Rafting and Adventure on the Arkansas

Your Vacation in Colorado's Royal Gorge Country Cannot be Complete without Experiencing the Thrill of a Rafting Trip on the Most Popular River for Recreation ~ the Arkansas. See the checklist of what to have or bring on your whitewater rafting adventure.

The Arkansas is not only the most popular river for rafting in Colorado, but in the world. Over 300,000 boaters, both commercial and private, run the "Ark" annually. It has not become so widely regarded without several good reasons. First and foremost, you simply won't find a recreational river that offers as wide of a variety of trips as the Ark. From first timers and families with children to the experienced adventure seeker, the Ark offers something for nearly everyone. Easy access and short shuttles also add to its popularity. Spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife are included on all trips at no charge. But the biggest reason it's so popular with the natives and tourists alike is that it's FUN. Whether you choose a milder family float at moderate flows or a crashing class IV and V adventure in the spring or early summer, when the river is at it's peak flows from runoff high in the Rockies, be assured that this will be an experience you will remember as the highlight of your visit to this incredible area. Dependable flows throughout the rafting season are yet another aspect that put the Ark at the top of the list of Colorado's many rivers and streams. The highest water occurs in the early part of our season, typically late May to mid June. Back in the early days of boating on the Ark, the flows were unreliable once the "peak" was over.

That issue was resolved about 15 years ago with the implementation of the Voluntary Flow Management Program. This effort is regarded as a model for recreational rivers in the west and marks the first and only time in Colorado history that the thirsty Front Range cities and rafters have formed an alliance to create a sustainable flow for the entire rafting season. The Flow Program is truly unique to the Arkansas River.

When planning your adventure on the river, there are several things to keep in mind. Plan a trip that is appropriate for all the participants in your group. Be honest with yourself and with the outfitter(s) you speak with. Don't get in over your head. Ask questions and shop around. Many outfitters in the area offer specials and discounts in the early part of the season, or on weekdays, for example. Once you've chosen an outfitter and a particular trip, come prepared and be on time. Remember, you are not likely to be the only family, group or individual on the trip you have chosen. Being on time means you will have ample opportunity to change, check-in, be fitted for a lifejacket, helmet or other gear. Dress appropriately. You WILL get very wet therefore things that dry quickly, such as swimwear/beach wear are your best bet on warm days. Be sure to bring a change of clothes and dry shoes for after your trip.

Earlier in the season the water can be cool (OK, downright cold). Most outfitters offer wetsuits, spray jackets and river booties for a nominal fee. These items can definitely add to your comfort level and provide for a much more enjoyable experience. In Colorado the weather can change quickly and be unpredictable. A wool sweater or fleece jacket is always good to have along on a rafting trip.

All trips include a guide. Guides are not like most people, they don't have "real" jobs, they intend to have fun at all times and are some of the nicest and most entertaining folks you will encounter. They are also highly skilled professionals. Becoming a guide, particularly on the Ark, requires dedication, hard work and a love of the outdoors.Their job is not only to get you safely down the river, but also to make you feel comfortable and share their knowledge of the area and the many experiences they've had on the river in the courseof their rafting careers.

Most importantly of all, smile, laugh and be ready to have the time of your life.

SPONSOR LISTINGS

Adventure Outfitters
Cañon City Co 81212
800.530.8212
www.WAOrafting.com • Kathy@WAOrafting.com
Exceeding expectations for 15 years! Daily Family Specials. Royal Gorge experts. Committed to Safety and excellence. One mile west of Cañon City on Hwy 50.

American Adventure Expeditions
Buena Vista, Royal Gorge, & Breckenridge
800.866-744-RAFT • www.americanadventure.com
raftinginfo@americanadventure.com
AAE has been rafting for over 19 yeras and we'd love to be a part of yuor Colorado experience! Whether you're looking to enjoy the beautiful scenery or if thrilling whitewater is what you have in mind, we have it all! Our riverside beer garden is a great place to relax after you trip. Ask about our awesome group discounts.

