Family Rafting Day Trips in Colorado and Arizona

A family smiles and waves from a raft with green helmets and PFDs

Take your Family on a White Water Rafting Adventure Vacation Rafting is an activity that all ages can enjoy! On a family adventure trip, parents shouldn’t have to choose between making the adults or making the kids happy. Young kids can ride in the raft with parents without the responsibility or the “rules” of paddling a raft. Teens can paddle as an equal with Mom and Dad and can share in the excitement of navigating the rapids. Wilderness Aware guides are kids at heart and enjoy creating fun for families. Our most popular Colorado family rafting trips are on the Arkansas River due to the wide variety of trip difficulties and trips lengths available. All trips on the Arkansas River are conveniently located near Denver, Aspen, Breckenridge and Colorado Springs. Our season on the Arkansas River runs through the heart of the summer season from May 1 through Labor Day in early September. Trips for families with young kids (ages 4-6): Mild water trips – great for the whole family! Mellow and relaxing, our mild float trips are a great way to grandparents and grandkids to bond or as a first adventure for a young family. The follow trip is on the Arkansas River. Lower Browns Canyon Trip Milk Run Trip Trips for active families (ages 7+): Each of the following Arkansas River are excellent for first timers or seasoned professionals. Exciting whitewater that doesn’t compromise on fun for adults or kids. Browns Canyon Rafting Half Day (ages 7+) Browns Canyon Rafting Full Day (ages 7+) Advanced trips for families (ages 14+): These Arkansas River trips are great for all adult adventure seeking families looking for adrenaline-charged whitewater. Numbers Rafting Half Day Numbers Rafting Full Day Royal Gorge Rafting Full Day                 We offer more day trips on rivers throughout Colorado and Arizona. Springtime rafting trips for families looking for a desert getaway with exciting fast-paced white water can join us Arizona’s Salt River. Conveniently located 2.5 hours east of Phoenix and north of Tucson. In Colorado, if you have a good size family group you can tackle the exciting whitewater on the North Platte or Gunnison River. If your family is in the mood for more mellow rapids or with families with young kids, you can join us on a scenic float on the Upper Colorado River.

