Top 5 Overnight & Multi-Day White Water Rafting Trips
#1: Arkansas River 2, 3 and 5 Day Rafting/Camping Overnight Adventures Our most popular multi-day camping & rafting trips run on the various sections of Arkansas River. Conveniently located in central Colorado, the Arkansas River provides exciting and challenging white water rafting for all levels of experience. We offer multi-day & overnight adventures suitable for groups, families, scouts, camps and individuals. 2 Day, 3 Day and 5 Day Trips 2.5 hours southwest of Denver Class III-IV whitewater Kids ages 8+ What Sections Will I Raft? We specialize in providing self-contained and continuous multi-day overnight raft trips – no repeating sections or shuttles to campgrounds. The 2 Day, 3 Day and 5 Day trips all begin at the same location – just north of Buena Vista at the start of The Narrows section. Day 1: The Narrows (Class III-IV) – Start off your multi-day adventure with splashy, fun and continuous intermediate white water! The Narrows is full of fast-paced, technical rapids that challenge your paddling skills. As you raft south toward Buena Vista, enjoy the awe inspiring views of the lofty Rocky Mountains and towering cottonwood trees that hug the river’s edge. Stop at camp just before entering Browns Canyon, where your guides prepare fresh and delicious meals for you and your party. Day 2: Browns Canyon (Class III-IV) – After a hot breakfast and freshly brewed coffee enjoyed around the campfire, hit the popular and exciting Browns Canyon section. Splash through miles of entertaining white water in a glorious canyon full of breathtaking beauty and interesting rock formations. 2 Day trips finish up shortly after Browns Canyon, while those continuing on our 3 or 5 day trips camp just a few miles upstream of Salida. Day 3: Lower Browns/Bighorn Sheep Canyon (Class II-III) – Day three takes you through the mild water sections of Lower Browns and Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Here you have the opportunity to take your turn paddling one of our inflatable kayaks to explore the river on your own while maneuvering small rapids that feel like big waves in a kayak! 3-day trips take out where the 5-day camps for the night. Day 4: Bighorn Sheep Canyon (Class II-III) – Day four brings you into the heart of Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Enjoy exploring the river in inflatable kayaks and keep a look out for wildlife – including the Bighorn Sheep! Day 5: Bighorn Sheep Canyon/Royal Gorge (Class III-IV, V) – Start the fifth and final day of your trip in thrilling whitewater very similar to Browns Canyon. Stop for lunch just before entering the class IV-V rapids of the Royal Gorge where the minimum rafting age is 14. At this time you have the option of finishing your trip at lunch or continuing through the action-packed rapids of the Gorge. #2: Arkansas River 2, 3 and 4 Day Inn to Inn These luxurious all inclusive multi-day overnight trips are perfect for groups who are not interesting in sleeping in a tent. Customize your trip with an activity and rafting sections of your choice while enjoying the local culture and cuisine! 2, 3 or 4 Day Trips 2.5 hours southwest of Denver Class III-IV or V whitewater Kids ages 10+ On the first day enjoy a morning of rafting in the exciting class III-IV whitewater of the Narrows and an afternoon of horseback riding, golfing or soaking at the natural hot springs. Get a great night’s sleep at a local inn and enjoy a homemade breakfast before diving into the popular Browns Canyon section. Over the next two days, customize your river experience with inflatable kayaks or challenging class V whitewater. #3: Arkansas River 2 Day Extreme Trip This trip is perfect for those who are interested in challenging themselves with the advanced whitewater of the Arkansas River. 2 Day Trip (vehicle assisted) 2.5 hours southwest of Denver Class IV-V whitewater Kids ages 14+ Plunge into the commanding and technical Numbers section on day one, then drive to a developed state park campground where your guides will treat you to a freshly prepared meal. Day two brings you into the famous Royal Gorge section full of magnificent views and enthralling rapids. #4: Gunnison River 2 Day Trip Get away from it all on one of the most secluded wilderness rafting trips available in Colorado. The stunning Gunnison Gorge offers exciting whitewater mixed with calm sections of green glassy water. 