*Minimum age will increase at high water
A Colorado overnight rafting trip on the Arkansas River is a true bucket-list worthy adventure. Choose from a 2-day, 3-day or 5-day option. Our expert and professional guides will lead you through some of the most popular river stretches in the country. Enjoy riverside camping, meals prepared for you by our guides and the excitement of Colorado whitewater.
Day 1: Begin your journey at our base near Buena Vista, Colorado, where you’ll meet your guides and fellow adventurers. After a thorough safety briefing, we’ll embark on our first day of rafting, tackling the class III-IV rapids of the Narrows. Settle into our riverside camp for the night and unwind under the vast night sky.
Day 2: Wake up to the peaceful sounds of nature and savor a delicious breakfast prepared by our guides. Today, we’ll continue our rafting adventure, navigating through challenging rapids and the canyon scenery of Browns Canyon. Enjoy a scenic lunch along the riverbank before reaching our next campsite, where you can relax or explore the surrounding wilderness.
Day 3: Dive deeper into the wilderness as we embark on another day of rafting Upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon. This is a section that you can request to dip your own paddle in the water using one of our inflatable kayaks! In the evening, gather around the campfire for stories, stargazing, and camaraderie with your fellow travelers.
Day 4: Wind down from the past 3 days of adventure while enjoying a mild float through the class II rapids of Lower Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Be sure to take in the incredible views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings along the riverbanks as we make our way through remote stretches of untouched nature.
Day 5: Go out with a bang rafting through the class IV-V Royal Gorge on day 5. Our final day on the river offers one last chance to soak in the beauty of the landscape and enjoy the thrill of rafting before reaching the end of our journey.
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.
This 2-day Arkansas River trip offers the most continuous white water available on a self-contained 2-day trip in the state. Over two days, you’ll navigate the thrilling rapids of the Narrows and Browns Canyon, soak in stunning canyon scenery, and camp beneath the stars along the river. Expert guides will lead you through exhilarating whitewater and ensure your safety and enjoyment.
Take on the Arkansas River’s most popular class V sections, the Numbers and the Royal Gorge with seasoned and professional guides. Riverside camping includes freshly prepared meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day. This vehicle-assisted overnight trip will meet and depart from our office near Buena Vista, CO.
Our 3-day Arkansas River trips combine three of the Arkansas River’s best white water sections the Narrow, Browns Canyon and Upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon. This self-contained overnight camping and white water rafting vacation. Unlike the 2-day trip, our extended excursion offers additional time to jump in an inflatable kayak to personally challenge the river.
This 5-day Arkansas River trip combines all of the Arkansas River’s best white water sections into an epic multi-day rafting adventure. Wilderness Aware is the only company in Colorado that offers an Arkansas River rafting trip of this length. Experience the Narrows, Browns Canyon, Upper Bighorn Sheep and Royal Gorge sections of the Arkansas River. This is our favorite multi-day trip on the Arkansas River and the longest rafting tour available in Colorado during mid to late summer.
*Minimum age will increase at high water
We have tents, sleeping bags and ground pads available to rent if you would prefer that over bringing your own! Tents are $20 per trip and comfortably sleep 2 adults with gear. A sleeping bag with a ground pad is $20. And if you only want the ground pad it is $10.
We don’t recommend bringing along your cell phone, but we understand how hard it is to unplug for multiple days! If you decide to bring it along, we recommend leaving it in your dry bag where you will have access to it at camp.
All gear that is not being worn on the river will be put in your 3.5 cubic foot dry bag that we provide for you. The only thing you will not put in there is the tent! Any medications or other items that are necessary throughout the day will be placed in the guides’ day bag that is accessible throughout the day. Anything in your dry bag will be strapped in on a gear boat and will only be accessible at camp.
Reservations should be made as soon as you know your plans, although seats are sometimes available up to the last minute. Late registration is on a space available basis.Â
Get set for your adventure! Here, you’ll find everything you need to gear up and get ready. From essential packing lists and detailed directions to convenient waiver forms and comprehensive river maps, we’ve got you covered. Prepare to dive into the excitement of white water rafting with confidence and ease.
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!
Wilderness Aware Rafting is proud to be a Colorado & Buena Vista white water rafting outfitter under the National Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. All or part of this operation is conducted on Public Lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Wilderness Aware Rafting is an equal opportunity service provider and employer.
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