Highly valued for its diverse recreation, this stretch of river
is used by more than 500,000 rafters, kayakers, anglers, campers
and wildlife viewers each year. Trips vary in difficulty and length,
allowing flexibility. There are hundreds of access
sites, but the most popular are at Granite, Buena Vista, Fisherman
Bridge, Ruby Mountain, Hecla Junction, Stone Bridge, Big Bend,
Salida, Rancor, Vallie Bridge, Lone Pine, Pinnacle Rock, Spikebuck,
Parkdale and Cañon City.
The internationally renowned "numbers" rapids
lie a short distance north of Buena Vista, with views to the west
of the Collegiate Peaks. These are world class kayaking waters.
The river continues through narrow Brown's Canyon where it flows
away from the highway and is adjacent to a railroad. Its remote
character and quality rapids make this the most popular segment
of the Arkansas River. The 1,000-foot sheer rock walls of Royal
Gorge ascend above the segment of the river as it flows into Cañon
City. Rapids such as Sunshine Falls and Sledgehammer make running
this stretch an adventure. Boaters on the Arkansas should be able
to assess their own abilities and equipment in the relation to
the International Scale of River Difficulty.
Being at high elevation and fueled mainly by melting snow, the Arkansas
is a cold river. During the spring runoff it is full of freshly
melted snow, and the temperature of the water is especially cold.
Warm days and cool to freezing nights can be expected in the mountains
during the summer. July and August are usually the warmest months.
During this time afternoon thunderstorms are common. Be prepared
for both warm and chilly weather, as well as for rain showers. Proper
dress when participating in whitewater sports is essential. Wear
shoes that can protect feet if you bounce off rocks or walk out
of a canyon in the event of an accident. Wet suits are mandatory
when air and water temperature added together total 100 degrees
or less. If total is less than 80 degrees, a full set of waterproof
or wool garments on top of the wet suit should be worn.
International Scale
of River Difficulty
If rapids on a river generally fit into one of the following classifications,
but the water temperature is below 50 degrees F., or if the trip
is an extended trip in a wilderness area, the river should be considered
one class more difficult than normal.
| Class I |
Moving water with a few riffles and small waves.
Few or no obstructions. |
| Class II |
Easy rapids with waves up to 3 feet and wide,
clear channels that are obvious without scouting. Some maneuvering
is required. |
| Class III |
Rapids with high, irrregular waves often capable
of swamping an open canoe. Narrow maneuvering. May require
scouting from shore. |
| Class IV |
Long, difficult rapids with constricted passages
that often require precise maneuvering in very turbulent waters.
Scouting from shore is often necessary. Generally not possible
for open canoes. Boaters in covered canoes and kayaks should
be able to Eskimo roll. |
| Class V |
Extremely difficult, long, and very violent
rapids with highly congested routes which nearly always must
be scouted from shore. Rescue conditions are difficult and
there is significant hazard to life in event of a mishap.
Ability to Eskimo roll is essential for kayaks and canoes. |
| Class VI |
Difficulties of Class V carried to the extreme
of navigability. Nearly impossible and very dangerous. For
teams of experts only after close study and with all precautions
taken. |
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Kayaking
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The Nature of Whitewater
Tumbling whitewater isn't your normal wet stuff. For starters,
it begins its life as a hunk of snow or ice up on some mountain.
and when the spring sun thaws it enough to start it trickling
down, it still possesses one quality that sets it apart: until
it leaves the mountains, it's going to be cold! Tiny rivulets
dribble through bramble thickets and down rocky mountainsides
until, flowing together, they merge into tiny rivers just
deep enough to wet the bottom of a kayak. In most cases it's
many, many miles of gradual swelling and filling before thousands
of these streams join to make an Arkansas River.Even when
these waters are wide enough or deep enough to be boatable,
they're likely to be swift and rocky. That is why the perfect
craft for negotiating such fast falling rivers is a kayak. |
Kayak is an Eskimo word, and kayaks originated
as seacraft for a hardy band of ice-bound nomads who needed
to catch walrus and seal to survive. These Eskimo kayaks were
astonishingly similar to the boats we use today. Sealskin
stretched over a frame of wood or bone with just enough room
in its innards to hold one hunter made the perfect boat to
take on the rolling seas off Canada or Greenland. Maneuverable,
water-tight and fast, the Eskimo's kayak, propelled by sharp
thrusts of his double bladed paddle, gave him dominion over
the off-shore waters and the sea creatures that dwelled there.
