Rafting the Arkansas River
I’ve rafted all four major sections of the Arkansas River. The Numbers, Browns Canyon, Bighorn Sheep Canyon, and the Royal Gorge. Same river, four completely different days on the water.
The Arkansas is the most popular rafting destination in Colorado, and once you understand why it’s actually four rivers in one, the whole thing makes more sense. It runs over 100 miles from Buena Vista down through Salida and into Canon City, covering everything from technical back-to-back Class IV gauntlets to warm canyon floats where bighorn sheep watch you from the cliffs above.
Picking the right section makes all the difference. Here’s the honest breakdown of Arkansas river rafting.
Before You Pick a Section, Read This
The biggest mistake people make when booking a rafting trip is going too easy.
It is so much easier to wish a trip was harder than to wish it was easier. I’ve seen groups crush a Class IV run and leave on an absolute high. I’ve also seen groups play it safe and spend the drive home wondering why they didn’t push further. When you’re on the fence between two sections, lean toward the harder one.
One more thing before we get into it. Bring more water than you think you need. The canyon heat sneaks up on you. The sun hits the walls, bounces off the water, and comes at you from every direction. You will be thirsty. Pack accordingly. And check out our full packing guide before you go.
The Four Sections
The Numbers, Near Buena Vista (Class IV-V)
The Numbers is the most slept-on section of the Arkansas River, and I’ll stand by that.
Most people drive right past it on the way to Browns Canyon or the Royal Gorge, and they’re leaving one of the best runs in Colorado on the table. This section is a gauntlet. Back-to-back-to-back high-adrenaline rapids that come at you without mercy. You clear one and another is already on its way. There is no coasting here. You are locked in from the moment you put in until the moment you take out.
It’s named after old USGS map designations, which is the least exciting thing about it. The water is the story. If you are an experienced paddler who wants a section that demands your full attention, this is it. For more specific information on the water level, American Whitewater has a great resource here.
Best for: Intermediate to advanced paddlers, return visitors who want a step up from Browns Canyon Class: IV-V Near:Buena Vista, CO
View Numbers-area outfitters on Worldwide Rafting Co.
Browns Canyon, Buena Vista (Class III)
Browns Canyon is where most people have their first real Colorado rafting experience, and it earns that reputation every time.
The rapids are Class III, which means you are going to paddle hard, get soaked, and have a blast doing it. But the river gives you enough room between features to catch your breath and look around, and what you’re looking at is Browns Canyon National Monument. Granite walls, clear water, views of the Collegiate Peaks in the distance. It’s a genuinely beautiful stretch of river.
This is the right call if you’re new to rafting, bringing a mixed group, or want a high-energy day without the extreme end of whitewater. Not sure what rafting even involves? Start with our intro to rafting guide before you book.
Best for: First-timers, families with older kids, groups with mixed experience Class: III Near: Buena Vista, CO
View Browns Canyon outfitters on Worldwide Rafting Co.
Bighorn Sheep Canyon, Between Salida and Canon City (Class III-IV)
Bighorn Sheep Canyon is the best family rafting trip on the Arkansas River. I don’t say that lightly.
My first swim ever was in Bighorn Sheep Canyon. One second I was in the raft, the next I was in the river, and my first instinct was panic. But then something shifted. The water was cold and refreshing on a hot day, the current was carrying me exactly where it was supposed to, and once I got back in the boat I was laughing. That swim ended up being one of my favorite moments on the river.
That’s what Bighorn does. It sits at lower elevation than the upstream sections, so the water and air are warmer. The rapids are Class III-IV, exciting enough that nobody is bored but manageable enough that it doesn’t feel like survival mode. And the canyon itself is something else. Red and orange walls rising above you, and if you look up at the right time you’ll spot actual bighorn sheep watching you from the cliffs.
For groups with a mix of experience levels, ages, or first-timers who still want real whitewater, this is the section.
Best for: Families, mixed groups, first-timers who want genuine whitewater without the extreme end Class: III-IV Near:Cotopaxi, between Salida and Canon City
View Bighorn Sheep Canyon outfitters on Worldwide Rafting Co.
