• Numbers Rafting Video & Description
• Need to Know

Watch This Rafting Video & Learn About Your Rafting Trip

White water river rafting guides prepare a catered riverside lunch on all full day rafting trips on the Arkansas River

The Numbers is a class IV-V advanced whitewater rafting trip in Buena Vista, Colorado and is the most continuous whitewater rafting section on the Arkansas River. The rapids on The Numbers are so close together that there was no time to name them, which is why they have numbers. By the time you raft through Rapid #1, you are already entering Rapid #1 ½ and so on. Be ready to paddle, as all River Runners advanced Numbers trips run paddle rafts, where your qualified whitewater rafting guide yells out paddle commands and steers your raft through each rapid.

Who is ready to raft The Numbers?

Prior rafting experience is recommended, but not required. Anyone who is 16 or older, knows how to swim, and is in good physical health can raft on a Numbers advanced class IV-V whitewater rafting trip in Buena Vista, Colorado.

The Numbers high water season tends to run from mid-May through June each year, so rafters during this period should be ready for pushy whitewater with big waves and hydraulics. The river is usually at a more moderate water level in July and August, but The Numbers is still considered an advanced whitewater rafting trip at lower flows.

NUMBERS RAFTING TRIP

Know before you book

• Previous whitewater rafting experience is recommended, but notrequired to raft the Numbers.
• Participants should be at least 14 years old for this advanced rafting trip (varies with water flow).
• All participants should be able to swim and be in good physical condition.
• Risk is involved with all whitewater rafting trips – you and everyone in your party must be willing to accept that risk.
• All participants must read and sign a waiver – minors under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian read and sign a waiver on their behalf.

Your Numbers rafting trip will meet at:

River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort

24070 County Road 301 Buena Vista, Colorado 81211

 

Plan to arrive at our Buena Vista, Colorado location at least 45 minutes prior to your Numbers rafting trip departure time – this allows time for your group to finish paperwork and check out rafting equipment.

What to Wear

• You should wear synthetic fabric clothing (avoid cotton), sandals that strap around your foot or an old pair of tennis shoes, a hat, a strap for your eye glasses or sun glasses (available for purchase), quick dry swimsuits or board shorts, and rain gear (jackets and/or pants).
• Wetsuits, splash tops and booties are available for rent at River Runners.
• Apply plenty of sunscreen and reapply throughout the day.
• Guides, rafts, PFDs, helmets and paddles are included.
• Walk-ins are welcome, but advanced rafting reservations are the only way to insure that you get to go rafting – especially during peak season.
• We reserve the right to alter your route based on extreme water flows and other potential safety concerns.
• Book your rafting trip 30 days in advance and save 10% – Use Promo Code: EARLYBIRD

River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort

24070 County Road 301 Buena Vista, Colorado 81211

View Larger Colorado Map:
River Runners Rafting Buena Vista, Colorado

June 14, 2011

Imagine planning a rafting trip for a family of five through Brown’s Canyon only to find out when you reach the rafting company that because of the high water your children are now too young. When the Arkansas River is flowing over 3,00 cubic feet per second (cfs), it is River Runner’s policy that children be at least eight years old, whereas below 3,000 cfs children need to be six years old and weigh at least fifty pounds. This policy was adopted as a safety measure for children and will continue to change if and when the river reaches 4,000 cfs, 5,000 cfs, or more depending upon mother-nature.

“Our family had a blast on this rafting trip with Fred”

However, River Runner’s offers what is known as the family float, which is mostly a class II section of whitewater but at higher flows starts off as an easy class III raft trip, much like the lead-in to Brown’s Canyon. The minimum weight requirement for the family float is 35 pounds. It was on this family float stretch of river that I was able to take the one family who had been denied their Brown’s Canyon adventure and another family for a total of four adults and five children. With the river flowing at 3,260 cfs, the eleven of us, including our fearless shuttle driver, set out in a van for the short shuttle trip to Johnson’s Village and our put-in. During the ride upstream I gave both families the safety speech about some of the encounters they could possibly have while on the river. This was a first time rafting experience for four people in the group and there are a few river safety scenarios that must be explained, and it is also a great refresher for experienced boaters.

It’s time to go rafting!

After all was said and done it was time to go rafting, the boat was rigged, the life jackets secured, and everyone selected their spot in the boat based on how wet they wanted to get. Of course several fearless youngsters opted for the front. So, with paddle in hand and myself at the oars our adventure together took that turn we were all hoping to take this day.

