Arkansas River
The Arkansas River in Colorado begins in the Sawatch Range near Leadville and Buena Vista and joins the Mississippi River in Arkansas. The Arkansas River is one of Colorado’s most notable natural landmarks and waterways and offers some of the best whitewater stretches in North America.
Adventure on the Arkansas
On the Arkansas River, you’ll find rafting from the wild and challenging section of Pine Creek near Granite, CO, to the thrilling and scenic family-friendly rapids of Browns Canyon near Buena Vista, to the towering rock walls of the Royal Gorge near Cañon City. With every class of whitewater available and great Colorado rafting for families, groups, and adrenaline junkies, Arkansas River rafting truly has something for everyone.
Explore Arkansas
Top Trips
There’s a reason that Whitewater Rafting on the Arkansas River in Colorado is one of the most popular and exciting river trips in the country. Combine the scenic beauty of the Arkansas River Valley with majestic Colorado mountain terrain and the excitement of continuous whitewater, and you get the best whitewater trips available in Colorado! Explore Arkansas River rafting on class III through V rapids, along with ziplining, Via Ferrata, and horseback riding adventures.
Browns Canyon 1/2 Day
Get ready to experience the best of Colorado on our Brown’s Canyon half-day trip. This family-friendly adventure rushes you down the Arkansas River and [...]
Numbers 1/2 Day
Looking for that quintessential Colorado whitewater rafting experience? Head to the Numbers section of the Arkansas River! If you are an experienced rafter looking [...]
Colorado Via Ferrata – Granite
Adventure awaits as you conquer the cliffside on this unique mountaintop climbing experience. Feel a rush of adrenaline as you traverse across and above [...]
The Gauntlet White Water Rafting – Pine Creek & Numbers
Experience the wildest rafting offered on the Arkansas River in Colorado. On this full day rafting adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to navigate the [...]
Your AVA ARKANSAS RIVER Adventure
Arkansas River Trips
Our Arkansas River trips include a variety of trip lengths, excitement levels and multi-adventure package options. Paddle through the breathtaking granite walls of Browns Canyon National Monument or explore Pine Creek, the most extreme section of the Arkansas River.
The Mighty Arkansas River
The Arkansas River flows east and southeast through Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, with the source basin sitting right in the Arkansas River Valley of Buena Vista, CO. The water is fed by melted snowpack from the Sawatch and Mosquito mountain ranges. On its journey, it covers over 1,400 miles, making it the 6th longest river in the United States and the 45th longest river in the world.
AVA's Arkansas River Outpost
AVA Rafting & Zipline was established in 1998 in Buena Vista, CO, making the Arkansas River our original rafting headquarters. We began with only a small team of 7 guides, running the Arkansas River through both exciting high-water years and 2002’s intense drought. Today, one of our three outposts lies in Buena Vista, with easy access to the Arkansas River, and we are proud to run 1/2 day, full day, and overnight trips on this mighty river, through a variety of river classes.
Getting to the Arkansas River
Our Buena Vista outpost is located just 14 miles north of the town of Buena Vista. The Arkansas River flows directly through this charming rafting town and provides some of the most exciting whitewater adventures in the state, perfect for first-timers and rafting enthusiasts alike.
THE BEST OF THE ARKANSAS RIVER
The Arkansas River is the sixth longest river in the United States and one of Colorado’s most important waterways. Its stretch near our Buena Vista outpost offers some of the best rafting in the state, coupled with stunning scenery. Here, visitors can even raft through Browns Canyon National Monument, a Colorado landmark boasting impressive granite walls set against crystal blue water. With its mesmerizing spray, impressive rock formations, and lush greenery, the Arkansas River and its valley represent an incredible Colorado landmark ripe with adventure, wildlife, and unparalleled views.
ARKANSAS RIVER FAMILY FRIENDLY RAFTING
Browns Canyon trips are our most popular family rafting trips! For beginner to intermediate rafters, we suggest our Browns Canyon half-day trip. This stretch of rafting on the Arkansas River takes you through Browns Canyon National Monument, providing scenic rafting on whitewater for all ages.
THE ARKANSAS FOR ADRENALINE JUNKIES
For adventurers seeking non-stop whitewater action, the Arkansas River has plenty of opportunities! We recommend the Gauntlet-Pine Creek and the Numbers full-day trip or the Numbers half-day trip. This full-day experience will take you on an exhilarating ride through Colorado’s most continuous whitewater and steepest rapid, while the half-day on the Numbers provides a condensed opportunity to rush some of the wildest rapids.
ADVENTURE OFF THE ARKANSAS RIVER
Adventure may begin on the Arkansas River, but it doesn’t stop there! Our Buena Vista outpost offers convenient opportunities to explore the best of the surrounding Arkansas River Valley. Discover this area’s unique granite cliffs, as you climb high into the mountainside. Soar through the trees on our zipline course, climb the cliffside on a rock-climbing trip, or try out our exciting Via Ferrata course complete with a 78-foot free-fall.
Explore Arkansas Adventures
Mt. Princeton Sunset Ride
See why Colorado is known for its breathtaking sunsets. Being on horseback at sunset is a memory that will last forever. This two hour [...]
Mt. Princeton 2 Hour Ride
The Arkansas Valley is lined with 15 14,000-foot peaks – the most in one concentration in Colorado – which makes for one of the [...]
Georgetown Loop Train Ride
Only 45 minutes from Denver, Colorado in Idaho Springs, the Georgetown Loop Railroad offers an exciting and historical opportunity to experience Colorado history. Ride [...]
Campsites
Spend an evening under the Arkansas Valley stars at AVA’s Buena Vista campground. Located at the base of several 14,000-foot peaks, access to the [...]
Cabins
Our rental cabins at our Buena Vista outpost offer unparalleled access to outdoor activities! Stay with us before or after your adventure and wake [...]
Gift Certificates
Give the gift of adventure with Gift Certificates from AVA Rafting & Zipline! We get it – it’s just so easy to send another [...]
Browns Canyon Express + Zipline Package
A day packed with adventure, this package brings you the best family whitewater rafting in Colorado combined with a hot, hearty lunch and an [...]
Overnight Opportunities
Our Buena Vista outpost on the Arkansas River is unique in that we offer both an overnight trip opportunity, as well as camping and lodging options. Raft the Arkansas on our 24 Hours in Browns, passing through a National Monument with the chance to sleep under the stars. For those looking to stay in the area, we offer campsites and cabins for rent near our outposts. Settle in for the night and wake up refreshed and ready for adventure!
FAQs
Arkansas River rafting is easy and convenient from our Buena Vista outpost! The drive is about 2 hours from Denver, 1 hour and 15 minutes from Breckenridge, and 1 hour from Vail. Our Buena Vista outpost is perfect for a day trip or longer adventure.
We offer rafting trips on the Arkansas River for ages 7 and up! These are family-friendly and ideal for all ability levels.
At our Buena Vista outpost, we also offer ziplining and Via Ferrata trips, as well as horseback opportunities in the surrounding area. The town of Buena Vista also has many restaurants and a walkable area for exploration.
The Arkansas River and the Arkansas River Valley boast some of the most beautiful scenery and best whitewater in the state. This is a unique opportunity to have a blast on the water, as well as spend time in one of Colorado’s most pristine outdoor areas. The river also offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, and the bright blue water in contrast with the area’s granite cliffs will be sure to take your breath away.
