the Arkansas River is the Spot to Be in 2026
If you’ve been checking the river reports for Clear Creek in Idaho Springs, you already know the story: 2026’s low snowpack has brought an early end to rafting the closest river to the city.
But your summer adventure isn’t over. While Clear Creek is the closest river to the Denver metro, the Arkansas River through Browns Canyon National Monument is officially the best bet for the rest of the 2026 season.
Thanks to reliable reservoir water releases, the Arkansas River is serving up dependable, technical Class II and Class III rapids all summer long.
Up the Adventure in a Kayak
Low water doesn’t mean low adrenaline. In fact, lower flows offer the opportunity to switch out the raft for an inflatable kayak. Navigating the rapids in your own self-propelled kayak gives you a Class III-IV whitewater feel on a Class II-III run.
Every trip includes a professional guide instructor to show you the ropes, so absolutely no prior experience is necessary.
Make a Day of It: The Must do Denver Day Trip
The drive from Denver to Buena Vista is half the fun. Turn your rafting trip into an unforgettable mountain loop (I-70 to Hwy 91, 24, and 285) featuring:
- Historic Leadville – North America’s highest incorporated city.
- Mount Elbert – Epic views of Colorado’s tallest peak.
- Buena Vista – The perfect post-rafting stop for delicious local food, drinks, and boutique shopping.
Maximize your summer with the perfect Colorado adventure! Secure your spot on the river and get ready for an unforgettable day of paddling.
Looking to plan a rafting trip, but not sure if it will be for 2026? Visit our Denver White Water Rafting page to learn about all of the white water rafting options near Denver.