- Ages 8+
- 3 Hour Activity
- Buena Vista Location
- Beginner/Intermediate
Let’s have some fun rafting the most famous Class lll whitewater in the western US: down Browns Canyon for some Arkansas River whitewater rafting!
Buena Vista white water rafting is an easy win if you’re looking for a Colorado rafting day within reach of Vail. At Sage Outdoor Adventures, we run trips on the Arkansas River that work for first-timers who want a relaxed float, families who want classic Class III fun, and confident paddlers ready to step into our Class IV Adrenaline Series.
Choose Brown’s Canyon for big scenery and a friendly rhythm, or book The Numbers when you want a faster, more technical run. Use the trip options and filters on this page to match the right day for your group.
All guests sign a release waiver before getting on the river; you’ll find it linked in the site footer.
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About Our Buena Vista Rafting Trips
Rapid Class Type:
- Beginner and Family-Friendly Trips: Class I-III Rapids
- Adrenaline Series: Class IV Rapids
Beginner and Family-Friendly Trips:
- Ages 8 and up
Please note: The standard minimum age for this tour is 8 years old and 50 lbs, but depending on water levels, the minimum age can increase. We can also shuttle children ages 5 and 6 accompanied by the minimum age requirement. We can also shuttle ages 5 & 6, accompanied by an adult, around the Class III rapids to rejoin the family for the Class II section.
Adrenaline Series:
- Ages 15 and up
Please note: Knowing how and being a strong swimmer is mandatory; previous rafting experience is not required but is recommended. All participants must be healthy and injury-free; paddling class IV rapids requires strength.
Duration:
- 2 hours of activity
River Locations:
Requirements:
- All participants must sign a Release Waiver prior to the trip. The waiver can be found on the website’s footer.
- Proficient swimming skills are required for Adrenaline Series trips.
Pickup Locations for Transportation
We offer convenient pickup locations for transportation to and from the rafting sites. Specific pickup points will be provided upon booking.
Meeting Location: Sage Buena Vista Outpost, 30360 US Hwy 24 N, Buena Vista, CO 81211 . Please arrive 10 minutes early.
What We Provide
- All personal river gear at no extra charge:
- Wetsuit (seasonal)
- River Booties
- Splash Top (seasonal)
- PFD (Personal Flotation Device) – required
- Helmet
What You Should Bring
- Swimsuit (wear it, as some trips may not have changing rooms)
- Fleece on cold days
- Dry clothes for after the trip
- Towel
- Sunglasses with Croakies
- Sunscreen
- Safety and Preparation
Safety is our top priority at Sage Outdoor Adventures. Our guides are extensively trained and equipped to ensure a safe and enjoyable rafting experience for all. All necessary safety gear is provided, and our guides will conduct a thorough safety briefing before each trip.
Book Your Prime Rafting Adventure
Join us for the finest whitewater rafting experiences near Vail. With a variety of trips designed for all skill levels and preferences, Sage Outdoor Adventures is your go-to destination for unforgettable rafting adventures in Colorado. Book your trip today and embark on a journey through some of the most beautiful and exciting rivers in the state.
RAFTING PROTOCOL
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Sage ownership and senior staff have been running rivers commercially and recreationally for four decades. In fact, we opened commercial rafting on many rivers in Colorado and lead discovery expeditions in Canada to open large-scale rivers there for commercial rafting. When it comes to river rafting in Colorado our knowledge, training, and experience come together to allow us to offer prime whitewater rafting trips.
Through our experiences on rivers in our state and on many others around the world, we have found that the most important thing to realize is that we will never know everything about rivers. Our respect for the natural forces of these waters is greater than ever. We stand in awe on the river bank on a regular basis. To lose respect for the river is the highest act of arrogance.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, white water rafting in Colorado, or any state, can be dangerous. It is with a deep respect for the river that we approach all training exercises. All our guides are trained rigorously, specifically for the demands of commercial rafting. We adhere to and surpass the mandated state requirements for river guide training. For nearly half a century we have watched the river and what can happen while on it. Though we can’t predict the future, we guarantee that the procedures and processes we use on the water are of the highest level.
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Rapid ratings on the sections we run are set by the industry as a whole, not just one outfitter or one person. Also, some government agencies publish rapid ratings online and on riverside signs, such as Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. American Whitewater is also a good standard for rapid classifications around the U.S.
You will see there is a notation on most all rapid ratings stating that these ratings “depend on water flows”. This is due to the fact that a rapid or section of a river can potentially get either harder or easier with elevated water flows. Some rapids will “wash out” at high flows, and be easier than at normal to lower flows due to obstructions (rocks) being covered up. Some rapids will get harder from elevated water flows due to pushier water, larger hydraulics, and more continuous current. These changing conditions can happen annually, daily, or even hourly, without warning, due to nature and its changing weather, elements, and awesomeness!
GET THE FACTS ABOUT YOUR ADVENTURE
Find the answers to frequently asked questions on Buena Vista, Colorado river rafting with Sage, including the best time to raft in Colorado, what we provide, and more.