Buena Vista: Arkansas River Extreme Whitewater Rafting

The Numbers Section Hits Different Than You'd Expect

You meet at the Buena Vista headquarters, get fitted for gear, receive a safety briefing, then paddle six miles of technical rapids on the Arkansas River with a professional guide. The full-day option adds a riverside lunch and continues into the more difficult Narrows section. You return to the office to view photos and collect your gear.

Step-by-step itinerary

Extreme whitewater rafting adventure

• Meet at riverside headquarters
• Get rental gear and change clothes
• Receive safety orientation
• Transport to river put-in location
• Paddle 6 miles through Numbers rapids
• Enjoy riverside lunch (full-day only)
• Continue rafting through Narrows section (full-day only)
• Return to office take-out location
• View photos and say goodbye

The Experience

You show up at the riverside headquarters just south of Buena Vista thinking you know what whitewater rafting feels like, and then your guide walks you through what's actually coming. The Numbers section of the Arkansas River isn't the gentle float you might have done before — it's six miles of back-to-back technical rapids that demand everything from you. Class III and IV water means you're not just paddling; you're reading the current, timing your strokes, and working as a unit with five other people in the boat while your professional guide calls out every move. The Collegiate Peaks rise up at 14,000 feet in the distance, but honestly, you're too focused on the next drop to spend much time admiring them.

The day starts 30 to 45 minutes before your scheduled departure when you arrive at the office, about two miles south of town. Staff help you pick rental gear — wetsuits, splash jackets, river shoes — based on the water conditions that day, which matters more than you'd think. After you change and get the safety briefing, it's a short 15-minute drive to the put-in. Then you're in the boat, and the Arkansas River takes over. Your guide handles the navigation while you handle the paddle work, and there's no coasting through this section. The rapids come fast, the water's cold, and your arms will know they worked by the time you pull out.

If you're doing the half-day trip, you're done after those six miles — back to the office to dry off and check out your photos before heading out. Full-day trips include a riverside lunch between the Numbers section and the Narrows, a technical Class III-IV stretch that pushes the difficulty even further. Either way, you leave knowing you didn't just float down a river; you actually paddled it.

What’s included

• Professional river guide leading your group through the Numbers section.
• Transportation from the riverside headquarters to the put-in location and back to the office.
• Helmet, personal flotation device, paddle and all necessary river equipment.
• National Park fees.
• Riverside lunch on full-day trips only.
• Gear rental recommendations based on weather and water conditions.
• Photo viewing before departure.

Good to know

Demanding physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Wilderness Aware Rafting

Is this one for you?Choose this if you're in solid physical shape and want a real whitewater challenge on one of Colorado's most technical sections — the professional guide and included gear mean you show up ready to paddle hard without arranging anything yourself.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the half-day and full-day trip?

Half-day covers the Numbers section only (six miles of rapids). Full-day includes the Numbers, a riverside lunch, and the Narrows section, which is Class III-IV technical water. Both trips last several hours with transportation and guide included.

Do I need whitewater rafting experience?

No. The trip is designed for experienced rafters and adventurous beginners in good physical condition. Your guide provides a comprehensive safety orientation before you launch.

What gear is provided?

Helmet, personal flotation device, paddle, and all necessary river equipment are included. You can rent wetsuits, splash jackets, and river shoes on-site based on water and weather conditions.

How far is the put-in from the office?

About 15 minutes by vehicle. You meet at the headquarters south of Buena Vista, then get transported to the river put-in location.

What's included in the full-day trip?

Professional guide, transportation to and from the river, helmet and gear, and lunch. National Park fees are included in both half-day and full-day trips.

Is there a minimum group size?

Yes, a minimum of two people per booking is required.

Can I do this trip if I'm pregnant?

No, this trip is not available for pregnant travelers.

What's the minimum age?

Minimum age is 14 years. During high water (late May through early June), the minimum age increases and the section may close entirely.

Do you offer vegetarian or gluten-free meals?

Yes, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. Let the office know at the time of booking.

What should I wear?

Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet. The office provides rental wetsuits and splash jackets if needed based on conditions. River shoes are also available to rent.