Colorado Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking by Rivers - Arkansas River - The Colorado Directory

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Arkansas River
Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking

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colorado whitewater rafting

The Arkansas is open for rafting from May though September. The 100-mile stretch of water 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.

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. It is also common to see bighorn sheep as you raft down the river. These rapids are classified as III-IV rapids.

Continuing down the river is the Royal Gorge section of the river. This section of the river 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' above the river. To traverse this section, you must be in good physical shape to navigate the class IV-V rapids.

Brown's 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.


    White Water Rafting Companies on the Arkansas River:

  • Boulder Outdoor Center: Rafting, Kayaking & Snowmobiling
      Winter & summer equipment, lessons & guided trips. Snow-sports: snowcat, heli skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing. Paddle-sports: kayaking, canoeing, and rafting. EXPERTISE is our difference.

  • A Whitewater Encounter
      Fun, exciting raft trips for all ages and abilities, all with FREE WETSUIT USE! Located in the Heart of the Colorado Rockies, between Salida and Buena Vista.

  • Adventure Company, The
      Whitewater Rafting on 4 different rivers, serving vacationers from Breckenridge to Buena Vista. Also offered are fishing float trips, rock climbing, biking, hiking, hot air ballooning & kayak instruction.

  • ATV Tours @ Mile Hi Rafting and A & A Historical Trails - Horse Riding Stables
      Located on Clear Creek minutes from Denver & Summit County. Scenic ATV & Horse mountain tours are just 45 minutes from Denver. We offer fun professionally guided tours on Clear Creek & Arkansas rivers.

  • Buffalo Joe's Whitewater Rafting
      A DAY OF YOUR SUMMER. . . FOR THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE! Colorado River rafting is a fun and exciting family sport. 2 offices: Buena Vista and Royal Gorge area with 1/2 day and multi day trips.

  • Clear Creek Rafting CO.
      TWO GREAT RIVERS AND TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS! Whitewater trips, 1/3 day to multi-day trips - there's something for everyone.
  • Colorado Adventures
      Twice Named Colorado's "Company of the Year." Offering 1/2 to 10 day whitewater rafting trips on 5 Colorado rivers. Featuring Inn-to-Inn rafting, horseback riding, jeeping and downhill mountain biking.
  • Echo Canyon River Expeditions
      30 years of experience in providing RAFTING ADVENTURES and making VACATION MEMORIES that last a lifetime! FAMILY and ADVENTURE class rafting just 1 hour from Colorado Springs.

  • GEO Tours Whitewater Raft Trips
      Based in Denver Metro Area in Morrison! GEO Tours is "Whitewater Rafting" in Denver. Experienced Staff - same ownership since 1981. Clear Creek - part-day trips and closest to Denver!

  • Good Times Rafting Tours
      Fun, affordable, whitewater raft trips minutes from Denver, Vail, Summit County, Aspen, and Colorado Springs. Offering Mild to wild rafting on the Arkansas, Colorado, Blue and Clear Creek Rivers.

  • Performance Tours Whitewater Rafting
      Conveniently located in Breckenridge, Buena Vista & Royal Gorge. Raft the Blue River, Colorado River & Arkansas River.

  • Raft Masters, Inc
      ALWAYS FREE wetsuits. Raft three rivers: The incredible Arkansas, 45 miles from Colorado Springs in Canon City; Clear Creek, only 30 miles from Denver; and the Colorado, 2 hours northwest of Denver.

  • Raven Rafting
      Jump into the Fun on the Arkansas, Colorado and North Platte Rivers; two convenient locations; 1/2 to multi-day trips; FREE wetsuit use; 15% Discount! You have to go to know!

  • River Runners
      The "Whitewater Professionals" since 1972! Half, Full and Multi-day trips for all ages and abilities. Private beach and hot showers await your group. Buena Vista and Royal Gorge.

  • Rock-N-Row Inc.
      An adventure company opening the door for new adventures in Cotopaxi in the Royal Gorge region: experience whitewater rafting, inflatable kayaks, rock climbing, fly fishing, horseback riding, trail rides.

  • Royal Gorge Rafting
      We believe whitewater rafting is one of the most exciting and peaceful experiences you can have. So it's no wonder the Arkansas River attracts nearly a million people in a single summer. JOIN the FUN!

  • Vessels for Honor Rafting Co.
      Fun and Adventure! Bighorn Sheep Canyon and The Royal Gorge Rafting! Groups discounts available. In Texas Creek between Salida and Canon City.

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Animas River Whitewater Rafting / Arkansas River Whitewater Rafting / Blue River Whitewater Rafting / Cache la Poudre River Whitewater Rafting / Clear Creek River Whitewater Rafting / Colorado River Whitewater Rafting / Dolores River Whitewater Rafting / Eagle River Whitewater Rafting / Green River Whitewater Rafting / Gunnison River Whitewater Rafting / Lake Fork River Whitewater Rafting / Little Cimarron River Whitewater Rafting / Lower Colorado River Whitewater Rafting

North Platte River Whitewater Rafting / Piedra River Whitewater Rafting / Rio Chama River Whitewater Rafting / Rio Grande River Whitewater Rafting / Roaring Fork River Whitewater Rafting / San Juan River Whitewater Rafting / San Miguel River Whitewater Rafting / South Platte River Whitewater Rafting / St. Vrain River Whitewater Rafting / Taylor River Whitewater Rafting / Uncompahgre River Whitewater Rafting / Upper Colorado River Whitewater Rafting / White River Whitewater Rafting / Yampa River Whitewater Rafting

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