On the Arkansas, just about every possible range of difficult
water is available, from meek to mighty, scenic to scary and
often these extremes can be found in just a few miles from
each other. The best rule of thumb to follow is "always
scout it before you shoot it." Even the best boaters
make it a point to check out unknown stretches of water from
the bank before they paddle them.
Water moving in thick, tumbling currrents has a topography
all its own. Your success as a kayaker will depend on your
ability to "read" the water, to understand how rocks,
waves and currents will affect your boat. One big factor is
that not all river water flows downstream. Behind every obstable
that protrudes above water (and at the bottom of chutes) lies
an eddy, a piec of water which has an upstream current. The
bigger the obstacle and the faster the current that flows
around it, the stronger the upstream current will be. A good
eddy allows a kayaker to nip in, nose pointed upriver, and
rest while he looks over his should at the next rapid.
Standing wavers are another phenomenon of heavy water. Found
at the bottom of chutes and above buried obstacles, these
are waves that don't go anyplace and maintain a fairly constant
height above the surrounding water. many kayakers enjoy paddling
upstream to the reverse side of a standing wave and can spend
good lengths of time"surfing" it. |
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Guides and
Trips
One of the biggest recreation draws of
the Upper Arkansas Valley is rafting. Available through one of
the many professional rafting companies in the valley are everything
from exciting half day trips through Brown's Canyon or to overnight
or multiday excursions on the river. Certainly some sections of
the river are more dangerous and challenging than others, but
most of the professional outfitters in the area who make their
living guiding groups down the river can negotiate the Arkansas
during any season and through any water level. Some rafting companies
take walk-ins but it is a good idea to make reservations at least
a day in advance.
For ton of information about top US rivers go to:
All About Rivers.com
ACQUIRED TASTES WHITEWATER RAFTING
Acquired Tastes specializes in high-quality, reasonably priced,
1, 2, and 3 day trips on the Arkansas River. Our trips include
state-of-the-art self-bailing rafts with foot cones, experienced
guides and great lunches
27410 CR 319, Buena Vista, CO 81211 tollfree: 800-888-8582
www.atraft.com Email: dakota@rmi.net
AMERICAN ADVENTURE
EXPEDITIONS
Mild to wild rafting on the Arkansas River. Our highly trained
professional guides provide you with a comfortable and fun outdoor
experience. Four convenient locations; Buena Vista, Breckenridge,
Salida, Royal Gorge. Ask about our group rates and family programs.
Other activities include kayaking, rock climbing, backpacking,
mountain biking, ice climbing
tollfree: 800-288-0675
http://www.americanadventure.com Email: aae@amigo.net
ARKANSAS RIVER TOURS
Pioneers of paddle rafting in the ROYAL GORGE region. 1/4 to
3 Day trips on the ARKANSAS RIVER. Family trips in Bighorn Canyon
to the extreme Class IV-V wildwater of the ROYAL GORGE. Convenient
riverside location. Wilderness multi-day trips on the GUNNISON
and DOLORES RIVERS. Guided float fishing trips. Group discounts.
Teen Whitewater Camps.
PO Box 337, Cotopaxi, CO 81223 tollfree: 800-321-4352
http://www.arkansasrivertours.com Email: art@amigo.net
ARKANSAS VALLEY ADVENTURE
Raft the best whitewater in Colorado! A.V.A. offers cabins,
camping, and world-class rafting. The Arkansas River has some
of the best whitewater in the U.S. A.V.A. is One hour from Vail,
Aspen, and Summit County. Reserve today an Experience that will
last a lifetime.
tollfree: 800-370-0581
http://www.coloradorafting.net Email: rafting@colorado.net
BILL DVORAK KAYAK & RAFTING EXPEDITIONS
'Outfitters since 1969'. We have diverse expeditions available
from 1/2 to 12 days on 10 major SW Rivers. Float trips to Class
V. We provide self-bailing, paddle or oared rafts, inflatable
kayaks, instructional clinics in kayaks, canoes, rafts & swiftwater
rescue. 'Combination Trips' include river, mountain biking, horseback,
4WD, fishing. Family/group discounts. Free brochure.
