Royal Gorge whitewater rafting trip on the Arkansas River

Raft at River Runners Royal Gorge Rafting Center

The Royal Gorge Class 5 Colorado Whitewater Rafting near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Raft the Royal Gorge the best rafting trip in near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Rafting the Royal Gorge is the most advanced level rafting suitable for first time rafters seeking whitewater adventure close to Colorado Springs. The Royal Gorge whitewater raft trip is on the Arkansas River in Canon City Colorado, just 45-90 minutes South of Colorado Springs. River Runners Royal Gorge rafting Center is at the entrance to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, one of the biggest and best Colorado Tourist attractions.

Raft under the Royal Gorge Bridge

The Royal Gorge Bridge was first constructed in 1929 and towers nearly 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River. The Bridge is legendary because it is a suspension bridge, using two towers and 2,100 strands of galvanized wire to hold it in place. The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is not only a natural attraction because of the steep gorge but it is also a famous theme park, housing the longest single-span aerial tram and steepest incline railway.

Class IV – V whitewater rafting

Rafting underneath the Royal Gorge Bridge is an amazing feat in itself. You not only have the spectators from the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park watching at various observation points, there are also scenic helicopter tours flying by, dare devils on the Sky coaster whizzing above you, the Rio Grande Route railroad storming alongside, all while rafting advanced Class IV-V whitewater.

Half day rafting  a quick Colorado adrenaline fix

Visitors on a time constraint enjoy the straight forward half day Royal Gorge experience. The Royal Gorge half day whitewater trip encompasses 10 miles and runs underneath the Royal Gorge Bridge. It takes roughly 2-3 hours to raft this 10 mile stretch of the Arkansas River. No experience is necessary, rafters must be 14 years old (water levels permitting).

The full day meal deal rafting with lunch

Full Day Royal Gorge whitewater adventures are best suited for novice rafters wanting to capture both whitewater adventure and the thrills of rafting the Royal Gorge. Morning provides a “warm up” of Class III Intermediate level rafting prior to a hearty riverside lunch and then entering more advanced whitewater in the Royal Gorge that afternoon.

Twice as fun rafting the Royal Gorge twice

For the most adventurous seeking a Full Day whitewater adventure, rafting the Royal Gorge Double Dip is recommended. You raft the 10 mile advanced level whitewater section twice in one day, complete with a hearty riverside lunch in-between. This allows rafters to be more aggressive with their paddling in the afternoon section in the Royal Gorge because they have already experienced the rapids earlier that day. Definitely the best Colorado whitewater rafting trip.

Been there rafted that:

Groups with all participants at least 18 years old may challenge the class V rapids in the Pine Creek section of the Arkansas River near Buena Vista, Colorado. All participant must have previous class 5 whitewater rafting experience. Rafters must have paddled the Numbers, the Royal Gorge or other comparable class 5 rafting trips.

Raft at the Royal Gorge Rafting Center near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Royal Gorge Rafting Trip Details

Your rafting trip will start and end in Canon City, Colorado

If you are driving from Colorado Springs, Colorado please allow 1 – 1.5 hours, it is approximately 55 miles to Canon City, Colorado.

• Advanced reservations for your Royal Gorge rafting trip are recommended.
• Please meet at River Runners Royal Gorge Rafting Center 44641 US Highway 50, Canon City, Colorado 81212.
• Please arrive 1 hour prior to your trip time. This is to check in and be fitted with your rafting gear.
• Once you check in please allow 3 hours for your half day rafting trip and 6 hours for your full day rafting trip.
• Once you arrive transportation will be provided up the Arkansas River to the Royal Gorge put in.
• Professional photographers will take photographs of you while you are rafting the Royal Gorge.
• After your Royal Gorge rafting trip enjoy a free slide show of your rafting photographs.

Map and driving directions from Colorado Springs, Colorado

View Larger Colorado Map:
River Runners Rafting Canon City, Colorado

Browns Canyon whitewater rafting trip on the Arkansas River

Browns Canyon Class III – IV Colorado Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater rafting Browns Canyon near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Whitewater rafting in Browns Canyon is a fun, exciting Intermediate level whitewater rafting adventure the whole family will enjoy just West of Colorado Springs Colorado. Children as small as 6 years old and 50 LBS are able to enjoy Browns Canyon rafting. Experienced and novice rafters alike enjoy Browns Canyons heart pounding rapids such as Zume Flume and Toilet Bowl.

