White Water Rafting in Buena Vista, Colorado

Raft Browns Canyon from River Runners’ Riverside Resort

Buena Vista, Colorado is one of the premiere white water rafting and kayaking towns in the world and is an easy and scenic drive from any Colorado vacation destination. This unspoiled Colorado mountain town is located along the world-renowned Arkansas River and is shadowed by majestic 14,000-foot mountains. The weather here in Buena Vista, Colorado is incredible. Every May – as sure as the spring snow melt – white water enthusiasts from all over the world converge on Buena Vista to run the wild and mild rapids of the Arkansas River.

River Runners

The Whitewater Professionals since 1972

The River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort is located six miles south of Buena Vista, Colorado on the banks of the Arkansas River. Enjoy the convenience of our private put-in for rafting Browns Canyon or choose from one of our more advanced rafting trips like The Numbers or Pine Creek. Also check out our picnic areas, riverside camping, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and Riverside Bar & Grill.

You can join a fully guided rafting trip with River Runners any day May – September rain or shine.

Riverside group campsites are available for $50 per night and can accommodate 20-25 people. All campsites include picnic tables, fire pits, and use of our restroom and shower facilities. River Runners is only 5 minutes from Colorado’s best hot springs resort. Mt. Princeton Hot Springs offers newly built cabins and remodeled hotel rooms with incredible views; a rustic, but elegant restaurant; a spa center; and a variety of natural creek side pools, swimming pools, relaxation pools, and a designated kids pool with a 400-foot water slide.

Hot Springs and Cool Rafting in Buena Vista, Colorado at the River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort on the Arkansas River.

Raft the Arkansas River with River Runners and receive discount tickets to soak at Colorado’s premier hot springs resort. Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort is located just 5 miles from River Runners. This hot springs resort offers unique creek side soaking pools, swimming pools a 400-foot water slide and lodging. Stay at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort and receive 10% off your rafting and 10% off your lodging. This family-friendly resort has incredible mountain views and is surrounded by affordable family activities.

$31 White Water Rafting Trips for Families with Small Children

FAMILY FLOAT RAFTING TRIP BEGINNER CLASS I-II

Children who weigh at least 35 pounds and who are accompanied by a parent or guardian can go white water rafting in Colorado on our Family Float rafting trip. This beginner scenic float is just 1.5 hours round trip and departs daily out of our Riverside Rafting Resort in Buena Vista, Colorado. After a five-minute shuttle, float right down to our private beach where you can walk to your car. Enjoy a free slide show of your Family Float rafting trip.

Browns Canyon Rafting Trips

The Most Popular Family-Friendly Rafting Trips in Colorado

BROWNS CANYON RAFTING TRIP CLASS III-IV

If your children are at least six years old and 50 pounds you should consider either Browns Canyon or Bighorn Sheep Canyon – two of the most popular family white water rafting trips in Colorado. Experience fun class III-IV rapids and spectacular Colorado scenery on both of these rafting trips. Age and weight restrictions can change at high water flows. Please call for up-to-date conditions prior to booking your trip.

Numbers Rafting Trips

Advanced Rafting The Numbers

NUMBERS RAFTING TRIP ADVANCED CLASS IV – V

This premiere Colorado rafting trip is a perfect mix of alpine scenery and incredible white water. Paddle through the most continuous white water on the Arkansas River. This is an advanved class IV-V Colorado white water rafting trip. Experience is recommended but not required. If everyone in your rafting group is at least 16 years of age and of an adventurous spirit you should run the Numbers.

Pine Creek Rafting Trips

Looking for Something More Extreme?

PINE CREEK RAFTING TRIP ADVANCED CLASS V

If you have paddled The Numbers or Royal Gorge with River Runners and are still looking for something more extreme – try white water rafting Pine Creek (class V), the most difficult rapid on the Arkansas River. Participants must be 18 and have prior class IV-V experience with River Runners.