Arkansas River
Class II - Class V
The Arkansas River Valley contains more stretches of whitewater - and hence more paddlers - than any other river in Colorado. Beginning with the upper reaches of the drainage, the Granite and Pine Creek sections offer paddlers a scenic Class III+ float finished up with one mile of hard-hitting Class V action. Following the legendary Pine Creek and Triple Drop rapids, the Numbers remains one of the quintessential Class V day stretches on Earth. The Frog Rock (a.k.a. Narrows or Milk Run) section is a classic mild stretch that leads into the town of Buena Vista's kayak park. Downstream, the most popular stretch of river in the state, Browns Canyon,offers paddlers an awesome introduction to scenic Class III whitewater. Beyond Browns, the Class III Parkdale stretch flows into the spectacular Royal Gorge, a thousand foot sheer-walled Class III-IV canyon. With more than sixty miles of whitewater available, the Arkansas River has options for every paddler.
CROA Outfitters on The Arkansas River
Click on the links below to find out more about our members on the Arkansas River
Wilderness Aware Rafting
Wilderness Aware Rafting
Phone: 800.462.7238
Twice named "Colorado Company of the Year"! (ColoradoBiz Magazine 1996 and 1999). 5-star quality rafting adventures on Colorado's top rivers and Arizona's Salt River. One-stop adventure planning with downhill biking, horseback riding, and jeep tours. Trips range in duration from ½ - 10 days and include wildwater, family whitewater, guided float fishing, and inflatable kayaks on five different rivers in Colorado and the Salt River in Arizona. Our trips represent a full range of difficulties, but most do not require any previous experience. Large and comfortable riverside facility on the banks of the Arkansas River in the Colorado Rockies offers first class amenities including free continental breakfast and free use of dog kennel. Outstanding safety record, experienced guides since 1976.
- Fishing
- Rafting
- Inflatable Kayaks
- Half Day
- Full Day
- Multi Day
Lakota River Guides
Lakota River Guides
Phone: 970.845.7238
Lakota Guides provide whitewater rafting trips for all ages and abilities. We offer trips on the gentler side for young families on Class I-II as well as trips for the thrill seeking Class V guests and everything in between. Lakota operates on the Arkansas, Eagle and Colorado Rivers beginning in May and going through until October. Lakota also offers 4x4, Mtn Biking, Horsback rides, ATV tours, Stand Up Paddle Boards and more.
- Rafting
- Half Day
- Full Day
- Multi Day
Buffalo Joe's Whitewater Rafting
Buffalo Joe's Whitewater Rafting
Phone: 800.356.7984
Buffalo Joe’s Whitewater Rafting offers fun and scenic raft trips for all ages and abilities; families and adventure seekers welcome! Choose from a half day, a full day or an overnight raft trip on Colorado’s greatest class III section “Brown’s Canyon” or the exiting and continuous class IV stretch, “the Numbers”. “Best lunch on the river!!” with USDA approved Top Sirloin steak, roasted corn on the cob and fresh garden salad served on all full day trips prepared at our private lunch site, with delicious chicken and vegetarian entrees available upon request. Buffalo Joe’s also offers private guided fishing trips, half days on the “Milk Run” for younger children and inflatable kayak trips for adventure enthusiasts.
- Fishing
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Half Day
- Full Day
- Multi Day
Noahs Ark Whitewater Rafting Company
Noahs Ark Whitewater Rafting Company
Phone: 719-395-2158
Since 1983, Noah's Ark Whitewater Rafting Co. and Adventure Program has offered guests top-quality whitewater rafting adventures, rock climbing trips, and backcountry adventures in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Now the largest whitewater rafting and backcountry adventure company in Colorado, the goal of Noah's Ark has always been to provide guests with unforgettable Colorado outdoor adventures. With a dynamic staff of over 150 people and one of Colorado's finest riverfront base camps and campground, Noah's Ark has consistently accomplished this goal for over 25 years. Located just 2 hours west of Denver and Colorado Springs in the shadow of central Colorado's pristine Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, Noah's Ark has one of the highest return rates in the industry.
- Fishing
- Rafting
- Canoeing
- Half Day
- Full Day
- Multi Day
The Colorado Angler
The Colorado Angler
Phone: 877-268-7688
Full service fly-fishing outfitter, offering guided Float and Wade Fly Fishing. Centrally located in Silverthorne with a fully appointed specialty fly fishing retail operation.