Arkansas River Tours
Royal Gorge, Bighorn Canyon, & Brown's Canyon
P.O. Box 337 • Cotopaxi, CO 81223
800.321.4352 • www.arkansasrivertours.com
Since 1973. Family Adventure to Extreme Adventure! 1/4 day to 3 day trips. RIVER AND RAIL PACKAGES! Bighorn Canyon, Brown's Canyon and the Royal Gorge.Guided float fishing.

Buffalo Joe's Whitewater Rafting
P.O. Box 1526 • Buena Vista, CO 81211
866.BUFF-JOE
info@buffalojoe.com • www.buffalojoe.com
Whitewater Raft on the Arkansas River. 2 locations: downtown Buena Vista & the Royal Gorge. Providing safe enjoyable Colorado adventures for 25 years. 1/2-6 day raft trips. 1/2-Steak lunch on all full day trips!

Canyon Marine Whitewater
10015 W. Hwy 50 • Poncha Springs, CO 81242
800.539-4447 • www.canyonmarine.com
Fun & exciting whitewater for the whole family! Offices in Salida & the Royal Gorge. Highly experienced & knowledgeable guides with emphasis on family fun.

Clear Creek Rafting Co.
44650 US Hwy. 50 W. • Cañon City, CO 81212
800.353.9901 • www.clearcreekrafting.com
Colorado Whitewater! Trips for all abilities on the Arkansas River at the Royal Gorge, or Clear Creek only 30 minutes from Denver. Free wetsuit use!

Echo Canyon River Expeditions
45000 Hwy 50 • Cañon City, CO 81212
800.575.3246 • Web: www.raftecho.com
The most trusted name in whitewater rafting since 1978. This just might be the best time you've ever had! Be sure to try our exclusive "Raft-n-Rail" package.

Performance Tours Rafting
Royal Gorge, Buena Vista, Breckenridge
800.328.7238 • www.performancetours.com
WHITEWATER RAFTING! - Experience the thrill! Mild to Wild raft trips in the Royal Gorge area for all ages and abilities. Group discounts. 22 years of experience. Excellent safety record.

Raft Masters
2315 East Main St. • Cañon City, CO 81212
800.568.7238 • Web: www.raftmasters.com
Raft the challenging Royal Gorge or the scenic family fun of Bighorn Sheep Canyon with Cañon City's biggest and best! FREE wetsuit use. Competitor coupons honored.

Raven Adventure Trips
800.332.3381 • www.ravenraft.com
JUMP INTO THE FUN on the Royal Gorge, Bighorn Sheep Canyon or Browns' Canyon stretches of the notorious Arkansas River. Challenge yourself with our exclusive "RIVER SAFETY COURSES" for groups of all ages. Experience the thrill of maneuvering your own sit-on-top Kayak (no experience required) through class III-IV whitewater. Your guide is a professional dedicated to your enjoyment and safety.

River Runners
24070 C.R. 301 • Buena Vista, CO 81211
719.395.2466 • 800.525.2081
Web: www.whitewater.net
Email: rafting@whitewater.net
"The Whitewater Professionals" Our 33rd year providing safe and fun river trips. Hot showers, Private beach, & River side camping. Come see the difference. Group discounts & specials. Offices in Buena Vista & Cañon City.

Rock-n-Row
877.487.2494 • 719.942.4125
www.RocknRow.com • rocknrow@amigo.net
Whitewater Rafting & Rock Climbing. Combo Trips! Duckies, Kayaks, Fishing Float Trips, Trail Rides, Camping & Overnight Trips.

Royal Gorge Rafting
8 miles west of Cañon City on Hwy 50
719.275.RAFT (7238)
www.RoyalGorgeRafting.net
Royal Gorge Rafting & the White Water Bar & Grill are the perfect combination to any Colorado Vacation! Free Gear!