Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SALIDA & THE COLLEGIATE PEAKS
The Arkansas River Valley, running from Leadville in the north to Salida in the south, is a
picturesque slice of high-desert landscape whose natural diversity is such that you never
tire of looking at it. The mighty Sawatch Range, and the Collegiate Peaks in particular, are
the dominant geological feature, forming the backdrop to one of the most popular stretches
of white water in the entire country.
RAFTING THE ARKANSAS
The headwaters of the Arkansas is Colorado's best-known stretch of white water, with everything from extreme
rapids to mellow ripples. Although most rafting companies cover the river from Leadville to the Royal Gorge, the
most popular trips descend Brown's Canyon, a 22-mile stretch that includes class 3 to 4 rapids. If you're with
young kids or just looking for something more low key, Bighorn Sheep Canyon is a good bet. Those after more of
an adrenaline rush can head upstream to the Numbers or downstream to the Royal Gorge, both of which are class 4
to 5. If you'd like to go solo, most outfitters also rent duckies (inflatable kayaks).
Water flow varies by season, so time your visit for late May or early June for a wilder ride - by the time August
rolls around, the water level is usually pretty low. If you're rafting with kids, note that they need to be at least six
(sometimes older depending on the trip/outfitter) and weigh a minimum of 50lb.
Most companies are based just south of Buena Vista, close to where Hwys 24 and 285 diverge. The larger ones
have Cañon City (
Click here
)
locations as well. We recommend the following:
Buffalo Joe's
( 866-283-3563;
www.buffalojoe.com
; 113 N Railroad St; half-/full-day adult $64/98, child $54/
78; May-Sep) One of the top river outfitters in the Buena Vista-Salida swirl, offering a range of trips that run
every bit of the Arkansas.
Wilderness Aware Rafting
(
800-462-7238;
www.inaraft.com
;
12600 Hwys 24/285; half-/full-day adult $60/
94, child $51/80;
May-Sep) This adventure company offers rafting, horseback riding, mountain biking and
more.
River Runners
(
800-723-8987;
www.riverrunnersltd.com
; 24070 County Rd 301; half-/full-day adult $60/98,
child $50/88;
May-Sep) One of the largest rafting companies, though being big has its drawbacks.
American Adventure Expeditions
( 719-395-2409;
www.americanadventure.com
; 12844 Hwy 24; half-/full-
day adult $60/98, child $55/88) Another company offering both rafting and land-based tours, it comes recommen-
ded by locals in the know.
Arkansas River Tours
( 800-321-4352;
www.arkansasrivertours.com
; 19487 Hwy 50; half-/full-day adult $57/
95, child $47/85; May-Sep) This outfitter runs from Brown's Canyon downstream, specializing in Royal Gorge
trips. It has an office in Cotopaxi, 23 miles east of Salida.
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