- Fishing
- Half Day
- Full Day
Arkansas River Tours
Arkansas River Tours
Phone: 800.321.4352
Since 1973! 1/4 to 3 day trips on the Arkansas River, America's most popular river. Family adventures to extreme adventures. Royal Gorge, Bighorn Canyon and Brown's Canyon. River and Rail packages with the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Multi-day wilderness trips in the Gunnison Gorge. Convenient locations in Canon City near the Royal Gorge and right on the river in Cotopaxi, CO. Fun vacations start here!
- Fishing
- Rafting
- Half Day
- Full Day
- Multi Day
Performance Tours Rafting
Performance Tours Rafting
Phone: 800.328.7238
Looking for adventure that's exciting, affordable, and fun? We've got it! Professionally guided family rafting adventures to extreme whitewater trips on four spectacular rivers! Our commitment to your safety, enjoyment, and outstanding guest service has made us one of Colorado's most trusted river outfitters. Lots of trip options. Three convenient locations. Group and AAA discounts.
- Rafting
- Half Day
- Full Day
- Multi Day
Arkansas Valley Adventures
Arkansas Valley Adventures
Phone: 800.370.0581
Offering world class whitewater rafting through out Colorado. Trips depart daily from April until October. Zip Line tours and Climbing are available on site at our Outpost. We hope you enjoy your stay in beautiful Colorado.
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Half Day
- Full Day
- Multi Day
Royal Gorge Rafting & Zipline Tours
Royal Gorge Rafting & Zipline Tours
Phone: 719.275.7238
Royal Gorge Rafting, Zipline Tours, Vacation Rentals and The Whitewater Bar & Grill. The perfect "Classic Colorado" vacation combination! We encourage you to compare ~ It's your vacation ~ ensure it's the best!
- Rafting
- Half Day
- Full Day
Colorado Mountain College
Colorado Mountain College
Phone: 800-621-8559
A unique, hands-on program, Colorado Mountain College gives you a competitive Associate of Arts degree with an emphasis in Outdoor Education, preparing you for a job or further study upon graduation. It's not all play. A serious career or higher education awaits you: Pursue a degree in education, business, environmental science or recreation law, counsel at-risk youth in outdoor therapy programs, become an advisor for Outward Bound or NOLS, manage a region of the Student Conservation Association, teach via Experiential Education at an environmental primary school, work with city parks and recreation teams, or direct outdoor programs in public schools. At Colorado Mountain College, you'll get the best of both worlds. The basics of a liberal arts education coupled with theoretical and hands-on outdoor leadership is a winning combination. Programs in: Steamboat Springs, Glenwood Springs-Spring Valley, Edwards, and Leadville.
- Rafting
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Inflatable Kayaks
- Half Day
- Full Day
- Multi Day
Blazing Adventures
Blazing Adventures
Phone: 800.282.7238
Blazing Adventures specializes in whitewater rafting from mild floats to wild class IV action and everything in between. We offer half day and full day raft trips on the Roaring Fork, Arkansas, and Colorado Rivers.
- Rafting
- Half Day
- Full Day
American Adventure Expeditions
American Adventure Expeditions
Phone: 866-699-RAFT
On Colorado's most popular river, The Arkansas, world-class whitewater and jaw-dropping scenery come standard. However, at American Adventure Expeditions, our commitment to Whitewater Hospitality ensures that you'll feel welcome, wanted, and comfortable throughout your entire adventure. Spend a day on the water with us - leave with a lifetime of memories.
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Inflatable Kayaks
- Half Day
- Full Day
- Multi Day
Colorado Adventure Center
Colorado Adventure Center
Phone: 800-997-3448
The Colorado Adventure Center is home to Colorado's finest outfitters offering fun, exciting rafting, Biking, and Zip Line adventure throughout the state from Denver to Aspen. Weather its whitewater rafting on four of Colorado's most popular rivers or Zipping across Colorado's rivers, we make adventure fun and easy for everyone. With convenient locations, family friendly adventure and multi-sport trips like "raft and zip" the Colorado Adventure Center is your ticket to fun.
- Fishing
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Half Day
- Full Day
River Runners
River Runners
Phone: 800.894.9738
Colorado's Whitewater Professionals since 1972. Two Colorado rafting locations on the Arkansas River. Visit our Riverside Rafting Resort in Buena Vista, Colorado and raft America's favorite rapids in Browns Canyon. Our Royal Gorge Rafting Center is in Canyon City. Run the world famous Royal Gorge raft underneath the worlds highest suspension bridge. All River Runners guests receive half price hot spring tickets, Discounts to the royal gorge bridge and park. Ask about our corporate team building adventures, boy scout merit badges and raft and stay packages.