2 Day Trip 5 hours west of Denver Class III-IV whitewater Kids ages 10+ Your overnight trip starts with an exciting backcountry road adventure to the top of the Chukar Trail where you begin your mile long hike into the Gunnison Gorge. The beautiful rock formations and unique vegetation along the trail are just a taste of what is to come over the next couple of days on the river. When floating into the heart of the Gorge soak in the sun, take a swim, bask in geological history and splash through the rapids until you reach camp. Here you can relax in the company of your friends and family while your guides prepare a fresh meal for your group. In the morning enjoy a hot breakfast along the river’s edge before another fun day on the river. #5: Salt River 2, 3, 4 and 5 Day Trip Exciting springtime rafting in the beautiful and isolated Arizona wilderness. Our Salt River overnight trips are a true getaway into the heart of Sonoran desert – away from civilization and the stresses of a busy life All Trips 2.5 hours east of Phoenix Class III-IV whitewater Kids ages 10+ Our multi-day trips all meet at the bottom of the Salt River Canyon just off Highway 60; about 45 minutes north of Globe, AZ. 4 and 5 day trips depart from the meeting point while 2 and 3 day trips take a short shuttle downstream to their departure point. All trips raft through the stunning and rapid-filled Salt River Wilderness and wrap up at the Highway 288 Bridge near Globe. On our 2 and 3 day trips, you will experience longer days on the river paddling through class III-IV rapids.
Best River Trips in Colorado
[mk_page_section bg_image=”https://www.inaraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/colorado1.jpg” bg_position=”center top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_stretch=”true” enable_3d=”true” video_color_mask=”#000000″ video_opacity=”0.5″ min_height=”650″ js_vertical_centered=”true” margin_bottom=”30px” top_shape_color=”#ffffff” bottom_shape_color=”#ffffff” section_id=”bestRiv” first_page=”false” last_page=”false” sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” size=”40″ txt_transform=”none” margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”Damion” font_type=”google” align=”center”]America’s white water rafting river[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title color=”#d8a226″ size=”72″ force_font_size=”true” size_phone=”40″ font_weight=”bold” txt_transform=”uppercase” margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”Montserrat” font_type=”google” align=”center” animation=”flip-x”]Colorado River Rafting[/mk_fancy_title][mk_image src=”https://www.inaraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/yellowgraphic.png” image_size=”full” align=”center” margin_bottom=”30″ crop=”false”][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1524138440501{margin-top: 50px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1531082757046{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Colorado Rafting trips are the most-popular summer activity in Colorado. There are a variety of trips, including overnight camping & rafting trips, that suit all skill levels – mild float water, intermediate adventures and challenging, technical runs. We are happy to offer the best white water raft trips on five different Colorado rivers – including the popular and versatile Arkansas River. Arkansas River Trips: The Arkansas River is America’s Most Popular rafting river. Trips on the Arkansas River are very diverse – there is something for everyone. When rafting the Arkansas River, keep in mind that the water levels peak during runoff between late-May and June. During this time frame, the water is colder and air temperatures remain cool. As the water levels come down from their peak, in July and August, the weather warms up and traffic on the river increases. River trips are more family-friendly during the later summer, and more action-packed in early season. VIEW TRIPS [/vc_column_text][mk_table] Browns Canyon TRIP OPTIONS: • Browns Canyon Half Day (10 miles) • Browns Canyon Full Day (18 miles) Browns Canyon is among the most beautiful stretches of river in Colorado. In early 2015, the area was declared as Browns Canyon National Monument – and the easiest and best way to see the monument is by raft. The pool-drop canyon is suitable for all skill levels. Class III-IV | Ages 7+ | May – Labor Day Lower Browns Canyon TRIP OPTIONS: • Lower Browns Canyon Half Day (10 miles) Lower Browns Canyon is the perfect river trip for families with young children or elderly adults. The mild float trip starts just below Browns Canyon and rafts through mellow water surrounded by meadows and views of the area’s spectacular mountain peaks. Class I-II | Ages 4+ | May – Labor Day The Narrows TRIP OPTIONS: • Narrows Half Day (8 miles) • Narrows