A scenic 2 hour drive west of Colorado Springs, Buena Vista is home to America’s most popular whitewater section: Browns Canyon. River Runners whitewater rafting resort is located right at the entrance to Browns Canyon rafting so this means no extra shuttle to the river. Simply walk to your raft after check-in and you are on your way.

We will teach you how to raft

Rafters enjoy a mellow start, toning their paddling skills in Class II water near Ruby Mountain prior to entering Browns Canyon. Browns Canyon rafting trips range from 10 mile half day trips to 18 mile full day adventures. Full day Browns Canyon trips last roughly 5-6 hours and include a hearty catered riverside lunch mid-way through the canyon.

Head to the Rocky Mountains

Travelers coming from Colorado Springs to raft Browns Canyon in Buena Vista truly enjoy the vast difference between rural Colorado life in Buena Vista and that of the City. Buena Vista offers the most amazing views of three different mountain ranges, the Collegiate Peak, Sangre de Christo and Mosquito Ranges.  With rafting Browns Canyon in Buena Vista, the whole family and group of friends can enjoy wonderful Colorado mountain scenery, wildlife and adventure all while partaking in a fun, challenging and gorgeous whitewater section called Browns Canyon.

Looking for more Colorado adventure?:

Families with older children at least 16 years old may challenge the class V rapids in the Numbers section of the Arkansas River near Buena Vista, Colorado. Families with children at least 14 years old may raft through the Royal Gorge in Canon City, Colorado. These minimum ages depend on river levels.

Raft at River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort

Start Rafting from our Browns Canyon Riverside Rafting Resort

Browns Canyon Rafting Details

Your rafting trip will start and end in Buena Vista, Colorado

If you are driving from Colorado Springs, Colorado please allow 2 – 2.5 hours, it is approximately 95 miles to Buena Vista, Colorado.

• Advanced reservations for your Browns Canyon rafting trip are recommended.
• Please meet at River Runners Rafting Resort 24070 County Road 301 Buena Vista, Colorado 81211.
• Please arrive 1 hour prior to your trip time. This is to check in and be fitted with your rafting gear.
• Once you check in please allow 3 hours for your half day rafting trip and 6 hours for your full day rafting trip.
• Your Browns Canyon rafting trip will start rafting right from our Rafting Resort.
• Once you arrive transportation will be provided back to the rafting resort after your trip.
• Professional photographers will take photographs of you while you are rafting Browns Canyon.
• After your Browns Canyon rafting trip enjoy a free slide show of your rafting photographs.
• Watch others raft by on the Arkansas River and enjoy some food and a drink at River Runners Riverside Grill.

Map and driving directions from Colorado Springs, Colorado

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

Bighorn Sheep Canyon family whitewater rafting trip on the Arkansas River

Family rafting trip near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Family Rafting Adventure

Class III – IV Colorado Whitewater Rafting

Family rafting near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Why not mix adventure and wildlife together this summer with a whitewater adventure through Bighorn Sheep Canyon near Colorado Springs. It is well known that Bighorn Sheep Canyon, the canyon West of Canon City Colorado along US Highway 50, is home to a great population of Bighorn Sheep. Visitors to the area have spotted the four-legged rams and ewes on either side of the Arkansas River. Springtime is great viewing season for young Bighorn Sheep called Lambs. The baby Bighorns are often spotted high on ledges along the canyon walls, seemingly out of range for coyotes and other predators.

Rafting and wildlife near Colorado Springs

Some Colorado Springs visitors might think that viewing the wildlife of Bighorn Sheep Canyon is the adventure in itself. Which it can be, however what better way to view the amazing wildlife scenery of this canyon than by raft. A whitewater rafting adventure through Bighorn Sheep Canyon is fun for the whole family. Children as young as 6 years old and 50LBS can experience whitewater rafting in this Intermediate Class III section on the Arkansas River. Rapids are fun and splashy and provide a great way to cool off during the hot summer months in Colorado.

Family adventures create family stories to share

Rafting Bighorn Sheep Canyon near Colorado Springs, Colorado on the Arkansas River

And what’s even better is the fact that experiencing this wonderful intermediate level whitewater adventure is just short drive from any Colorado Springs destination. Families can come to the Royal Gorge Rafting Center, just west of Canon City and experience a Full or Half day whitewater adventure through Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Full day trips encompass 5-6 hours, include a hearty riverside lunch and are strongly recommended for those seeking the best whitewater experience. Alternatively, half day adventures are 2-3 hours and incorporate great intermediate whitewater.