- Rafting
- Half Day
- Full Day
- Multi Day
Echo Canyon River Expeditions
Echo Canyon River Expeditions
Phone: 800.748.2953
Echo Canyon River Expeditions has over 30 years of experience in providing rafting adventures and making vacation memories that last a lifetime! Echo offers moderate whitewater perfectly suited to beginners and families, as well as adventure-class whitewater river rafting for the more adventurous rafters. Enjoy half-day, full-day and multi-day trips, or choose from a number of package trips, including the Paddle Saddle and Bridge ™, Raft & ATV, Whitewater Wine and Dine™ and the popular Raft-n-Rail®. We’re proud of our experienced, safety conscious and entertaining staff members who are always excited to explore Colorado’s rivers with you, our guest! Your rafting adventure awaits you just minutes from the famous Royal Gorge and only an hour drive from Colorado Springs.
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Half Day
- Full Day
- Multi Day
Raft Masters
Raft Masters
Phone: 800.568.7238
If you're looking for the top Colorado whitewater rafting outfitter, you've found us! At Raft Masters rafting is our passion, and we do it like no one else! Raft Masters offers a wide variety of trips on two great rivers, the Arkansas River 45 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, and Clear Creek 25 miles west of Denver. By combining rafting with other activities we offer our guests the convenience of one or more full days of fun and adventure with a single call. Our most popular packages include horseback, ATVs, ziplines, and the Royal Gorge Bridge or Railroad. Raft Masters convenient locations minimize your travel time so you'll spend less time driving and more time on the water.
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Half Day
- Full Day
KODI Rafting
KODI Rafting
Phone: 877.747.7238
Since 1986, KODI Rafting has been providing great times for families and thrill seekers on some of Colorado's most spectacular rivers-the Arkansas, Blue, Colorado, Dolores, Ten Mile Creek and Clear Creek. Owned and operated by a third generation Colorado boating family, let KODI show you a great time in Colorado. Located in Frisco, Buena Vista, Idaho Springs, and Kremmling.
- Fishing
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Half Day
- Full Day
- Multi Day
Timberline Tours
Timberline Tours
Established in 1971, Timberline Tours is Vail's original outfitter. Timberline offers guided whitewater trips on rivers in Northern and Central Colorado. The guides at Timberline have won 14 US National Rafting Championships and 4 Medals in World Championship competition.
- Rafting
- Half Day
- Full Day
GEO Tours Whitewater Raft Trips
GEO Tours Whitewater Raft Trips
Phone: 800.660.7238
Based Denver Metro, in Morrison, CO, just 20 minutes from Downtown. In business for over 30 years, Geo has a variety of raft trips on: Clear Creek (close to Denver), the Arkansas River (Buena Vista) and the Upper Colorado River (near Summit County, Kremmling, Vail, Breckenridge and Frisco). Choose: Part-day, Full-day or Multi-day adventures. All ages and abilities. Group transportation from Denver Metro. Group Discounts. Early Season and Evening Trip Specials.
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Half Day
- Full Day
- Multi Day
Clear Creek Rafting Company
Clear Creek Rafting Company
Phone: 800.353.9901
Experience Colorado's whitewater! With a free photo CD, free wetsuit use, free splash jacket use & helmets provided on all trips, Clear Creek Rafting Company offers exceptional value in rafting. Adventures on two great rivers with two convenient locations where there's always something for everyone! Just 30 minutes west of Denver, Clear Creek offers exciting, affordable and fun whitewater for all abilities from beginner to advanced. Or join us on the world famous Arkansas River with a trip through the Royal Gorge or Bighorn Sheep Canyon. We are pleased to offer hot showers at the Idaho Springs office for your post-trip convenience. Join the fun at Clear Creek Rafting Company, where the excitement comes in waves!
- Rafting
- Half Day
- Full Day
- Multi Day
Mile Hi Rafting
Mile Hi Rafting
Phone: 303.567.0717
Located along Clear Creek 30 minutes from Denver, Summit County, and Winter Park. Mile Hi Rafting offers affordable, fun, professionally guided Whitewater Rafting trips on Clear Creek and Arkansas Rivers from Mother’s Day until Labor Day. Excitement for everyone from beginners to advanced. Free wet suit and gear use. All year we have Scenic Mountain ATV Tours on historic trails. Instructional, safety training and automatic machines so no experience necessary. Many time and money saving packages combining Rafting, ATV Tours, Horseback Riding, Loop Railroad, lodging, picnics, and camping. Group discounts and facilities.
- Rafting
- Half Day
- Full Day
Rocky Mountain Adventures
Rocky Mountain Adventures
Phone: 800.858.6808
Let us show you the excitement of Rocky Mountain whitewater. We offer beginning to advanced level 1/2 day to multi-day whitewater adventures on the Cache La Poudre (closest to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park), Clear Creek, Arkansas, North Platte, Upper Colorado, and Dolores rivers. Wilderness journeys, trout fishing, and whitewater instruction also available.
