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 White Water 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.

Check out this time lapse at River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort in Buena Vista, Colorado

This is why we are called the whitewater professionals.

Riverside Camping Buena Vista, Colorado
Group campsites $40 -$50 per night

Car camping in Buena Vista, Colorado at River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort on the Arkansas River.

There is no better way to experience the natural beauty of the Colorado Rockies than camping in Buena Vista, Colorado. This authentic mountain town is located in the Upper Arkansas River Valley and is surrounded by majestic 14,000 foot peaks. The Arkansas River runs along the eastern edge of town and offers a wide range of whitewater rapids – from family-friendly to extreme. Popular summer activities in Buena Vista, Colorado include whitewater rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding, ATV touring, hiking, mountaineering, hot spring soaking, and more.

Choose from a number of camping options near Buena Vista, Colorado. Whether you are looking for an established RV park, private campgrounds like the Buena Vista KOA, or secluded campgrounds on National Forrest, Bureau of Land Management, or Colorado State Park land – there is no shortage of camping in Buena Vista, Colorado.

One of the more unique campgrounds near Buena Vista, Colorado is River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort, just south of Buena Vista on the banks of the Arkansas River. This catch and release fishing property has three large group sites available along the river with picnic tables and fire pits. Each site is $50 and can accomodate 10-25 campers. Amenities include hot shower and bathroom facilities, a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and a Riverside Bar and Grill that serves Baha-style food, handmade cocktails, and local beers on tap.

Book a River Runners whitewater rafting trip and enjoy our private beach and access point to the Arkansas River.

Space is limited, so advanced reservations are recommended. Sites and rafting trips start filling up in fall and winter for the summer season.

Camping in Buena Vista, Colorado.

Select a White Water Rafting Trip in Buena Vista, Colorado

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.

Browns Canyon Rafting 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.

 

 

Numbers Rafting Trip

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Pine Creek Rafting Trip