Is your family more adventurous?

Families with children at least 14 years old may raft through the Royal Gorge in Canon City, Colorado. Families with older children at least 16 years old may challenge the class V rapids in the Numbers section of the Arkansas River near Buena Vista, Colorado. These minimum ages depend on river levels.

Raft at River Runners Royal Gorge Rafting Center

Raft at the Royal Gorge Rafting Center near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Bighorn Sheep Canyon Rafting Trip Details

Your rafting trip will start and end in Canon City, Colorado

If you are driving from Colorado Springs, Colorado please allow 1 – 1.5 hours, it is approximately 55 miles to Canon City, Colorado.

• Advanced reservations for your Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting trip are recommended.
• Please meet at River Runners Royal Gorge Rafting Center 44641 US Highway 50, Canon City, Colorado 81212.
• Please arrive 1 hour prior to your trip time. This is to check in and be fitted with your rafting gear.
• Once you check in please allow 3 hours for your half day rafting trip and 6 hours for your full day rafting trip.
• Once you arrive transportation will be provided up the Arkansas River to the Bighorn Sheep Canyon put in.
• Professional photographers will take photographs of you while you are rafting the Bighorn Sheep Canyon.
• After your Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting trip enjoy a free slide show of your rafting photographs.

Map and driving directions from Colorado Springs, Colorado

View Larger Colorado Map:
River Runners Rafting Canon City, Colorado

Numbers whitewater rafting trip on the Arkansas River

Class 5 Colorado Springs whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River

Whitewater rafting Browns Canyon near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Adventurous folks travelling to Buena Vista from Colorado Springs don’t pass up the opportunity to conquer the Numbers advanced level whitewater rafting trip. The Numbers is a Class 5 white water rafting trip on the Arkansas River near Colorado Springs. This whitewater rafting trip is considered Class IV-V, depending on the water levels. Although rafters do not need prior rafting experience, it is recommended, and the minimum age usually hangs around 16 years.

To many rapids to count

Because the rapids found in the Numbers section on the Arkansas River just North of Buena Vista Colorado are so extremely close together, it was decided to Number them instead of naming them. Each rapid comes at you so quickly, to spat off a name, the rapid would be over. Yelling out “One” or “Two” is much easier, saving you time to focus on the next rapid staring at you from downstream.

The most advanced Rapids

The Numbers is the most advanced Class IV-V section on the Arkansas River, making it an essential excursion for Colorado Springs visitors wanting great whitewater adventure. The travel to Buena Vista from Colorado Springs is a picturesque 2 hour drive through wide open Colorado landscapes. Most rafters coming from Colorado Springs to experience the Numbers in Buena Vista also enjoy partaking in local natural Hot Springs in the area after their rafting trip and prior to their drive back to the city.

Professionally guided and organized

The Whitewater Professional guides of River Runners will fully guide your rafting trip through the Numbers, so there’s no question you will be in good hands. Most River Runners Numbers guides have at least 4-5 years rafting experience under their belts, are very passionate about this upper Arkansas River section and will ensure you have the trip of a lifetime.

Been there done that:

Groups with all participants at least 18 years old may challenge the class V rapids in the Pine Creek section of the Arkansas River near Buena Vista, Colorado. All participant must have previous class 5 whitewater rafting experience. Rafters must have paddled the Numbers, the Royal Gorge or other comparable class 5 rafting trips.

Class 5 high water Numbers river rafting video

Raft at River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort

Start Rafting from our Browns Canyon Riverside Rafting Resort

Numbers Rafting Trip Details

Your rafting trip will start and end in Buena Vista, Colorado

If you are driving from Colorado Springs, Colorado please allow 2 – 2.5 hours, it is approximately 95 miles to Buena Vista, Colorado.

• Advanced reservations for your Numbers rafting trip are recommended.
• Please meet at River Runners Rafting Resort 24070 County Road 301 Buena Vista, Colorado 81211.
• Please arrive 1 hour prior to your trip time. This is to check in and be fitted with your rafting gear.
• Once you check in please allow 3 hours for your half day rafting trip and 6 hours for your full day rafting trip.
• Once you arrive transportation will be provided up the Arkansas River to the Numbers put in.
• Your Numbers full day rafting trip will raft right back to our Rafting Resort.
• Professional photographers will take photographs of you while you are rafting the Numbers.
• After your Numbers rafting trip enjoy a free slide show of your rafting photographs.
• Watch others raft by on the Arkansas River and enjoy some food and a drink at River Runners Riverside Grill.

