Explore Trips
Eat, Stay, and Play
Tucked into south-central Colorado along the Arkansas River and the old Denver & Rio Grande rail line, Cotopaxi is a small, unhurried town where the scenery does the talking. Granite canyon walls rise straight out of the river, the Sangre de Cristo range sits just to the south, and Highway 50 rolls through the middle of it all. Most travelers breeze past, but the ones who stop find some of the best whitewater, gold medal fly fishing, and backcountry riding in the state.
Cotopaxi sits on a 102-mile stretch of Gold Medal Water, which is Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s top designation for trout fishing. It is also the heart of Bighorn Sheep Canyon, one of the most scenic and family-friendly whitewater runs on the Arkansas. If you are planning a river day, a base camp, or a full weekend, this page is your shortlist for where to eat, where to stay, and what to do once you are off the water.
Looking for the perfect Colorado rafting trip? Arkansas River Tours’ Cotopaxi office is just 30 minutes from Salida and offers Colorado rafting trips for every style, whether you want a fun, family-friendly scenic float or a splashier ride through the Bighorn Canyon. There’s a rafting trip for every group, and the Arkansas River is where memories are made.
🚗 Travel time from Salida: 30 minutes
🌊 Rafting season: Mid-May to Labor Day weekend
Amicas Pizza, Microbrew & More: Wood-fired pizza, craft beer, and salads. Very local favorite, family-friendly.
Boathouse Cantina: On the river! Mexican-inspired menu with great views and margaritas.
Currents: Steak and seafood with a cozy vibe, great for date night.
Sweetie’s Sandwich Shop: Huge sandwiches and casual lunch spot, easy to grab and go.
Amigo Motor Lodge: Modern retro-motor-lodge vibes with stylish rooms and Airstreams.
Palace Hotel: Historic boutique hotel right downtown, walkable to shops and restaurants.
Subculture Cyclery: Bike rentals, service, and trail shuttles for Salida’s epic singletrack.
The Next Eddy Fly Shop: Gear, guided trips, and local expertise for fly fishing on the Arkansas.
Rocky Mountain Jeep Rentals: 4×4 rentals to explore backroads, passes, and alpine lakes.
Arkansas River Rafting: Family-friendly floats to thrilling whitewater with local outfitters.
Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center: Soak and relax in the largest indoor hot springs pool in the U.S.
How far is whitewater rafting from Salida?
Most rafting trips on the Arkansas River launch just minutes from downtown Salida. Popular sections like Browns Canyon are about a 15–20 minute drive, while the Royal Gorge is roughly 45 minutes away.
What’s the best time of year to go rafting near Salida?
The prime rafting season is May through early September. High water and big rapids typically happen in late May and June, while July and August bring warmer weather and family-friendly flows.
Are there family-friendly rafting trips near Salida?
Yes! Many outfitters offer calm, scenic floats perfect for beginners and kids (ages 4+). Families can enjoy gentle Class II–III sections of the Arkansas River while still getting plenty of splashy fun.
Where do rafting trips near Salida start?
Trips usually start at outfitter outposts along the Arkansas River. Browns Canyon trips often put in near Nathrop, just north of Salida, while Royal Gorge trips launch closer to Cañon City.
Do I need rafting experience to go near Salida?
No experience is necessary. Professional guides provide safety gear, paddling instructions, and guidance on the river for all levels.
How long are rafting trips near Salida?
Trips range from half-day and full-day options to overnight and multi-day camping adventures.
Can’t decide which adventure is right for you? We’ve made it simple! Take our quick quiz to discover the perfect Arkansas River Tours trip. From heart-pounding rapids to laid-back family floats, we’ll match you with the experience that fits your location, activity, and thrill level.
Cañon City Location
49311 US Hwy 50 Unit B,
Cañon City, CO 81212
Cotopaxi Location
19487 US-50,
Cotopaxi, CO 81223