Buena Vista Guided Family Rafting Trips
Experience the perfect introduction to the Arkansas River on our Buena Vista Beginner Family Rafting trip. This gentle section of the river, often called the “Milk Run”, stretches between the town of Buena Vista & Ruby Mountain Campground, with specific put-ins and take-outs depending on water levels. It’s specifically designed for families with younger children, seniors, or those looking for a relaxing float with just enough “splash.” Located right in the heart of the Upper Arkansas Valley, this trip offers a blend of easy Class I moving water and playful Class II to III- rapids (depending on seasonal water flows).
Framed by the majestic 14,000-foot peaks of the Sawatch Range, this trip focuses on the incredible natural beauty of the area. It’s a short, accessible adventure that fits perfectly into a busy vacation schedule. Whether you’re a first-timer or just want to soak in the Colorado sunshine, the Buena Vista Beginner Family Rafting Trip is a relaxing, fun, and scenic adventure for ages 4 and up.
- Gentle and Splashy Rapids ranging from Class I to II+ (III- at high water).
- Perfect for Families with young children (ages 4+) or first-time rafters.
- Stunning Scenery featuring the Collegiate Peaks and unique riverside geology.
- Educational Experience with professional guides sharing insights on local history, geology, and ecology.
- Convenient Timing: 1 hour on the water, 2 hours round trip.
More About the Buena Vista Beginner Trip
A Landscape Carved by Volcanoes and Glaciers
The Upper Arkansas River Valley is a geological marvel. As you float through this section, you’ll see evidence of the Rio Grande Rift, one of the few places on Earth where the continental crust is actively pulling apart. The towering peaks surrounding you—including Mt. Princeton and Mt. Yale—were sculpted by ancient glaciers, while the river banks reveal layers of volcanic rock and granite sediment that have moved through this corridor for millennia.
Wildlife and Ecology: A Living River
Keep your eyes peeled! This stretch of the Arkansas River is a vibrant corridor for Colorado’s native wildlife. It is common to see Mule Deer drinking at the water’s edge or Red-tailed Hawks circling above. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a Bighorn Sheep on the rocky slopes or a Great Blue Heron taking flight from the shallows.
The river’s ecology is dominated by hardy Cottonwood trees and Willows, which provide critical habitat for migratory birds. Our guides will help you identify the native flora and explain how the river serves as the lifeblood for the entire Buena Vista ecosystem.
River Conditions & Seasonality
The character of this beginner trip changes beautifully with the seasons. River levels are influenced by the snowmelt from the surrounding Sawatch and Mosquito ranges.
- May – June (High Water): During peak runoff, the river moves faster, and the Class II ripples can become playful Class III- “splashes,” providing a bit more excitement.
- July – August (Classic Flows): As flows stabilize, this becomes the ultimate “Mild” trip, great for enjoying alpine river mountain scenery and the gentle Class I-II current.
- September (Scenic Float): Lower water levels offer a technical float where the focus is entirely on the scenery and serenity of the river.
Trip Details
This trip covers a scenic stretch of the Arkansas River near the town of Buena Vista. The river drops at a gentle gradient, ensuring a relaxing pace that allows for plenty of conversation and sightseeing.
- On Water Time: Approximately 1 hour.
- Total Round Trip: 2 hours (includes gear fitting, safety orientation, and shuttle).
- Rapid Classes: Class I (Flat water/moving current) to Class II+ (Small waves). At peak runoff, some rapids may reach Class III- intensity.
The Experience: Between the splashes, there are plenty of calm stretches. This is the ideal time to relax and soak up the scenery. Watch for the trout that make The Arkansas a Gold Medal fishing destination.
Meet Times & Location: Trips meet daily in the morning and afternoon at our Buena Vista location off Hwy 24. With a total duration of just 2 hours, this trip is easy to pair with a morning hike or an afternoon soak in the local hot springs.
Trip Options
Arkansas River
Enjoy a scenic 1 hour float on the Arkansas River, with a few fun splashes along the way.
- Per person: $67
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Arkansas River
Get ready to experience the best of Colorado on a Brown’s Canyon half-day trip. This family-friendly adventure rushes you down the Arkansas River and through Browns Canyon National Monument on exciting yet mellower class III rapids.
Arkansas River
The full-day Browns Canyon Sizzler represents the ultimate Colorado rafting experience! This trip offers a full day of classic white water rafting through class III rapids on the Arkansas River, complete with a riverside deli style lunch.
Arkansas River
The quintessential Colorado whitewater rafting experience. If you are an experienced rafter looking to take it to the next level or an adventurous beginner up for a new challenge, the Numbers rafting trip is the perfect exhilarating adventure.
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The full-day Numbers rafting trip is packed full with some of the most famous Class III-IV rapids on the Arkansas river, and includes a riverside deli style lunch.
Why Raft the Arkansas River with Mild to Wild?
Trip Provisions
- Onsite bathrooms, changing rooms, and free parking
- Gift shop for your last minute needs
- Action photos of your trip available for purchase
- Neoprene wetsuits provided & boots available for rent
- Custom, quality, & Coast Guard approved river 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 Plans
Daily Trips: 1/2 down, 1/2 charged 30 days prior to trip.
Multiday Trips: 1/3 down with remaining balance charged in thirds, with full balance due 60 days prior.
Please call for alternative payment arrangements.
Cancellation Policy
Daily Trips:
- Receive a full refund with written notice 24 hours or more before the trip. Less notice, no refund.
Multi-Day Trips:
- 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.
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).
Trip Departure Policy
We reserve the right to switch river/locations based on current conditions and a minimum number of participants. This trip requires 4 participants or paid seats to depart.
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.
Buena Vista Beginner Trip Frequently Asked Questions
Is this trip safe for small children?
White water rafting is an inherently dangerous activity with risks that cannot be entirely eliminated. As a result, we require all guests to sign a liability waiver and assumption of risk before departing. However, your experience is our top priority. To minimize risk, we employ professional guides that exceed state training requirements and trip leaders that average 2,000 river miles of experience. We utilize quality and well maintained self bailing rafts, U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation devices, and helmets.
Do I need to know how to swim?
While recommended, swimming skills are not required for this beginner float. Your guide will provide a full safety orientation before you put on the water.
How many rapids will we hit?
You will encounter several named ripples and Class II rapids. The focus of this trip is a mix of “fun splashes” and “scenic floating,” rather than the continuous whitewater found in Browns Canyon or The Numbers.
What to Wear and Bring?
The Arkansas River sits at 8,000 feet, meaning the sun is strong and the water is refreshing!
- Sun Protection: Waterproof sunscreen (SPF 30+), polarized sunglasses with a strap, and a hat.
- Performance Clothing: Synthetic fabrics (polyester/nylon) are best. Avoid cotton, which gets cold when wet.
- Secure Footwear: Sandals with heel straps or old sneakers. No flip-flops or Crocs.
- Dry Clothes: Leave a towel and a change of clothes in your car for after the trip.
Pro Tip: Even on warm days, the water is cool snowmelt. We provide complimentary splash tops and have wetsuits available for rent to ensure everyone in the family stays cozy.
More Reading and Videos
Meet Location & Directions
- Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours
- 970-247-4789
- 40671 US-24, Buena Vista, CO 81211
- Get Directions