Stay out of the water this winter with our Colorado land-based adventures.
Yes, we’re a rafting company, and yes, we love the river. But since the weather’s still too chilly for planning Colorado white water rafting trips—and if you’re looking to explore the Rockies on more solid ground—don’t miss the other adventures Wilderness Aware Rafting has to offer. Our guide-led jeep tours, horseback trail rides and mountain bike tours guarantee that we have what you’re looking for. Horseback Trail Rides If you want to hit the trail but you’re over hiking, we have the solution. Saddle up on one of our Colorado horseback rides and let us help you discover why horseback riding is this state’s second most popular outdoor activity. The closest horseback rides are located near the Arkansas River, with our shorter rides following a cottonwood-lined creek with views of the valley’s majestic Mt. Princeton and our longer horseback rides climbing the edge of adjacent Mt. Antero. Additional horseback riding options include trips over beautiful forest service land northwest of Leadville and along the base of Pike’s Peak in Colorado Springs. Whether you want to thrill your child with a 30-minute pony ride, take the whole family along for an hour on a horse-drawn wagon ride, or spend a full day exploring Colorado on horseback, we can make it happen. Horseback rides require a minimum of two people to sign up, and most trips run year-round, making this a great option for cooler weather. Check out our Colorado horseback riding trips today, and we’ll see you on the trail. Mountain Bike Tours Want to get a little closer to the ground? Take one of our Colorado mountain bike tours and prepare for the ride of a lifetime. Fun for beginners as well as experienced mountain bikers, this trip comes in two options. The first is a downhill paved road from 12,000 feet on the Continental Divide, where you will experience spectacular views of the Arkansas River Valley’s numerous 14,000-foot tall peaks as you soar through pristine aspen groves and high mountain pine forests alongside one of our experienced mountain bike guides. The second option is exploring the historic Midland Railroad Grade, a quiet mountain dirt road and single track trail that winds past stunning views of the 14,000 ft. Collegiate Peaks. The dirt trail option brings the pace down a notch and lets you enjoy the surrounding beauty of the Colorado Rockies while incorporating some technical bike maneuvering. Whether you’re on your bike every weekend or this is your first time mountain biking in Colorado, we have a set of wheels for you. For more information on joining us for a Colorado mountain biking trip, go to www.inanraft.com. Jeep tours For a safari-style tour of the Colorado Rockies, nothing beats one of our Colorado jeep tours. On one of our half-day trips, you can discover groves of ancient bristlecone pines nestled at the top of Mt. Princeton or visit the unique ghost town of St. Elmo. Or, take a full day and ride up a rugged switch backed trail to the summit of Colorado’s Mt. Antero, one of the best areas in the United States for mineral and gem collecting. Whichever trip you choose, our jeep tours guarantee to give you an unforgettable adventure—and leave both your hands free for picture-taking. Book a Colorado jeep tour today! For more information on rafting Colorado, or to check out Buena Vista whitewater rafting trips, go to www.www.inaraft.com.
