Arkansas River Multi Day Rafting Highlights
Multi-day rafting trips on the Arkansas River deliver the ultimate Colorado whitewater experience. Stretching from the scenic granite walls of Browns Canyon to the powerful Class IV–V rapids of the Royal Gorge and the Numbers, this river offers unmatched variety for rafters of all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly overnight or a multi day adventure that strings together the state’s most famous sections, we can make it happen on the Ark!
- Family friendly and high adventure trip options.
- Tell campfire stories, soak up starry night skies, and relax with family and friends.
- Â Enjoy all-inclusive catered camping with 3 course dinners, cowboy breakfasts, and deli lunches.
- Experience Colorado’s most iconic rafting sections including Browns Canyon, The Numbers, and the Royal Gorge.
- Relish wildlife spottings, snow capped peaks, and alpine river canyons.
- Professional, interpretive, and entertaining guides.
More About This Trip
Trip Details
2 Day Browns Canyon Rafting Trip
The two-day Browns Canyon trip offers an approachable adventure for guests ages 7 and up, with lunch, dinner, breakfast, and a final lunch included. Covering thirteen miles through Browns Canyon National Monument, this stretch begins at Fisherman’s Bridge and ends at Stone Bridge just north of Salida. The river flows through fourteen named Class II and III rapids such as Zoom Flume, Seidel’s Suckhole, and Seven Stairs. Calm pools in between the rapids allow for fishing and swimming. Towering granite walls, pine-covered hillsides, and wildlife sightings create a setting that embodies Colorado.
Half way through the canyon, the rafts beach at a scenic riverside side camp for relaxation, hiking opportunities, and games. Guides prepare a three course dinner, followed by an evening around the campfire. The next morning starts with a hearty breakfast before proceeding down the river for more Class III whitewater. The 2-Day Browns Canyon Trip offers an approachable adventure for guests ages 7 and up, with lunch, dinner, breakfast, and a final lunch included.
2-Day Numbers & Royal Gorge Rafting Trip
For guests 15 and older ready to step up the excitement, the 2 Day Numbers & Royal Gorge trip combines two of Colorado’s most thrilling sections into one continuous adventure. The journey begins north of Buena Vista at The Numbers Put-In, where the river drops seventy feet per mile through six miles of consistent Class IV whitewater. Rafters navigate boulders, breaking waves, and steep drops. After lunch, the trip winds down with 7 more river miles of class II and III through the Fractions and takes out in the town of Buena Vista.
After the first day on the water, guests arrive at Railroad Bridge Campground, a vehicle assisted riverside camp located six miles north of Buena Vista. The site sits beneath the towering Collegiate Peaks, with panoramic views of 14,000 foot Mount Columbia, Mount Oxford, and Mount Harvard. Easy river access provides time for fishing, campfire games, and quiet relaxation along the water. Guides prepare an appetizer, a hearty dinner, and dessert.
The second day warms up with an 8 mile stretch of class II and III through Bighorn Sheep Canyon. After lunch the Royal Gorge delivers a dramatic finale with 1,200 foot granite cliffs and 15 class III and IV pool drop rapids.
3 Day Browns Canyon, Numbers, & Royal Gorge Rafting Trip
The 3 Day Arkansas River trip connects Colorado’s most iconic rafting trips into one adventure. Picking up from the 2 Day Numbers & Royal Gorge Rafting Trip, the 3 day trip camps two nights at Railroad Bridge and includes Browns Canyon. The trip progression starts with a Browns Canyon warmup on the first day leading into The Numbers on the second day and the Royal Gorge on the third day.
River Conditions & Seasonality
Multi-day rafting on the Arkansas River runs from May through early September. Snowmelt from the Sawatch and Mosquito Ranges fuels powerful spring flows in May and June, while Twin Lakes and Turquoise Lake reservoirs releases sustain ideal rafting conditions through mid August.
Early season water levels average 1,500-3,000 CFS with cool temperatures around 45-50°F, offering big and fast whitewater for thrill-seekers. By midsummer, flows settle between 700 and 1,200 CFS, and water temperatures rise to 55–60°F. Warm, dry days in the 80s and 90s and crisp mountain nights make for comfortable rafting and camping throughout the summer.
