Colorado Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking
Arkansas River Rafting & Kayaking

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The Arkansas is the most popular whitewater river in America and it is open for rafting from May though September. This 100-mile stretch of water flows through the spectacular Browns Canyon National Monument and is used by more than 400,000 rafters, kayakers, fishermen, campers and wildlife viewers each year. The Arkansas River has an average gradient of 38 feet per mile.

Rafting the Arkansas River is Perfect For All Ages

The Famous Browns Canyon National Monument

The Arkansas River is divided in three different sections. The upper section, the Bighorn, flows by the Cotopaxi cliffs. As you cruise down the river, you will experience geological formations and views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Bighorn Sheep are commonly seen as you raft down the river. These rapids are classified as III-IV rapids.

Continuing down the river to the Royal Gorge section that features giant waves, steep technical drops and almost continuous whitewater through the narrow canyon of the Royal Gorge. As you adventure though some of the most challenging whitewater you'll find, you may not even notice the Royal Gorge Bridge 1053 feet above the river. To traverse this section, you must be in good physical shape to navigate the class IV-V rapids.

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is one of the nation's premier recreation areas. Stretching for 152 miles along the Arkansas River, the area offers abundant and outstanding opportunities for rafting, kayaking, picnicking, hiking,  fishing, mountain biking, and sightseeing among deep canyons, broad valleys and towering mountain peaks. The Arkansas River is very popular for private and commercial boaters alike. There are many public areas easily accessible from the area's highways, some require a hike.

BOATING ACCESS POINTS: Along Highway 50 from Mile Marker 100 to 119 are Pinnacle Rock, Salt Lick, Five Points, Spikebuck, Parkdale, Pink House, Centennial Park and River Station. Along Highway 24 from Mile Marker 0 to 119 are Lake Fork, Crystal Lakes, Hayden Meadows, Kobe, and Granite. Along Highway 24 from Mile Marker 14 to 32 are Granite, Clear Creek North & South, Numbers Launch Site, Riverside, Railroad Bridge, Buena Vista. Along Highway 24 from Mile Marker 36 to 52 are Fisherman's Bridge, Ruby Mountain, Hecla Junction, Stone Bridge. Along Highway 50 from Mile Marker 60 to 72 are Salida Boat Ramp, Salida East, Rincon.  Along Highway 50 from Mile Marker 80 to 96 are Vallie Bridge, Trading Post, Lone Pine, Fernleaf Gulch, Texas Creek, Maytag.

Browns Canyon is the last section of the Arkansas River, which runs near the Buena Vista area. This section of the river is tamer than the other sections and is more suitable for all ages with class III-III+ rapids.

The International Rapid Rating Scale:

• Class I: Easy. Fast moving water with riffles, small waves.
• Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids, wide, clear channels.
• Class III: Intermediate. Rapids, moderate, irregular waves.
• Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful rapids, precise boat handling.
• Class V: Expert. Long, obstructed, violent rapids.

Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do

Agate Dog Inc dba Geo Tours Whitewater Raft Trips  
RAFT TRIPS. Clear Creek mini-trips; closest to Denver. In the heart of the Rockies, One-day and Multi-day; Arkansas and Upper Colorado rivers. Family to Advanced. Est 1981. Metro based in Morrison.

Arkansas River Tours - Family Floats to Extreme Adventures   
Celebrating 50 years, 300,000+ happy river guests! ART offers tours for timid beginners to experienced veterans on the Arkansas River. In Cotopaxi, between Salida and Cañon City. Families are our specialty!

Clear Creek Rafting Co.   
Something for everyone! 1/3-day to multi-day CO rafting tours. Whitewater trips in 2 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS: Idaho Springs and Cañon City! On 2 GREAT RIVERS: Clear Creek and the Arkansas River!

Echo Canyon River Expeditions - Day Trips 
Arkansas River Family and Adventure rafting trips with Echo Canyon, an hour from Colorado Springs, near the Royal Gorge Bridge. 45 years of whitewater experience. Afterwards eat at 8-Mile Bar & Grill.

Royal Gorge Rafting, Zip Line Tours, Vacation Rentals, White Water Bar and Grill  
Colorado's #1 Royal Gorge Outfitter and Zipline Tours. Royal Gorge Rafting, Zip Line Tours, White Water Bar and Grill - One Location - 100% FUN! Between Salida and Cañon City along the Arkansas River.

More Activities & Information

Buena Vista Area, Colorado includes: Johnson Village, Nathrop, St. Elmo

Royal Gorge Area, Colorado includes: Cañon City, Coaldale, Cotopaxi, Florence, Guffey, Penrose, Texas Creek

Salida, Colorado includes: Howard, Monarch, Poncha Springs

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