Know Before You Go!
trip planner
Trip: Dinner Float
Arkansas River
Arkansas River
Departure & Return Times
Show Up Time: 4:45 pm – 5:00 pm
Trip Departs: 5:30 pm
Arrive at Restaurant: 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Meeting Location & Directions
Physical Address: 12600 US Highway 24/285, Buena Vista, CO 81211*
GPS: 38.813867, -106.101856
*Please note that many times mapping and gps systems will try to take you north of Buena Vista. PLEASE follow the links WE provided on this page and in your confirmation emails to find our location.
What To Bring
Do NOT wear cotton on the river! It can make you colder!
- Swimming suit and/or shorts
- Sunglasses with securing strap
- Fleece jacket or synthetic insulating layer (on colder days)
- Hat or visor (can be worn under your helmet)
- Waterproof sunscreen (Important! We are close to the sun!)
- Lip balm (with SPF 15+)
- Tennis shoes, water shoes or secure sandals (no flip-flops or Crocs)
- Cash for souvenirs and tipping your guide
- Water bottle
- Change of clothes and towel (for after the trip)
What We Provide
- Wetsuit booties and rain poncho
- Dinner Voucher value of $15/person
- Professional guide in every raft
- Lifejacket & helmet
- Comfortable changing facilities
Cold Weather/High Water Rentals
Wetsuit
- Thick neoprene
- Velcro closures on shoulders
- Large sizes have a front zipper
- Zippered ankles
- Add layer over this for extra warmth
$7/each to rent
Splash Jacket
- Thick water-resistant nylon
- Hood with velcro closure
- Neoprene cuffs & collar with velcro closure
- Elastic pull string around waist
- Add layer under this for extra warmth
$5/each to rent
Wetsuit Booties
- Zippered ankles
- Hard rubber sole
- Wear in place of your shoes
- Keeps feet warm, not dry
- Add wool socks for extra warmth
Included!
Cold Weather/High Water Rentals
| Wetsuit | Splash Jacket | Booties |
|---|---|---|
| Thick Neoprene Velcro closures on shoulders Large sizes have a front zipper Zippered ankles Add layer over this for extra warmth $7/each to rent |
Thick water-resistant nylon Hood with velcro closure Neoprene cuffs & collar with velcro closure Elastic pull string around waist Add layer under this for extra warmth $5/each to rent |
Zippered ankles Hard rubber sole Wear in place of your shoes Keeps feet warm, not dry Add wool socks for extra warmth Included! |
Weather Conditions
| Month | Average Low | Average High | Average Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | 36ºF | 66ºF | 1.06 in. |
| June | 44ºF | 77ºF | 0.87 in. |
| July | 49ºF | 82ºF | 1.57 in. |
| August | 48ºF | 79ºF | 2.01 in. |
Water Conditions
| Month | Average Flow | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| May | 500-1100 cfs | In early May, cooler air temps keep water levels lower. As the weather warms up in late-May, water levels increase and water temperatures are very cold. |
| June | 2000 cfs | The first couple weeks of June sees water levels at their highest and coldest. On high snowpack years, peak runoff can last through the entire month of June. |
| July | 1500-1000 cfs | As runoff subsides, July brings warmer air and water temperatures and more moderate river flows. |
| August | 900-450 cfs | Early August sees water levels begin to naturally subside as air and water temperatures are at their highest. After August 15th, water levels are unregulated and drop to native lower levels. |
| September | 400-200 cfs | Early September water is lower, warmer and air temperatures range from mild to quite warm. |
Trip Itinerary
- 4:45 pm – Meet at our riverside headquarters to check in for your trip.
- After check in, change into your river gear and have a guide fit you for a helmet, lifejacket and paddle.
- Shuttle your vehicle to the take-out/restaurant and return to our office.
- Before getting on the river, the guides will cover a complete safety orientation with you.
- Click the button below to read the FULL trip itinerary.
