Book Now and Sleep on the Arkansas River

It’s starting to feel like spring, which means the snow is starting to melt. And you know what that means?! The rivers will soon swell with that freshly melted snow and rafting season will kick into full gear. One thing we can count on is that regardless of the snowpack, the Arkansas River promises lots of fun. Will you have your trip planned?

Wilderness Aware Rafting offers multi-day rafting with trips on the Arkansas. Whether you want to spend two or five days on the river, our camping trips let you do it in style. We also offer Inn to Inn runs for those who prefer a bed and a shower at night.  Our guides are not only well trained in river navigation and safety, but they are also fantastic chefs and hospitable campsite hosts. Book a trip and find out for yourself.

Beginner to Advanced Multi-Day Trips

Whether you have years of experience or don’t know a paddle from an oar, rafting the Arkansas River will deliver rapids you’ll remember for the rest of your life!  With headwaters near the Continental Divide, the Arkansas River is the most popular rafting river in the West.

Multi-day trips on the Arkansas are ideal for families with young children, groups with mixed skill levels, and outgoing, adventurous adults. Spend days on the river paddling through the Narrows, Browns Canyon, Upper & Lower Bighorn Sheep Canyons, and of course, the more challenging white water in the Royal Gorge. Spend nights pampered by the side of the river by our gracious guides or snuggled into a cozy Inn.

Get to Know the Arkansas River

The Arkansas River drops 5,000 feet in its first 125 miles from its headwaters in the Colorado Rockies near the Continental Divide to the plains near Cañon City, Colorado.  From upstream to downstream there are five sections, each with its own unique and amazing attributes.

Numbers/ Narrows

The Numbers is the most technical section of the river, with a series of drops that requires pinpoint paddling maneuvers to navigate powerful hydraulics and thread the needle through boulder-choked drops. 

Browns Canyon

Early in the season, when the river is swollen with melting snow, the rapids are tall and the currents are powerful. But by the end of summer, the river changes shape and requires technical maneuvers around rocks and dropping through narrow chutes. This float through the Browns Canyon National Monument is amazing at all flow levels.

Bighorn Sheep Canyon

This canyon is split into two sections (Lower & Upper) and features mellow water accented by some exciting rapids, which creates a wonderful adventure suitable for outgoing young families and timid first-timers.

Royal Gorge

This bottom section of the Arkansas River has the highest volume of water with bigger more powerful waves.  The Royal Gorge is recommended for the experienced rafter or physically fit adrenaline seeker.  Surging whitewater and stunning views will leave you breathless and happy to be alive.