Trip Options
Arkansas River Multi Day Rafting Trips
Browns Canyon National Monument
Numbers & Royal Gorge
This 2-day high adventure rafting trip goes through two of the most popular white water sections on the Arkansas River: the Numbers and the Royal Gorge. Tackle challenging Class IV-V rapids two days in a row!
Browns Canyon, Numbers, & Royal Gorge
The ultimate 3-day Colorado white water rafting adventure combines the intermediate Browns Canyon section with the infamous Numbers and Royal Gorge Sections. Three action-packed days of white water!
Why Raft the Arkansas River with Mild to Wild?
Trip Provisions
- Delicious meals and snacks provided from lunch on day 1 to lunch on the last day
- Catered 3 course dinners with appetizers, entrees, and deserts
- Dietary accommodations
- High quality custom river and camp equipment
- Round trip transportation from meet location
Professional, Interpretive & Entertaining Guides
- Trip leaders average 2,000 river miles
- Trip leaders are 3rd year guides on average
- All guides are certified in First Aid and CPR
- Most guides certified in Swift Water Rescue, and Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness Advanced First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder
- Dedicated company division to risk management, guided training, and continuing guide education
Our Commitment
to You
Payments & Cancellations
Payment Options
- 1/2 down, 1/2 charged 30 days prior to trip.
- 1/3 down with remaining balance charged in thirds.
- Call for other arrangements!
Free Courtesy Hold
We don’t want you to miss out on this trip so we’ll hold your spots, payment-free, for 24hrs while you make your final arrangements & prepare for payment.
Fees
In addition to the listed trip cost, we collect an additional 9% for River and Land Access Fees (ie. Forest Service, BLM, City, Private Land Use).
Cancellation Policy
- 60+ days: Receive a refund less $200 per person unrecoverable fees.
- 45+ days: Reschedule for another trip/date, or receive Mild to Wild gift certificate less $200 per person.
- Less than 45 days, unfortunately there will be no refund. Substitutions/name changes are allowed.
- RoamRight Travel Insurance is recommended to help cover unforeseen circumstances, such as cancelled flights, sickness or medical evacuations.
- Guests needing to be evacuated from the canyon will be charged a minimum of $1,000 per person.
Arkansas River Multi-Day Rafting Trips FAQs
What is included in an Arkansas River multi-day rafting trip?
Our multi-day trips are all-inclusive from the moment you leave our outpost until we return. This includes professional guides, high quality rafting and camping equipment, and all meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day. We provide three course dinners, riverside lunches, and hearty breakfasts at camp. Many of our guests have their own personal camping equipment, including a sleeping bag, tent, and sleeping pad; however, if you don’t have your own, we have them available for rent.
Where do we camp on multi-day trips?
Depending on your itinerary, we camp at scenic riverside pullout sites. For our Browns Canyon 2 Day trip, we camp in a pristine wilderness setting within the National Monument. For our high adventure trips involving The Numbers or the Royal Gorge, we often utilize our vehicle assisted campsite at Railroad Bridge, which offers stunning views of the Collegiate Peaks and 14,000 foot mountains along the banks of the Arkansas River.
Which multi-day trip is best for families?
The 2 Day Browns Canyon trip is the ideal choice for families with children ages 7 and up. It features fun Class III rapids and a relaxing wilderness camping experience. For families with teenagers (15+) looking for more excitement, our 3 Day Arkansas River Expedition combines Browns Canyon, The Numbers, and the Royal Gorge for a mix of Class III to Class IV+ whitewater.
What kind of gear do I need to bring?
We provide the heavy gear like rafts, life jackets, and kitchen equipment. You will need to bring personal items like a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and a small tent (rentals are available). We also recommend bringing quick dry clothing, sturdy river shoes, a headlamp, and a warm layer for the crisp mountain nights. We’ll provide a detailed packing list once you book.
How difficult are the rapids on these trips?
It depends on the trip you choose! Our Browns Canyon overnight features moderate Class III rapids perfect for all experience levels. Our 2 Day and 3 Day “Wild” options include technical Class IV and Class V sections like The Numbers and the Royal Gorge, which require active paddling and are best for adventurous guests.
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Meet Location & Directions
- Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours
- 970-247-4789
- 40671 US-24, Buena Vista, CO 81211
- Get Directions