17921 US Highway 285, Nathrop, CO 81236 tollfree: 800-824-3795;
fax: 719-539-3378
Website: http://www.dvorakexpeditions.com
Email: dvorakex@amigo.net
BUFFALO JOE'S WHITEWATER RAFTING
Est. 1978 - Offering 1/2 day to multi-day trips in Brown's Canyon,
Royal Gorge, Numbers and Narrows on the Arkansas River. Full day
trips include steak lunch (vegetarian meals available). Mountain
bike tours/rentals. Group discounts/free brochures. Buena Vista
and Canon City locations.
PO Box 1526, Buena Vista, CO 81211 phone: 719-395-7803; tollfree:
866-Buff-Joe
http://www.buffalojoe.com
Email: info@buffalojoe.com
CANYON MARINE WHITEWATER EXPEDITIONS
We've made the investment of time and resources to assemble some
of the best river guides in the country for one reason-- to give
you our best river trip possible. Join us for an adventure on
the Arkansas or guided fly-fishing on private water. Free brochure/Group
Leader Packet.
phone: 719 539-7476; tollfree: 800-643-0707
http://www.canyonmarine.com Email: canyonmarine@cs.com
CLEAR CREEK RAFTING CO.
Experience Colorado's whitewater! With two great rivers
and two convenient locations there's always something for everyone-beginner
to advanced. Take a trip on the world famous ARKANSAS RIVER through
the Royal Gorge, Bighorn Sheep Canyon or Brown's Canyon. Or come
try an exciting trip on CLEAR CREEK, just 30 minutes west of Denver.
FREE WETSUIT USE! Group discounts! Call for details and to make
a reservation.
350 Whitewater Rd, PO Box 3178, Idaho Springs, CO 80452-3178 phone:
303-567-1000; tollfree: 800-353-9901; fax: 303-277-9919
http://www.clearcreekrafting.com Email: info@clearcreekrafting.com
COLORADO WHITEWATER EXPEDITIONS
Canon City, CO 81212 tollfree: 877-RAFT-CWE
Website: www.raftcwe.com Email: dacub@raftcwe.com
COLORADO WHITEWATER PHOTOGRAPHY
phone: 719-539-2249; tollfree: 800-331-0070
Website: www.lspphoto.com Email: cwp@lspphoto.com
ECHO CANYON RIVER EXPEDITIONS
ARKANSAS RIVER trips in the spectacular ROYAL GORGE region,
1/2 to 3 days. Our 2-day wilderness PIEDRA RIVER and GUNNISON
GORGE river trips focus on gold medal fishing, whitewater and
scenic side hikes. You can be certain that the staff at Echo Canyon
(established 1978) will provide you with our absolute finest river
experience. Self-bailing rafts guaranteed! Weekday & group
rates available. FREE color brochure.
45000 US Hwy 50 West, Canon City, CO 81212 phone: 719-275-3154;
tollfree: 800-748-2953
Website: http://www.echocanyonrafting.com Email: echocanyon@amigo.net
GOOD TIMES RAFTING TOURS
Enjoy an exciting day of fun and breathtaking beauty on the Arkansas,
Blue or Colorado Rivers. Our trips offer something for everyone…from
novice to experienced rafters. Full-day and half-day trips available
at very competitive rates. Locations in Breckenridge, Frisco,
Buena Vista and Glenwood Springs. We focus on safe family fun!
For the trip of a lifetime call Good Times!
PO Box 340, Frisco, CO 80443 phone: 970-453-5559; tollfree: 800-808-0357
HIGHSIDE ADVENTURE TOURS
Fun affordable raft trips on the Arkansas, Colorado, and Clear
Creek Rivers. Convenient locations in Idaho Springs (only minutes
from Denver), Summit County, and Buena Vista. Offering trips for
all ages and abilities. Exciting whitewater and family float trips.
1/2 day to multi-day trips. Hot BBQ lunches. Group rates available.