Fast moving water and waves welcomed us to the river and we were not in the current more than five seconds before the first waves splashed over the front of the boat and soaked the passengers in front and even got me and the rest of the crew wet as well. Each wave produced a squeal of delight followed closely by laughter and the wanting for more. The river twists and turns at the start and the navigation of the raft was aided by the paddles that each of the young children used throughout the trip. It was delightful to witness someone’s first attempt at dipping a paddle in the water and realizing just how strong a current of water can be as they struggled and strained to move the boat forward being not just on a rafting trip adventure, but part of it.

The splashes were great!

The splashes were so great that one person had to move to the back of the boat while another couldn’t help but peek their head over the bow of the boat every time a splash was imminent. I feel that the trip calms down and takes on its class II demeanor when reaching the point of looking through the steel girders of a railroad bridge with beautiful Mount Princeton in the background. From here the twists and turns are still there and so is the strong current but the waves are smaller and not as wet. After staying right of the diversion dam and not picking up any pets it was time to let kids take charge of the oars so they could experience the full weight of the boat being pushed by the current. There was only one volunteer to work the oars today but that person handled them skillfully and naturally. We ducked under Fisherman’s Bridge on river left and ferried across the river to eddy out at where we had started just about an hour earlier.

Guaranteed this memory will be a big one!

Most of the group wanted to run it again, and if it wasn’t for a few shivers and the hunger for some Mac-n-cheese with hot dogs, we would have extended the journey. However, we changed into our warm dry clothes, looked at the pictures and laughed some more at one of our newest memories, and began to go our separate ways. It felt good when one of the parents said thank you for making our adventure feel just like the one they would have had in Brown’s Canyon had the water been a little lower. Today was a great reminder that there is a stretch of river for everyone and you can always come back and visit it in the future.

Request Fred and maybe he will write a story about you…

Learn More about this class II Family Float Trip or Browns Canyon Rafting Trips

MORE RAFTING PHOTOS FROM THIS FAMILY FLOAT RAFTING TRIP:

• Browns Canyon Rafting Video & Description
• Need to Know

Watch this Rafting Video & Learn about your Rafting Trip

Class III-IV whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River in Buena Vista, Colorado

Big Drop Rapid on the Arkansas River in Browns Canyon - Buena Vista, Colorado.

Raft with River Runners and enjoy the convenience of our private beach and launch site for Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River

More people raft Browns Canyon than any other whitewater section in Colorado – mostly because of its family-friendly class III rapids and spectacular Colorado scenery, but also due to its central location near Summit County ski resorts, Colorado Springs, and Denver.

Beginner and seasoned rafters can appreciate the fun and beauty of this unique Colorado canyon. Class III whitewater rafting through Browns Canyon has exciting waves and drops followed by calm pools, giving rafters time to regain their composure between each rapid.

Kids whitewater rafting Browns Canyon

Families with children as young as 6 years old who meet the 50 pound weight requirement have a great time rafting Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River. Children who do not want to paddle can just hold on and enjoy the ride.

BROWNS CANYON RAFTING TRIP

Know before you book

• Previous whitewater rafting experience is not required to raft Browns Canyon.
• Participants should be at least 6 years old and 50 pounds for this intermediate rafting trip (varies with water flow).
• All participants should be able to swim and be in good physical condition.
• If you are not physically active or if you have young children in your group we recommend that you consider an oar boat.
• Risk is involved with all whitewater rafting trips – you and everyone in your party must be willing to accept that risk.
• All participants must read and sign a waiver – minors under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian read and sign a waiver on their behalf.

Your Browns Canyon rafting trip will meet at:

River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort

24070 County Road 301 Buena Vista, Colorado 81211

 

 

Plan to arrive at our Buena Vista, Colorado location at least 45 minutes prior to your Browns Canyon rafting trip departure time – this allows time for your group to finish paperwork and check out rafting equipment.

What to Wear

• You should wear synthetic fabric clothing (avoid cotton), sandals that strap around your foot or an old pair of tennis shoes, a hat, a strap for your eye glasses or sun glasses (available for purchase), quick dry swimsuits or board shorts, and rain gear (jackets and/or pants).
• Wetsuits, splash tops and booties are available for rent at River Runners.
• Apply plenty of sunscreen and reapply throughout the day.
• Guides, rafts, PFDs, helmets and paddles are included.
• Walk-ins are welcome, but advanced rafting reservations are the only way to insure that you get to go rafting – especially during peak season.
• We reserve the right to alter your route based on extreme water flows and other potential safety concerns.
• Book your rafting trip 30 days in advance and save 10% – Use Promo Code: EARLYBIRD

River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort

24070 County Road 301 Buena Vista, Colorado 81211

View Larger Colorado Map:

River Runners Rafting Buena Vista, Colorado

River Runners Riverside Bar & Grill on the Arkansas River in Buena Vista, Colorado

Whitewater Rafting in Colorado's Rocky Mountains - Buena Vista, Colorado. Mt. Yale in background at 14,194 feet.

