NUMBERS RAFTING

Many rafters consider The Numbers to be one of the most exciting commercially rafted sections of the Arkansas River due to its continuous Class IV rapids.

Experience is helpful but not required. Adventurous first-time rafters often enjoy The Numbers when guided by experienced professionals.

The Numbers is typically rated Class IV whitewater, meaning guests should expect impressive waves, fast current, and active paddling.

The Numbers section of the Arkansas River is located just north of Buena Vista, Colorado in the Upper Arkansas Valley.

Wear quick-dry clothing such as swimwear or athletic wear and secure footwear like river sandals or water shoes.
All safety equipment is provided.

Our guides evaluate river conditions daily and adjust trips based on water levels and guest experience to maintain a safe trip.

Guests often mention:

• Calm, knowledgeable guides
• Clear instruction in big rapids
• Professional trip organization
• A balance of excitement and reassurance

Many say rafting The Numbers with Wilderness Aware became the highlight of their Colorado adventure.

The Numbers” gets its name from the way its major rapids were originally labeled. In the early 1960s—likely around preparations for the 1964 National Slalom Championships—paddlers needed a clear, simple way to identify each rapid. Instead of giving them traditional names, they numbered the most significant rapids sequentially from upstream to downstream (No. 1 through No. 6).

The name stuck, and today “The Numbers” refers to one of Colorado’s most famous whitewater runs—known for its steep gradient, continuous Class IV rapids, and fast-paced, technical character. Despite the straightforward naming, this stretch delivers some of the most exciting rafting in the state

Adventurous beginners can absolutely do the Numbers — many first-timers have had the experience of their lives here. But the Numbers is not a passive trip. Class IV rapids require continuous active paddling, quick response to your guide’s commands, and genuine physical engagement. Guests who arrive ready to work hard and follow instructions will have a thrilling experience. Guests who are hesitant to paddle or struggle to follow commands can make the trip more difficult for the entire raft. The honest take: if you’re nervous but committed to giving it everything you’ve got, you belong on this river. If you’re looking for scenic floating with occasional bumps, Browns Canyon is a better fit.

Active paddling on the Numbers means paddling hard and continuously — not just dipping your oar when you feel like it. The Class IV rapids require your whole raft to work as a team, with everyone stroking powerfully on your guide’s call. Multiple guests describe the full-day Numbers trip as a genuine workout, and they mean it positively. Expect your arms, core, and shoulders to feel it by the end. This physicality is part of what makes the Numbers feel earned — and why finishing the run feels so satisfying. A reasonable baseline fitness level helps; you don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable with sustained physical effort.

Our strong recommendation is the full-day. The half-day covers the core rapids section but runs only about 1.5 to 2 hours on the water once you account for transport — which many guests find leaves them wanting more. The full-day combines the Numbers with the Narrows section downstream, adds a proper riverside lunch, and gives you the complete experience of this part of the Arkansas River. Multiple guests who’ve done the half-day have told us to skip it and go straight to the full day. If you’re making the trip to Buena Vista, commit to the full-day Numbers trip.

Water level dramatically changes the Numbers experience. In late May and early June during peak snowmelt, the river runs fast and high — creating the biggest waves and most intense whitewater of the season. This is when the Numbers is at its most exhilarating. As the season progresses into late July and August, water levels drop; the rapids become more technical and require precise maneuvering rather than raw power — still excellent, but different in character. If maximum intensity is your goal, June is your window. If you’re flexible on timing, call us and we’ll tell you exactly what to expect on your specific date.

The Narrows is a distinct section of the Arkansas River immediately downstream of The Numbers, and it’s included on our full-day Numbers trip. While the Numbers delivers seven consecutive named Class IV rapids in quick succession, the Narrows offers a different challenge: the river squeezes through a tighter canyon corridor with technical maneuvering around rock formations. Together, the Numbers plus Narrows full-day covers 26 miles of river — one of the most complete whitewater days available in Colorado. Many guests say the contrast between the intensity of the Numbers and the technicality of the Narrows makes the full day feel like two distinct adventures in one.

The minimum age for the Numbers is 14 years old, which may increase during high water conditions in spring. Beyond age, guests should be in reasonable physical condition — able to paddle continuously for extended stretches and comfortable following rapid verbal commands in a dynamic environment. There is no formal fitness test, but guests with significant physical limitations or who struggle with sustained exertion may find the Numbers challenging. If you have specific health concerns, please call us at 719-395-2112 before booking so we can help determine if this trip is the right fit.

Swimming on the Numbers is more common than on Browns Canyon, simply because the rapids are bigger and more continuous — it happens, and it’s handled. Before launching, your guide walks you through exactly what to do: float on your back with feet downstream, hold your paddle if possible, and follow your guide’s instructions. Guides carry throw ropes, are certified in swift water rescue, and will reach you immediately. You’ll be wearing a properly fitted life jacket at all times. The vast majority of guests stay in the raft for the entire trip — but if you do swim the Numbers, you’ll have a story to tell for the rest of your life.

Many of our most enthusiastic Numbers fans came in nervous and left completely converted. If you’re willing to commit to paddling hard and trusting your guide, nervousness won’t hold you back — it’ll make the accomplishment feel even bigger. What makes the Numbers work for uncertain guests isn’t calm water; it’s exceptional guides who explain every rapid in advance and get the best out of every person in the raft. The one scenario where nervousness becomes a problem is when guests refuse to paddle or disengage mid-rapid. Nervous but willing? Go. Looking for Class II mellow water? Start with Browns Canyon.