River Poetry by Wilderness Aware Guests

Passengers on a green boat paddle through extreme white water

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1517434440841{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Breath of rapid Whitewater kiss River sonnet Rafting bliss Heartbeat pounding Muscles strain Laughter echoes Memories made A Carney, Castle Rock – CO My wife wants a refund She’s not satisfied She thought at Widow Maker That I should have died But she’s somewhat happy That I took a roll When I got flushed Down the big Toilet Bowl! R Buursma, Holland – MI Traveling downstream in a raft We paddled, we splashed and we laughed At the end of the day Each was changed in some way Forever reshaped by the craft B Baum, Concho – AZ If you are looking for high quality H20 Colorado is the place to go The water is cool The guides ain’t no fools They take you down the falls And into the gorge To new heights your group will forge T Bloom, Armonk – NY The ride was fun I wish it weren’t done A good time was had by all Because we survived “The Big Fall” We all had fun, so take good care To all other boat’s freeloaders Beware! M Rowe, Henderson – CO Rafting down the river was fun The guides were # 1 The water is cold And now my shirt smells like mold I am so sad the trip came to an end I cannot wait to go rafting again R Liffmann, New Canaan – CT Rafting was sweet We even got to eat The guides were hot Which really hit the spot It was an awesome day I never wanted to go away A Frauendorfer, Madison – NE The river is wet The river is cold To raft the river You must be bold D Shirah, Atlanta – GA Through the flume We did zoom While the ducks fluffed their plumes And the birds They did soar While we went through Screen Door The river was fun But now we must run And return again for more fun S Bonsal, Rio Rancho – NM Oh to the river So wild and blue Oh to the river We had fun with you Oh to the river So wet and so cold Oh to the river With beauty so bold Oh to the river We’ll be back again Oh to the river Sun & fun we will win B Miller, Lakewood – CO I’m feeling quite tired and heady Must have rafted through too much eddy Whatever the case There’s a smile on my face For another rafting experience I am ready L Isen, Potomac – MD The water was wicked Like that movie “The Craft” So I grabbed my paddle And jumped in the raft I went through the rapids And handled with care This trip was awesome Thanks to Wilderness Aware B Reynolds, Warrensburg – MO I went on a trip And took a little dip The water was cold And I jumped in when I wasn’t told Simon dressed in pink underwear Zee showed his true feelings to Simon with special “care” Overall this trip was fun But too bad this poem is done C Portesn, Huntingdon Valley – PA I came, I raft, I saw Hail the Arkansas! T Harshbarger, York Springs – PA Rafting the river made me shiver The water was cold just as we were told. Again I’d come… Since our guide wasn’t a bum. Kerry was the best Tight was my life vest. Lunch was great And we didn’t become lunch bait!! A great time I had That I came, I’m glad. C Stewart, Colorado Springs – CO Floating in the river is a craft Call 1-800-In-A-Raft If your trip leaves in the morn, Be sure to ask for your guide, Corn If you want to have the best of care Take a trip with Wilderness Aware K Short, Sterling – CO The river was wild Woody was funny It was worth all the money M Reynolds, Warrensburg – MO I rode with Drew He had a wimpy crew We came to Widow Maker The left side of the boat was a shakin’ The right side of the boat was a rowin’ In left circles we were a goin’ B Kosanda, St Paul – MO My butt is wet My legs are burnt But Anna kept us all from getting hurt Thanks!! Unknown, Apopka – FL The river was like food. It was good. M Harris, Atherton – CA It was my wife’s and my second time It was the kids’ first time. Mom got some sun Dani had fun Nick got wet And kept saying, “Are we there yet?” G Vroom, Randolph – WI The river is so pretty. The river is so sweet. The river is like Heaven Because I love wet feet! J Burnette, Austin – TX Seven people, a guide, and one boat With only one hope To stay afloat We quickly found lots in store Widow Maker, Staircase, Toilet Bowl and more We knew going with this company we had a score P Merritt, McKinney – TX Joyful fear As blue hole draws near Paddles in flight Scream of delight? Cold, fast, wet trip Boat didn’t flip A sore, happy grin We’ll do it again. A Burnette, Austin – TX My eyes were bold By butt was cold Keep your feet secure, I’m told! I’m up and down I’m thrown around Oh what a day How much did I pay? D Stewart, Colorado Springs – CO Wet Hemorrhoid Rock! If I flip…! The water is ccccccold!!!!!! Elephant and Hippo Rock Widow Maker Awesome Tight Enormous Rapids River Rafting. E Stewart, Colorado Springs – CO The trip was fun We had a great time We’ll be back again To try another rhyme! J Nollman, Salisbury – NC I had fun with Anna Our boat looked like a banana. C Benier, Kansas City, – MO Anna, oh Anna We lived through the trip Anna, oh Anna We never did flip My love for you was all I can see When you named

The Ultimate Colorado Mancation

People in a raft yell in excitement as they paddle through rapids in yellow helmets

Gather your best buddies and set aside a long weekend to indulge in some of Colorado’s most testosterone fueled activities. We’re talking extreme whitewater rafting, ziplining, and camping! Ziplining at 10,000+ Feet Elevations If you’ve never experienced the thrill of zooming down a zipline, you need to change that immediately! Ziplining is one of those activities that will instantly put a smile on your face and leave you wanting more (just like whitewater rafting 😉 ) . The adventure kicks off with a 1,000 foot vertical climb in a six-ton Monster Truck, 4-wheel drive van, or one of our Polaris ATVs to take you to the top of the course. Here you’re faced with six different zipline courses ranging in length from 400 to 800 feet. The grand finale takes you to 100 foot tall platform and every courses feature side by side ziplines inviting you to race your buddies. Class IV-V Whitewater Rafting This season is already off to an epic start and the best is still to come – whitewater rafting at high water is the ultimate adrenaline rush! If you can handle the action, our Numbers and Royal Gorge trips offer the perfect opportunity to take on extreme whitewater fun. These advanced trips present paddlers with both a physical and mental challenge all while having a great time. The Arkansas River is home to the biggest stretch of whitewater rapids in the United States. Many Olympic athletes make this site their training headquarters because of the unparalleled opportunities for back to back class IV-V drops. Awww yeah! Classic Camping Camping in Colorado is a classic for a reason! After a thrilling day of whitewater rafting and alpine ziplining, there’s nothing better than exchanging stories around a campfire before retreating to your tent. Reinvigorate your inner caveman as you allow the flickering flames of the fire mesmerize you. Take in the stars and howl at the moon. Or, you can channel your inner diva (we won’t tell) and let our guides spoil you with indulgent multicourse meals and VIP service. We’re talking freshly brewed coffee dropped off at your tent every morning service. Either way, immersing yourself in wilderness that can only be accessed via raft is sure to leave the gang feeling recharged and ready to take on the next day’s adventure. The long days of summer beckon for outdoor adventure, especially here in Colorado. As the winter’s snow melts, it transforms the Arkansas River into a powerful playground of whitewater begging to be explored. We certainly heed the call and invite you to join us – give us a ring at 1-800- IN-A-RAFT or book right here to make it happen!

