A short journey from Aspen to the Arkansas River Valley offers access to some of the most well known and best white water rafting trips in Colorado. The journey requires a 1 hour and 30 minute drive over Independence Pass to Buena Vista, Colorado where 35 miles of ratable whitewater on the Brown’s Canyon National Monument and Numbers rafting sections awaits.

Brown’s Canyon is Colorado’s premier family-friendly white water rafting trip, featuring 13 miles of splashy Class II and III rapids. This adventure is a must-do for ages 7 and up, with ½-day, full-day, and overnight options available. For guests ages 15 and older, The Numbers offers a marquee whitewater experience – 7 miles of nearly continuous Class III and IV rapids that promise a plethora of excitement. The Numbers can also be paired with The Royal Gorge for a multi-day expedition, combining two of Colorado’s most iconic high-adventure rafting runs into one unforgettable trip.

The scenic drive from Aspen over Independence pass is not one to miss! The ascent begins almost immediately, heading south east on HWY 82 from Aspen. Following the head waters of the roaring fork river the drive reveals unparalleled views of Maroon Bells. These jagged summits have proved infamous, conquered by only the most talented mountaineering connoisseurs. The pass summits at 2,095ft crossing the continental divide before descending the Eastern Slope of the Sawatch Mountain Range and down into the Arkansas River Valley. While there are other white water rafting options closer to Aspen, rafting the Arkansas River is the best option as it packages a traverse of the most scenic mountain pass in Colorado with extraordinary whitewater in a wilderness river setting resting beneath 14,000ft mountain peaks.