Arkansas River Rafting

Wilderness Aware Rafting offers unparalleled white water rafting trips on the Arkansas River — the most popular rafting destination in the United States. 

Choose from the family and beginner-friendly Browns Canyon rafting, the next-level thrills of Royal Gorge rafting, or our most extreme run, Numbers rafting. For younger kids, Lower Browns Canyon and Milk Run rafting are perfect for ages 4+. Want more time on the water? Join one of our Arkansas River multi-day trips for an unforgettable wilderness experience.

Our most popular trip

BROWNS CANYON RAFTING

Browns Canyon is our most popular trip and the Arkansas River is America’s most popular white water rafting destination for good reason. You’ll experience challenging yet forgiving rapids suitable for all skill levels – from beginner to experienced paddlers.
Starting at
$79
Per Person

DETAILS

  • Daily Departures: May 1 to Labor Day
  • Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate class III-IV rapids
  • Guide Details: Experienced guides in each raft
  • Departure Location: Buena Vista, Colorado
  • Age Requirements: 7 and up*

*Minimum age will increase during high water

All Arkansas River Day Trips

BEGINNER AND FAMILY TRIPS

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RAFTING

Drift along the gentle class I-II rapids of the Milk Run or Lower Browns Canyon stretches of the Arkansas River. These trips are perfect for children as young as four, grandparents and beginners to the sport of rafting!
Starting at
$59
Per Person

Our most advanced white water trip

NUMBERS RAFTING

Experience the challenging class IV-V rapids of the Numbers stretch on the Arkansas River. Adrenaline junkies will enjoy navigating through the narrow channels and powerful waves while surrounded by gorgeous Colorado scenery.
Starting at
$94
Per Person

ADVANCED WHITE WATER, ICONIC SCENERY

ROYAL GORGE RAFTING

Rafting the Royal Gorge on the Arkansas River delivers thrilling Class IV-V rapids and stunning 1,000-foot canyon walls. Iconic rapids like Sunshine and Sledgehammer make it bucket-list experience for thrill-seekers.
Starting at
$159
Per Person
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Arkansas River Multi-Day Trips

Experience Colorado’s wilderness

ARKANSAS RIVER MULTI-DAY TRIPS

Set out on an unforgettable adventure with Wilderness Aware’s 2-day, 3-day or 5-day rafting trip. Expert guides will lead you through exhilarating white water stretches while ensuring your safety and enjoyment throughout the journey. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the wilderness and create lasting memories on an epic rafting expedition.
Starting at
$479
Per Person

Experience Arkansas River glamping

ARKANSAS RIVER INN-TO-INN TRIPS

A tailor-made journey with Wilderness Aware Rafting, the Inn to Inn is a customizable adventure, where the thrill of white water rafting seamlessly blends with personalized experiences and the discovery of local flavors. By day, raft the exciting rapids of the Arkansas River and by night, enjoy the comfort of a charming bed and breakfast.
Starting at
$730
Per Person

About Arkansas River Rafting

With a comprehensive range of trips spanning every raftable section of the river, Wilderness Aware provides adventure-seekers with access to some of the most thrilling rapids and breathtaking scenery in Colorado.

Ideal Arkansas River rafting flows occur between May 1st and Labor Day. This extended season sets the Arkansas River apart from many other rivers in Colorado, allowing paddlers ample opportunity to enjoy its exhilarating waters and stunning landscapes while other rivers around the state run dry. Colorado’s Arkansas River features technical maneuvering combined with splashy waves creating an experience like none other!

Whether you’re a seasoned rafter seeking a new challenge or a family looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, Wilderness Aware Rafting’s Arkansas River trips promise excitement, natural beauty, and memories to last a lifetime.

COMPREHENSIVE OFFERING: Wilderness Aware Rafting is the only outfitter to operate trips on every raftable section of the Arkansas River, providing diverse experiences for all skill levels.

BREATHTAKING SCENERY: The Arkansas River meanders through stunning canyons, offering picturesque views and an immersive Colorado rafting experience.

THRILLING RAPIDS: From gentle stretches suitable for families to adrenaline-pumping rapids for experienced rafters, the Arkansas River offers something for everyone.

