Expertly-led Rafting in Colorado
GET 15% OFF Arkansas River Rafting Trips with CODE: ARK15
15% OFF Arkansas River Rafting with CODE: ARK15
Expertly-led Rafting in Colorado
GET 15% OFF Arkansas River Rafting Trips with CODE: ARK15
15% OFF Arkansas River Rafting with CODE: ARK15
The Arkansas River is the most commercially rafted river in Colorado and is widely regarded as one of the premier whitewater destinations in the United States. It flows south out of the Sawatch Range near Leadville — the highest city in North America — and cuts through over 100 miles of dramatic Rocky Mountain terrain before the landscape opens into the high desert valleys south of Cañon City. Along the way, it carves two sections that have defined Colorado rafting for generations: Browns Canyon National Monument and The Numbers.
Downstream Adventures operates out of our Buena Vista outpost at 17897 US-285 in Nathrop, CO — the heart of Arkansas River rafting country, about 2.5 hours from Denver and 45 minutes from Salida. Buena Vista itself is widely known as the whitewater capital of Colorado, and the stretch of river accessible from our outpost is the best the state has to offer.
The Arkansas River has earned its reputation through decades of guiding, races, and paddlers returning year after year. A few things set it apart from every other river Downstream Adventures operates on:
The range of difficulty is unmatched. The same river that offers calm Class II–III floats through Browns Canyon runs Class IV–V technical rapids just upstream in The Numbers — making it the only Downstream Adventures location where beginners and expert rafters can each find their ideal trip on the same day.
Colorado’s longest commercial rafting season. Thanks to consistent snowmelt from the high Sawatch Range, the Arkansas runs commercially from late April through Labor Day weekend — longer than Clear Creek or the Upper Colorado.
Spectacular scenery. The Collegiate Peaks — Mt. Harvard, Mt. Yale, Mt. Princeton, and Mt. Oxford — frame the river valley to the north and west. Browns Canyon itself is a maze of towering granite boulders and cottonwood groves unlike anything else in Colorado.
Exceptional wildlife. The canyon provides nesting habitat for peregrine falcons and bald eagles, and supports federally protected fish species native to the Arkansas. Wildlife sightings are a regular feature of the float.
The Arkansas is a snowmelt-fed river, meaning water levels rise and fall predictably with the season. Because it drains one of the highest watersheds in Colorado — including the Sawatch Range and Mosquito Range peaks above 14,000 feet — it carries significant flow well into summer.
Here’s how conditions typically shift across the season:
Experience the thrill of white water rafting through the spectacular Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River with Downstream Adventures. Navigate exciting beginner to intermediate rapids and soak in breathtaking scenery on this unforgettable adventure in the heart of Colorado.
Join us for an adrenaline-fueled rafting adventure on the Numbers! Experience the thrill of navigating intense Class IV and V rapids through breathtaking Colorado scenery, making it the ultimate challenge for experienced rafters and adventurous first timers seeking an unforgettable white water experience.
Choose Browns Canyon if: You’re bringing family members ages 7 and up, first-time rafters, or a mixed group with varying experience levels. The Browns Canyon Rafting Trip runs Class II–III rapids through some of the most scenic canyon terrain in Colorado, with both half-day and full-day options. It’s the most popular class III rafting trip in Colorado and a bucket-list experience in its own right.
Choose The Numbers if: You’re an experienced rafter or a fit, adventurous first-timer ages 14 and up who wants the most intense commercial rafting experience available on the Arkansas. The Numbers is a continuous stretch of Class IV–V rapids requiring active paddling throughout, with no real opportunities to ease off the intensity. Half-day and full-day options are available.
Not sure which is right for your group? Give us a call at 303-848-4595. Our team has run both sections hundreds of times and can help you match the right trip to your group’s experience, ages, and comfort level.
All Arkansas River trips depart from our Nathrop outpost at 17897 US Highway 285, Nathrop, CO 81236 — located in the Arkansas River Valley between Buena Vista and Salida, about 2.5 hours southwest of Denver.
The season runs late April through Labor Day weekend. Peak flows and maximum excitement occur mid-May through mid-July. Late July and August offer warmer, more mellow conditions well-suited for families and beginners. The Arkansas has one of the longest commercial seasons in Colorado. Generally, the higher the water level, the more challenging the trip.