Express Full Day (26 miles) The Narrows is a unique stretch of white water, especially during runoff, because of its small, but continuous rapids and technical character. Towering cottonwood trees and views of the 14,000′ peak create a beautiful backdrop. Class III-IV | Ages 10+ | May – mid-August The Numbers TRIP OPTIONS: • The Numbers Half Day (6 miles) • The Numbers Full Day (15 miles) • Browns/Numbers Combo Full Day (15 miles) The Numbers is the best, most challenging section of whitewater that we offer. Continuous rapids accented with powerful hydraulics, tight and technical turns and fast-paced paddling make this adventure one that we recommend to those with previous rafting experience. Class IV-V | Ages 14+ | May – Labor Day The Royal Gorge TRIP OPTIONS: • Royal Gorge Full Day (18 miles) The Royal Gorge is a popular section of the Arkansas River for it’s stunning beauty and world-class white water. Powerful rapids and aggressive paddling are required in this stretch of river, recommended to guests with previous rafting experience. Class IV-V | Ages 14+ | May – mid-August Multi-Day Trips TRIP OPTIONS: • 2 Day Wilderness (35 miles) • 2 Day Extreme (33 miles) • 3 Day Camping (68 miles) • 5 Day Camping (90 miles) Our multi-day adventures are truly unique. River trips are self-contained – we bring everything we’ll need on the river along with the trip, allowing guests to camp in more secluded, less public locations. You’ll raft exciting rapids during the day and relaxing, riverside, around the campfire in the evening. Guides prepare each meal fresh, from scratch, featuring choices such as lasagna, tossed salad and cake for dinner, and french toast and bacon for breakfast! Class III-IV (V optional) | Ages 8+ | May – Labor Day Inn to Inn Rafting TRIP OPTIONS: • 2, 3 or 4 Day Inn to Inn If you are looking for the action-packed whitewater rafting experience with comfortable accommodations and restaurant dining, consider our wonderful Inn to Inn rafting trips. Class III-IV (V optional) | Ages 10+ | May – mid-August [/mk_table][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1524139187095{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”] Gunnison, Upper Colorado North Platte and Dolores River Trips [/vc_column_text][mk_table] Gunnison River TRIP OPTIONS: • Gunnison Gorge Full Day (14 miles) • Gunnison Gorge 2 Day (14 miles) Our river trips on the Gunnison River are the most isolated, backcountry-style white water adventures that we offer. You’ll hike down into the Gunnison Gorge, just on the border of the Black Canyon National Park, where your boats wait – carried down by pack horses the day before! Class III-IV | Ages 10+ | July (launch permitting) Upper Colorado River TRIP OPTIONS: • Little Gore Canyon Full Day (10 miles) • Little Gore Canyon 2 Day (28 miles) River trips on the Upper Colorado are very family-friendly, suitable for young kids and elderly folks. Be prepared to meander through open Colorado meadow and rolling hills. Inflatable kayaks accompany these trips so guests can explore the river on their own! Class I-II | Ages 4+ | May – Labor Day North Platte River TRIP OPTIONS: • Northgate Canyon Full Day (10 miles) • Northgate Canyon 2 Day (36 miles) The North Platte river is a true wilderness river that stretches across the border between Colorado and Wyoming. Fun, fast-paced rapids and an abundance of wildlife are found on these river trips – including moose, bald eagle and river otters. Class III-IV | Ages 10+ | May – mid-June Dolores River TRIP OPTIONS: • Ponderosa Gorge 3 Day (50 miles) • Slick Rock Canyon 3 Day (50 miles) • Ponderosa/Slick Rock 6 Day (100 miles) • Gateway Canyon 10 Day (168 miles) The Dolores River is a magnificent gem in the southwest corner of Colorado. Each section of this long, winding river has it’s own unique characteristics, providing unforgettable memories to those
Family Rafting Day Trips in Colorado and Arizona
Take your Family on a White Water Rafting Adventure Vacation Rafting is an activity that all ages can enjoy! On a family adventure trip, parents shouldn’t have to choose between making the adults or making the kids happy. Young kids can ride in the raft with parents without the responsibility or the “rules” of paddling a raft. Teens can paddle as an equal with Mom and Dad and can share in the excitement of navigating the rapids. Wilderness Aware guides are kids at heart and enjoy creating fun for families. Our most popular Colorado family rafting trips are on the Arkansas River due to the wide variety of trip difficulties and trips lengths available. All trips on the Arkansas River are conveniently