Map and driving directions from Colorado Springs, Colorado

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

Pine Creek extreme whitewater rafting trip on the Arkansas River

| Rafting Video | Colorado Map | Download Brochure |
Please call to book: Full Day Pine Creek Rafting Trip

True class 5 Colorado Whitewater Rafting

Extreme rafting near Colorado Springs, Colorado Pine Creek Arkansas River

Previous class 5 white water rafting experience is required

Once you’ve done it all, experienced all the whitewater rafting you think you can handle, come try your hand at our Expert level rafting trip through Pine Creek. Suited only for adults who have previous Class IV experience, Pine Creek is the most challenging whitewater on the Arkansas River, roughly 2 hours west of Colorado Springs.

The most extreme rafting near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Pine Creek is a steep, narrow grade of the Arkansas River north of Buena Vista, filled with boulders and alpine scenery.

This expert level rafting section is fast and furious and recommended for those in great physical condition who are not afraid of whitewater. Your paddles are in the water the entire time, pushing you through nearly a mile of Class V rapids before entering The Numbers advanced Class IV-V section after lunch.

Colorado Springs, Colorado Extreme river rafting videos

Class V high water Numbers extreme whitewater rafting video

Raft at River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort

Start Rafting from our Browns Canyon Riverside Rafting Resort

Pine Creek Whitewater Rafting Trip Details

Your rafting trip will start and end in Buena Vista, Colorado

If you are driving from Colorado Springs, Colorado please allow 2 – 2.5 hours, it is approximately 95 miles to Buena Vista, Colorado.

• Advanced reservations for your Pine Creek whitewater rafting trip are recommended.
• Please meet at River Runners Rafting Resort 24070 County Road 301 Buena Vista, Colorado 81211.
• Please arrive 1 hour prior to your trip time. This is to check in and be fitted with your rafting gear.
• Once you check in please allow 6 hours for your full day rafting trip.
• Once you arrive transportation will be provided up the Arkansas River to the Pine Creek put in.
• Professional photographers will take photographs of you while you are rafting Pine Creek.
• After your Pine Creek rafting trip enjoy a free slide show of your rafting photographs.
• Watch others raft by on the Arkansas River and enjoy some food and a drink at River Runners Riverside Grill.

Map and driving directions from Colorado Springs, Colorado

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

2 Day family overnight rafting trip on the Arkansas River

| Rafting Video | Colorado Map | Download Brochure |

Overnight Rafting in Colorado with Children

Rafting Zoom Flume rapid on a 2 day family rafting trip on the Arkansas River near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Adventurous families and novice rafters will truly enjoy the Intermediate level overnight whitewater rafting venture out of Buena Vista this summer. Just a short drive from Colorado Springs, it’s easy to experience an overnight whitewater rafting trip on the Arkansas River. Trips depart daily throughout the summer with a minimum of 4 people per reservation. Colorado Springs visitors can travel a leisurely 2 hours west to Buena Vista where they check in for their two-day rafting adventure.

All inclusive rafting trips

The two day overnight intermediate whitewater rafting trip offers two great days of Class III+ rafting, both complete with a hearty riverside lunch mid-day, a remote riverside camp at night where your whitewater guides prepare your dinner and hot breakfast. You can sit back and reflect on the days events all while enjoying the company of friends and family in an amazing outdoor Colorado mountain setting.

Remote rafting and camping

Because Colorado Springs is located in a valley just East of Colorado mountain ranges, the closest intermediate overnight whitewater rafting adventure is located 2 hours West in Buena Vista Colorado. The intermediate level overnight whitewater rafting trip is a great way for families to see the best Class III-IV Colorado whitewater rafting, complete with a remote overnight camping experience.

Get out and play in Colorado

Colorado Springs locals venture to Buena Vista throughout the summer to escape the heat of the City and explore the beauty of Buena Vista area through whitewater rafting the Arkansas River. Families enjoy the flexibility of the Intermediate overnight whitewater rafting trip, making it a feasible Colorado vacation for Colorado families on a tight schedule and budget this summer.

Want more adventure?

