FAQs - River Rafting
Are there any minors in your party travelling without their parents? Download our Release Form and have the minor's parent or legal guardian read and sign the form. Thank you!
- Which Colorado Rafting Trip is best for us?
- When is the best time to go Rafting in Colorado?
- How safe is Colorado Rafting?
- Does everyone have to know how to swim?
- What do our Colorado Rafting Trips include?
- How many people make a Group?
- What kind of food is provided?
- What are the campsites like?
- Is rental equipment available?
- How about changing rooms and restrooms?
- What about Guide gratuities?
- How do we get there?
- What about weather?
- What should I bring for Colorado Rafting?
- What else is there to do in the area?
- Do I need to sign a waiver?
1) WHICH COLORADO RAFTING TRIP IS BEST FOR US?
This question greatly depends on your group. Generally, novices and experienced boaters alike enjoy the family-class whitewater and the isolated pocket wilderness of Browns Canyon. For those thrill-seekers with solid class III rafting experience, it may be time to challenge yourself in the Numbers section. This rafting section has Class IV-V rapids with very few eddies or recovery areas. It is narrow and steep and a real adrenaline rush! If you have the time, a full day trip is best to get a good taste of what rafting is all about.
Back To Top
2) WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO RAFTING IN COLORADO?
While there is no “best time” to go rafting, there are seasonal changes that make for varying conditions on the river. May and June trips have higher water levels and cooler temperatures. July and August trips are normally hot and sunny with occasional afternoon showers with water levels that are more stable. At higher water flows, some sections may be unavailable and we will do our best to place you on the best available trip. As the summer progresses the waters gradually recede making it a real challenge to negotiate the boulder fields! Weekday trips and morning trips are less crowded than weekend or afternoon trips for your Colorado rafting. If you have questions, please feel free to call our toll-free number – 1.866.745.7238
Back To Top
3) HOW SAFE IS COLORADO RAFTING?
The charm and excitement of whitewater rafting is due in part to the unpredictable nature of the activity. However, as a participant in our trips you must realize that certain hazards do exist in any adventure activity such as rafting, wilderness travel and related transportation. Our experienced staff of guides and drivers are all well-trained, conscientious individuals who place your safety above all else. All guides are First Aid and CPR certified and trip leaders have acquired advanced training in these areas. When you register and participate in our trips, you do so with the understanding that you are aware of and agree to accept responsibility for these risks. Guests are required to read and sign an Acknowledgement of Risks and Release form.
Back To Top
4) DOES EVERYONE HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO SWIM?
NO! Each person is issued a U.S. Coast Guard approved Type V Personal Flotation Device, better known as a life jacket. These devices are designed to float your head above the surface of the water even if you do not know how to swim. It needs to be noted that on any raft trip, particularly on our more advanced trips, having the ability to swim will greatly enhance your comfort level as well as your ability to get out of the river in the event you should find yourself out of the raft. A detailed safety lecture of instructions is given before the rafts are launched. Swimming ability is strongly recommended on our more advanced river trips.
5) WHAT DO OUR COLORADO RAFTING TRIPS INCLUDE?
All of our trips include the following: well-trained personable guides, river and safety equipment, and transportation to and from the river. Full-day trips include a delicious deli-style buffet lunch served on the banks of the river. Multi-day trips include meals from lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day. Variations in meals and camping arrangements may be made according to your group's interest for your Colorado rafting trip.
Back To Top
6) HOW MANY PEOPLE MAKE A GROUP?
We offer group discounts for 10 or more people. The amount of discount depends on the number in your group, the trip, and the date. Our operation can handle groups of most any size, even 100+; however, most groups are much smaller. All trips include a guide for a quality Colorado rafting trip.
Back To Top
7) WHAT KIND OF FOOD IS PROVIDED?
