The Numbers Guided Rafting
Tackle Colorado’s most consistent Class IV whitewater stretch, The Numbers. This legendary section of the Arkansas River delivers nearly six miles of steep Class IV pool drop rapids with an average gradient of 71 feet per mile and continuous waves framed by views of the 14,000-foot Collegiate Peaks. Led by guides trained in-house under our company division dedicated strictly to risk management, guide training, and continuing education, this high-adventure Class IV trip is ideal for ages 15 and up seeking the next level of rafting excitement.
Fed by supplemental flows from Twin Lakes and Clear Creek Reservoirs, The Numbers boasts the longest Class IV rafting season in Colorado, offering dependable, adrenaline-filled runs from May through early September.
- Charge through six Class IV rapids.
- Paddle beneath the Collegiate Peaks, Colorado’s 14,000-foot giants.
- Ride the state’s most consistent Class IV flow, powered by Twin Lakes & Clear Creek Reservoirs.
- Raft with professional, interpretive, and entertaining guides.
- Share thrills with family, friends, and new friends.
- Spot wildlife like bighorn sheep, beavers, and otters.
More About Rafting The Numbers
The Story of The Numbers
Located about ten miles north of Buena Vista, Colorado, The Numbers section begins just below the confluence of Lake Creek, where Twin Lakes Reservoir adds recreational water to the Arkansas River to ensure this section remains optimal longer than any other Class IV rafting trip the state.
The six major rapids in this section are creativley named – Numbers 1 through 6 – in downstream order. The sequence marks one of the most famous sets of continuous whitewater drops in North America.
The put in rests at 8,640 feet of elevation and descends through granite canyons carved by meltwater from the Sawatch Mountain Range. The rocks here are ancient, formed over a billion years ago. Their tight channels and smooth ledges shape the signature hydraulics that make The Numbers technical and thrilling.
River Conditions & Seasonality
Flowing between May and early September, The Numbers offers Colorado’s longest Class IV rafting season. In May and June, snowmelt from the surrounding peaks pushes flows between 1,200 and 2,500 CFS, forming crushing waves, big holes, and strong eddies.
From mid-July through August 15th, water released from Twin Lakes and Turquoise Lake Reservoirs keeps the river running strong, averaging 700–1,200 CFS even after natural snowmelt subsides. These managed flows make The Numbers not only thrilling but remarkably reliable, a rare feature for a high adventure run.
By August 15th, the river drops to a 350 CFS base flow, offering a more technical experience that requires tactical maneuvering around large boulders to slide through tight shoots and drops.
Check current and historical water levels on the USGS Arkansas River Gauge at Numbers.
Trip Details
The Numbers covers 5.98 miles of steep gradient whitewater, dropping an average of 71 feet per mile through tight chutes, stair step drops, and sharp turns. The put in is accessed via Colorado Highway 124 (County Road 371), which follows the east bank of the river and offers BLM camping spots and scenic overlooks along the way.
Trips put in at The Numbers Recreation Site and take out at Railroad Bridge or the Buena Vista White Water Park depending on the length of your trip option. Continuous Class II and III waves connect the six major Class IV rapids; Number 1, Number 2, Number 3, Number 4, Number 5, and Number 6Â for nearly nonstop action with short recovery pools between each.
Expect roughly 1.5 hours on the water for the half day trip, or extend your adventure with the full day option, which continues into the Fractions section for another seven miles of scenic Class II-III whitewater. The full day trip includes a riverside lunch form our favorite local bakery near the railroad bridge takeout for the half day trip and continues another 7 miles of consistent class II and III whitewater to the town of Buena Vista, totaling about 4 hours on the water and 5 hours 45 minutes round trip.
Trips meet daily at our Buena Vista outpost on Hwy 285, with multiple start times available:
½-Day Trips: 9:15 am, 11:15 am, and 1:15 pm
Full Day Trips: 9:15 am
2 Day & 3 Day Expeditions: Meet at 9:30 am on Tuesdays and Mondays respectively.
For a more moderate rafting experience, check out the Browns Canyon rafting trip for ages 7 and older, or visit the Buena Vista White Water Rafting page to see all trip options in the area.
Trip Options
The Numbers Rafting Trips
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.
Arkansas River
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.
Numbers, Bighorn Sheep & Royal Gorge
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.
Browns, Numbers, Bighorn Sheep & Royal Gorge
Combining all sections of the Arkansas River Valley, this trip is the true ultimate white water rafting adventure.Â
Why Raft The Numbers 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 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
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.
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.
The Numbers Rafting FAQs
When is the best time to raft The Numbers?
Thanks to recreational water releases from Twin Lakes Reservoir, The Numbers has the longest Class IV season in Colorado, running from May through early September. Peak high water occurs in June, while July and August offer technical runs that remain exciting all summer long.
When can I raft The Numbers in Buena Vista?
Our season for The Numbers typically runs from mid-May through mid-August. Because this is a high-intensity section, we offer daily departures for Half-Day and Full-Day trips (which include a riverside lunch). We also feature The Numbers as the “wild” highlight of our 2-day and 3-day Arkansas River multi-day expeditions.
What is the minimum age for The Numbers rafting trips?
Due to the technical nature and intensity of the Class IV rapids, the minimum age for The Numbers is 15 years old. For families with younger children (ages 7 and up), we recommend our Browns Canyon trips which feature moderate Class III rapids.
What should I wear and bring on my The Numbers rafting trip?
Since you’ll be in the thick of the spray on this continuous run, staying warm is vital! We provide complimentary neoprene wetsuits and splash jackets. We recommend:
- Clothing: Synthetic base layers or a swimsuit to wear under your wetsuit. Avoid cotton, as it will pull heat away from your body when wet.
- Footwear: Secure river sandals with a heel strap or old sneakers. No flip-flops or Crocs.
- Essentials: Polarized sunglasses with a sturdy retention strap (like Chums), waterproof sunscreen, and a low-profile hat that fits under a helmet.Â
View our full packing list here.
Is white water rafting on The Numbers safe?
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 safety is our top priority. To minimize risk on this technical stretch, we utilize our most experienced high-adventure guides, who average over 2,000 river miles. We use top-of-the-line self-bailing rafts and provide every guest with a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket and helmet to ensure a professional and secure adventure.
How difficult is rafting The Numbers?
The Numbers is a high adventure, technical Class IV section of the Arkansas River. It features steep drops, tight channels, and continuous whitewater with very few breaks between rapids. It is significantly more intense than Browns Canyon and is best suited for thrill seekers looking for a physical paddling challenge.
Is previous rafting experience required for The Numbers?
While we welcome adventurous beginners, you should be in good physical condition and comfortable with the idea of active, fast paced paddling. Because the rapids are continuous, your guide will rely on the whole crew to paddle hard to navigate the technical Class IV drops.
What are "The Numbers" rapids actually named?
The rapids in this section are logically named Number 1 through Number 6 in the order you encounter them. They form one of the most famous sequences of continuous whitewater drops in Colorado, with a steep gradient that drops an average of 71 feet per mile.
More Reading and Video
Meet Location & Directions
- Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours
- 970-247-4789
- 40671 US-24, Buena Vista, CO 81211
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