Arkansas River Rafting: Sections, Trips & Prices
The Arkansas River in Colorado is the most commercially rafted river in the United States. From gentle family floats through Browns Canyon to expert-level drops in the Numbers, there's a section for every skill level. Whitewatr lists 57 outfitters running Arkansas River trips, with prices starting around $97 on average. Prices shown are representative — always confirm current pricing directly with the outfitter.
Why the Arkansas River
The Arkansas drops over 5,000 feet through central Colorado, carving through granite canyons and open valleys. It has more commercially run sections than almost any other river in the country, spread across roughly 100 miles from Leadville to Canon City. That variety — combined with easy highway access and a long season — makes it the default choice for Colorado rafting.
Section-by-Section Breakdown
Browns Canyon (Class III)
Buena Vista to Nathrop — 10 miles
The most popular section on the river and the most commercially run stretch of whitewater in the US. Browns Canyon National Monument offers Class III rapids through a scenic granite canyon, with some reaching Class III-IV at high water. Great for first-timers, families with kids 7+, and anyone who wants real whitewater without the intensity of Class IV-V. Half-day and full-day trips available.
Class: III (up to III-IV at high water)
Typical age minimum: 7-8
Best for: First-timers, families, groups
Royal Gorge (Class IV-V)
Canon City — 10 miles through the gorge
The Royal Gorge section runs through a 1,000-foot deep canyon with the famous Royal Gorge Bridge overhead. It's the most dramatic scenery on the Arkansas, with Class IV-V rapids at standard and high flows, easing to Class III-IV at lower water. The Gorge section is significantly more intense than Browns Canyon — prior Class III experience is recommended.
Class: IV-V (III-IV at lower flows)
Typical age minimum: 12-14
Best for: Experienced rafters, thrill-seekers
The Numbers (Class IV-V)
Granite to Buena Vista — 6 miles
Named for the numbered railroad markers along the route, the Numbers is the most technically demanding commercially run section of the Arkansas. Tight, continuous Class IV-V rapids through a narrow canyon. This section requires prior rafting experience and good fitness. Available only during higher flows, typically May through mid-July.
Class: IV-V
Typical age minimum: 14-16
Best for: Expert rafters, adrenaline seekers
Bighorn Sheep Canyon (Class II-III)
Texas Creek to Parkdale (near Canon City) — 9 miles
A mellow, scenic run through open canyon with Class II rapids and occasional Class III waves. The water is warmer and calmer than Browns Canyon, making it the best option for young kids (as low as age 4-5) and anyone who wants a scenic float with some gentle whitewater. Bighorn sheep are frequently spotted on the canyon walls.
Class: II-III
Typical age minimum: 4-6
Best for: Young families, scenic trips, beginners
Season & Best Time to Go
Season: Late April through mid-September, depending on snowpack and water levels.
Peak water: Late May through June. Spring runoff produces the biggest rapids — this is when the Numbers and Royal Gorge are at their most intense.
Peak demand: July 4th week and weekends in June-July. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekends.
Best for beginners: July through August. Flows are moderate, weather is warm, and rapids are less intense.
Best deals: May, late August, September, and weekdays all summer.
Arkansas River Outfitters on Whitewatr
57 outfitters run trips on the Arkansas River, with prices from $36 to $689.
| Outfitter | Location | Class | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center | Howard, CO | I-IV | — |
| Raft Masters | Canon City, CO | — | — |
| Salida River Adventures | Salida, CO | I-IV | $74 |
| Colorado Outback Adventures | Durango, CO | — | $64 |
| Journey Quest | Texas Creek, CO | — | $79 |
| Blazing Adventures | Aspen, CO | II-IV+ | — |
| Lost Paddle Rafting | Cañon City, CO | II-IV+ | $89 |
| Arkansas River Tours | Cañon City, CO | I-V | $89 |
| American Adventure Expeditions | Buena Vista, CO | I-IV+ | $74 |
| Raft Masters | Canon City, CO | — | — |
| The Colorado Angler | Silverthorne, CO | — | — |
| Downstream Adventures | Canon City, CO | I-V | $80 |
| Raft One | Buena Vista, CO | — | $36 |
| Echo Canyon River Expeditions | Canon City, CO | — | $132 |
| Arkansas River Tours | Cotopaxi, CO | I-V | $89 |
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Browse Rafting TripsData based on 506 verified outfitters on Whitewatr. Last updated April 2026.