Basics
- Location:
- 120 miles of river between Leadville and Canon City in central Colorado
- Class:
- Up to Class V
- River Length
- Various segments of 10 to 20 miles
- Time:
- 1/2 day, full-day, 2-, 3- and 5-day trips
- Season:
- May to September
Description
The Arkansas River is one of the most important rivers in the United States, both historically and ecologically. Beginning in the central Rockies of Colorado, it runs for over 1,450 miles through the central U.S. before joining the Mississippi. The Arkansas was used by many explorers as a path into the west, and was the border between the U.S. and Mexico until the mid-1800s.
The Arkansas in Colorado provides some of the best whitewater rafting in the state, as it descends from the central mountains near Leadville through the Rockies down to the eastern plains of the state. There are several sections of the Arkansas River commonly rafted in Colorado, all located west of Colorado Springs between Leadville and Canon City. Several sections feature wild whitewater up to Class V. A few sections are a little tamer with whitewater in the Class II to III range.
Numerous outfitters offer half-day, full-day and multi-day trips of 2, 3 and 5 days..
River Details
Class:
Up to Class V
River Length
Various segments of 10 to 20 miles
Time
1/2 day, full-day, 2-, 3- and 5-day trips
Season:
May to September
Guides Available?
Yes