Tollfree: 800-997-3448
www.raftingcolorado.com Email: info@raftingcolorado.com
LAKOTA RIVER GUIDES
Rivers and mountains help us keep life in perspective. Float/family
trips to Class V. Vail based specializes in Eagle and Colorado
river trips including scenic Glenwood Canyon. Terrific family
outings. Twin Lakes operation - near Independence Pass, Hwy. 82.
Whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River plus camping, hiking
and fishing. Cabins, store, restaurant on-site
tollfree: 800-274-0636
http://www.lakotariver.com Email: info@lakotariver.com
NOAH'S ARK Whitewater Rafting Co.
23010 Hwy 285 South
Buena Vista 719-395-2158.
PERFORMANCE TOURS
Performance Tours everything from relaxing scenic float trips
to action packed, adrenaline pumping whitewater trips on the Arkansas,
Blue and Colorado Rivers. Let our highly qualified staff host
your adventure on world class rivers through beautiful canyons
with spectacular mountain scenery as your backdrop. Call today
and join us for a memorable Colorado experience. Excellent safety
record. Group discounts. Class I-V trips.3 convenient locations:
Breckenridge, Buena Vista, Royal Gorge.
tollfree: 800-328-7238
http://www.performancetours.com Email: raft@performancetours.com
RAFT MASTERS
Raft Masters is the ONLY rafting company that ALWAYS offers free
wetsuit use - so you experience the THRILL - not the chill - of
the water. On the Arkansas River choose scenic Big Horn Canyon
or the challenging Royal Gorge. Oar boats or Paddle boats. Excellent
guides and equipment. Half/full/Overnight trips. Reservations
suggested.
2315 E. Main, Canon City, CO 81212 tollfree: 800-568-7238
http://www.raftmasters.com Email: raftmast@rmi.net
RIVER RUNNERS LTD.
11150 Hwy 50, Salida, CO 81201 tollfree: 800-525-2081
Website: http://www.riverrunnersltd.com Email: raft@amigo.net
Colorado's largest - 'The Whitewater Professionals'. For the past
25 years far more people have gone down the river with River Runners
Ltd. than any other company and for good reason: superior equipment,
personnel, organization and attitude. We specialize in the ARKANSAS
River, rated the best for whitewater thrills and excitement in
Browns Canyon and the Royal Gorge. Guaranteed lowest prices. Call
for free color brochure.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES, INC.
Let us show you the excitement of Rocky Mountain whitewater. We
offer beginning to advanced level 1/2 day to multi-day whitewater
adventures on the CACHE LE POUDRE, ARKANSAS, NORTH PLATTE, DOLORES
and UPPER COLORADO Rivers. Wilderness journeys, trout fishing
and kayaking instruction are also available. Offices in Estes
Park, Ft. Collins & Buena Vista
PO Box 1989, Ft. Collins, CO 80522 phone: 970-493-4005; tollfree:
800-858-6808; fax: 970-493-3150
http://www.shoprma.com Email: rkymtadv@aol.com
.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN OUTDOOR CENTER
We want to have the most fun in the best whitewater using
the latest equipment. We'll go down river in a paddle raft where
you're an integral part of a team, not a passenger. Try paddle
rafting - you'll come away from your trip tired but exhilarated!
We offer day trips on the wild Arkansas, three-day trips on the
gorgeous Dolores and kayaking seminars.
10281 Hwy 50, Howard, CO 81233 phone: 719-942-3214; tollfree:
800-255-5784
www.rmoc.com Email: rmoc@compuserve.com
TIMBERWOLF WHITEWATER EXPEDITIONS
Timberwolf has been providing high quality whitewater rafting
adventures since 1979. Specializing on the Arkansas River with
1/2 day to 4 day trips through all popular sections like Brown's
Canyon, Royal Gorge, Bighorn Sheep Canyon, and the Numbers. Float
fishing trips. Group discounts. Expert guides. During April and
May experience a 3 day wilderness raft trip on the Dolores River.
Colorado's most beautiful scenic river.
