If you’re the kind of person who plans your vacations around whether or not your dog can come, you’re in good company — so are we. At Monumental Expeditions, we believe dogs are family, and we’re proud to offer something you won’t find at most rafting companies: the chance to bring your dog along on the river.
It’s a unique experience that only a small, flexible outfitter like ours can provide. Big operations simply don’t have the capacity or willingness to make it happen. But we’re different — we care about creating personal, memorable trips for every guest. And that includes the furry ones.
Why We Welcome Dogs on the River
Our company is small and family-run, which gives us the freedom to say yes to cool, custom experiences. When you raft with Monumental Expeditions, you’re not just a reservation number — you’re part of the crew. That means if your idea of the perfect day includes your dog paddling alongside you, we’ll make it happen.
Over the years, we’ve taken all kinds of dogs rafting — from chill senior labs who enjoy the float to water-loving shepherds who ride the waves with their noses in the wind. It’s always a joy, and we love seeing the smiles it brings to our guests’ faces.
“This small little family-owned company will go out of their way to make sure you have a great trip. They were more than accommodating, allowed me to bring my dog, and set up a special deck on the raft for her to have a lookout spot. She loved it, I loved it, and I look forward to rafting with this company again in the future.”
– Google Review
How We Make It Comfortable (and Safe) for Your Dog
Safety is always our number one priority — for you and your dog. We’ve learned a lot from taking dogs out on the river, and we’ve got systems in place to help them stay safe and enjoy the ride:
- Doggie PFDs (life jackets) in a variety of sizes are available to borrow. If you already have one your pup is comfortable in, feel free to bring it!
- Custom doggie decks can be added to the raft so your dog can sit or lay out on a flat surface, rather than being down in the footwell.
- Tailored trip recommendations — we’ll help you pick a route that’s best suited for your dog’s comfort level, whether that’s a calm scenic float or a splashy-but-manageable adventure.
- Experienced, dog-friendly guides who will treat your pup like one of the crew.
“I couldn’t believe how cool the guide was about letting my pup come along. He even had a little platform ready so she could ride in style. Such a great experience — you don’t get that kind of service with the big outfits.”
– Google Review
What to Bring When Rafting With Your Dog
Here’s a quick checklist to help you and your dog get ready for the river:
- A well-fitting dog PFD (or let us know you’d like to use one of ours)
- Leash for before and after the trip
- Water and a collapsible bowl
- Snacks or treats
- Favorite toy or comfort item
- Waste bags (because good river dogs clean up after themselves)
We also encourage you to think about your dog’s personality. If your pup is calm in new situations, enjoys being outside, and doesn’t mind getting a little wet, they’ll probably love it. If they get anxious in moving vehicles or struggle with heat or loud noises, it might be better to leave them back at the campground for a nap.
Where We Go and What to Expect
Some of our most popular dog-friendly routes include the Salida Valley float, which offers mellow water and wide-open views — perfect for first-time rafting dogs. We’ve also taken dogs through Browns Canyon, where the rapids are splashy but not overwhelming and the canyon views are stunning. Every trip is different, and we’ll work with you to choose what’s best.
We also operate conveniently out of Chalk Creek Campground, so if you’re staying with us, it’s super easy to roll from campsite to raft and back again.
A One-of-a-Kind Experience
At the end of the day, what makes rafting with your dog special isn’t just the pictures or the novelty — it’s the connection. Watching your pup perk up at the sound of rushing water, seeing them ride proud on the front of the raft, or relaxing together after a thrilling run down the Arkansas River… it’s something you’ll both remember forever.
And the best part? You won’t find this level of flexibility or personal attention with the big companies. We’re not about volume — we’re about quality, connection, and creating experiences that feel special. That’s what being a small, family-run outfitter is all about.
So if you’ve ever dreamed of rafting with your dog, stop dreaming — and book it.
Give us a call or book online. Just let us know about your pup ahead of time, and we’ll help you plan an adventure that’s safe, exciting, and truly one-of-a-kind.