Fast-paced, action-packed, steep and technical
The Numbers
Numbers Trip Search:
the numbers overview
The Numbers section of the Arkansas River is steep and rocky, making it very technical and challenging. Precision paddling is required in order to maneuver through tight channels while punching though powerful waves and boulder-choked drops. This section of Arkansas River whitewater is for those looking for an action-packed, highly challenging adventure.
Recommended For: Those with previous rafting experience; extremely outgoing first-timers.
Recommended Rafting Trips on The Numbers – Arkansas River:
Take on two great Arkansas River sections in one day! You’ll start in the fun and fast-paced rapids of Browns Canyon and finish with the challenging and technical rapids of the Numbers. This trip departs from Buena Vista, Colorado, near Denver and Colorado Springs, and is recommended to advanced rafters and those ages 14+. Available from May 15 to Aug 20.
Adult price : $170
Experience the most highly technical and challenging section of white water we offer. This thrilling and fast-paced Arkansas River trip departs from our office in Buena Vista, Colorado, near Colorado Springs and Denver, and includes the Numbers and Narrows sections. Recommended to advanced rafters and those ages 14+. This adventure is available from May 15 to Aug 15.
Adult price : $165
Raft the non-stop action, steep drops and tight technical turns of this exciting Arkansas River half day adventure. Suitable for advanced rafters and those ages 14+, this trip departs from Buena Vista, Colorado – close to Denver, Colorado Springs and major resort towns. This exhilarating and challenging trip is available from May 15 to Aug 20.
Adult price : $110
Paddle the two most challenging sections of the Arkansas River over two amazing days – The Numbers and Royal Gorge. The fantastic rafting adventure is full of technical paddling through fast, twisting rapids. Meet and depart from Buena Vista, Colorado, near Denver and Colorado Springs, on this trip available from May 15 to Aug 15. Best suited for advanced rafters and those ages 14+.
Adult price : $539
the numbers sections
Numbers White Water Rafting Details:
Difficulty: Class IV-V (What does this mean?)
Elevation: 8625′ to 8238′
Average Gradient: 67.2′ per mile
Access to Access
Numbers to Riverside: 5.3 miles
Riverside to Railroad Bridge: .5 miles
Total Mileage: 5.8 miles
Notes: This section is typically under a high water advisory (over 2400 cfs) from late-May through late-June due to run-off and all commercial outfitters refrain from rafting this section at that time.
reviews
What people are saying
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Information for Arkansas River Self-Guided Boaters:
The Arkansas River is in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) and is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
- Boating Permit Required: NO
- Permit Details: On the off chance you do not use a developed AHRA Recreation Site, no fee of any kind is required to float the river.
Arkansas River – The Numbers & Railroad Bridge Access Details:
- Sites: Numbers & Railroad Bridge Recreation Site
- Instructions: Follow signage at recreation sites.
- Fee: Annual or daily permits are required to use these sites. Those without passes will be ticketed.
- Where to Buy: Annual Permits can be purchased through AHRA in Salida or Colorado Parks and Wildlife Offices in Denver, but most people use the self-serve daily pay stations at AHRA managed access points.
- Contact: Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA)
307 W Sackett Street, Salida, CO 81201
719-539-7289 ~ www.parks.state.co.us/parks/arkansasheadwaters
- Sites: Riverside Access
- Instructions: This is a public camping site with access to the river. If camping, do not block the path to the river. Many commercial and self-guided boaters use this access so please load and unload quickly.
- Fee: No
Shuttles:
Wilderness Aware Rafting offers self-guided boater vehicle shuttles on limited sections of the Arkansas River. Please contact them at 800.462.7238 or complete an Arkansas River Shuttle Reservation Form on their website.
reviews
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Great instructors, great experience, I would recommend to anyone they must go to Wilderness Aware for rafting!
Lance Gregory Vigil9/17/2019We had a wonderful time on our lower browns canyon half day trip. We brought our 6-year old daughter along and it was the perfect... read more
Natalie Magee9/14/2019IT WAS A GREAT BONDING TRIP WITH MY DAUGHTER AND HER BOYFRIEND... GREAT GUIDES
Scott Shaw9/12/2019 -
A great first time rafting with a fun and experienced guide, Michael.
Heidi Ihrke8/30/2019What thrill ride! We were here 7/24/19. Water levels were higher than expected so we were able to ride longer. Our guide, Eric, was THE... read more
Susan Gray8/24/2019Outfit was professional with safety-first attitude. Definitely made our first rafting experience a great time. We trusted Michael, our guide, to teach us... read more
Kelly Bloom Barbieri8/20/2019 -
Great instructors! Made everyone feel safe and comfortable... super fun and exciting and professional experience! Definitely worth the money.
Celia Siders-Fushia8/20/2019Full day trip with Justin was awesome! The water was great, the lunch was better than expected, and the conversation never lagged! The rapids came... read more
Jeannem McCoy8/19/2019Great experience! Justin and Brent were great and we laughed constantly as we went down the Numbers portion of the river. Great guys, felt very... read more
Kim Behrens-Grieser8/18/2019 -
5 stars
We had a fantastic trip on the one day trip through Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River in Colorado. Great guides and equipment... read more 
Ana Unruh Cohen8/06/2019We did the half day Browns Canyon on the AR river today and it was AWESOME!! Our guide Lindsey was fun and knowledgeable! Great local... read more
Kimberly Winchester Short8/06/2019Just finished our 4th adventure with Wilderness Aware and would not even consider another company. Great experience from arrival to departure. Thanks to... read more
James Christensen8/01/2019
