Colorado's Most Popular Whitewater!
The Arkansas River has something for everyone - KODI Rafting knows it best!
Arkansas River Half Day Duckie Trip
- River: Arkansas River
- Difficulty: Moderate/ Class II- III Rapids
- Departure Time: 9:15 AM and 1:15 PM
- Age: 14+ / Call for details about younger participants
- Price: Starting at $130 Per Person
You might also like: Brown's Canyon National Monument Half Day Trip
Brown’s Canyon National Monument Half Day Raft Trip
- River: Arkansas River
- Difficulty: Moderate and Family Friendly/ Class III Rapids
- Departure Time: 9:15 AM and 1:15PM
- Age: 6+ and 50lbs.
- Price: Starting at $99 Per Person
You might also like: Clear Creek Beginner Raft Trip
Big Bend Half Day Raft Trip
- River: Arkansas River
- Difficulty: Beginner/ Class II Rapids
- Departure Time: 9 AM and 1PM
- Age: 4+ and 30 lbs.
- Price: Starting at $99 Per Person
You might also like: Upper Colorado Family Float
Brown’s Canyon National Monument Extreme Raft Trip
- River: Arkansas River
- Difficulty: Moderate/ Class III
- Departure Time: 9:15 AM and 1:15 PM
- Age: 14+ / Max 2 People Per Raft
- Price: Starting at $250 Per Person
You might also like: Clear Creek Half Day Advanced Raft Trip
Big Bend Half Day Duckie Trip
- River: Arkansas River
- Difficulty: Beginner/ Class II Rapids
- Departure Time: 9 AM and 1 PM
- Age: 14+ / call for details about younger participants
- Price: Starting at $130 Per Person
You might also like: Arkansas River Advanced Duckie Trip
Brown’s Canyon National Monument Full Day Raft Trip
- River: Arkansas River
- Difficulty: Moderate and Family Friendly/ Class III Rapids
- Departure Time: 9:15 AM
- Age: 6+ and 50lbs.
- Price: Starting at $150 Per Person - all inclusive with lunch!
You might also like: Clear Creek Beginner Raft Trip
Zip and Raft
- Departure Place: Buena Vista
- River: Arkansas River
- Difficulty: Family Friendly
- Departure Time: 9:15 AM Raft Trip and 3 PM Zipline
- Age: 6+ and 60lbs. - 260 lbs.
- Price: Starting at $225 Per Person
You might also like: Saddle Paddle
Numbers Half Day Raft Trip
- River: Arkansas River
- Difficulty: Advanced / Class IV Rapids
- Departure Time: 10 AM and 1PM
- Age: 14+
- Price: Starting at $109 Per Person
You might also like: Clear Creek Half Day Advanced Raft Trip
Numbers Full Day Raft Trip
- River: Arkansas River
- Difficulty: Advanced / Class IV Rapids
- Departure Time: 10 AM
- Age: 14+
- Price: Starting at $175 all inclusive with lunch per person!
You might also like: Clear Creek Half Day Advanced Raft Trip
Saddle Paddle – Explore Colorado on Horseback and Rafting
- Departure Place: Buena Vista
- River: Arkansas River
- Difficulty: Family Friendly
- Departure Time: 9:30 AM Horseback Ride and 1:15PM Rafting
- Age: 6+ and 50lbs. - 300 lbs.
- Price: Starting at $230 Per Person
You might also like: Zip and Raft
Where is the best place to go whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River in Colorado?
The best launch point for Arkansas River rafting is Buena Vista, Colorado. This stretch offers over 100 miles of diverse whitewater, ranging from family-friendly Class II floats in Big Bend to world-class Class III and IV rapids through Browns Canyon National Monument and The Numbers. Today, it remains the most popular river for rafting in the American West because it offers perfect trips for both low-key beginners and high-adrenaline adventure seekers.
When is the best time of year to raft the Arkansas River?
The peak season to run the Arkansas River in Colorado is from mid-May through early September (typically Memorial Day to Labor Day). Beginning high in the Rockies as melting snow near Leadville, Colorado (at 10,200 feet elevation), “The Ark” gains massive momentum throughout the spring and summer as temperatures increase, feeding the river with abundant, continuous snowmelt.
What makes Arkansas River rafting trips with KODI Rafting special?
All of our Arkansas River raft trips depart from our dedicated Buena Vista, Colorado outpost. At KODI Rafting, we pair top-notch safety training and expert, personable guides with hand-crafted itineraries. Whether you want a mild scenic float or an advanced, continuous-adrenaline whitewater challenge, we build an experience designed just for your group.
What are the different rafting sections on the Arkansas River?
- Big Bend (Class II-III): Ideal for families with young children or guests looking for an easy-going, scenic float with mild splashes.
- Brown’s Canyon National Monument (Class III): Our most popular trip. Designated a National Monument in 2015, this section offers incredible canyon views and family-friendly whitewater perfect for mixed age groups. Available in half-day and full-day options.
- The Numbers (Class IV): An advanced, high-adrenaline trip featuring continuous, big whitewater rapids. Perfect for intermediate to advanced rafters looking to bump the excitement up a notch.
- Pine Creek (Class V): The most intense section of the Arkansas River north of Buena Vista. Built strictly for experienced boaters and thrill-seekers looking for swift water and challenging river maneuvers.
- Exclusive Private Trips: A fully customized, hand-crafted itinerary where you choose the pick-up point and launch time, complete with a private guide and professional digital photos.
*Note: All full-day Arkansas River raft tours include a complimentary riverside lunch.
How do I book an Arkansas River rafting trip near me?
You can book your trip directly online or by calling the professionals at KODI Rafting at (877) 747-7238. Our outpost is located in beautiful Buena Vista, Colorado, offering quick, convenient access for travelers staying in Summit County, Breckenridge, or the surrounding mountain towns.