Paddlers punching through whitewater in a yellow raft
River Runners Est. 1972
Arkansas River · Colorado ―

Get Wet.
Go Big.

From gentle Class I floats to the Class V walls of the Royal Gorge — Colorado's original whitewater professionals have run every stretch for 50+ years.

Why River Runners?

The Gold Standard on the Arkansas ―

For more than 50 years, River Runners has been the gold standard for whitewater rafting in Colorado. Our highly-trained guides know every rapid by name — so you can focus on the splash.

50+Years guiding
2Outposts
I–VRapid classes
I–II

Family Friendly

Splash, laugh, and create lasting memories on gentle family-friendly river adventures.

Family Float “Milk Run”
Best for Kids
Class I

Family Float “Milk Run”

1.5 hours Buena Vista, CO Ages 3+
$67per person
Bighorn Sheep Canyon
Class II

Bighorn Sheep Canyon

Half Day Cañon City, CO Ages 6+
$79per person
III

Intermediate Adventures

Exciting Class III rapids through Browns Canyon and Bighorn Sheep Canyon — the sweet spot for most groups.

Browns Canyon Whitewater
Most Popular
Class III

Browns Canyon Whitewater

Half Day Buena Vista, CO Ages 7+
$94per person
Happy Hour Trip
Class III

Happy Hour Trip

Evening Buena Vista, CO Ages 21+
$89per person
IV–V

Advanced Thrills

Heart-pounding, adrenaline-fueled whitewater for experienced, fit paddlers ready to challenge themselves.

Royal Gorge Whitewater
Class IV–V
Class IV

Royal Gorge Whitewater

Half Day Cañon City, CO Ages 14+
$129per person
The Numbers
Class IV

The Numbers

Half Day Buena Vista, CO Ages 14+
$119per person
III–IV

Overnight Experiences

Multi-day river journeys with riverside camping, starry skies and guide-cooked meals.

2-Day Browns Canyon
Class III

2-Day Browns Canyon

2 Days Buena Vista, CO Ages 10+
$389per person
2-Day Numbers
Class IV

2-Day Numbers

2 Days Buena Vista, CO Ages 14+
$449per person
Where We Launch

Two Epic Outposts in the Heart of Whitewater Country ―

Buena Vista

Browns Canyon Outpost

Our family-friendly base camp — home to The Beach restaurant & bar, live music, an event space and riverside lodging.

Family Floats Class III The Beach
Cañon City

Royal Gorge Outpost

Adrenaline-fueled Class IV–V whitewater at the gateway of the Royal Gorge, beneath one of the world's highest bridges.

Class IV–V Bighorn Sheep Royal Gorge
Before You Go

Rafting FAQs ―

Still deciding? Our team is happy to help you pick the right stretch of river.

Do I need rafting experience?

No. Family and Intermediate trips are built for first-timers; your guide gives a full safety talk before launch.

What should I wear?

Quick-dry clothes and secure footwear. We provide helmets, PFDs, paddles, and wetsuits when conditions call for them.

How old do kids need to be?

Our Family Float welcomes paddlers as young as 3. Minimum ages for every trip are listed on each card.

What happens if the weather turns?

We raft rain or shine. If conditions are unsafe, we'll reschedule or refund your trip.

Adventure Awaits —
Reserve Your Spot Today

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