Groups with older participants at least 16 years old have a few more options, including advanced class IV – V rafting. If you want more Colorado adventure try River Runners 2 day advanced overnight rafting trip or the ultimate Colorado overnight rafting adventure that includes all the best rafting trips in Colorado. (The Numbers, Browns Canyon, Bighorn Sheep Canon and the Royal Gorge rafting trips)

Colorado Springs, Colorado river rafting video

Raft at River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort

Start Rafting from our Browns Canyon Riverside Rafting Resort

2 Day Family Rafting Details

Your rafting trip will start and end in Buena Vista, Colorado

If you are driving from Colorado Springs, Colorado please allow 2 – 2.5 hours, it is approximately 95 miles to Buena Vista, Colorado.

• Advanced reservations for your 2 day family rafting trip are recommended.
• Please meet at River Runners Rafting Resort 24070 County Road 301 Buena Vista, Colorado 81211.
• Please arrive 1 hour prior to your trip time. This is to check in and be fitted with your rafting gear.
• Once you check in please allow 2 days for your rafting trip.
• You will return to your vehicle approximately 4:00pm the final day of your rafting trip.
• Once you arrive all transportation will be provided.
• Your 2 day family rafting trip will depart from our Rafting Resort located on the Arkansas River.
• All meals are catered by your river rafting guides.
• Camping equipment is available for rent.
• Professional photographers will take photographs of you while you are rafting on the Arkansas River.
• After your 2 day family rafting trip enjoy a free slide show of your rafting photographs.
• Watch others raft by on the Arkansas River and enjoy some food and a drink at River Runners Riverside Grill.

Map and driving directions from Colorado Springs, Colorado

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

2 Day advanced overnight rafting trip on the Arkansas River

| Rafting Video | Colorado Map | Download Brochure |

Overnight Rafting near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Rafting Zoom Flume rapid on a 2 day family rafting trip on the Arkansas River near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Multi-day Class 5 whitewater rafting

The best advanced level overnight whitewater rafting trip near Colorado Springs Colorado is found on the Arkansas River, 2 hours west of Colorado Springs in Buena Vista. Advanced overnight rafting in Buena Vista consists of The Numbers and Browns Canyon whitewater trips. Rafters enjoy a challenging Day 1 in The Numbers where the rapids zoom by so fast, they are numbered rather than named. Day 2 consists of a milder Intermediate grade Class III-IV Browns Canyon experience.

The best overnight rafting near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Advanced overnight rafting trips near Colorado Springs are only found in Buena Vista Colorado, a mild 2 hour ride West of the City. Enjoy a leisurely and beautiful ride west, through vast Colorado mesas filled with wildlife and mountain landscape. Once you arrive in Buena Vista, your whitewater crew will get you fitted out in all the proper gear for your day of advanced whitewater rafting.

Relax, Eat, Raft, Rinse, Repeat

At days end, relax in beautiful Browns Canyon where you will camp remotely overnight before awaking to hot breakfast and another full day of whitewater rafting. Day 2 is slightly milder whitewater, giving you the opportunity to paddle more aggressively through the rapids and take-in the river wildlife and infinite views only found in this remote river canyon.

Summer fun made easy

It is possible to partake in an advanced overnight, 2-day whitewater adventure during any two days this summer with a minimum of 4 people in a reservation. Colorado Springs residents enjoy overnight rafting trips on their summer weekends while visitors to Colorado Springs are able to pop away to Buena Vista any day of the week to enjoy their advanced overnight whitewater rafting adventure.

Try the ultimate overnight Colorado whitewater rafting trip

Groups with participants at least 16 years and want more Colorado adventure try River Runners 3 day ultimate overnight rafting trip that includes all the best rafting trips in Colorado. (The Numbers, Browns Canyon, Bighorn Sheep Canon and the Royal Gorge rafting trips)

Colorado Springs, Colorado 2 day overnight river rafting video

Colorado Springs, Colorado Numbers rafting video

Numbers at extreme high water!

Raft at River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort

Start Rafting from our Browns Canyon Riverside Rafting Resort

2 Day Advanced Rafting Details

Your rafting trip will start and end in Buena Vista, Colorado

If you are driving from Colorado Springs, Colorado please allow 2 – 2.5 hours, it is approximately 95 miles to Buena Vista, Colorado.

• Advanced reservations for your 2 day advanced rafting trip are required.
• Please meet at River Runners Rafting Resort 24070 County Road 301 Buena Vista, Colorado 81211.
• Please arrive 1 hour prior to your trip time. This is to check in and be fitted with your rafting gear.
• Once you check in please allow 2 days for your rafting trip.
• You will return to your vehicle approximately 4:00pm the final day of your rafting trip.
• Once you arrive all transportation will be provided.
• Your 2 day family rafting trip will depart from our Rafting Resort located on the Arkansas River.
• All meals are catered by your river rafting guides.
• Camping equipment is available for rent.
• Professional photographers will take photographs of you while you are rafting on the Arkansas River.
• After your 2 day advanced rafting trip enjoy a free slide show of your rafting photographs.
• Watch others raft by on the Arkansas River and enjoy some food and a drink at River Runners Riverside Grill.