4305 E. Hwy 50, Salida, CO 81201 phone: 719-539-7508; tollfree:
800-843-8448
www.timberwolfrafting.com Email: twrafting@amigo.net
WHITEWATER ENCOUNTERS
FREE WETSUIT USE! We want you to enjoy the thrill, not feel the
chill during your raft trip. Offering 1/2 day to 3-day adventures
on the Arkansas River, from scenic family float trips to intense
whitewater paddling trips. Also offering rafting/lodging packages.
Located between Salida and Buena Vista. Group and youth prices!
Free brochure!
14825 US Highway 285, Salida, CO 81201 phone: 719-530-0937; tollfree:
800-530-8362
Website: http://www.weraft.com Email: weraft@amigo.net
WHITEWATER VOYAGEURS
We are a small family run company. You won't be lost in the crowd
and will receive the individualized treatment needed to make your
trip special. We concentrate on making your whitewater adventure
fun and safe. Our head guide is an EMT. We also offer great Raft
& Stay rates at the Rainbow Inn.
105 East U.S. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201 phone: 719-539-4444;
tollfree: 800-539-4447
http://www.whitewatervoyageurs.com Email: rainbows@amigo.net
WILDERNESS AWARE RAFTING
Offering personalized adventures with the extra touch
of quality that earned us the COLORADO TOURISM COMPANY OF THE
YEAR award. Specializing in self-contained wilderness multi-day
trips of 2-10 days on the COLORADO, ARKANSAS, GUNNISON GORGE,
NORTH PLATTE and DOLORES Rivers. Daily 1/2 - 1 day launches on
the exciting ARKANSAS. Paddle and oar powered rafts, inflatable
kayaks. Wildwater, family whitewater, guided float fishing. Group
rates. FREE color brochure.
PO Box 1550 AR, Buena Vista, CO 81211 phone: 719-395-2112; tollfree:
800-462-7238; fax: 719-395-6716
http://www.inaraft.com Email: rapids@inaraft.com
4-CORNERS RAFTING
With us, safety with fun is job one on America's most popular
river, the Arkansas. Modern self-bailing rafts with foot cups
guaranteed. Outstanding guides--personalble and well-educated.
Families, and groups our specialties. Scenic whitewater floats
and float fishing. Liberal cancellation policy. Operating high-quality,
reasonably priced trips since 1976.PO Box 219, Nathrop, CO
81236 tollfree: 800-332-7238
http://www.fourcornersrafting.com Email: info@fourcornersrafting.com
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GEAR
Safety
Gear
Kayaking demands the
appropriate safety gear.
First and foremost is
a personal floatation device (lifejacket.)Colorado
law requires that a type I, II, III or IV personal floatation
device be worn at all times by persons on the river. Current legislations
says that not boater may be on the water without a U.S. Coast
Guard-approved buoyancy device readily accessible for kayakers,
that means on you!) And this Coast guard approval is a very stringent
business, involving exacting tests of buoyancy and durability.
Wet suits are good to have, too, expecially early in the
season when the rivers are coldest. Made of neoprene, they are
snug, fairly comfortable and serve only one purpose: to prevent
hypothermia if you have to swim. They are availabe in many styles,
but the most popular model for kayaking is the "farmer-john",
a suite that enclosed your arms, torso, crotch and upper thighs
in heat-trapping neoprene.
Hypothermia comes under
many labels, but they all add up to the same thing. Very similar
to the dep-freeze anesthesia used iln surgery, hypothermia means
that your body temperature is below what is should be (just like
the "exposure" skiers and outdoorsmen must guard against).
When hypothermic, your body loses its ability to produce heat
rapidly enough to offset the conditions causing body heat loss.
The following are good sources
for rafting, kayaking and canoeing gear in the Upper Arkansas
Valley.
Colorado Kayak Supply
22495 US Hwy 285
Nathrop, Co 81236
719-395-2422
Headwaters Outdoor Equipment
228 N. F Street
Salida, CO 81201
719-539-4506
719-539-4680
Inflatable Restoration & Repair
3244 E. US. Hwy 50
Salida, CO
(719) 539-9751
The
Trailhead
Rentals, gear
707 Hwy 24 N
Buena Vista, CO 81211
719-395-8001
www.trailhead.com
Interested
in Used Gear?
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