located near Denver, Aspen, Breckenridge and Colorado Springs. Our season on the Arkansas River runs through the heart of the summer season from May 1 through Labor Day in early September. Trips for families with young kids (ages 4-6): Mild water trips – great for the whole family! Mellow and relaxing, our mild float trips are a great way to grandparents and grandkids to bond or as a first adventure for a young family. The follow trip is on the Arkansas River. Lower Browns Canyon Trip Milk Run Trip Trips for active families (ages 7+): Each of the following Arkansas River are excellent for first timers or seasoned professionals. Exciting whitewater that doesn’t compromise on fun for adults or kids. Browns Canyon Rafting Half Day (ages 7+) Browns Canyon Rafting Full Day (ages 7+) Advanced trips for families (ages 14+): These Arkansas River trips are great for all adult adventure seeking families looking for adrenaline-charged whitewater. Numbers Rafting Half Day Numbers Rafting Full Day Royal Gorge Rafting Full Day We offer more day trips on rivers throughout Colorado and Arizona. Springtime rafting trips for families looking for a desert getaway with exciting fast-paced white water can join us Arizona’s Salt River. Conveniently located 2.5 hours east of Phoenix and north of Tucson. In Colorado, if you have a good size family group you can tackle the exciting whitewater on the North Platte or Gunnison River. If your family is in the mood for more mellow rapids or with families with young kids, you can join us on a scenic float on the Upper Colorado River.
River Poetry by Wilderness Aware Guests
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1517434440841{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Breath of rapid Whitewater kiss River sonnet Rafting bliss Heartbeat pounding Muscles strain Laughter echoes Memories made A Carney, Castle Rock – CO My wife wants a refund She’s not satisfied She thought at Widow Maker That I should have died But she’s somewhat happy That I took a roll When I got flushed Down the big Toilet Bowl! R Buursma, Holland – MI Traveling downstream in a raft We paddled, we splashed and we laughed At the end of the day Each was changed in some way Forever reshaped by the craft B Baum, Concho – AZ If you are looking for high quality H20 Colorado is the place to go The water is cool The guides ain’t no fools They take you down the falls And into the gorge To new heights your group will forge T Bloom, Armonk – NY The ride was fun I wish it weren’t done A good time was had by all Because we survived “The Big Fall” We all had fun, so take good care To all other boat’s freeloaders Beware! M Rowe, Henderson – CO Rafting down the river was fun The guides were # 1 The water is cold And now my shirt smells like mold I am so sad the trip came to an end I cannot wait to go rafting again R Liffmann, New Canaan – CT Rafting was sweet We even got to eat The guides were hot Which really hit the spot It was an awesome day I never wanted to go away A Frauendorfer, Madison – NE The river is wet The river is cold To raft the river You must be bold D Shirah, Atlanta – GA Through the flume We did zoom While the ducks fluffed their plumes And the birds They did soar While we went through Screen Door The river was fun But now we must run And return again for more fun S Bonsal, Rio Rancho – NM Oh to the river So wild and blue Oh to the river We had fun with you Oh to the river So wet and so cold Oh to the river With beauty so bold Oh to the river We’ll be back again Oh to the river Sun & fun we will win B Miller, Lakewood – CO I’m feeling quite tired and heady Must have rafted through too much eddy Whatever the case There’s a smile on my face For another rafting experience I am ready L Isen, Potomac – MD The water was wicked Like that movie “The Craft” So I grabbed my paddle And jumped in the raft I went through the rapids And handled with care This trip was awesome Thanks to Wilderness Aware B Reynolds, Warrensburg – MO I went on a trip And took a little dip The water was cold And I jumped in when I wasn’t told Simon dressed in pink underwear Zee showed his true feelings to Simon with special “care” Overall this trip was fun But too bad this poem is done C Portesn, Huntingdon Valley – PA I came, I raft, I saw Hail the Arkansas! T Harshbarger, York Springs – PA Rafting the river made me shiver The water was cold just as we were told. Again I’d come… Since our guide wasn’t a bum. Kerry was the best Tight was my life vest. Lunch was great And we didn’t become lunch bait!! A great time I had That I came, I’m glad. C Stewart, Colorado Springs – CO