Stay in shape for Colorado rafting
You can’t start rafting Colorado for a while yet, but that doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel. Use the winter months ahead to give yourself the skills and conditioning you need to take on white water rafting in Colorado when the weather is right. Kick back and enjoy your holiday season—but don’t forget to check out these pointers to make sure that when summer rolls back around, you’re back on your game ASAP. Consider a certification. A great way to break that cold-weather inertia, spice up your resume and give yourself a better skill set for rafting is by gaining one (or more) certifications. If Colorado white water rafting is your thing, then think about getting your Wilderness First Aid certification through an organization like NOLS. Getting current Red Cross certifications in CPR and first aid—or bumping it up with a class that teaches wilderness survival skills—will give you a new level of confidence when rafting and train you in skills you may need to help save a life. Hit the slopes- or the gym. As many of you know, the great state of Colorado has a sport for everyone, no matter the season. Take advantage of the advent of skiing and boarding season, and keep your body conditioned for rafting while having a blast. Even lower-key snow activities like snowshoeing keep your muscles active, so get out there and show some snow love. And we know—getting on a boating machine at the local Y isn’t quite the same as getting out on the Arkansas River. But if winter sports aren’t your thing and you want to keep your body in the best possible shape for rafting, consider biting the bullet and getting a membership. If you want to try out some Royal Gorge rafting come spring, your muscles will need to be in training now and in the months ahead. Set a goal. With new year’s just around the corner, it’s time to think about what you want to do when the Colorado white water rafting season rolls back around. Is there a particular location you’ve never been? A higher class of rapids you want to try? Go for it—the way to stay in love with rafting is by finding new ways to challenge yourself. If you need some inspiration, check out our Brown’s Canyon rafting trips and other Colorado whitewater rafting trips. Whatever it is you want to do differently this summer, Colorado rafting has something for everyone. Start thinking about what you want to do this summer sooner rather than later, so you can make sure it happens. Do your part. Without Colorado rivers, there would be no rafting in Colorado—so if you want to stay on some of the most beautiful liquid real estate in the state, make sure you’re informed about legislation concerning them. Stay updated on concerns with Colorado rivers so if they need your help, you can give back. Remember, rafting is like football—there’s really no off season. Do what you can now to make rafting this summer the most memorable experience possible. For more information, or to plan a Colorado rafting vacation, visit www.www.inaraft.com.
Looking for the perfect gift? This Christmas, think outside the box
As temperatures drop and the holidays draw closer, whitewater rafting in Colorado may be the last thing on your mind. But if you’re still in the market for the perfect present for that outdoorsy friend or relative, consider giving them the gift of adventure with a Colorado rafting trip gift certificate from Wilderness Aware Rafting. The certificates come in two options so you can craft the best gift for your lucky recipient. If your sister’s been planning that Browns Canyon rafting trip since the snow started falling, bring her closer to that light at the end of the tunnel with a custom gift certificate under the tree. Choose a specific trip destination and length to give your loved one the day—or week—of their dreams. Whether it’s a family trip on the Arkansas River or a challenging Royal Gorge rafting adventure, we have the perfect getaway for your family and friends (and you!) And if you know that special someone eats, drinks, and breathes Colorado whitewater rafting—but you’re not quite sure where they’re raring to go—you don’t have to give away the game by asking. Give a gift certificate in whatever amount you would like, and let them worry about how to spend it. Give a little more and make their dream of rafting Colorado a reality, or give a little less and rent a wetsuit for them. Either way, you’ve shown them you care by giving them what they want the most—another excuse to get on the river this summer. Customize your Wilderness Aware Rafting gift certificate today to share some fun in the outdoors and give a gift they’ll never forget. Use the form to purchase a gift certificate for one of our most popular whitewater rafting trips. And when the weather starts warming up, don’t forget to book the trip early in advance and secure your spot—a gift certificate doesn’t reserve a space on a specific trip. If you don’t see the trip you want on the list, don’t despair. If you’d like to purchase a gift certificate for a different trip—or you want to purchase a gift certificate for a horse, bike, or jeep tour—just give us a call at 800.462.7238. We’re here to make your Colorado rafting dream a reality. This Christmas, forget socks and fruitcake. Give the ones you love best the gift of adventure with one of our whitewater raft trips—and if you’re feeling generous, bump it up to a trip for two and come along. Hey, you’ve earned it. For more information on planning your Colorado whitewater rafting trip, visit www.www.inaraft.com.
Announcing the 2011 Wilderness Aware Rafting Facebook “Like” a Photo Contest Winners!