A Pro’s Guide to Spotting Bighorn Sheep

Three big horn sheep stand on a rock formation

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

People sit next to a riverside grill with flow boxes

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.

Top 5 Memories from Rafting on Father’s Day

A group of people in a green raft paddle down a river

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

A green raft begins going through rapids on a river

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

A photo from inside a plane of snow covered peaks

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

A scenic photo of a raft going down a river with a mountain range in the background

Published: May 19, 2017 | Updated: February 2026 Looking to sneak in a little time on the Arkansas River that everyone from your preschooler to Grandma can enjoy? If you’re searching for a gentle introduction to the water without the intensity of big rapids, our exclusive Arkansas River Dinner Float Trip is the perfect solution. Known among local “River Rats” as the Milk Run, this trip takes you on a mellow, easygoing portion of the river. Showcasing some of the best views of Mt. Princeton and Mt. Yale, this float features Colorado mountain scenery at its finest. A Beginner-Friendly Experience This 3.5-mile journey is perfect for wrapping up a summer day or easing into Arkansas River rafting if you are new to the scene. With its laid-back pace compared to more aggressive sections like The Numbers, the Milk Run is extremely beginner-friendly. It is perfectly suited for those who would rather take in the 14,000-foot peaks of the Sawatch Range than charge through adrenaline-inducing rapids. To make it even more relaxing, we mount the boats with oars—this means our professional guides take care of all the paddling while you focus on the views and your family. Dinner with a View in Buena Vista The trip wraps up perfectly at the Riverside Bar & Grill, home to the best fish tacos and margaritas in Buena Vista. You can relax and leisurely enjoy dinner as the sun sets over the mountains. This experience is unlike any other and is sure to be one of the most memorable meals of your Colorado vacation. Is the Arkansas River Dinner Float safe for small children? Yes, the “Milk Run” section of the Arkansas River is classified as Class I-II (mellow water), making it safe for children as young as 3 or 4 years old. Because the guide handles the rowing, parents can focus entirely on their children while enjoying the scenery. What should I wear for a scenic dinner float? Since this is a splash-free scenic float, you don’t necessarily need a wetsuit. We recommend comfortable outdoor clothing, a light jacket for when the sun goes down, and sandals or shoes you don’t mind getting a little damp. Where does the Arkansas River Milk Run start and end? The Milk Run starts just south of Buena Vista and winds through the valley for 3.5 miles. Our dinner float specifically concludes at the Riverside Bar & Grill, allowing for a seamless transition from the boat to your dinner table. Yes, the “Milk Run” section of the Arkansas River is classified as Class I-II (mellow water), making it safe for children as young as 3 or 4 years old. Because the guide handles the rowing, parents can focus entirely on their children while enjoying the scenery. Since this is a splash-free scenic float, you don’t necessarily need a wetsuit. We recommend comfortable outdoor clothing, a light jacket for when the sun goes down, and sandals or shoes you don’t mind getting a little damp. The Milk Run starts just south of Buena Vista and winds through the valley for 3.5 miles. Our dinner float specifically concludes at the Riverside Bar & Grill, allowing for a seamless transition from the boat to your dinner table.