Floating in the river is a craft Call 1-800-In-A-Raft If your trip leaves in the morn, Be sure to ask for your guide, Corn If you want to have the best of care Take a trip with Wilderness Aware K Short, Sterling – CO The river was wild Woody was funny It was worth all the money M Reynolds, Warrensburg – MO I rode with Drew He had a wimpy crew We came to Widow Maker The left side of the boat was a shakin’ The right side of the boat was a rowin’ In left circles we were a goin’ B Kosanda, St Paul – MO My butt is wet My legs are burnt But Anna kept us all from getting hurt Thanks!! Unknown, Apopka – FL The river was like food. It was good. M Harris, Atherton – CA It was my wife’s and my second time It was the kids’ first time. Mom got some sun Dani had fun Nick got wet And kept saying, “Are we there yet?” G Vroom, Randolph – WI The river is so pretty. The river is so sweet. The river is like Heaven Because I love wet feet! J Burnette, Austin – TX Seven people, a guide, and one boat With only one hope To stay afloat We quickly found lots in store Widow Maker, Staircase, Toilet Bowl and more We knew going with this company we had a score P Merritt, McKinney – TX Joyful fear As blue hole draws near Paddles in flight Scream of delight? Cold, fast, wet trip Boat didn’t flip A sore, happy grin We’ll do it again. A Burnette, Austin – TX My eyes were bold By butt was cold Keep your feet secure, I’m told! I’m up and down I’m thrown around Oh what a day How much did I pay? D Stewart, Colorado Springs – CO Wet Hemorrhoid Rock! If I flip…! The water is ccccccold!!!!!! Elephant and Hippo Rock Widow Maker Awesome Tight Enormous Rapids River Rafting. E Stewart, Colorado Springs – CO The trip was fun We had a great time We’ll be back again To try another rhyme! J Nollman, Salisbury – NC I had fun with Anna Our boat looked like a banana. C Benier, Kansas City, – MO Anna, oh Anna We lived through the trip Anna, oh Anna We never did flip My love for you was all I can see When you named
The Ultimate Colorado Mancation
Gather your best buddies and set aside a long weekend to indulge in some of Colorado’s most testosterone fueled activities. We’re talking extreme whitewater rafting, ziplining, and camping! Ziplining at 10,000+ Feet Elevations If you’ve never experienced the thrill of zooming down a zipline, you need to change that immediately! Ziplining is one of those activities that will instantly put a smile on your face and leave you wanting more (just like whitewater rafting 😉 ) . The adventure kicks off with a 1,000 foot vertical climb in a six-ton Monster Truck, 4-wheel drive van, or one of our Polaris ATVs to take you to the top of the course. Here you’re faced with six different zipline courses ranging in length from 400 to 800 feet. The grand finale takes you to 100 foot tall platform and every courses feature side by side ziplines inviting you to race your buddies. Class IV-V Whitewater Rafting This season is already off to an epic start and the best is still to come – whitewater rafting at high water is the ultimate adrenaline rush! If you can handle the action, our Numbers and Royal Gorge trips offer the perfect opportunity to take on extreme whitewater fun. These advanced trips present paddlers with both a physical and mental challenge all while having a great time. The Arkansas River is home to the biggest stretch of whitewater rapids in the United States. Many Olympic athletes make this site their training headquarters because of the unparalleled opportunities for back to back class IV-V drops. Awww yeah! Classic Camping Camping in Colorado is a classic for a reason! After a thrilling day of whitewater rafting and alpine ziplining, there’s nothing better than exchanging stories around a campfire before retreating to your tent. Reinvigorate your inner caveman as you allow the flickering flames of the fire mesmerize you. Take in the stars and howl at the moon. Or, you can channel your inner diva (we won’t tell) and let our guides spoil you with indulgent multicourse meals and VIP service. We’re talking freshly brewed coffee dropped off at your tent every morning service. Either way, immersing yourself in wilderness that can only be accessed via raft is sure to leave the gang feeling recharged and ready to take on the next day’s adventure. The long days of summer beckon for outdoor adventure, especially here in Colorado. As the winter’s snow melts, it transforms the Arkansas River into a powerful playground of whitewater begging to be explored. We certainly heed the call and invite you to join us – give us a ring at 1-800- IN-A-RAFT or book right here to make it happen!
