Whitewater Rafting - Buena Vista Activity: Rafting Nearby Resorts: Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne, Vail, Beaver Creek, Avon, Edwards, Arrowhead Proximity: Breckenridge 1 Hour, Vail 1 1/2 Hours, Copper Mountain 1 Hour, Keystone 1 1/4 Hours (Approx 56 miles south of I-70 at exit 195) THE summertime activity in The Mountains is Whitewater Rafting. Whether you're looking for a relaxing float trip to soak up the sun and scenery, or the full-on adrenaline high of a white-knuckle class 5 wild ride, there is everything here for you! The intensity of the water on a rafting trip is classified on a scale of one to six. One being a simple float trip and six being defined as cannot be attempted without risk to life and limb and is considered un-runnable!! Generally commercial rafting outfitters therefore restrict themselves to the classes 1 thru 5!! For most first timers the limit would be a class 3 or class 3/4 mixed trip. For younger kids, you should look at staying with a class 1/2 trip and kids must weigh at least 40lbs (normally minimum 4 years old) in order to fit into a commercial PFD (Life jacket). For children a little older looking for a little more adventure a class 2/3 trip is appropriate (normally minimum 7 years old). For a class 3/4 trip normally an aggressively minded older child or teenager would be the minimum advised. Class 5 trips are restricted to adults and teenagers 16 or older who have experienced and are happy on class 3/4 water. All rafting outfitters are required by Colorado State Laws to ensure that their guides are trained to rigorous proficiency standards in commercial rafting experience, including first aid, CPR, and swift-water rescue, so you can be sure you're in good hands. The outfitters that we select for "The Mountains USA" have extensive training programs, which all meet and in many cases substantially exceed these requirements. All equipment meets or exceeds state requirements and rafts are self-bailing. PFD's (life jackets) are all class V with the maximum amount of floatation available. Wetsuits and booties are available for rent to ensure that you are kept warm (if not dry!) and splashjackets are available for all trips. Weather in the high country is notoriously volatile, even in summer time, and all trips go out rain or shine, so be prepared! Cotton garments are a bad idea on the river; they get wet, stay wet and make you cold. Polypropylene/wool, or a wicking material is best. Quick dry shorts and tops work well, and don't forget sun protection - hats, sunscreen and sunglasses (with croakies) are all a must. Footwear will get wet, so, sandals with heel retention (like Teva's or similar) or sneakers that you don't mind getting wet are fine. If you are looking for a real adventure during your stay in The Mountains, make sure that this is the first one you choose. Whitewater Rafting, whichever trip you select, is a great day out and will leave you with memories that will last all year and ensure that you come back again for more! Arkansas River Trips: Class I/II: The Milk Run (4 yrs & older) - 1st Photo Cruise down some smaller rapids at the foot of the Collegiate Peaks range of 14,000 foot peaks. A splashy fun trip for kids of all ages. Class III/IV: Browns Canyon (7 yrs & older) - Our most Popular Trip!!! - Next 3 Photos Browns Canyon is THE most popular whitewater-rafting run in the world - and for good reason. Beginning with smaller class II rapids, after about 4 miles you drop through the Canyon Doors into the canyon proper for another four miles of regularly spaced class III/IV rapids with names like Zoom Flume and Widowmaker, and for the full day trips, the notorious Siedels Suckhole and Twin Falls. This is a World-Class adventure that you will never forget!! We have several possible trips on Browns including some new for the 2007 season - - Extreme 3 person (2 + Guide) 9 foot rafts, a "Super" Browns with 4 more miles and some extra class IV, and some new transportation and lunch options on the half day trips too... Class IV: The Numbers (14 yrs & older) - Next 2 Photos For the adventurous and experienced, the Numbers offer a more technical class III/IV+ challenge. Guests should be in good physical shape, and ready for an adrenaline-pumping day on the river. Class IV/V: Pine Creek (16 yrs & older) - Last Photo The limit on the Arkansas River. Marked as the toughest stretch, be sure to be on your "A" game for this one, especially at higher water levels. The river drops over 200 feet per mile over this stretch... Previous experience is a must. Prices and Dates Trip Type/Name Trip Length Trip Times Price per Tour Price per Adult/Driver Price per Child/Passenger         From 13 Yrs From 4 To 12 Yrs Browns Canyon  Overnight  By Arrangement $290 $258 Browns Canyon  Half Day  8:00 AM $59 $54 Numbers  Full Day  8:00 AM $112 $N/A Numbers  Half Day  8:00 AM $74 $N/A Browns Canyon - Extreme  Half Day  8:15 AM $168 $N/A Browns Canyon  Half Day  8:15 AM $57 $52 Super Browns Canyon  Full Day  8:30AM $112 $101 Browns Canyon  Full Day  9:00 AM $98 $89 Browns Canyon  Full Day  9:00 AM $92 $81 Pine Creek  Half Day w/Lunch  9:30 AM $106 $N/A Pine Creek  Half Day  9:30 AM $88 $N/A Pine Creek  Full Day  9:30 AM $127 $N/A Numbers (Frisco Meet)  Half Day w/Lunch  9:30 AM $110 $N/A Browns Canyon (Frisco Meet)  Half Day w/Lunch  9:30 AM $95 $86 Numbers  Half Day  9:30 AM $72 $N/A Numbers  Full Day  9:30 AM $110 $N/A Numbers (Breckenriidge Meet)  Half Day w/Lunch  10:00 AM $110 $N/A Browns Canyon (Breckenriidge Meet)  Half Day w/Lunch  10:00 AM $95 $86 Browns Canyon  Half Day w/Lunch  11:15 AM $77 $70 Numbers  Half Day w/Lunch  11:15 AM $92 $N/A Milk Run  Half Day  11:15 AM $48 $44 Browns Canyon  Half Day  12:15 PM $57 $52 Browns Canyon - Extreme  Half Day  12:15PM $168 $N/A Browns Canyon  Half Day  12:15 PM $59 $54 Numbers  Half Day  12:15 PM $74 $N/A Browns Canyon - Extreme  Half Day  1:15 PM $168 $N/A Browns Canyon  Half Day  1:15 PM $57 $52
Activity Notes Includes: Helmets (if needed) and PFD's (personal flotation device). Wetsuits, booties and splash jackets are available for rent. What to wear: Weather in the high country is unpredictable, so be prepared! Normally quick dry shorts/bathing suits and tops are the best idea. Cotton is not a good idea on the river since it gets wet, stays wet and makes you cold. Polypropylene, wool or some other wicking material work best. Sun protection is VERY important, so a hat, sunglasses with croakies, and plenty of sun screen. Footwear will get wet, so sandals with heel retention are the best (Teva's or similar) - flip-flops types are not allowed. Sneakers are fine too, but they WILL get wet! What to bring: Waterproof cameras are a good idea. A towel to dry off with, and a change of clothes. Bottled water or sports drinks to fend off dehydration. Last, but not least, a BIG smile and lots of enthusiasm!!! Meet Times: All meet times listed are in Buena Vista - unless otherwise noted, and those trips will include transportation. Cancellations: There are no refunds within 48 hours of any trip.