Our Browns Canyon Full Day Trip includes a deli-style buffet, complete with fresh deli meats and cheeses, fruits, veggies, chips, dip, and cookies. Lunch is carried with us on our Browns Full Day Trip so that we can enjoy our meal on a secluded beach in the wilderness of Browns Canyon. On overnight trips, delicious meals are prepared by your guides with all fresh ingredients and vary greatly. Breakfasts may consist of egg dishes, meat, and fruit, with dinner being a variety of gourmet entrees often cooked in a dutch oven or over the open fire, followed by mouth-watering desserts. Our food always garners rave reviews and nobody has ever left us hungry! Please let us know if your group has any special food requests or allergies.
Back To Top
8) WHAT ARE THE CAMPSITES LIKE?
Campsites are scenic, primitive, and located along the river. Outhouses or river toilets are used and there is no running water. They are often close to scenic hikes and, of course, fishing.
Back To Top
9) IS RENTAL EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE?
We have wetsuits, wetsuit shoes, and paddle jackets available to rent for any of our trips. For multi-day trips, you may opt for the Deluxe trip option, which includes all wetsuit equipment, sleeping bags, tents, and sleeping pads. Spinning rods are also available on some multi-day river trips. It's a good idea to reserve rental gear in advance.
Back To Top
10) HOW ABOUT CHANGING ROOMS AND RESTROOMS?
We have a large changing facility and flush toilets at our main office in Nathrop. Only wilderness toiletry methods are used on the river.
Back To Top
11) WHAT ABOUT GUIDE GRATUITIES?
All of our employees are paid adequately for their service. However, if you feel someone has helped make your trip especially enjoyable or educational, tipping is a nice way of expressing thanks -- and is greatly appreciated! Letters from our guests about their Colorado rafting experience are always warmly received as well.
Back To Top
12) HOW DO WE GET THERE?
Once you've made your reservation and paid the deposit, you will receive an email confirmation which includes a link to our directions page. This pdf document is two pages with directions to both of our river offices; you are responsible for arriving at the correct office! The Arkansas River is within a 2 1/2 hour drive of Denver and 2 hours from Colorado Springs (both with airports) and most mountain resorts. We are located 7 miles south of Buena Vista (private airport) on Hwy 285 in Nathrop. Charter buses are available from Front Range cities at an additional charge. We recommend that your group plan car pools and that each vehicle carry a map to our meeting place.
Back To Top
13) WHAT ABOUT WEATHER?
Due to the ever-changing Colorado weather we run our trips rain or shine. Colorado rafting weather can vary from mile to mile, so you can't depend on conditions at the departure point. We may wait a shower out before leaving, but usually our rain gear or wet suits will keep you comfortable. It's best to dress for cold in layers that you can take off (polypro, fleece, wool are better than heavy cotton garments). May and early June can be cool, July & August warmer with occasional afternoon showers. We do NOT accept cancellations due to weather concerns.
Back To Top
14) WHAT SHOULD I BRING FOR COLORADO RAFTING?
For half- and full-day trips, wear clothes that dry quickly -- shorts, bathing suits, a polypro or nylon shirt, sunglasses with strap, sunscreen, and appropriate rental gear. Equally important is proper footwear; tennis shoes or sandals with an ankle strap (like Teva or Chacos) are also acceptable. Flip flops and Croc sandals are not allowed to be worn on our raft trips. You may also want to bring a change of dry clothes and dry shoes for when you arrive back at the office. Try to avoid wearing cotton garments on the river. Cotton, when wet, will make you colder. No drugs, alcohol or electronics are allowed on trips. (Alcohol in non-glass containers can be consumed in reasonable amounts in the evenings on multi-day trips). For multi-day trips, a packing list and available rental equipment is available.
Back To Top
15) WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO IN THE AREA?
In addition to Arkansas river rafting trips, there are a multitude of activities available in Chaffee County. Choose from activities such as hiking, mountain biking, 4-wheeling, camping, fishing, backpacking, kayaking, horseback riding and much more. Check out our Links and Resources for more useful information.
Back To Top
16) DO I HAVE TO SIGN A WAIVER?
Before embarking on any river trip with Four Corners Rafting, each guest must read, understand, initial and sign our Assumption of Risk, Release of Liability and Indemnification Agreement Form (PDF file). All minors (under age 18) must sign AS WELL AS their parents or legal guardians in order to participate in any trip we offer.
