Near Salida and Buena Vista, there is no shortage of world-class whitewater rafting experiences to choose from, yet deciding between them can be daunting. In fact, any whitewater rafting near Denver promises an epic experience. From mild family trips to adrenaline-pumping class V rapids, the Arkansas River offers something for every outdoor explorer and skill level imaginable.

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

This 152-mile stretch of the Arkansas River located in south central Colorado covers Lake, Chaffee, Fremont, and Pueblo Counties and offers whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, off-highway vehicle trails and camping as popular activities. As it's considered a National Wild and Scenic River, it provides unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.

Arkansas River High Water Season

In addition to stunning mountain scenery, the Arkansas River boasts adrenaline-pumping rapids. Whitewater rafting season runs from late May through mid-August but you may still experience rapids at lower water levels throughout summer into early fall. River levels suitable for rafting are maintained through an active flow program that releases water from Twin Lakes Reservoir north of Buena Vista and ensures optimal conditions throughout.

Browns Canyon National Monument lies within the Arkansas River Basin and protects both its natural beauty and historic charm. Home to a wide range of wildlife, its rugged terrain makes it the perfect setting for river rafting, kayaking, and canoeing; additional recreational opportunities exist such as hiking fourteeners or mountain biking the iconic Rocky Mountain singletrack.

Clear Creek, near Denver, is a Class II-III river popular among rafters of all ages and offers an enjoyable rafting ride that combines exciting rapids with steep terrain for an exhilarating and relaxing rafting adventure.

Rafters can experience breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains while thrilling to rapids that combine long waves with tight turns requiring precise navigation.

Salida-area Whitewater Rafting Festivals

Whitewater festivals like CKS Paddlefest bring together outdoor enthusiasts from across the country to experience and appreciate all that rafting offers. This year's CKS Paddlefest features events like United States Rafting Association (USRA) races, free river floats and parades as well as live music and food vendors. If competing isn't your cup of tea, why not cheer on Weenie Dog Race participants down Salida's F Street or watch mountain bike races around Centennial Park instead? Plus, there's even a kids’ rafting competition!

Each June in Salida, FIBArk takes over the Arkansas River for three days of fun and expert-level whitewater competitions. Check out wild races such as rafting rodeos with paddlers decked out in costumes. This is America’s oldest whitewater festival, and FIBArk ups the ante with bike and foot races, live music, craft brews, and a parade. This is a must-do if you’re in the area in June!