Royal Gorge, Canon City (Class IV-V)
The Royal Gorge is a peaceful canyon float without the peace.
You are in frothy, powerful whitewater. Canyon walls nearly 1,000 feet high rise straight up on both sides of you, glowing red and orange. Somewhere a thousand feet above your head is the Royal Gorge Bridge, and there are people up there waving and cheering you on as you run the rapids below them. It is one of the most surreal and memorable experiences you can have on a river anywhere in the country.
This is not a beginner section. The rapids are Class IV-V and they are serious. Come with experience, listen to your guide, and respect the river. Do those three things and you will come out the other side with a story you’ll be telling for a long time.
Best for: Experienced paddlers, thrill seekers, anyone ready for a bucket list run Class: IV-V Near: Canon City, CO
View Royal Gorge outfitters on Worldwide Rafting Co.
So Which One Should You Book?
| Your Situation | Best Section |
|---|---|
| Never rafted before | Browns Canyon or Bighorn Sheep Canyon |
| Bringing kids or family | Bighorn Sheep Canyon |
| Done Class III, want more | The Numbers |
| Want the most dramatic experience | Royal Gorge |
| Mixed group, different experience levels | Bighorn Sheep Canyon |
| Experienced and want technical water | The Numbers or Royal Gorge |
Browse all Colorado rafting trips on Worldwide Rafting Co.
When to Go
The Arkansas runs late April through August. Peak flows hit in late May and June from Rocky Mountain snowmelt.
Spring (May-June) means higher, faster water. Every section runs more intensely. Royal Gorge and the Numbers are at their most powerful.
Summer (July-August) brings lower, warmer water. Browns Canyon and Bighorn Sheep Canyon are at their most beginner-friendly. Still great across all sections.
Book early if you’re going in July. Weekends fill up fast, and the good trip slots go first.
Who to Book With
Every outfitter listed on Worldwide Rafting Co. has been vetted and is the real deal. Whether you’re doing your first Browns Canyon run or dropping into the Royal Gorge, you are in good hands.
The best time to do something is now, and the best people to do it with are trained experts. Find your trip here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest section of the Arkansas River for beginners? Browns Canyon (Class III) is the most popular starting point. If you want warmer water or are bringing younger kids, Bighorn Sheep Canyon is actually the better fit. It runs at lower elevation, the water is warmer, and the rapids are forgiving enough for a wide range of ages and experience levels.
Is the Numbers section good for beginners? No. The Numbers is Class IV-V and runs as a continuous gauntlet of back-to-back rapids with little recovery time between them. It’s a great next step if you’ve already done Browns Canyon and want something that pushes you, but it’s not a starting point.
How long does an Arkansas River rafting trip take? Most half-day trips are 2 to 4 hours on the water. Full-day trips run 5 to 7 hours including travel to the put-in and time at the outfitter’s base. The Royal Gorge section tends to run on the longer end.
What is the best section for families? Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Warmer water, Class III-IV rapids, real wildlife sightings, and a lower-stress experience than the upper sections. Kids love it and so do adults.
What’s the difference between the Royal Gorge and the Numbers? Both are advanced, but they feel completely different. The Royal Gorge is dramatic and immersive, with massive canyon walls and powerful continuous water. The Numbers is a technical gauntlet that demands precision and focus from start to finish. If it’s your first advanced trip, the Numbers is the better starting point.
What should I bring on an Arkansas River rafting trip? Water, more water, waterproof sunscreen, quick-dry clothes, and water shoes with a strap. Full breakdown in our rafting packing guide.
Is Arkansas River rafting safe? Yes, when you book with a licensed outfitter and choose the right section for your experience level. Colorado’s rafting industry is well regulated, guides are professionally trained, and all safety equipment is provided. Picking the right section is the most important decision you’ll make before you ever get on the water.
When is the best time to raft the Arkansas River? Late May through July for the best water. July and August are ideal for families and beginners. Spring runoff in May and June brings higher, faster water that experienced paddlers love.
Where should we eat after our trip? There is plenty of good food in and just west of Canon City, however our favorite place for post-trip munchies is 8 Mile Bar and Grill.