Wilderness Aware Rafting’s first-ever Facebook “Like” Photo Contest was a success! We had 20 photo submissions which received a total of 127 “likes.” We are intensely pleased with the photos that were submitted and we are happy to announce three awesomely unique winners: First Place: Allison C. from Oklahoma What she won: A full day Colorado white water rafting trip for four on Browns Canyon of the Arkansas River, a spot in this blog, her photo featured as our Facebook profile photo and as one of the slideshow images on our www.inaraft.com homepage. Allison’s group rafted with us on a Full Day Browns Canyon (Arkansas River) trip in July of 2011. Their photo taken with the serene beauty of the river and magnificent Mt. Princeton in the distance is definitely a winner! It truly captures the essence of whitewater rafting in Colorado. Plus – we love smiling faces! Allison: “Four River Rookies about to get blasted by the Arkansas River!!” Second Place: Jessica F. from Wisconsin What She Won: A Half Day Trip for 2 on Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River and a spot in this blog. Jessica’s group rafted with us on a 3-day Arkansas River trip in July of 2011. This picture is too cool for words (almost) – and now we are seriously considering putting out a Raft Guide Calendar! Beautiful river and mountain scenery framing the undeniably photogenic Jimbo – definitely worth a spot in the top three. Jessica: “Like so many others, we had great shots from the Narrows and the Flume, however, I think this one is the best. We had a great time with our guides discussing a ‘River Guide Calendar’. This is one of our favorite shots, featuring Jimbo, our fearless leader. A vote for this shot will get the ‘River Guide Calendar’ one step closer to reality!” Third Place: Deborah N. from Illinois What She Won: A Half Day Trip for 1 on Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River and a spot in this blog Deborah’s group rafted with us on a Full Day Browns Canyon (Arkansas River) trip in July of 2011 – ironically it was the same exact departure day as our second place winner, Jessica! So, what can we say about Deborah’s photo, oh yes, CUTE! We love taking families down the river, and the kids look more than ready to take on the rapids of Browns Canyon. Sweet photo! Deborah: “NERVOUS BUT EXCITED! About to get in a raft for the first time ever!”
Thank You Wilderness Aware Rafting!
Hello Joe & Katie, Just wanted to let you know that I have posted our rafting video on our website and Youtube. I hope it meets with your approval. To be honest, it was very hard to convey just how great our experience was with Wilderness Aware. – Patty Garner
Colorado Rafting Trip Spotlight: Arkansas River Rafting
The most popular river for white water rafting in the world is Colorado’s Arkansas River. It’s not difficult to see why. Located a mere 90 miles west of Colorado Springs and 120 miles southwest of Denver, the Arkansas River offers offers 95 miles of some of the best white water rafting in Colorado. The Arkansas River is unique in its flow and length. Fed by snow melts from the mountains of central Colorado, the Arkansas River has some of the heaviest water flows of any river in Colorado, and roars down 5000 feet between its source near Leadville and the flat lands near Canon City, 125 miles away. The combination of the large, raftable river and significant drop in elevation makes the Arkansas ideal for river-rafting, but the scenery along river is equally spectacular. Cutting through the Sawatch Mountains, the Upper and Lower Bighorn Canyon, the Royal Gorge, and the canyon lands around Canon City, the Arkansas River offers some of the most beautiful scenery in Colorado. There are no fewer than five main areas for rafting along the Arkansas River, all with different levels of difficulty and intensity: which means that the Arkansas has something for everybody. Close to the uppermost raftable section of the river, near Leadville, the Numbers section of the Arkansas River offers some of the most exciting, extreme white water rafting in Colorado, featuring punishing drop after punishing drop through Class V rapids. Below the Numbers area is Brown’s Canyon, the most popular section of the Arkansas River, with a variety of Class III and IV rapids and incredible views of the Sawatch Mountains. Below Brown’s Canyon is the Upper and Lower Bighorn Canyon, the mildest section of the Arkansas River. The Bighorn Canyon’s Class I and II rapids are perfect for beginners and families. Below the Bighorn Canyon, the Arkansas River runs through the magnificent Royal Gorge, one of the best-known natural sites in Colorado. Royal Gorge Rafting features Class IV rapids under the shadow of one of America’s tallest canyons and the highest suspension bridge in the world. For more information about Colorado white water rafting, or to schedule an Arkansas River rafting trip, contact us today..
