
Pine Creek Class V Whitewater Rafting Trip Buena Vista, Colorado Arkansas River
Pine Creek extreme class V whitewater rafting near 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
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River Runners Rafting Buena Vista, Colorado







