting – navigating along the Arkansas River through the granite canyon carved out eons ago presents such a unique perspective of the National Monument. We aren’t the only ones who feel this way – the Arkansas River is the most commercially rafted river in the entire United States. We offer white water rafting trips for all levels so first timers and diehard whitewater junkies alike will find something to smile about. If you want to extend your experience in Browns Canyon National Monument beyond whitewater rafting, Wilderness Aware conveniently serves as the Visitors Center meaning we have a variety of maps and other literature on the best ways to explore Browns Canyon National Monument. Check out Browns Canyon National Monument for yourself this summer by reserving your Colorado white water rafting trip online or giving us a call at 1-800-IN-A-RAFT!
Top 5 Memories from Rafting on Father’s Day
This Father’s Day ditch the tie and give Dad a gift he’ll never forget – the whitewater rafting adventure of a lifetime! Here’s our list of the Top 5 Father’s Day Whitewater Rafting Memories: 1. The refreshing splash of the Arkansas River When you first step into the river, there is no doubt that it is snow melt! Summer water temperatures are typically in the 50’s which is perfect for cooling off after paddling. Father’s Day falls right when the high water flows start kicking off making for ideal rafting conditions if Dad’s a fan of big splashy rapids. 2. Immediately spotting a bald eagle One of the best parts of rafting is the exclusive access to wildlife along the bank of the river you would not see otherwise. The Arkansas River Valley is a popular nesting site for bald eagles. The riparian habitat along the shore is also home to other wildlife like bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and even moose have been known to hang out in Browns Canyon National Monument. 3. The thrill of dropping down Zoom Flume Despite the many river miles I’ve logged, I always feel butterflies in my stomach when approaching Zoom Flume. It is one of those rapids where the river appears to completely drop off the edge of the world – all you hear is the thundering rush of water, you can feel the spray from from the unseen class IV rapids below, then there’s the call “Forward paddle – HARD!!!” and the excitement takes over as we charge through. This moment right here might be the core of what makes whitewater rafting such an epic Father’s Day present – there’s no way even the snazziest of ties could evoke this kind of adrenaline rush. 4. Mastering the art of a paddle high five Whitewater rafting is all about having fun and staying in sync as a collective unit. Paddle high fives are the ultimate expression of this and there will be no shortage of fun or paddle high fives on this trip! Since whitewater rafting requires everyone to paddle in a rhythm, working together, it truly takes taking family bonding to the next level. 5. Sharing a rare moment of silence while admiring the gorgeous sunset Summer sunsets in Buena Vista are a breathtaking treat we’re thankful to enjoy every evening. The silhouetted collegiate peaks provide the perfect backdrop for rich warm pinks, oranges, purples, eventually fading into the deep blue darkness of night. Getting the whole family together outdoors and watching the sunset is the perfect way to wrap up a fun day of whitewater rafting. The most treasured family memories are the ones where an experience was shared. That’s why this Father’s Day, we suggest giving Dad the ultimate gift of adventure – whitewater rafting! Save time and book your Colorado white water rafting trip now.
Father’s Day Fun!
[vc_row][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1519063843732{margin-bottom: -40px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1531247435677{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]This Father’s Day, give Dad the gift of adventure! In addition to offering the best whitewater rafting trips in the state of Colorado, did you know we also can help cross soaking in hot springs, zip lining, and horseback riding off Dad’s bucket list? [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_columns=”true”][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”21656″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”21654″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”21655″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1685051733395{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Whitewater Rafting! This one is an obvious favorite here at Wilderness Aware Rafting. Colorado’s Arkansas River is known around the world for offering some of the best whitewater fun. It’s also home of the gorgeous Browns Canyon National Monument. We offer trips for all levels and our proximity to Colorado Springs, Denver, and Summit County make this a great option to surprise Mom with. Cruising through rapids and taking in the beautiful rocky mountain scenery will make for an unforgettable Father’s Day gift! Soaking in the Natural Hot Springs After an energizing day on the river whitewater rafting, there’s nothing more relaxing than soaking in the natural hot springs found in Buena Vista and Salida. Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, Cottonwood Hot Springs, and Salida Hot Springs are all a quick drive from our Buena Vista office. We offer discounted admission passes too so be sure to ask about those when you’re booking your whitewater rafting trip. Horseback Riding Spending time on a horse riding through mountain trails is a Colorado classic. There are a variety of options ranging from half day, full day, and sunset tours. At Wilderness Aware Rafting we offer a Paddle and Saddle package that is a family favorite sure to put a smile on Dad’s face this Father’s Day. Zip Lining If your family is looking to take on two of the most adrenaline inducing activities Colorado offers, we’ve got the package for you. You can pair your whitewater rafting adventure with a zip line tour on the top of the Rockies. This is truly the best way to enjoy views of beautiful Colorado mountains from every angle 😉 This Father’s Day, skip the brunch and do something different! Call us at 1-800-In A RAFT (1-800-462-7238) or book your Dad’s Colorado white water rafting adventure today.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Why CFS Matters