*UPDATE: Colorado Rafting Open Through Labor Day
Due to high spring snowfall and an extended runoff season, river levels on most Colorado rivers remain well above average for late summer. In response to the excellent late-season river-rafting conditions, Wilderness Aware Rafting has extended its 2011 Colorado white water rafting season through September 5th. When Colorado received a record amount of late Spring snowfall in April and May of 2011, there was some concern among white water rafting enthusiasts as to whether or not the 2011 Colorado rafting season would be any good or not. Flooding seemed inevitable, and a quick run-off would lead to a rapid transition from flooding to low water levels. Fortunately, temperatures stayed relative cool in the late spring and early summer run-off period, leading to extended runoff and ideal Colorado white water rafting conditions, particularly later in the season. In fact, according to Wilderness Aware CEO Joe Greiner, “July and August have seen the best white water rafting conditions in Colorado since 1995.” This slow, steady runoff of a record amount of precipitation means that, while water levels have dropped well below their peak flows, they still remain well above average for mid-August. To take advantage of these the excellent river conditions, Wilderness Aware has extended its 2011 rafting season through Labor Day weekend. The Arkansas River, including Browns Canyon, Bighorn Canyon, and the Royal Gorge area have had particularly excellent late-season conditions. As of Friday, the Arkansas River near Parkdale remained close to 900 cfs and Arkansas River and Royal Gorge Rafting trips have been understandably popular in late July and August. There is still time to get in one (or two!) more rafting trips before the end of the season. Visit www.www.inaraft.com for more information or to make a reservation for a Colorado white water rafting trip.
Extreme White Water Rafting on Colorado’s Arkansas River
Some of the most exciting, exhilarating river rafting in Colorado takes place on two sections of the Arkansas River: Royal Gorge and Numbers. Featuring steep drops in rapid succession and Class IV and V rapids that require precision paddling and unflinching nerves, these white water rafting trips are not for the faint of heart. For experienced rafters looking for excitement, however, taking a trip down the Royal Gorge or Numbers with an expert white water rafting guide can be about as good as it gets. Royal Gorge Rafting The Royal Gorge of the Arkansas River is one of the most spectacular and recognizable natural scenes in Colorado. It’s also one of the most popular river rafting destinations in the state. Canyon walls soar over 1000 feet above Class IV rapids, in the shadow of the world’s highest suspension bridge, the Royal Gorge Bridge. Wilderness Aware Rafting offers a full day Royal Gorge rafting trip. The trip starts in the more moderate Lower Bighorn Sheep Canyon, then drops into the Royal Gorge in the afternoon for breathtaking views and big drop after big drop. It’s an unforgettable experience. View here for more information or to schedule a Royal Gorge rafting trip with Wilderness Aware. Numbers Rafting If you’ve already mastered the Class IV rapids in the Royal Gorge, and want a new challenge, the Class V rapids in the Numbers section of the Arkansas River takes the level of adventure up even higher. Near the uppermost raftable section of river, the river is steep and rocky. Precision paddling and maneuvering is a must, and quick course changes and lateral paddling are necessary to navigate the Arkansas River’s steep, boulder-strewn drops. Many of the top competitive rafters in the world train here. Wilderness Aware Rafting offers full-day and half-day Numbers white water rafting trips. The half-day trip covers six miles of the Arkansas River, while the full-day includes 15 miles of the best white water rafting in Colorado! View here for more information or to schedule a Numbers rafting trip with Wilderness Aware. **EXTENDED COLORADO WHITE WATER RAFTING SEASON** Due to the high spring snowfalls and mild summer weather, leading to a more moderate and sustained run-off, our rafting season has been extended to September 5th. Enjoy “the best late-season rafting conditions since 1995” for another month. If you haven’t had a chance to take a Colorado rafting trip this year, or want to get out and enjoy some of the best rafting conditions in years, now is the time. Visit www.www.inaraft.com for more information or to book a trip today.