A Pro’s Guide to Spotting Bighorn Sheep
These majestic beasts have a reputation for being extremely elusive. Spotting one along the river is one of the many rewards for spending time in the Colorado backcountry. Here are my top tips for making the most of viewing opportunities while on your whitewater rafting trip! Timing Bighorn sheep follow a schedule similar to ours, so you’ll see them out and about throughout the day. These animals are most active in the mornings and late afternoon, which lines up perfectly with our full and half day whitewater rafting trips. In the middle of the day, bighorn sheep typically are found lounging about so they might be a bit trickier to spot from your raft. May and June are when lambs are born so if you join us for at the beginning of our Colorado whitewater rafting season, your odds of spotting yearlings and lambs in nursery groups are high. Location Browns Canyon National Monument and the surrounding areas are prime bighorn sheep habitats. The fertile landscape and abundant “safe zones” for ewes to raise their young attracts many sheep throughout the summer. Keep an eye out for bighorn nestled in groves of grass midday. During dawn and dusk, your best luck is spotting them playing near sources of water like the cliffs above an eddy along the Arkansas River in Colorado. Wilderness Aware guides study the bighorn sheep dwellings all season long so be sure to ask for tips on where to spot them. They prefer to live on sunny hillsides at elevations of 8,000 ft or higher. Our headquarters are at 8,000 ft and Browns Canyon National Monument is at an elevation of 10,000 – the perfect height for bighorn sheep! Action Bighorn sheep live up to their reputation for being aggressive head-butters. If you listen closely, sometimes you can hear their horns clashing against each other. Males prove themselves as worthy mates for the females by competing for their attention. In addition to this behavior, bighorn sheep are known for effortlessly appearing to ascend steep rocky cliffs. Their stocky legs are perfectly suited for stabilizing bighorn sheep as they climb. Bighorns are social animals, so if you spot one, scan around – there will be others hanging out nearby! Immerse yourself in the Colorado wilderness this summer by joining us on whitewater rafting trip! Secure your spot online or by giving us a call at 1-800-IN-A-RAFT.
Best Eating in Buena Vista
For being such a small river town, Buena Vista does a fabulous job keeping folks well fed. There are a variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner before and after rafting! Breakfast The Evergreen Café is a favorite among River Guides and locals alike. Its cozy atmosphere consists of a lot bright natural lighting, local art adorns the walls and a hodgepodge of colorfully decorated tables invite you to settle in for a delicious meal. If you make it there before 8:00 am they have an early bird special for $5! The Rooster’s Crow has perfected the art of country breakfast skillets. The portions are hearty and their quirky theme of rooster décor gives it a unique personality. Jan’s Restaurant is your classic diner experience. If you are hankering for French toast and eggs after your full day on the river, you’re in luck – they serve breakfast all day! Lunch If you join us on one of our many full day rafting trips in Buena Vista, you will get to enjoy the riverside dining at its best! We provide a deli sandwich spread with a variety of options including gluten free and vegan friendly sandwiches. If you aren’t joining us for lunch, but still craving deli sandwiches, Biggies Subs is your answer. Known for their extremely generous portions for fries, they have also perfected the art of deli sandwiches. Biggies exclusively features local meats and cheeses from Salida’s Scanga Meat Company. A more upscale option, House Rock Kitchen is perfect if you are craving a sit down dining experience on Main Street. They embody the farm to table concept, almost everything on their menu is local to the Buena Vista area. They are known around town for their mouthwatering bowls – a bed of greens topped with your choice of protein like house-braised beef brisket, grilled chicken, or even vegetarian friendly Indian curry. Dinner Asian Palate is the answer if you find yourself craving sushi or Southeast Asian inspired dinners. The ambiance is very modern for Buena Vista with contemporary artwork decorating the walls and warm cozy lighting. In addition to their sushi, my favorites are their Thai and Indian curries – such a satisfying meal after a day on the water! Quincy’s steakhouse offers a fixed menu featuring Filet Mignon Sundays – Thursdays, Prime Rib or Slow Roast Sirloin Fridays – Saturdays, and a veggie lasagna option is available every day. Their dinner menu includes a baked potato and side salad so you certainly won’t go hungry! Happy Hour If you are looking for whiskey or a creative cocktail Deerhammer Distilling Company on Main Street is the place to go. This distillery has ample outside patio space, fire pits, and there is often live music featuring local artists on the weekends. Eddyline Brewery is so popular there are two locations! You can’t go wrong at either one if you’re seeking a friendly atmosphere and some beer and pizza. Buena Vista may be a small river town, but it truly delivers when it comes to great food and memorable dining experiences. Whether you’re fueling up before a big day or unwinding after time on the water, there’s something here to satisfy every craving. From cozy breakfasts to hearty dinners and lively happy hours, each meal adds to the charm of your visit. And of course, everything tastes even better after an unforgettable day of whitewater rafting in Buena Vista.
