After a short van ride, meander four miles down the beautiful Arkansas River right back to River Runners. We were not disappointed-the trip is spectacular and our guide Sean was informative, lively professional and entertaining. Royal Gorge Rafting Trips near Colorado Springs . The river’s water descends into the upper Arkansas Headwater Recreation Area, and this is where Colorado’s and the Nation’s most popular rafting happens! Floating the Arkansas. -Ken B. from Gaithersburg, MD, “We love River Runners. This is a list of bridges and other crossings of the Arkansas River starting from the mouth at the Mississippi River upstream to its source in Colorado This transport-related list is incomplete ; you can help by expanding it . Class I-II Hayden Meadows Departs: The Milk Run is short and mild with a few small rapids. Lyon’s Gulch – Lyon’s Gulch is a midpoint along the Colorado that provides a take-out for a shorter float from Cottonwood Island, or a put-in for a quick float down to Dotsero. Any cloudy day in March seems to result in sipping trout. Wilderness Aware does not offer this section due to it’s difficulty. AROA Photo of the Week. PROVISIONAL DATA SUBJECT TO REVISION. On any given day, you can see guided raft trips swing through, paddle boards, white water kayaks, inner tubes, and fishing boats pass by. Family Float rafting trips in Buena Vista, Colorado . On the Colorado River float trip, your group will wind through the Gore Range and mountain ranch land – you may spot bald eagles soaring overhead! 6 Lazy Rivers In Colorado That Are Perfect For Tubing On A Summer’s Day. 1 for whitewater rafting tours in Colorado; Spring runoff brings high water to Colorado’s Arkansas River Read More in News. You’ll be fishing with some of the most experienced Colorado Springs fly fishing guides on the Arkansas or Gunnison’s “Gold Medal” waters where you’ll catch rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and cut-bow trout. It’s used for whitewater kayaking and river surfing. She was skilled and knowledgeable and explained each set of rapids so we knew what to expect. See the resources drop down for more info. We offer private boater shuttles on many sections of the Arkansas River in Colorado and the Upper Salt River in Arizona. Start your rafting adventure on mild, scenic float sections before stepping up to the world-famous class III-IV Browns Canyon section, then hit it hard on the ultimate whitewater challenge of the Numbers, Royal Gorge or Pine Creek. You can give us a call at (800) 723-8987 or check out the River Runners FAQ. The Royal Gorge has high canyon walls and fast-paced, big rapids. The bonus is that Turtle Tubing also has the Turtle Bus, which will pick you up in the Vail Valley and take you to the tubing location. We offer Arkansas River rafting trips suitable for families with small children as well as exciting white water rafting trips for seasoned pros. The Arkansas River is one of Colorado’s major waterways, great for Colorado river fishing. turtle tubing the colorado river (gypsum) Super chill float trip on the Colorado River halfway between Vail and Glenwood Springs. Parkdale A full day float on the Arkansas is the best way to take the full measure of this river and its fishery. This is definitely more adventure than some of the other "lazy river" options around the state. The Arkansas River has settled into low, late season winter flows and conditions now favor wade fishermen. She was brilliant. The Arkansas River flows near some of the best mountain towns in the state, including Canon City and Colorado Springs. Our float fishing trips are available April – September season. Browns Canyon Class III-IV Main trail is approximately 7 miles long. Class I and II rapids are interspersed with sections of calm where you can relax and enjoy panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, and abundant wildlife. The Arkansas River begins its journey high in Colorado’s Rocky mountains from the winter snowpack that builds along the epic peaks of the Continental Divide. Senior guides cater to special requests on these custom small-group trips. Made Possible by. There's nothing more refreshing that floating through the Ouachita National Forest. The Arkansas River in Colorado is home to some of North America’s most popular whitewater stretches. Royal Gorge The Arkansas River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River.It generally flows to the east and southeast as it traverses the U.S. states of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.The river's source basin lies in the western United States in Colorado, specifically the Arkansas River Valley, where the headwaters derive from the snowpack in the Sawatch and Mosquito mountain ranges. Avery Stonich. Click “BOOK NOW” to check availability. Inflatable kayaking is a unique way to experience Colorado’s Upper Arkansas River. Arkansas River Multi-Day Rafting and Camping Trips are available for two, three and five day lengths. Available data for this site Click to hide station-specific text This site is operated seasonally, April through September only. Go Fishing. The Arkansas River is located 90 miles west of Colorado Springs, 120 miles southwest of Denver. 2. River floats range from 1 to 3 hours, depending on where you start. If you have some younger river adventurers in your group or are looking for a more laid-back float down the river, then consider our family whitewater rafting trips designed for young rafters.Relax and enjoy the scenery, rippling waters, and beauty of the Arkansas River Corridor as your guide expertly guides you down a mellow 5-mile section of river. She was great company and we had the best experience. Our most popular trips are Browns Canyon National Monument and The Numbers. Clean restrooms (especially for a public park/trail), lightly used (compared to other urban parks in Colorado), well maintained and litter free. Class IV-V+ We have a couple of restaurants that overlook the river with all its activity. The Salida Valley is an enjoyable way for everyone to experience the Arkansas River. This section of the Colorado River features “junior-starter” white water rapids that will thrill the kids and spectacular mini-gorges that dazzle sightseers of any age. stuff we are proud of Class II-III Southeastern Colorado. Beginner inflatable kayak trips in Buena Vista, Colorado Kayak the Arkansas River. Each of these five sections can be rafted in one day. Upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon © 2020 River Runners LTD. All rights reserved. There are also some campsites along the river at this site. She was brilliant. They offer numerous trips, from a few hours to a full day. This scenic Family Float rafting trip has mild rapids and stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. Hundreds of boats float the Ark each day during the summer. It’s used for whitewater kayaking and river surfing. Bankers hours on the river make for a relaxed fishing experience. This map gives an overview of all the rafting sections of the Arkansas River in Colorado. Downstream Adventures is a family owned and operated business and our family loves whitewater. Along the way, stop to check out historical mining cabins, or take a leap from Jump Rock or Little Jump Rock, perfect for all levels of bravado! Class I-II The Narrows is rocky, technical with long, exciting rapids. It’s calm, beautiful, and inspiring, as you gently float 15 miles down the river, with stops at some of its most awe-inspiring sights. A great way to spend the morning or afternoon with the whole family. The Arkansas is ideal for families with young children, groups with mixed skill levels and outgoing, adventurous adults. We offer exciting rafting trips on Clear Creek in Idaho Springs Colorado. The season runs from around June to September, depending on conditions. Planning is important, so make sure the river conditions are good and you’re not tubing alone. So please be careful trees providing shade for much of the Arkansas River ’ s an and! 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