*Minimum age will increase at high water
Colorado white water rafting doesn’t get more immersive than sleeping on the riverbank after a full day in the rapids. Wilderness Aware Rafting offers overnight rafting trips in Colorado on the Arkansas River near Buena Vista, available in 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day formats. Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape or a week-long expedition, we have a multi-day Arkansas River rafting trip built for you.
Every overnight trip includes riverside camping at sites inaccessible by road, guide-prepared meals from lunch on day one through lunch on the final day, all camping gear (or rentals), and expert guides on every raft. These aren’t just rafting trips — they’re wilderness experiences you’ll talk about for years.
We offer four distinct overnight and multi-day rafting trips on the Arkansas River, ranging from beginner-friendly camping floats to back-to-back Class V whitewater. Each trip covers different river sections, different distances, and different levels of intensity, so read on to find the right fit.
Price listed includes transportation to the put-in and back to our office. Price listed does not include land and water access fees (9%) or gratuity for your guide.
The most continuous whitewater on any self-contained overnight rafting trip in Colorado. Over two days you’ll tackle the Narrows and Browns Canyon — then float all your camping gear to a riverside beach only accessible by raft. Your guides cook every meal from scratch while you stargaze, fish, or relax around the campfire. Comfortable sleeping bags, self-inflating pads, and cozy tents provided.
Back-to-back Class IV–V whitewater over two days. The Numbers is one of the most technically demanding stretches in the country; the Royal Gorge is Colorado’s most iconic canyon run. A vehicle-assisted overnight trip for paddlers ready for a serious challenge. Full details on the 2-Day Extreme Rafting page.
Everything in the 2-day trip, plus a third day floating through Upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon past the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Day three is mellower — and it’s where you can hop in an inflatable kayak and pilot your own boat through the current. Two nights of riverside camping: night one on federal land with panoramic Collegiate Peaks views, night two on a private ranch leased exclusively by Wilderness Aware.
The longest Arkansas River rafting trip available in Colorado and Wilderness Aware is the only outfitter that offers it. Five days covering every major section of the river, finishing with an optional run through the Royal Gorge. Inflatable kayaks available on days two through four. Available mid to late summer only.
*Minimum age will increase at high water
Raft the Arkansas River by day, sleep in a charming bed and breakfast by night. The Inn to Inn trip is Wilderness Aware’s most personalized multi-day experience — river sections, activities, and dining are tailored to your group. Available in 2-day, 3-day, and 4-day formats, with Class V whitewater optional. Full details on the Inn to Inn Trip page.
*Minimum age will increase at high water
We provide a 3.5 cubic foot dry bag for each guest. Tents that sleep two adults with gear are available to rent for $20 per trip. Sleeping bags with ground pads rent for $20, or ground pads alone for $10. You’re also welcome to bring your own gear.
We recommend leaving it behind to fully unplug, but if you do bring it, keep it in your dry bag at the put-in. It’ll be accessible at camp each night, but won’t be reachable while you’re on the water.
Everything goes into your dry bag and is strapped to the gear raft. Any medications or essentials you need during the day go into your guide’s day bag, which stays accessible on the water. Dry bag contents are only available at camp.
The 2-day and 3-day trips are rated beginner to intermediate (Class III–IV) and are suitable from age 8 up. The 2-Day Extreme trip is advanced (Class IV–V) and requires prior whitewater experience — minimum age 14. The 5-day trip blends all levels across the week. Check our FAQ page for more detail on fitness requirements.
All Arkansas River overnight trips depart from our office near Buena Vista, Colorado at 9:00 AM. Check the directions page for your specific trip’s departure details.
Visit our rafting packing list for a complete breakdown of what to bring on overnight trips.
Everything you need before you hit the river — in one place. Sign your waiver online before you arrive, download packing lists so nothing gets forgotten, check departure directions for your specific trip, and browse river maps to get familiar with the water you’ll be on. The more prepared you are, the more fun you’ll have.
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!