Top 5 Memories from Rafting on Father’s Day
This Father’s Day ditch the tie and give Dad a gift he’ll never forget – the whitewater rafting adventure of a lifetime! Here’s our list of the Top 5 Father’s Day Whitewater Rafting Memories: 1. The refreshing splash of the Arkansas River When you first step into the river, there is no doubt that it is snow melt! Summer water temperatures are typically in the 50’s which is perfect for cooling off after paddling. Father’s Day falls right when the high water flows start kicking off making for ideal rafting conditions if Dad’s a fan of big splashy rapids. 2. Immediately spotting a bald eagle One of the best parts of rafting is the exclusive access to wildlife along the bank of the river you would not see otherwise. The Arkansas River Valley is a popular nesting site for bald eagles. The riparian habitat along the shore is also home to other wildlife like bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and even moose have been known to hang out in Browns Canyon National Monument. 3. The thrill of dropping down Zoom Flume Despite the many river miles I’ve logged, I always feel butterflies in my stomach when approaching Zoom Flume. It is one of those rapids where the river appears to completely drop off the edge of the world – all you hear is the thundering rush of water, you can feel the spray from from the unseen class IV rapids below, then there’s the call “Forward paddle – HARD!!!” and the excitement takes over as we charge through. This moment right here might be the core of what makes whitewater rafting such an epic Father’s Day present – there’s no way even the snazziest of ties could evoke this kind of adrenaline rush. 4. Mastering the art of a paddle high five Whitewater rafting is all about having fun and staying in sync as a collective unit. Paddle high fives are the ultimate expression of this and there will be no shortage of fun or paddle high fives on this trip! Since whitewater rafting requires everyone to paddle in a rhythm, working together, it truly takes taking family bonding to the next level. 5. Sharing a rare moment of silence while admiring the gorgeous sunset Summer sunsets in Buena Vista are a breathtaking treat we’re thankful to enjoy every evening. The silhouetted collegiate peaks provide the perfect backdrop for rich warm pinks, oranges, purples, eventually fading into the deep blue darkness of night. Getting the whole family together outdoors and watching the sunset is the perfect way to wrap up a fun day of whitewater rafting. The most treasured family memories are the ones where an experience was shared. That’s why this Father’s Day, we suggest giving Dad the ultimate gift of adventure – whitewater rafting! Save time and book your Colorado white water rafting trip now.
Father’s Day Fun!