Rapid Map
Arkansas River Dinner Float trips raft from Wilderness Aware/Johnson Village to Fisherman’s Bridge on top end of the Arkansas River Browns Canyon Map. Subject to change based on water levels.
Liability Waiver
- Each member of your group is required to complete and sign a digital liability waiver. Youth under the age of 18 are required to have a parent or guardian co-sign their waiver. Upon completion of your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email outlining the waiver signing process. To save time, please complete the digital waiver before you arrive for your trip. To see a copy of the waiver, please click here.
Trip Policies
- Cancellation Policy: If your group or any person in your group cancels their trip 10 or more days before departure, you will receive a full refund on your trip cost less $5 per person/per trip on dinner float trips. If your group or any person in your group cancels within 10 days prior to departure, for any reason, there will be no refund issued.
- Cancellation Coverage: You many purchase coverage on your reservation for a minimal fee, approximately 10% of your trip cost. This is purchased PER PERSON, PER TRIP. If you choose to purchase coverage, you may cancel up to 24 hours before your trip departure with no penalty on my trip cost. If you cancel within 24 hours but with at least 1 hours’ notice, we will issue you a gift certificate (rather than a cash/credit refund) that is good through the following season. Gift certificates cannot be extended beyond their expiration date. If you cancel within 1 hour, there is no refund. Coverage is nontransferable, nonrefundable and does not cover no-shows.
- Drugs and Alcohol: Drugs or alcohol are not to be consumed before or during your trip.
- Pregnancy: We do not allow guests that are pregnant to participate in rafting.
Helpful Q&A
- Where is the closest lodging to our meeting point? Our office is located just two miles south of Buena Vista. There are hotels/motels, campgrounds, cabins, bed & breakfasts and small resorts in the area. For complete area lodging information, we recommend you visit the Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce website at www.buenavistacolorado.org.
- Will I receive a safety orientation prior to my trip? Prior to boarding your raft, your guide will cover a detailed safety orientation with everyone. Colorado Rivers Outfitters Association (CROA) created a comprehensive video that covers the same information in your safety orientation. Feel free to check out this video before your rafting adventure begins.
- Is it appropriate to tip my guide? Tipping is appropriate, particularly if you have received exceptional customer service. If you believe that a tip is appropriate we recommend an average tip of $7-$15/guest. You will have the opportunity to tip your guide directly at the conclusion of your trip. We always appreciate hearing from you so we can recognize extraordinary customer service. We also appreciate your feedback if you feel there are areas we can improve upon. We strive to exceed your expectations!
- What happens if I arrive late for my trip? To provide our guests with the best possible customer service, we launch our trips on time. We cannot wait for late guests. You must arrive for your trip 30-45 minutes prior to your departure time in order to get through our check in process and prepare for your trip. Please plan your time accordingly – allow enough travel time and include unexpected stops for road construction.
- I cannot swim. Can I still go rafting? Many of our participants cannot swim. We provide U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices designed to float you face-up in whitewater. Personal flotation devices are required to be worn at all times.
- Do I need to wear a helmet? Helmets are required and provided on the Arkansas River.
- Can I bring anything along with me on the raft? Each raft is equipped with a waterproof bag for any small items that you may need during the trip.
- Should I bring a water bottle on my raft trip? We do not carry drinking water on your raft and recommend you bring your own bottle. There are water bottles available to purchase in our retail store. Water bottles can sit on the floor of the raft.
- Do you have a retail store? We have a retail store for those last minute items such as sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses retainers. Plan to check out our t-shirts, hats and souvenirs BEFORE your trip, as our store may be closed if you plan to come in after dinner.
- Will there be photos taken on my raft trip? Due to the unique nature of this trip, the photography company that we partner with is not able to provide photos on this section of river.
- I am worried about the altitude. Will I be ok to raft? You will be rafting at 8000 feet above sea level. Most people don’t have serious problems here, but shortness of breath and dehydration are possible. Come a day or two early to acclimatize yourself if you can. We recommend you drink plenty of water during your stay.