River Runners Rafting Buena Vista Since 1972

There is no better place to experience your next Colorado adventure than Buena Vista, Colorado – a mecca for outdoor recreation. This authentic mountain town is at the center of Colorado’s favorite summer activities – like whitewater rafting, camping, hot spring soaking, horseback riding, trail hiking, jeep touring, zip-lining, and more.

Buena Vista, Colorado is centrally located in the state, so it’s bound to be near your Colorado summer vacation destination – if it’s not already whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River.

River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort has a variety of trips to suit most adventure seekers wanting the experience of whitewater rafting in Colorado. Our Riverside Resort is located on the banks of the Arkansas River, just south of Buena Vista. In addition to being your check-in spot for whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, you can enjoy riverside camping, sand volleyball, riverside horseshoes, a full river shop, and our Riverside Bar and Grill.

Choose between family, intermediate, and advanced rafting trips that utilize our private beach and access point to the Arkansas River. This exclusive river access is a rare find for whitewater rafting in Buena Vista, Colorado – making River Runners one of the most popular whitewater rafting companies in the state.

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River Runners Rafting Buena Vista, Colorado

Riverside Bar and Grill Restaurant Buena Vista, Colorado

Enjoy the best riverside dining in Buena Vista, Colorado

Riverside Bar and Grill Restaurant on the Arkansas River in Buena Vista, Colorado.

During the summer months, one of the best restaurants near Buna Vista, Colorado is the Riverside Bar and Grill – located on Hwy 285, six miles south of Buena Vista, at the River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort.

Relax on the banks of the Arkansas River and enjoy good friends, delicious food, tasty drinks, and spectacular Colorado scenery.

The Riverside Bar and Grill at River Runners has a small, but unique menu and order-up style service – making it a great casual dining experience. The menu ranges from carne asada burritos and Buena Vista made famous fish tacos to children quesadillas and chips and salsa. All products are purchased locally when possible and handcrafted items like the pico de gallo make this a unique dining experience.

We offer a small but delicious selection of alcoholic drinks including local micro brews, domestic pilsner, our legendary River Rummers, and famous Margaritas. Other beverage options include natural sodas, ice tea, organic milk, and organic apple juice.

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River Runners Rafting Buena Vista, Colorado

All inclusive overnight family whitewater rafting trips in Buena Vista, Colorado.

A great way for families to spend time together in the outdoors of Colorado is on a River Runners two-day intermediate whitewater rafting trip in Buena Vista, Colorado. Enjoy two days of class III whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River in Colorado – complete with remote riverside camping, catered meals, and state certified whitewater rafting guides.

Trips can depart any day throughout the summer with a minimum of four participants - so pick a date that works with your summer schedule and let us know.

• Suitable for children as young as six years old, who weigh at least 50 pounds
• Age and weight restrictions can fluctuate with water levels
• Call and reserve this trip today

Rafting Day 1 arrive at River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort at 8 am to check in with the front office, meet your guide, pack your overnight dry bags (provided) with your personal clothing, and get suited up in your full wetsuit gear (provided) or your own river clothes if you prefer. Next, River Runners will shuttle you upstream to The Narrows, where you will experience continuous and fun Class III-IV rapids. Enjoy a hearty riverside lunch, then raft right past your check-in point at the resort before entering Browns Canyon where you will camp for the night. Your overnight gear will be waiting for you at the group campsite, which will already be set up by the gear boater. After setting up your personal camp and changing into your dry clothes, you will enjoy a hot riverside meal. Play river games, enjoy a campfire, sing camp songs, and view wildlife while your guides clean up.

Rafting Day 2 you will awake to hot breakfast and coffee, tea, or juice prior to packing up camp and setting off on your raft for another enjoyable day of intermediate class III-IV rafting in Browns Canyon. Another riverside lunch will be provided before you conclude the trip. You will be transported back to the River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort by 4 pm where you can view a slide show of your family whitewater rafting adventure on one of our flat screen TVs. Digital images can be purchased on a CD starting at $25.

View Larger Colorado Map:
River Runners Rafting Buena Vista, Colorado

Overnight Colorado river rafting on the Arkansas River. Buena Vista, Colorado.

