Explore Trips

Arkansas River Tours

THE BEST WHITEWATER RAFTING IN COLORADO

Over 50 years as the most experienced Colorado adventure outfitter on the Arkansas River and Clear Creek

Group 9

CELEBRATING Over 50 YEARS & 325K+ HAPPY GUESTS

Group 9

Our Most Popular Colorado Rafting Trips

Experience the best Colorado whitewater rafting with Arkansas River Tours! From the Arkansas River by Colorado Springs to the adventurous waters of Clear Creek near Denver, the Upper Colorado, and the Gunnison, we offer unforgettable rafting adventures across Colorado. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly scenic float, an adrenaline-pumping Class V challenge, or a multi-day river expedition, we have the perfect trip for you. Looking for a different way to explore Colorado’s rivers? We also offer guided fly fishing trips on some of the region’s most scenic waters.

Check out our most popular Colorado whitewater rafting trips below!​

Group 5
rafting Arkansas river in Colorado
going through a rapid on a Colorado whitewater rafting trip
whitewater rafters getting splashed on the Arkansas River in Colorado

THE RIVERS WE RUN IN COLORADO

Most Popular Rafting Destination in the U.S.

The Arkansas River in Colorado offers over 100 miles of raftable water, from scenic floats to adrenaline-pumping whitewater. It’s one of the top rafting spots in the US.

Run April through September

Closest Rafting to Denver

Clear Creek, 35 mins from Denver, offers continuous whitewater. Tours average 1-2.5 hrs on the water. Family-friendly and adventurous rafting options available.

Run mid-May through mid-August

Beautiful Scenery fit for the Entire Family

The Upper Colorado is designated a Wild & Scenic River and the scenery is breathtaking. This trip is mellow and allows guests to either relax on a raft, paddle their own kayak or SUP.

Run April through September

River for your Bucket List

True wilderness experience with camping just below the Black Canyon National Monument. Gold medal water status with 7,000 fish per mile and filled with fun class III whitewater. 

Run Select Dates May to September

More Colorado Whitewater RAFTING Adventures

campfire by the Arkansas River in Colorado on an overnight raft trip

MuLTi-Day Trips

2-3 day trips on Colorado’s best rivers.

people smiling while whitewater rafting on a private colorado raft trip

PRIVATE Trips

Looking for a private group trip? We have options.

Punching through a rapid on an Arkansas River trip down the Royal Gorge in Colorado
Whitewater rafting in Colorado down the Arkansas River
woman and girl smiling on a Colorado rafting trip

Don’t Take Our word for it

From navigating rapids on a Colorado whitewater rafting trip to catching fish on a guided fishing tour, our adventures will get your adrenaline pumping and leave you with a big smile on your face. And don’t just take our word for it – read our five-star reviews from past customers who have had a blast on our trips! We are committed to making sure that you have a five-star experience.

Google

(4.9 1,500+ Reviews)

Trip Advisor

(5.0 926+ Reviews)

Facebook

(5.0 431+ Reviews)

Other Offerings

  • Explore Gold Medal waters
  • Single & multi-day trips available
  • Options for all skill levels & group sizes
  • Float fishing, wading, and instructional options
  • Packaged activities with our regional partners
  • Train rides, zipline, and ATV adventures
  • Family-friendly pricing
  • Unforgettable adventures

PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP

Safety

We love to have a blast on the river but safety is our #1 priority.

FAQs

If you've got questions, we've got answers!

Our Blog

Want to know more about our world of rafting?

• Full flexibility • No cancellation fees
Book with confidence

HASSLE-FREE BOOKING GUARANTEE

• Full flexibility
• No cancellation fees
• Book with confidence

Our Colorado Whitewater
Rafting Guides

Our guide training is well recognized by our fellow outfitters. We have provided rescue courses and trained guides from other companies in proper techniques of paddle boat guiding. Many of the high standards we set for ourselves have become guidelines for others. We were the pioneers Royal Gorge rafting in paddle boats. In fact, ART was the first company to include swim tests at certain water levels and to mandate the use of helmets in the Royal Gorge.

ART guides receive the most extensive training available, exceeding all state requirements by several hours. Our guides consider whitewater rafting in Colorado to be their profession, not just a summer job. These fun-loving professionals are always willing to share their love for rivers and knowledge of the river environment.

Most of our guides are EMTs or Wilderness First Responders and all guides are First Aid and CPR certified. Their average experience is more than 5 years. Safety being our #1 concern, all of our boats are self-bailers with foot cups and we use only the finest equipment available.

Colorado whitewater rafting guides

OVER 50 YEARS OF COLORADO WHITEWATER RAFTING

We have connected over 325,000 guests to the river since our inception in 1973 as one of the original Colorado white water rafting companies. Arkansas River Tours is committed to providing the safest, highest-quality river trips available. We have 2 convenient locations that offer whitewater rafting Colorado Springs and Salida, Colorado. From advanced Royal Gorge rafting to beginner and intermediate Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting, we have trips for every experience level and age group. Our strong background in experiential education transfers into personable trips with an emphasis on safety. Arkansas River Tours strives to be the highlight of your summer year after year!

We’re celebrating 50+ years! Throughout our long history as a professional outfitter we have learned and gained a lot of experience along the way. This experience has allowed us to create one of the top Colorado whitewater rafting and fishing adventures for our guests. With 50+ years on the water, Arkansas River Tours has been able to fine tune and enhance our training programs to create some of the safest, hassle-free and most engaging river experiences out there. We are excited to share our 50+ years of experience with you and show you an adventure of a lifetime with one of our carefully crafted 5-star tours.​

Colorado whitewater rafting