Map and driving directions from Colorado Springs, Colorado

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

Early Bird Special

Book 30 days prior to your Colorado Springs whitewater rafting trip and save 10% off your entire rafting reservation

Whitewater rafting Bighorn Sheep Canyon near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Valid on all 1 day whitewater rafting trips on the Arkansas River

*Not valid with any other discounts or offers

Colorado Springs Military Rafting Discount

Colorado Springs Military Rafting Discounts

15% OFF whitewater rafting trips on the Arkansas River near Colorado Springs, Colorado

United States Military
Army – Navy – Air Force – Marines – Coast Guard – National Guard

At River Runners your service to this country is greatly appreciated, which is why we offer all military personnel a 15 percent discount on any trip all season long. Be sure to check for other military rafting deals and specials on our website as you could save even more. If you are not sure, just call our friendly reservation staff and they will let you know if there are any other Colorado military rafting discounts available at the time you want to book your trip.

Thank you for your service,

River Runners Staff

*This offer is good for half day and full day whitewater rafting trips on the Arkansas River. A military I.D. must be presented at check-in. Not valid with any other discounts or offers.

Whitewater rafting near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Family Float rafting trip on the Arkansas River

| Rafting Video | Colorado Map | Download Brochure | Book Online: Family Float Rafting Tip |

Rafting in Colorado with Children

Family Float rafting trip near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Children are brave and they don’t like to be left out on Colorado adventure because of their age or size. It’s unfortunate that parents with smaller children have a hard time finding activities suitable for their active little ones. For anyone traveling with a child at least 35LBS, you can experience 1-1.5 hours of Class II beginner Colorado whitewater rafting on the Family Float trip west of Colorado Springs.

Family Fun

The Family Float trip is the closest beginner level whitewater to Colorado Springs, located on the Arkansas River in Buena Vista Colorado, a scenic 2 hour drive west from Colorado Springs. Beginner level Class II rafting is mild whitewater with trickling rapids. Rafters are placed in an oar raft where the guide has all control of the raft while you are able to take in the gorgeous Colorado mountain scenery and hold on.

Colorado Float Trip for families

The Family Float trip encompasses 4 miles of Class I-II whitewater and children as small as 35LBS love the outdoor adventure, spotting wildlife on the river and craving more whitewater at trips end. The Arkansas River is the closest Colorado rafting river to Colorado Springs. The way the river runs, each mile along the Arkansas River has a variety of whitewater to suit different types of people. The only section of the Arkansas River in Colorado suitable for children as small as 35LBS is the Class I-II Family Float trip out of Buena Vista Colorado.

Adventurous Families Enjoy:

Families with slightly older children at least 6 years old and 50LBS weight minimum have a few more options, including intermediate class III – IV rafting. Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting trips depart from Canon City, Colorado (45-70 minutes from Colorado Springs) or Browns Canyon family rafting trips depart from Buena Vista, Colorado (2-2.5 hours from Colorado Springs).

Colorado Springs, Colorado river rafting video

Come rafting with us and be in our video!

Raft at River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort

Start Rafting from our Browns Canyon Riverside Rafting Resort

Family Float Rafting Details

Your rafting trip will start and end in Buena Vista, Colorado

If you are driving from Colorado Springs, Colorado please allow 2 – 2.5 hours, it is approximately 95 miles to Buena Vista, Colorado.

• Advanced reservations for your Family Float trip are recommended.
• Please meet at River Runners Rafting Resort 24070 County Road 301 Buena Vista, Colorado 81211.
• Please arrive 1 hour prior to your trip time. This is to check in and be fitted with your rafting gear.
• Once you check in please allow 1.5 hours for your rafting trip.
• Once you arrive transportation will be provided up the Arkansas River.
• Your Family Float rafting trip will raft right back to our Rafting Resort.
• Professional photographers will take photographs of you while you are rafting.
• After your Family Float rafting trip enjoy a free slide show of your rafting photographs.
• Watch others raft by on the Arkansas River and enjoy some food and a drink at River Runners Riverside Grill.

Map and driving directions from Colorado Springs, Colorado

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