Arkansas River Rafting 
Take a rafting trip on the Arkansas River this summer with Highside Adventure Tours! Our Arkansas River headquarters is located in Buena Vista, Colorado within easy driving distance of Salida, Vail, Aspen, Cañon City, Colorado Springs and Summit County.
We run many Arkansas white water rafting trips, starting with a half day trip for those with limited time and/or beginners who are whitewater rafting for the first time. We also offer Arkansas River white water rafting tours with full-day and multi-day options that include riverside camping for those interested in an extended river vacation.
The Arkansas River is the most popular commercially-run river in the United States — and for good reason! From Browns Canyon (class II-IV rapids) to the Royal Gorge (class IV-V), there is something for everyone on the Arkansas.
All Arkansas River trips meet at our Buena Vista Basecamp. The Arkansas River white water rafting season begins in mid-May and runs through early September. Peak water for maximum whitewater thrill and challenge is usually during June. The most family-friendly time of year for Arkansas River rafting is after the water starts to calm down, from July through September. Since most of the water in the Arkansas is snowmelt, the water temperature is quite cold most of the summer. Be prepared to rent wetsuit/ booties/ splash jacket if you come Arkansas river rafting before August.
From beginner/intermediate to expert, Highside Adventure Tours offers an Arkansas River rafting adventure for everyone. The most popular full-day trip is Brown’s Canyon, which is good for first-timers and experienced rafters alike. Fun and scenic, this Arkansas River whitewater rafting trip includes our famous BBQ lunch. At the other end of the spectrum is our Numbers trip which offers an extreme and continuous stretch of Class 5 water and is for experienced and aggressive rafters only. This trip requires previous experience, good physical conditioning and strong swimming skills.
In between these two, we have lots of Arkansas River white water rafting trip options. For details about our Arkansas River white water rafting adventures, please click here to see trip descriptions, dates, times, cost, age requirements and departure points. Or simply call us at 1-800-997-3448 and let us help you plan a memorable Arkansas River white water rafting adventure today.
Transportation to Buena Vista is available from Summit County and Denver. Call for pricing and details 1-800-997-3448
Arkansas River/Browns Canyon Full Day
This is the most popular full day trip in Colorado, and for good reason. Good for first timers and experienced rafters alike, this pool/drop stretch of river is fun for just about everyone. The full day mixes just the right amount of exciting whitewater, scenic views of fourteen-thousand-foot peaks and granite canyon walls. Float through Browns Canyon tackling classic rapids such as Zoom Flume, Widow Maker and Siedel's Suck Hole. This collection of rapids makes Browns Canyon one of the best class III-IV river runs in the U.S. For lunch we'll stop in the canyon to enjoy a steak and chicken BBQ lunch.
COST: $86.00Reservations
Arkansas River / Browns Canyon Half Day
A classic, this ½ day trip is one of the best in the U.S. Granite canyon walls and fourteen-thousand-foot peaks are the backdrop for challenging rapids such as Pinball, Zoom Flume, Big Drop and others. Take a couple hours out of your day and explore one of the classic whitewater stretches in Colorado.
COST: $56.00Reservations
Arkansas River/Narrows/Browns Canyon 2 Day
Set out on your first day for an exciting trip through the Narrows section of the Arkansas River. Stop and set up camp alongside the river for the night, where we will cook you a gourmet dinner. Wake up to a hearty breakfast the next morning and put on the river for an exciting full day in Brown's Canyon. All meals are included. Camping gear rental can be arranged.
COST: $325.00Reservations
Arkansas River/Royal Gorge Full Day
Here the Arkansas River flows through the 1,100-foot-deep Royal Gorge, one of Colorado's most popular natural wonders. While you are catching your breath between the incredible class IV-V rapids such as Sunshine Falls, Sledgehammer, Wall Slammer and Boat Eater, you can take in the stunning beauty of the gorge. At high flows (May-July) this trip is almost non-stop whitewater, and not for the faint of heart. The Royal Gorge is recommended highly for aggressive paddlers who are in good physical shape and know how to swim. It is truly some of the best whitewater in the West. This trip includes our famous BBQ lunch.
COST: $105.00Reservations
Arkansas River/Numbers Adventure
This extreme and continuous stretch of class 5 water is for experienced and aggressive paddlers only. With almost 6 miles of continuous class 4+, the Numbers is one of the toughest commercially run sections of whitewater in the United States. It's not for everyone, but for those who take the challenge, it's the trip of a lifetime. Rafters looking to run the Numbers must have previously rafted class 4 or 5 rapids, be in good physical shape and be able to swim.
COST: $108.00 Full Day / $75.00 1/2 DayReservations
