Arkansas River Guided Multi Day Rafting
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 spotings, snow capped peaks, and alpine river canyons.
- Professional, interpretive, and entertaining guides.
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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 Narrows 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 provide releases in accordance with the voluntary flow managment program to sustain ideal rafting conditions through the middle of 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.
The Railroad Bridge Campsite provides direct access to Arkansas River to fish for rainbow and brown trout. A fishing license can be purchased on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.
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!
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Why Raft Arkansas River with Mild to Wild?
Trip Provisions
- Free on site parking
- Bathrooms and changing rooms
- Gift shop for your last minute river needs
- Neoprene wetsuits & 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
- Certified in CPR & First Aid
- Pay incentives for higher certification levels including WFR, EMT, & Swift Water Rescue
- Dedicated company division to risk management, guided training, and continuing guide education
Our Commitment
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What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789
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.
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- Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours
- 970-247-4789
- 40671 US-24, Buena Vista, CO 81211
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Arkansas River Multi-Day Rafting FAQs
When is the best time for a multi-day trip on the Arkansas River?
The best time for a multi-day adventure is June through August. For those seeking high-water excitement and peak rapids June is the premier month. If you’re looking for a quintessential summer experience with warm riverside camping and consistent water levels, July and August are ideal. Supplemental water releases ensure excellent rafting all summer long.
When can I book an Arkansas River multi-day trip?
Our multi-day expeditions typically run from mid-May through Labor Day. We offer 2-day and 3-day itineraries that combine iconic sections like Browns Canyon National Monument, The Numbers, and the Royal Gorge.Â
What is the minimum age for multi-day rafting?
Minimum ages vary based on the intensity of the itinerary chosen:
- 2-Day Browns Canyon (Moderate): 7 years old (and at least 50 lbs).
- High Adventure 2 or 3-Day (Wild): 15 years old, as these trips include advanced sections like The Numbers or the Royal Gorge. These limits ensure all guests are physically prepared for both the river miles and the wilderness camping environment.
What should I wear and bring on a multi-day rafting trip?
For multi-day trips, you need gear for both the river and the campsite! We provide all rafting and camping equipment (including wetsuits), snacks, and meals. You are responsible for personal items and personal camping equipment:
- On the River: Synthetic base layers (avoid cotton!), secure river sandals, and sun protection.
- At Camp: A small tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad (rentals are available if you don’t have your own), plus warm layers for crisp mountain nights and a headlamp.Â
Find our comprehensive multi-day packing list visit our what to wear and bring page.
Is multi-day white water rafting 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 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.