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About WIlderness Aware Rafting

Wilderness Aware Rafting has stayed true to its name since 1976, emphasizing outstanding outdoor experiences on seven of the most amazing rivers in the American West, including rivers in Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. We offer an unparalleled customer experience that emphasizes safety and sharing our passion for the outdoors and the special places we visit. Five of the seven rivers we feature travel within designated wilderness areas.

Nestled in the heart of the Rockies near Buena Vista, Colorado, we enjoy the highest concentration of 14,000-foot peaks in the state, world-class white water rafting, kayaking, climbing, skiing, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, natural hot springs, and extensive off-road trails—all in our backyard. Our community is comprised of outdoor enthusiasts who share our excitement with visitors from all over the world in a small-town atmosphere.

Our river trips offer an opportunity for our guests to experience public lands in a way they may not ordinarily have the ability, skills, or motivation to experience themselves.

Our company culture emphasizes Leave No Trace ethics on our rivers, ensuring we minimize our impact on the natural environment and highlighting that our public lands are set aside to provide future generations a chance to have a similar experience.

Safety on the river is our highest priority, and Wilderness Aware has an outstanding record. We are the leader in providing rafting experiences in Colorado. We love the opportunity to share our experience and devotion to our craft!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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:

• 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
• First 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
• Custom-tailored trips to provide you with the best possible experience
• Free use of our dog kennel

For full-day trips, we provide all rafting equipment, including Coast Guard-approved lifejackets, rain ponchos, wool sweaters, and waterproof storage for your personal items. Transportation to and from the river is included, and we serve a deli-style lunch. Wetsuits, booties, and paddle jackets are available for rent if needed.

On multi-day trips, in addition to everything offered on full-day trips, we provide fresh meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day. We also set up a kitchen shelter, camp chairs, and a portable toilet at camp. Special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.

For full-day trips, bring quick-dry clothing (shorts and a swimsuit are recommended), sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. We’ll have water refills available at lunch. We also provide a complete packing list for your convenience.

For multi-day trips, in addition to your river gear, pack a change of clothes for camp, toiletries, personal drinks (if you’d like to supplement the provided lemonade and water), and entertainment. You can bring your own tent and sleeping bag, or rent them from us if needed. A full packing list is available for trips as well.

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 guests. 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.

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 reserve the right to split groups as necessary and may adjust the maximum boat loads based on water levels.

Cancellation Policy (NON-discounted reservations): If your group or any person in your group cancels more than 14 days before the trip’s check-in time, a full refund will be provided. If cancellations are made within 14 days, no refund will be provided for any reason.

Cancellation Policy (DISCOUNTED reservations): If your reservation has a discount applied and you wish to cancel, you will not receive a refund. You may reschedule or receive a trip credit (digital gift card code) with the purchase of cancellation insurance.

Discounted Trip Cancellation Insurance: Available for 7.5% of the total trip cost at the time of booking. With insurance, giving at least 24 hours’ notice for single-day trips or 5 days’ notice prior to multi-day trips would allow discounted trips to be rescheduled one time or cancel and receive a gift certificate valid for one calendar year. Rescheduled trips become non-refundable.

Tipping is appropriate, particularly if you have received exceptional customer service. Our guides are high quality service workers. A tip of 10 – 15 percent per guest is customary. You will have the opportunity to tip your guide directly at the conclusion of your trip.

If you had the time of your life, then the sky is the limit! We also appreciate your comments. We use your feedback to recognize extraordinary customer service and to discover areas where we can make improvements. Our goal is to exceed your expectations!

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 in July and August and are typically mild and short-lived. In Arizona, it can still get chilly in March, and during that time we typically suggest you wear a wetsuit, etc. In April and early May in Arizona, it is typically very warm or hot.

We raft rain or shine. We will not cancel or cut short trips due to rain and/or thunderstorm conditions (including lighting).

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 full FAQ page for more information.

Drugs or alcohol are not to be consumed before or during your trip. This includes marijuana. No refund will be given to those drinking alcohol or using drugs prior to the trip. On multi-day camping and rafting trips, alcohol may be consumed while at camp. Please remember that rafting trips operate in a very remote area with difficult access for emergencies. Try to avoid glass containers.

If you join us on a multi-day trip, we can offer whitewater merit badges instruction!

a narrow river winding through a canyon next to a railroad track
SPOTS ARE FILLING FAST!

BOOK YOUR TRIP NOW

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!

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