Arkansas River Rafting
Arkansas River Whitewater Rafting – Half‑Day, Full‑Day & Multi‑Day Adventures
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
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
- Ages 4+
- Half-Day and Quarter-Day Options
- Buena Vista, CO
Our most advanced white water trip
NUMBERS RAFTING
- Ages 14+
- Half-Day & Full-Day Options
- Buena Vista, CO
ADVANCED WHITE WATER, ICONIC SCENERY
ROYAL GORGE RAFTING
- Ages 14+
- Full-Day Options
- Canon City, CO
5.0
(1,500+ Reviews)
4.9
(740+ Reviews)
4.9
(300+ Reviews)
Arkansas River Multi-Day Trips
Experience Colorado’s wilderness
ARKANSAS RIVER MULTI-DAY TRIPS
- Ages 8+
- 2-Day, 3-Day & 5-Day Options
- Buena Vista, CO
Experience Arkansas River glamping
ARKANSAS RIVER INN-TO-INN TRIPS
- Ages 10+
- 2-Day, 3-Day & 4-Day Options
- Buena Vista, CO
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.
QUESTIONS ABOUT ARKANSAS RIVER RAFTING
The prime rafting season typically runs from late May through early August. Peak runoff, when the river is fastest and most exciting, usually happens in late May to June. July and August still offer great rafting, often with slightly lower, family‑friendly flows.
Half‑day trips are perfect for first‑timers or travelers on tight schedules. Full‑day trips include extra rapids and riverside lunch. Multi‑day adventures let you explore more remote sections and camp under the stars.
Popular sections include Browns Canyon (fun Class III rapids, great for most people), the Numbers (technical Class IV for adventurous rafters), and the Royal Gorge (big Class IV–V rapids for experienced paddlers). Family float sections like the Milk Run offer gentle Class II rapids.
Yes! Many first‑time rafters enjoy Browns Canyon or the Milk Run. Your guide will teach you everything you need to know on the water.
At Wilderness Aware Rafting, minimum age varies by trip and river conditions. On mellow family float sections like the Lower Browns Canyon or Cottonwood Family Float, kids as young as 4 years old can join when water levels are lower. For popular Class III trips like Browns Canyon, the usual minimum age is 7 years old, though it may increase to 10 during high water. More advanced sections such as the Numbers and Royal Gorge require participants to be at least 14 to 16 years old. Always check with us close to your trip date, as river conditions can affect age requirements.
Browns Canyon is ideal that time of year: beautiful scenery, Class III rapids, and water levels that stay fun through late summer.
Absolutely! Many guests raft one day and hike a nearby 14‑er like Mt. Princeton or Mt. Yale the next day.
It varies by section and season, but most rapids are created by shallow channels and submerged rocks rather than deep water. Your guide will explain river features along the way.
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!
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!
