Full Day Numbers Rafting Trip: Buena Vista Class IV Whitewater

Paddle nonstop Class IV rapids and sharpen your technique on one of Colorado's most demanding stretches.

The Numbers full day rafting trip is a six-hour whitewater adventure on the Arkansas River near Buena Vista, Colorado, where you tackle nearly continuous Class IV rapids numbered One through Seven with professional guides and a riverside lunch break. The trip combines high-intensity paddling with instruction and safety orientation, and suits experienced rafters or confident swimmers seeking maximum challenge and technical whitewater.

The Experience

Six hours on the Arkansas River means you get multiple runs through the Numbers section instead of a single pass. The rapids here are steep, powerful, and technical—you'll navigate fast lines through drops and hydraulics that demand sharp paddle work and quick decisions. A professional guide leads the group, calling lines through each rapid and coaching you on technique between runs. The pace is relentless; this is not a scenic float with calm stretches in between.

Midday you pull ashore for a riverside lunch, a break that lets you recover and refuel before heading back out. The guide handles the meal prep, so you rest and talk through what worked in the morning. Then it's back into the action for the afternoon push. Helmets and Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices are provided, and a safety orientation at the start covers what to expect and how the team moves together through the big water.

Transportation from the meet location is included, so you show up ready to paddle and leave without arranging a separate ride. The guides are certified and trained in advanced safety protocols—this is backed by over 30 years of family-owned outfitting experience, which shows in how the day is structured and how the group moves through the river. Minimum age is 15, and the trip is built for people with a high level of physical fitness who want to test their skills on genuine Class IV whitewater.

What’s included

• Helmets and Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices.
• deli-style lunch prepared riverside.
• safety orientation and paddle instruction.
• roundtrip transportation from the meet location.
• professional guides with advanced safety training.

Good to know

Demanding physical level

Operated by Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours

Is this one for you?Book this trip if you're an experienced rafter or confident swimmer ready for nonstop Class IV intensity—the full day format and multiple runs through the Numbers give you time to build rhythm and tackle the same technical section repeatedly, which is what separates this from a single-pass afternoon trip.

Top questions

What makes the Numbers section different from other rafting runs near Buena Vista?

The Numbers is known for nearly continuous Class IV whitewater with steep drops, powerful hydraulics, and fast technical lines through seven numbered rapids. It's one of Colorado's most intense and technical stretches, requiring experienced paddling and sharp decision-making throughout the run.

How much time do I spend actually paddling versus taking breaks?

The full day trip runs six hours total, with multiple runs through the Numbers section and a midday riverside lunch break. Most of the day is spent on the water; the lunch break is the main pause in the action.

What's included in the trip, and what do I need to bring?

The trip includes helmets, Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices, a deli-style lunch, safety orientation and paddle instruction, roundtrip transportation from the meet location, and professional guides. Bring a swimsuit, water shoes or secure footwear, and a towel; wetsuit boots are not included.

Do I need previous rafting experience to book this trip?

The Numbers trip is designed for experienced rafters or confident adventurers seeking maximum challenge. You should have a high level of physical fitness and comfort in whitewater; the guides provide instruction and safety coaching, but this is not an introductory trip.

What's the minimum age, and are there any other requirements?

The minimum age is 15 years old. You must be in good physical condition and comfortable swimming, as this is a high-intensity Class IV run with no calm sections.