[vc_row][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1519063843732{margin-bottom: -40px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1531247435677{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]This Father’s Day, give Dad the gift of adventure! In addition to offering the best whitewater rafting trips in the state of Colorado, did you know we also can help cross soaking in hot springs, zip lining, and horseback riding off Dad’s bucket list? [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_columns=”true”][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”21656″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”21654″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”21655″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1685051733395{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Whitewater Rafting! This one is an obvious favorite here at Wilderness Aware Rafting. Colorado’s Arkansas River is known around the world for offering some of the best whitewater fun. It’s also home of the gorgeous Browns Canyon National Monument. We offer trips for all levels and our proximity to Colorado Springs, Denver, and Summit County make this a great option to surprise Mom with. Cruising through rapids and taking in the beautiful rocky mountain scenery will make for an unforgettable Father’s Day gift! Soaking in the Natural Hot Springs After an energizing day on the river whitewater rafting, there’s nothing more relaxing than soaking in the natural hot springs found in Buena Vista and Salida. Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, Cottonwood Hot Springs, and Salida Hot Springs are all a quick drive from our Buena Vista office. We offer discounted admission passes too so be sure to ask about those when you’re booking your whitewater rafting trip. Horseback Riding Spending time on a horse riding through mountain trails is a Colorado classic. There are a variety of options ranging from half day, full day, and sunset tours. At Wilderness Aware Rafting we offer a Paddle and Saddle package that is a family favorite sure to put a smile on Dad’s face this Father’s Day. Zip Lining If your family is looking to take on two of the most adrenaline inducing activities Colorado offers, we’ve got the package for you. You can pair your whitewater rafting adventure with a zip line tour on the top of the Rockies. This is truly the best way to enjoy views of beautiful Colorado mountains from every angle 😉 This Father’s Day, skip the brunch and do something different! Call us at 1-800-In A RAFT (1-800-462-7238) or book your Dad’s Colorado white water rafting adventure today.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Why CFS Matters
CFS or Cubic Feet per Second is the unit of measurement used for determining the “speed” of a river. Pay attention to this number when booking your trip as you soon will learn, water levels make a BIG difference on your whitewater rafting experience! When I first moved to Buena Vista, I noticed what seemed like an obsession with the mysterious acronym “CFS”. Any mention of my role at Wilderness Aware Rafting, and someone would immediately ask, “What’s the CFS like right now?”. Having never gone whitewater rafting before, “CFS” was a completely foreign term. A trip down one of our most advanced sections of whitewater rafting (The Numbers) on my second day in town, quickly taught me the importance of paying attention to CFS and where the local obsession with CFS levels came from! I like to think of CFS in as if it were a thermometer. Similar to how a humid 80˚ day is significantly different to a snowy 29˚ day, the range in numbers for CFS is just as impactful. A river during high CFS flows will feature larger rapids, bigger waves, and completely different terrain than from when CFS flows are low. Both conditions have their perks, depending on what you are hoping to get when booking your Colorado whitewater rafting trip! What to Expect During High CFS If the rivers are flowing above 2,000 CFS this is officially high water! Woohoo! High water conditions are my favorite time to go rafting. There is much more action and adrenaline charged waves and drops come with every turn of the river. Plan on getting soaked! The higher the CFS, the more advanced the trip, so first time rafters are advised to start with one of our Browns Canyon National Monument trips before taking on the Class V sections that require more technical paddling like The Numbers or Royal Gorge. When rivers are flowing at a faster rate, it is of upmost importance to listen and follow guide commands. Your guide is depending on guests to paddle with full force to compensate for the speed of the river. Higher flows mean less room for error since your guide will have much less time to readjust and maneuver the raft to avoid obstacles if the paddle crew is unable to follow the original route. Typically high CFS flows occur late June – early July when the majority of the snowpack is melting. What to Expect During Low CFS While I’m more of an adrenaline junkie, I certainly can appreciate the way my favorite butterfly inducing rapids mellow out during low CFS. A calmer river means more time to relax and enjoy the gorgeous scenery whitewater rafting immerses you in. For first time rafters who are a little nervous about what to expect, I suggest scheduling your trip during low water conditions. The slower pace takes the pressure off remembering whether or not to back-paddle when your guide calls for a left turn. There is more room for readjusting lines and less risk of flipping should you hit an obstacle. Families with small children or those who may not want to paddle have the option of zero paddling on trips as well since we are able to mount oars on our rafts for your guide to row instead. (It’s super easy to arrange, just ask!) If you’re hoping to take a lot of photos, I suggest going during low flows as well. There will be more opportunities since constant paddling is not as necessary as during high flows. Low flows kick off the season starting Memorial Day and last until about mid June, then pick up again mid July – August. Now that you have a better idea of what to expect, get out there! Call us at 1-800-In A RAFT (1-800-462-7238) or book your Colorado white water rafting adventure online.