Colorado White Water Spotlight: Royal Gorge Rafting
White water rafting in the magnificent Royal Gorge of the Arkansas River, in the shadow of the famous Royal Gorge Bridge, is one of the most exhilarating and visually stunning (and popular) river-rafting trips in Colorado. Formed by the uplift of the Rocky Mountains around the Arkansas River over three million years ago, the Royal Gorge boasts one of the most dramatic canyons in Colorado, the world’s highest suspension bridge, and remains one of the most recognizable natural scenes in America. In addition to the scenery, the Royal Gorge boasts some of the most extreme, exciting white water rafting in Colorado, featuring Class IV white water rapids and a pulse-pounding succession of big drops. Rapids in the Royal Gorge include Sunshine Falls, Sledgehammer, Wall Slammer, Corkscrew, the Narrows, Boat Eater and Soda Pop Rock. Wilderness Aware Rafting offers a full-day Royal Gorge rafting trip. We spend the morning warming up in the exciting (but less intense) Lower Bighorn Sheep Canyon. After a picnic lunch we enter the Royal Gorge, for drop after drop of pounding whitewater and spectacular views of the canyon (which in some places is over 1000 feet high!) and the Royal Gorge Bridge. Be aware that Royal Gorge rafting isn’t for everyone. Due to the intensity of the rapids (class IV) and necessary skill level we recommend that only experienced rafters in good physical condition attempt the trip. For rafters who have already mastered the Royal Gorge, we also recommend the even-more-intense Numbers section of the Arkansas River. View here for information or to book a Royal Gorge rafting or Arkansas River white water rafting trip.
The Best White Water Rafting Conditions since 1995
Wilderness Aware Rafting CEO Joe Greiner has heard it over and over again this year. A customer will call the Buena Vista offices of the Colorado white water rafting company and ask: “Are you open this year?” The answer is a resounding yes. Says Greiner, who’s ran the show at Wilderness Aware for the last 25 years: “We have had an amazing runoff season so far. With double last year’s snowpack, we have had lower and more consistent flows than last season. It has been perfect conditions for high adventure seekers.” Yet the myth that Colorado rivers are flooded and unsuitable for white water rafting trips remains strong. Misled by media reports of high water levels and images of roaring rivers following record spring snowfalls, many people have been hesitant to get into the white water this season. The reality is that while the big spring snowfalls have raised the water levels in Colorado’s rivers, cooler spring and early summer temperatures have moderated run-off rates, creating ideal conditions for Colorado river rafting and setting up an extended season. Because the of slow snow melt, the spring storms in Colorado have become a gift that will keep on giving to rafting enthusiasts deep into the summer. “July and August will be the best rafting conditions we have had since 1995,” says Greiner. “The snow has been melting slowly this summer so that we have the water flows that are often in the river in June combined with great July and August weather.” Rafting companies across Colorado are gearing up for a extended rafting season, and trying to spread the word about the conditions in Colorado’s rivers. “The weather has been great for rafting… sunny blue skies and warm temperatures. The unusual thing about this year has been that it has been so dry in the valley that we have a campfire fire ban and at the same time, we have high water in the river…drought and plenty of water at the same time!” The perception that high water levels were hurting Colorado rafting conditions kept some customers away early in the season, but word is starting to spread that 2011 has become a special rafting season in Colorado. Business has picked up across the state in July, as river conditions and Colorado weather have come pretty close to being perfect. “The phones are ringing off the hook with people trying to escape the heat. . High temperatures been in the 70’s and 80’s on the Arkansas River.” For more information or to schedule a white water rafting adventure with Wilderness Aware rafting, view our Colorado white water rafting trips or call 1.800.462.7238.