Wetsuits are typically overkill, but we do have a limited selection available on site. Splash jackets are provided but not always necessary on the Arkansas River. You will want to wear clothes and footwear you are comfortable getting wet in. Swimsuit, athletic shorts, leggings, sun-hoody, rash guard, and fleece top are all suitable layers to wear. Avoid wearing any cotton. You will need shoes that stay on your feet, so no flip-flops or crocs. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended.
Browns Canyon was designated a National Monument by President Obama in 2015. The canyon encompasses approximately 22,000 acres of high-desert canyon country along the Arkansas River between Buena Vista and Salida. It protects critical wildlife habitat, dramatic granite formations, and one of Colorado’s most beloved recreational river stretches. Rafting through Browns Canyon is the primary way most visitors experience the monument. Learn more on the Browns Canyon Rafting Trip page
The Numbers is a technical stretch of the Arkansas River immediately above Browns Canyon, named for the sequential rapids numbered 1 through 6 during early mapping of the river. It runs Class IV–V whitewater and is considered one of the premier advanced rafting sections in the country. Learn more on The Numbers trip page.
Our trips go out rain or shine. It is extremely rare for us to cancel trips base of weather. Although, we do reserve the right to cancel or alter trips if we deem conditions to be unsafe.
Colorado high country often calls for rain in the forecast, but the forecast can be deceiving. Rain and thunderstorms are typically scattered and very short lived. As they saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather in Colorado, wait 15 minutes.”
Our Arkansas River rafting location is conveniently situated near Buena Vista, Colorado, nestled in the picturesque Arkansas Valley. Surrounded by the majestic Collegiate Peaks, Sawatch Range, and Mosquito Range, Buena Vista offers an ideal setting for white water rafting adventures. Located less than 1.5 hours from Vail and Breckenridge, and just 2 hours from Denver and Colorado Springs, our Arkansas River rafting trips are easily accessible from major cities and mountain resorts alike. Whether you’re seeking thrills on the rapids or simply want to immerse yourself in the beauty of Colorado’s wilderness, Buena Vista is the perfect starting point for your Arkansas River rafting adventure.
At Downstream Adventures, we guarantee that all of our guides are highly qualified and experienced. Each guide has been certified in CPR/first aid and trained in life-saving swiftwater rescue techniques, and that’s just our minimum requirement! All of our full-time guides have surpassed the highest level of guide qualification recognized by the state of Colorado (level 3).
Our guides are some of the most experienced in Colorado and are skilled in Swift-Water Rescue and precision boat control. Of course, you are entering a wild and natural environment and there are risks involved, but we at Downstream Adventures take great pride in making trip safety our top priority.
If you’re looking for a faster pace and more expert-level rapids, The Numbers rafting trip is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. A Browns Canyon rafting trip will provide a more family-friendly experience with beginner to intermediate rapids and incredible scenery.
At Downstream Adventures, we’re not just taking you rafting — we’re delivering Colorado’s best whitewater experience. As a family-owned, locally operated outfitter, we care deeply about every trip we run. Our expert guides are fully certified, highly trained, and genuinely passionate about sharing their love for the river. With three incredible locations — Clear Creek just 35 minutes from Denver, the world-class whitewater of the Arkansas River, and the scenic beauty of the Upper Colorado River — we offer something for every kind of adventurer. We keep our trip sizes small to ensure a more personal, less crowded experience — because we believe that quality matters. Whether you’re a first-time rafter, an adrenaline junkie, or planning a family adventure, we’ve got the perfect trip for you. At Downstream Adventures, it’s more than rafting — it’s an unforgettable ride downstream.
Your safety is our top priority. We adhere to strict safety standards, so you can focus on the thrill of the rapids with confidence.
Our seasoned guides aren’t just knowledgeable about the rivers; they’re passionate about creating an exhilarating yet safe adventure for you.
We believe in using the best gear for the best experience. Our top-of-the-line equipment ensures both safety and excitement on the water.
Whether you’re a novice or a rafting veteran, we cater to all experience levels. Our trips are designed to accommodate everyone, ensuring a fantastic ride for all.
Located just a short drive from Denver and Colorado Springs, getting to your adventure has never been easier.
Join Downstream Adventures for a thrilling, safe rafting journey fueled by our deep passion for adventure and commitment to sharing it.
Choose Downstream Adventures for the ultimate white water rafting experience in Colorado. We’re more than a rafting outfitter; we’re your partners in creating memories that last a lifetime.