CFS or Cubic Feet per Second is the unit of measurement used for determining the “speed” of a river. Pay attention to this number when booking your trip as you soon will learn, water levels make a BIG difference on your whitewater rafting experience! When I first moved to Buena Vista, I noticed what seemed like an obsession with the mysterious acronym “CFS”. Any mention of my role at Wilderness Aware Rafting, and someone would immediately ask, “What’s the CFS like right now?”. Having never gone whitewater rafting before, “CFS” was a completely foreign term. A trip down one of our most advanced sections of whitewater rafting (The Numbers) on my second day in town, quickly taught me the importance of paying attention to CFS and where the local obsession with CFS levels came from! I like to think of CFS in as if it were a thermometer. Similar to how a humid 80˚ day is significantly different to a snowy 29˚ day, the range in numbers for CFS is just as impactful. A river during high CFS flows will feature larger rapids, bigger waves, and completely different terrain than from when CFS flows are low. Both conditions have their perks, depending on what you are hoping to get when booking your Colorado whitewater rafting trip! What to Expect During High CFS If the rivers are flowing above 2,000 CFS this is officially high water! Woohoo! High water conditions are my favorite time to go rafting. There is much more action and adrenaline charged waves and drops come with every turn of the river. Plan on getting soaked! The higher the CFS, the more advanced the trip, so first time rafters are advised to start with one of our Browns Canyon National Monument trips before taking on the Class V sections that require more technical paddling like The Numbers or Royal Gorge. When rivers are flowing at a faster rate, it is of upmost importance to listen and follow guide commands. Your guide is depending on guests to paddle with full force to compensate for the speed of the river. Higher flows mean less room for error since your guide will have much less time to readjust and maneuver the raft to avoid obstacles if the paddle crew is unable to follow the original route. Typically high CFS flows occur late June – early July when the majority of the snowpack is melting. What to Expect During Low CFS While I’m more of an adrenaline junkie, I certainly can appreciate the way my favorite butterfly inducing rapids mellow out during low CFS. A calmer river means more time to relax and enjoy the gorgeous scenery whitewater rafting immerses you in. For first time rafters who are a little nervous about what to expect, I suggest scheduling your trip during low water conditions. The slower pace takes the pressure off remembering whether or not to back-paddle when your guide calls for a left turn. There is more room for readjusting lines and less risk of flipping should you hit an obstacle. Families with small children or those who may not want to paddle have the option of zero paddling on trips as well since we are able to mount oars on our rafts for your guide to row instead. (It’s super easy to arrange, just ask!) If you’re hoping to take a lot of photos, I suggest going during low flows as well. There will be more opportunities since constant paddling is not as necessary as during high flows. Low flows kick off the season starting Memorial Day and last until about mid June, then pick up again mid July – August. Now that you have a better idea of what to expect, get out there! Call us at 1-800-In A RAFT (1-800-462-7238) or book your Colorado white water rafting adventure online.
How Our Snow Pack Impacts Summer River Flow Levels
Ever wonder how our winter snow influences the river? During the winter the snow doesn’t do too much for our water levels. However, as the temperature rises in the springtime, runoff and stream flow in the river is directly attributed to melting snow and ice. Mountains like the Collegiate Peaks surrounding Buena Vista act as natural reservoirs, storing precipitation from the cooler season, we call this phenomenon “Snow Pack”. As the name implies, this is literally the amount of snow packed at the top of the mountains that melts during spring and summer to feed our rivers. Up to 75% of water supplies in the western United States are derived from snowmelt, so this snowpack levels are certainly worth noting when planning your whitewater rafting vacation. Water levels rise dramatically when we enter the summer rafting season because the snowmelt is making its way down the mountains and into our rivers. This is what accounts for the wide range in CFS. Snowmelt can cause nearly all of the stream flow in a river. If you ever are visiting us in the winter, you’ll notice even sections known for their rowdy rapids like The Numbers seem pretty easy going this time of year. Since the Arkansas River headwaters are located just north of us in Leadville, we see the direct impact of varying snowpack levels year over year. The better the winter, the better the rafting! Typically mid to late June sees the highest water levels. Last summer we enjoyed an incredible high water rafting season and with the historic amount of snow we received this winter, we are eagerly awaiting the Memorial Day opening of our season! Don’t miss out this summer – secure your trip today by giving us a call at 1-800-IN A RAFT (1-800-462-7238) or book your whitewater rafting now online!
