For many people, the words “high water” sound exciting when talking about whitewater rafting. Huge waves, powerful currents, and roaring rapids certainly make for dramatic photos. But for most families, first-time rafters, and anyone looking for a fun day on the river, Colorado’s unusually mild runoff this season has created some surprisingly ideal conditions. Instead of the Arkansas River running … Read More
The Best Rafting Near Denver Is Just 2 Hours Away
Looking for the best rafting near Denver? While there are a few rafting options closer to the city, many Colorado locals and visitors make the drive to the Arkansas River because it offers bigger scenery, better river trips, and a true Colorado mountain experience. At Monumental Expeditions, we’re located just outside Buena Vista and Salida, about two hours from Denver. … Read More
Low Water Rafting on the Arkansas River: What You Should Know Before Booking
Low Water on the Arkansas River? Here’s What We’re Running Instead. If you’ve been researching rafting trips in Colorado this summer, you’ve probably heard that river levels are lower than normal in some sections of the Arkansas River. Low water doesn’t mean rafting is over. In fact, there are still plenty of great trips running. What it does mean is … Read More
Low Water, High Adventure: Why Dry Years Are Still Magic on the Arkansas
Every spring, we watch the snowpack reports roll in from the Sawatch and Mosquito ranges with hopeful eyes. Some years the high country delivers — big snowfall, strong runoff, and the Arkansas running bold through Browns Canyon. And some years? Well, some years the river tells a different story. But here’s what years of guiding on this stretch has taught … Read More
Still Rafting Strong Through Mid-September — Why Our Small Company Keeps the Fun Going on the Arkansas River
As August rolls in and some rafting companies start winding down, we’re just hitting our late-season stride here at Monumental Expeditions. While others are putting away paddles and pulling their boats from the water, we continue running scenic, splashy, and memorable trips on the Arkansas River all the way through September 15th. That’s right — rafting season is still going strong, … Read More
Steady Flows in an Unpredictable Climate: How the Voluntary Flow Management Program Supports Rafting on the Arkansas River
Each spring in Colorado, outfitters across the state watch the snowpack like farmers watch the sky. The mountain snowmelt feeds our rivers—and in years when snowfall is light, the whitewater season can feel uncertain. But here on the Arkansas River, we’re lucky to have a safeguard in place: the Voluntary Flow Management Program (VFMP). This cooperative program helps ensure consistent water … Read More
Exploring the Volcanic History of the Upper Arkansas River Valley
Exploring the Volcanic History of the Upper Arkansas River Valley The Upper Arkansas River Valley in Colorado is famous for its towering peaks, rugged canyons, and some of the best whitewater rafting in the country. But beneath the thrilling rapids and breathtaking landscapes lies a dramatic volcanic history that helped shape the valley as we see it today. Since it’s … Read More
Browns Canyon Becomes a Dark Sky Park
Photo: Joe Randall In an exciting development for nature lovers and adventure seekers, Browns Canyon National Monument in Colorado has recently been designated as an official International Dark Sky Park. This prestigious recognition celebrates the area’s exceptional night skies and marks a significant step in protecting its natural beauty from light pollution. For those planning overnight rafting trips, this designation … Read More