FAQs - River Rafting

1. Which Colorado Rafting Trip is best for us?
2. When is the best time to go Rafting in Colorado?
3. How safe is Colorado Rafting?
4. Does everyone have to know how to swim?
5. What do our Colorado Rafting Trips include?
6. How many people make a Group?
7. What kind of food is provided?
8. What are the campsites like?
9. Is rental equipment available?
10. How about changing rooms and restrooms?
11. What about Guide gratuities?
12. How do we get there?
13. What about weather?
14. What should I bring for Colorado Rafting?
15. What else is there to do in the area?

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 rafting Colorado with some experience or who have rafted Browns before, Wildhorse Canyon (the Narrows) is a good bet. It starts out with a more technical section so there is less warm-up time, more trees, fewer canyon walls, and great views of the high peaks. It has more continuous whitewater but the drops are not as big as in Browns. 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’s all about.

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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 & June trips have higher water levels, cooler temperatures, and chance of rain. July and August trips are normally hot and sunny with occasional afternoon showers and the water levels 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

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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.

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4) DOES EVERYONE HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO SWIM?
NO! Each person is issued a Type V whitewater lifejacket, which must be worn at all times on the river. These jackets are designed so that the head and chest of an individual would float above the surface of the water. We do recommend that all participants be comfortable in and around water, especially on our bigger whitewater trips. We do, however, provide detailed instructions before each Colorado rafting trip detailing how to float and what to do should you fall out of the boat.

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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 or BBQ steak lunch depending on the trip that you choose. Multi-day trips include meals and beverages. Variations in meals and camping arrangements may be made according to your group's interest for your Colorado rafting trip.

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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.

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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.  Our Wildhorse Canyon Deluxe Full Day trip includes a hot BBQ steak lunch served at our 18 acre private riverside launch facility, complete with shaded pavilion, picnic tables and restrooms.  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 my made from scratch mouth-watering desserts. Our food always garners rave reviews and nobody has ever gone away hungry! Please let us know if your group has any special food requests or allergies.

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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.

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9) IS RENTAL EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE?
We have wetsuits, wetsuit boots, 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. It's a good idea to reserve rental gear in advance.

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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.

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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.

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12) HOW DO WE GET THERE?
Once you've made your reservation and paid the deposit, you will receive information and a map on how to get to the meeting point for your trip. 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.

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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.

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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. 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 overnights). For overnight trips, a packing list and available rental equipment will be sent upon confirmation of trip.

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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.

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