Overnight rafting trips on the Arkansas River in Colorado are a great way to get the best whitewater combined with a truly unique outdoor camping experience. Two-day Advanced Overnight whitewater rafting trips in Buena Vista, Colorado include three class III-V whitewater sections on the Arkansas River: The Numbers, The Narrows, and Browns Canyon.

All advanced overnight whitewater rafters must be at least 16 years old. Trips are all-inclusive apart from your actual camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags/pads), which are available for rent through River Runners.

Day 1 Rafting of your advanced overnight whitewater adventure begins at River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort – six miles south of Buena Vista, Colorado – where you check in with our front office staff, meet your raft guide, and pack your personal overnight dry bags (provided) before being transported to The Numbers launch site upstream. You spend your morning rafting The Numbers, followed by a catered riverside lunch. Advanced rafting continues that afternoon as you paddle through continuous class III-IV rapids on The Narrows section before floating past the Riverside Rafting Resort and heading into Browns Canyon where you will camp for the night. Once at camp, set up your tents and enjoy a hot dinner before relaxing by the campfire, going for a hike, or playing games while your guide cleans the dishes.

Day 2 Rafting of your overnight rafting adventure begins with hot coffee, tea, or juice and a riverside breakfast. After packing up camp enjoy another day of class III-IV rafting in Browns Canyon. Another riverside lunch is provided. Trips return to River Runners around 4pm.

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River Runners Rafting Buena Vista, Colorado

Colorado River Rafting Camping Overnight Arkansas River Buena Vista, Colorado

The River Runners Three-Day Ultimate whitewater rafting trip is a greatest hits of the Arkansas River.  Experience all of the best class III-V sections of the world’s most popular whitewater rafting river - including The Numbers (class IV-V), The Narrows (class III-IV), Browns Canyon (class III-IV), Bighorn Sheep Canyon (class III-IV), and the Royal Gorge (class IV-V) - in one convenient and affordable package.

You will spend your first night in a secluded Browns Canyon campsite, followed by a night at our Riverside Rafting Resort where you will dine at our Riverside Bar and Grill. On the third day you will drive 60 miles down stream to our Royal Gorge Rafting Center, where you will complete your whitewater adventure on a full day rafting trip through Big Horn Sheep Canyon and the Royal Gorge.
All Three-Day Ultimate overnight whitewater rafters must be at least 16 years old. Trips are all-inclusive apart from your actual camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags/pads), which are available for rent through River Runners.

Day 1 whitewater rafting of your Three-Day Ultimate overnight whitewater adventure begins at River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort – six miles south of Buena Vista, Colorado – where you check in with our front office staff, meet your raft guide, and pack your personal overnight dry bags (provided) before being transported to The Numbers launch site upstream. You spend your morning rafting The Numbers, followed by a catered riverside lunch. Advanced rafting continues that afternoon as you paddle through continuous class III-IV rapids on The Narrows section before floating past the Riverside Rafting Resort and heading into Browns Canyon where you will camp for the night. Once at camp, set up your tents and enjoy a hot dinner before relaxing by the campfire, going for a hike, or playing games.

Day 2 whitewater rafting of your overnight rafting adventure begins with hot coffee, tea, or juice and a riverside breakfast. After packing up camp enjoy another day of class III-IV rafting in Browns Canyon. Another riverside lunch is provided and your trip will return to River Runners around 4pm. Enjoy a relaxing evening at our Riverside Rafting Resort, and dine at our Riverside Bar and Grill. After dinner you can take advantage of our half price tickets to Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, or enjoy your time at our resort where you can take a hot shower, play a game of sand volleyball or horseshoes, or simply relax by the campfire.

Day 3 whitewater rafting you will wake up early to hot coffee, tea, juice and a continental breakfast. Then drive yourself down to our Royal Gorge Rafting Center and enjoy a full day rafting trip – lunch included – through Bighorn Sheep Canyon and the world-famous Royal Gorge of the Arkansas River. Your rafting adventure will conclude around 3 pm.

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River Runners Rafting Buena Vista, Colorado

• Rafting Trip Description
• Need to Know

Class II whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River in Buena Vista, Colorado

A River Runners guide rows a family down the Arkansas River in Buena Vista, Colorado.

Adventurous families with young children (who are at least 35 pounds) can experience the wonder of Colorado river rafting on this scenic and fun rafting trip down the Arkansas River. Enjoy splashy class II whitewater rapids, spectacular mountain scenery, and Colorado wildlife on this family rafting adventure in Buena Vista, Colorado. Kids and parents love to stop at the halfway point to swim in the river and explore the river bank – so dress accordingly.

Who should book the Family Float trip?

