Fast-paced, action-packed, steep and technical

THE NUMBERS RAFTING

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About Numbers White Water Rafting

The Numbers rafting 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 rafting is for those looking for an action-packed, highly challenging adventure. For those looking for a more forgiving section that is great for beginners, checkout Browns Canyon rafting

Recommended For: Those with previous rafting experience; extremely outgoing first-timers.

Recommended Numbers Rafting Trips – Arkansas River:

Numbers Full Day Trip

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 : $149

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Numbers Half Day Trip

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 : $94

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Arkansas River Extreme 2 Day Trip

Paddle the two most challenging sections of the Arkansas River over two amazing days – The Numbers and Royal Gorge. This rafting adventure is full of technical paddling through fast, twisting rapids. Meet and depart from Buena Vista, Colorado, near Denver and Colorado Springs. Best suited for advanced rafters and those ages 14+. Trips run from May 15 to Aug 15.

A green raft navigates class 5 white water rafting in colorado

Adult price : $539

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the numbers rafting 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

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What people are saying

  • Lydia filled us with confidence. She was skilled and knowledgeable and explained each set of rapids so we knew what to expect. She was great company and we had the best experience. She was brilliant.

    Dwight W. Rafter
  • I cannot wait to come back! Also loved how funny all the guides were. It was the most I’ve seen my sister laugh in a long time! Thank you so much for this amazing experience.

    Lexi R. Rafter
  • I spent several days researching various rafting options and after speaking w/your team was sold. We were not disappointed-the trip is spectacular and our guide Sean was informative, lively professional and entertaining.

    Lauren C. Rafter

resources

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.
The Numbers & Railroad Bridge Access

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
Riverside Access
  • 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.

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