Thrilling Rapids, Unforgettable Journey
Arkansas River Rafting
About Arkansas River Rafting
Wilderness Aware Rafting offers unparalleled white water rafting trips on the Arkansas River — the most popular rafting destination in the United States. With a comprehensive range of trips spanning every raftable section of the river, Wilderness Aware provides adventure-seekers with access to some of the most thrilling rapids and breathtaking scenery in Colorado.
Ideal Arkansas River rafting flows occur between May 1st and Labor Day. This extended season sets the Arkansas River apart from many other rivers in Colorado, allowing paddlers ample opportunity to enjoy its exhilarating waters and stunning landscapes while other rivers around the state run dry. Colorado’s Arkansas River features technical maneuvering combined with splashy waves creating an experience like none other!
Choose from the family and beginner-friendly Browns Canyon rafting, the next-level thrills of Royal Gorge rafting, or our most extreme run, Numbers rafting. For younger kids, Lower Browns Canyon and Milk Run rafting are perfect for ages 4+. Want more time on the water? Join one of our Arkansas River multi-day trips for an unforgettable wilderness experience.
COMPREHENSIVE OFFERING: Wilderness Aware Rafting is the only outfitter to operate trips on every raftable section of the Arkansas River, providing diverse experiences for all skill levels.
BREATHTAKING SCENERY: The Arkansas River meanders through stunning canyons, offering picturesque views and an immersive Colorado rafting experience.
THRILLING RAPIDS: From gentle stretches suitable for families to adrenaline-pumping rapids for experienced rafters, the Arkansas River offers something for everyone.
Our most popular trip
BROWNS CANYON RAFTING
DETAILS
- DAILY DEPARTURES: May 1 to Labor Day
- SKILL LEVEL: Beginner to intermediate class III-IV rapids
- GUIDE DETAILS: Experienced guides in each raft
- DEPARTURE LOCATION: Trips depart from Buena Vista, Colorado
- AGE REQUIREMENTS: Ages 7 and up*
*Minimum age will increase during high water
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RAFTING
- Half-Day and Quarter-Day Trip Options
- Class I-II
- 10 AM & 2 PM
- Ages 4+
NUMBERS RAFTING
- Half-day & full-day available
- Class IV-V
- 9:00 AM and 12:45 PM
- Ages 14+
ROYAL GORGE RAFTING
- Full-day
- Class IV-V
- 9:00 AM
- Ages 14+
Arkansas River Multi-Day Trips
ARKANSAS RIVER MULTI-DAY TRIPS
- 2-day, 3-day and 5 day options available
- Class III-IV
- 9:00 AM
- Ages 8+
ARKANSAS RIVER INN-TO-INN TRIPS
- 2-day, 3-day & 4-day options available
- Class III-IV (class V optional)
- 9:00 AM
- Ages 10+
About WIlderness Aware Rafting
Wilderness Aware Rafting has stayed true to its name since 1976, emphasizing outstanding outdoor experiences on seven of the most amazing rivers in the American West, including rivers in Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. We offer an unparalleled customer experience that emphasizes safety and sharing our passion for the outdoors and the special places we visit. Five of the seven rivers we feature travel within designated wilderness areas.
Nestled in the heart of the Rockies near Buena Vista, Colorado, we enjoy the highest concentration of 14,000-foot peaks in the state, world-class white water rafting, kayaking, climbing, skiing, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, natural hot springs, and extensive off-road trails—all in our backyard. Our community is comprised of outdoor enthusiasts who share our excitement with visitors from all over the world in a small-town atmosphere.
Our river trips offer an opportunity for our guests to experience public lands in a way they may not ordinarily have the ability, skills, or motivation to experience themselves.
Our company culture emphasizes Leave No Trace ethics on our rivers, ensuring we minimize our impact on the natural environment and highlighting that our public lands are set aside to provide future generations a chance to have a similar experience.
Safety on the river is our highest priority, and Wilderness Aware has an outstanding record. We are the leader in providing rafting experiences in Colorado. We love the opportunity to share our experience and devotion to our craft!
SPOTS ARE FILLING FAST!
BOOK YOUR TRIP NOW
Choose from a variety of Colorado rivers, day trips, and multi-day trips to find just the right option for you and your crew. Better hustle, because they’re booking up quick!