This can depend slightly on water levels, but generally children as small as 35 pounds are eligible to raft on the Family Float. Families seeking a mild adventure with small children or elderly grandparents should consider this family rafting trip in Buena Vista, Colorado.

Families seeking whitewater adventure with children 6 years and older and meeting a 50 pound weight requirement might want to consider one of our Browns Canyon rafting trips. Let our knowledgeable staff at River Runners help you determine the most appropriate whitewater rafting trip for your family.

FAMILY FLOAT RAFTING TRIP

Know before you book

• Previous whitewater rafting experience is not required to raft the Family Float.
• Participants should be at least 3 years old and 35 pounds for this beginner rafting trip (varies with water flow).
• All Family Float rafting trips use an oar boat unless a paddle boat is specifically requested.
• Risk is involved with all whitewater rafting trips – you and everyone in your party must be willing to accept that risk.
• All participants must read and sign a waiver – minors under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian read and sign a waiver on their behalf.

Your Family Float rafting trip will meet at:

River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort

24070 County Road 301 Buena Vista, Colorado 81211

 

 

Plan to arrive at our Buena Vista, Colorado location at least 45 minutes prior to your Family Float trip departure time – this allows time for your group to finish paperwork and check out rafting equipment.

What to Wear

• You should wear synthetic fabric clothing (avoid cotton), sandals that strap around your foot or an old pair of tennis shoes, a hat, a strap for your eye glasses or sun glasses (available for purchase), quick dry swimsuits or board shorts, and rain gear (jackets and/or pants).
• Wetsuits, splash tops and booties are available for rent at River Runners.
• Apply plenty of sunscreen and reapply throughout the day.
• Guides, rafts, PFDs, helmets and paddles are included.
• Walk-ins are welcome, but advanced rafting reservations are the only way to insure that you get to go rafting – especially during peak season.
• We reserve the right to alter your route based on extreme water flows and other potential safety concerns.
• Book your rafting trip 30 days in advance and save 10% – Use Promo Code: EARLYBIRD

River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort

24070 County Road 301 Buena Vista, Colorado 81211

View Larger Colorado Map:
River Runners Rafting Buena Vista, Colorado

Class V Whitewater Rafting Arkansas River Pine Creek Rapid Buena Vista, Colorado

Experienced paddlers looking for the most challenging commercially run whitewater on the Arkansas River should consider our Pine Creek class V rafting trip. Pine Creek is an expert level whitewater section on the upper stretches of the Arkansas River about 15 miles north of Buena Vista, Colorado. This trip is for experienced class IV-V boaters. Minimum age is 18.

Pine Creek Rapid has an average gradient loss of 200 feet per mile, so be ready to paddle aggressively and listen to the commands of your River Runners state certified whitewater rafting guide. Rafters revel in their morning accomplishments while enjoying a hearty riverside lunch mid-day before entering another advanced level whitewater section through The Numbers in the afternoon.

When should you raft Pine Creek?

Generally Pine Creek rapid on the Arkansas River opens in late June and runs through the end of August each year (water levels permitting). If you are looking for an advanced whitewater rafting section in May and June try The Numbers or Royal Gorge. Pine Creek rapid is closed to commercial rafting if the river is running at or greater than 1800 cfs (cubic feet per second), so the window for running Pine Creek is narrower than other rafting sections on the Arkansas River.

Adventure seekers who are eager to raft extreme whitewater need to be aware of current water conditions. Rafting Pine Creek too late in the season can result in moderately exciting whitewater.

What to expect on your Pine Creek whitewater rafting trip in Buena Vista, Colorado

• Please check in and sign waivers one hour prior to your Pine Creek whitewater rafting trip
• Wetsuits, splash tops, and neoprene booties (or closed-toed shoes) are required on all Pine Creek Rafting Trips, and are available for rent at River Runners
• After you have been fitted for your wetsuit package, you will be directed to the boathouse where each member of your group will be fitted into a helmet and Coast Guard certified PFD (personal floatation device)
• River Runners will provide transportation to the launch site of your Pine Creek whitewater rafting trip on the Arkansas River
• Your trip leader will conduct a class V safety orientation prior to your trip
• Your professional whitewater rafting guide will teach you how to paddle
• Enjoy a catered riverside lunch on all full day Pine Creek whitewater rafting trips
• Transportation is provided back to the River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort
• View a free slide show of your Pine Creek whitewater rafting trip on one of our flat screen TVs
• Full day Pine Creek whitewater rafting trips are approximately 6 hours round trip

View Larger Colorado Map:
River Runners Rafting Buena Vista, Colorado