Featured Trip: The Arkansas River Dinner Float
Looking to sneak in a little time on the Arkansas River that anyone from your preschooler to Grandma can enjoy? Check out our exclusive Arkansas River Dinner Float Trip. Known among River Rats as the Milk Run, our Arkansas River Dinner Float Trip takes you on a mellow easygoing portion of the river. Showcasing some of the best views of Mt. Princeton and Yale, this trip features Colorado mountain scenery at its finest. This 3.5 mile trip is perfect for wrapping up a summer day or easing into whitewater rafting if you are new to the scene. With its laid back pace compared to some of the other sections of the Arkansas River, the Milk Run is extremely beginner friendly or perfectly suited for those who would rather take in the scenery than charge through adrenaline-inducing rapids. We mount the boats with oars so guides take care of all the paddling and you can focus on enjoying. The trip wraps up at the Riverside Bar & Grill, home to the best fish tacos and margaritas in Buena Vista. Relax as you leisurely enjoy dinner and the beautiful Sawatch Mountain Range views. This trip is unlike any other and sure to be one of the more memorable dinners on your vacation.
Top Three Reasons to go Whitewater Rafting This Mother’s Day
This Mother’s Day, treat Mom to some quality family time you are all sure to remember. Here are our top 3 reasons to go whitewater rafting this Mother’s Day! Top Three Reasons to go Whitewater Rafting This Mother’s Day 1. Quality Family Time Whitewater rafting requires your family to disconnect from everything else and focus on each other. The moment your green raft pushes off the shore, your world is transformed into an ecosphere consisting solely of t hat green raft and the destinations it leads you. Whether your family is admiring the gorgeous glow of sunset on the canyon walls or settling into your groove as your synch up and power through a wave train, rafting will engross you enabling the opportunity to connect without the distractions of any screens – every mom’s dream. The river makes an ideal setting for creating new memories to share and soaking in the breathtaking Colorado scenery. 2. Rejuvenating Mom will feel inspired after basking in the Colorado sunshine and completely disconnecting from the daily grind. Whether on one of our multi-day whitewater rafting trips or a half-day trip, spending time on the water will refresh the senses. The opportunity to connect with remote wilderness areas and take in natural landmarks like Browns Canyon National Monument brings a new perspective and appreciation for nature. 3. Fun! There is nothing quite like the endorphin rush from paddling through giant rapids or the build up of butterflies in your stomach followed by the thrill of plowing over a wave. Whitewater rafting is an absolute blast and our trips include a variety of options sure to please the class IV big water junkies and the more casual rafter in search of a sightseeing float. No matter the trip, time on the water is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. Bonus: Mom will come away from the trip feeling empowered knowing she toughed it out on the river. And, if she’s still craving that spa experience, Buena Vista just so happens to boast some incredible natural hot springs!
Featured Stretch of River: Royal Gorge
Ask our guides what their favorite stretch of Class V rafting is along the Arkansas River and chances are they’ll say the Royal Gorge. Known for its iconic history and fast flows, whitewater rafting through the Royal Gorge is a guaranteed fun time! Just an hour south of Colorado Springs you’ll find some the hottest action the Arkansas River has to offer. It’s a genuine toss up among whitewater aficionados over which section is better – The Royal Gorge or The Numbers. Personally, I find each one so unique that it’s impossible to decide. (If you’re finding yourself in a similar situation, check out our trip that features both: 2 Day Arkansas River Extreme) Our Royal Gorge trips start a bit differently than the other whitewater rafting trips we do on the Arkansas River. Rather than meeting in our Buena Vista office, you’ll meet up with your guides in nearby Cañon City. After gearing up, we put in just above the start of the Royal Gorge at Bighorn Sheep Canyon. The fun starts immediately with Sunshine Falls a splashy rapid requiring some technical paddling during high water conditions. Entering the Royal Gorge and looking up at the 1,250 foot granite cliffs showcases Colorado geology, history, and simply beauty at its finest. The layers of rock were carved away by the Arkansas River to create the Royal Gorge as we know it today over a period of 3 million years. A relic from Colorado’s Wild West Days, you’ll notice railroad tracks laid out in 1878. Originally built by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad company after two years of guerilla warfare against Santa Fe Railroads, these tracks are still in use today by the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. As we continue on just past Wall Slammer, a class V that gives me butterflies everytime we pass through, the 955 foot high suspension bridge towers above us. Built in 1929, the bridge held the world record for highest bridge until 2001. Looking up at this moment is always my favorite – it’s such a unique perspective. Very few of the Royal Gorge’s annual 500,000 visitors get the opportunity to enjoy their experience via raft! My favorite time of year to raft the Royal Gorge is early summer (May/June) because of all the secret waterfalls that reveal themselves after spring rains. The juxtaposition of jagged granite cliffs and lush greenery surrounding the waterfalls is absolutely breathtaking. Mid June – July brings high water rafting season making the rapids even more intense and then in August, things mellow out again returning to early summer flows.Regardless of when you visit, the Royal Gorge is also a popular spot for spotting mountain goats and bighorn sheep. I’ve had the best luck spotting them after Lion’s Head Rapid. If you got a taste of the Arkansas River and are craving a new flavor, I highly suggest checking out the Royal Gorge. It has a very unique feel and is a personal favorite. Check out all of the options for our Royal Gorge rafting adventures here!