- Fishing
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Half Day
- Full Day
- Multi Day
Vessels for Honor Rafting Company
Vessels for Honor Rafting Company
Phone: 888.623.7939
Experience wholesome family adventure on the Arkansas River. We offer 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, full day and multi-day trips through Bighorn Sheep Canyon and the Royal Gorge. Most of our excursions depart from our riverfront location at Texas Creek. Come be transformed through an amazing experience with Vessels For Honor Rafting.
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Half Day
- Full Day
Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center
Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center
Phone: 800-255-5784
We are the premier multi-sport outfitter in the Arkansas River Valley, offering professional instruction and guided trips. River activities include kayaking, rafting, duckies, and stand-up paddling. On land we conduct rock climbing trips at six different locations and also have access to over 200 miles of mountain bike trails.
- Fishing
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Inflatable Kayaks
- Half Day
- Full Day
- Multi Day
Browns Canyon Rafting
Browns Canyon Rafting
Phone: 800-332-3381
Browns Canyon Rafting provides whitewater rafting trips for all ages and abilities. We are a small company owned and operated by experienced river professionals that are passionate about giving our guests the best river experience possible with emphasis on fun and safety. Our office is located in Buena Vista and we run many sections of the Arkansas River from family-friendly floats to exhilarating class V whitewater. Our most popular trips are Browns Canyon and The Numbers 1/2 or full day trip. Other services we offer are inflatable kayak and stand up paddle board rentals or tours. Come enjoy the river with us today!
- Rafting
- Inflatable Kayaks
- Half Day
- Full Day
- Multi Day
Aspen Whitewater Rafting
Aspen Whitewater Rafting
Phone: 866.377.4837
Aspen Whitewater Rafting is a rafting and ducky (inflatable kayak ) company, that provides whitewater adventures on the Roaring Fork, Arkansas and Colorado rivers. Owned and operated by a professional staff that has been guiding our local rivers for more than 20 years. We offer a range of personalized, fun and safe whitewater adventures. Our focus is on providing exemplary customer service to all our clients, something larger companies would be hard pressed to match.
- Rafting
- Inflatable Kayaks
- Half Day
- Full Day
Dvorak's Kayak and Rafting Expeditions
Dvorak's Kayak and Rafting Expeditions
Phone: 800-824-3795
Since 1969, Bill Dvorak Kayak and Rafting Expeditions has offered adventurers, families, and everyone in between top quality whitewater rafting, kayaking and fly fishing across 9 rivers in Colorado,Idaho,Mexico,New Mexico,Utah,and Texas. For those who'd like to experience something a bit further from home, we also offer international rafting expeditions in Uganda,Nepal,and New Zealand. We pride ourselves in having helped pioneer western river rafting in Colorado's Rocky Mountains; experience rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, horseback riding with our expertly trained guides on your customized trip or expedition! Our river trips, white water skills adventure camp, and guide training program are world renown and have been featured in ESPN, NatGeo, Chicago Tribune and numerous travel books and television specials. Our speciality is multi-day wilderness river trips.
- Fishing
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Inflatable Kayaks
- Half Day
- Full Day
- Multi Day
Independent Whitewater
Independent Whitewater
Phone: 800.428.1479
Independent Whitewater is a small family owned company located on the banks of the Arkansas River just outside of Salida. We have private property with exclusive access to Colorado's most popular rafting section, Brown's Canyon, allowing us to run the two most exciting rapids, (Seidel's Suckhole and Twin Falls) on our half day trip. At IW we emphasize a personalized experience with smaller trip sizes on all of our runs. Our premiere trips include Brown's Canyon 1/2 or full day, Numbers and Royal Gorge and a variety of family floats. Inflatable kayak trips and gear rentals also available.
- Rafting
- Inflatable Kayaks
- Half Day
- Full Day
Kokopelli Rafting Adventures
Kokopelli Rafting Adventures
Phone: 800-879-9035
Kokopelli Rafting Adventures was founded in 1990. Since then, our goal has been to provide a quality recreational experience to people of all ages. Kokopelli guests can expect small custom trips, great food, personalized service, and of course exceptional guiding staff. Our professionally-guided tours focus on the natural and cultural history of the region with plenty of fun and adventure. We provide everything you need for a comfortable outdoor experience whether it's an afternoon or a week. Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado locations provide challenging whitewater or relaxing floats with stunning panoramas. Our permitted river sections allow you to choose the experience and location to meet your desires. We will handle the rest.
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Half Day
- Full Day
- Multi Day
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