DOG-FRIENDLY
RAFTING IN COLORADO
Yes, your dog can raft the Arkansas River with you. We offer specially arranged dog-friendly rafting trips for approved dogs and their people.
THE WHOLE FAMILY
CAN COME
If your vacation plans usually begin with "Can we bring the dog?", you've come to the right rafting company.
Monumental Expeditions is a small, family-run rafting company, which gives us the flexibility to create river trips that most larger outfitters simply cannot. That includes bringing an approved dog along for the adventure.
Dog trips require a little more planning than a normal rafting reservation. We consider the dog, your group, the section of river, water conditions, and the type of trip before giving the go-ahead.
A LITTLE DIFFERENT
FROM A NORMAL RAFT TRIP
We make special arrangements so your group, your guide, and your dog can have a safe and enjoyable day on the river.
CALL US FIRST
Tell us about your dog, your group, and the kind of rafting experience you're looking for. We'll help determine whether a dog trip makes sense.
YOUR OWN GROUP
We don't place your dog in a raft with unrelated guests. Your dog stays with your own group.
SPECIAL RAFT SETUP
Dog trips typically use an oar-frame setup so your guide can concentrate on controlling the raft while your group concentrates on your dog and enjoying the river.
DOGS ARE A GUEST
Dogs are charged the same price as one person because arranging a dog trip requires dedicated raft capacity, equipment, and special trip planning.
YOUR DOG'S
RAFT SETUP
Dogs change how people move around a raft and how a guide responds to changing river conditions, so we use a few additional precautions.
BEST RAFTING TRIPS
FOR DOGS
Not every river section is appropriate for every dog. Current water levels, weather, temperament, and your group's experience all matter.
SALIDA VALLEY
Our first choice for many dogs. The Salida Valley combines gentler whitewater, open scenery, and a more relaxed pace that works well for first-time rafting dogs.
EXPLORE SALIDA VALLEY ›BEAR CREEK
A step up in excitement. Bear Creek may be available for confident dogs and appropriate groups when river conditions allow.
EXPLORE BEAR CREEK ›BROWNS CANYON
We've taken dogs through Browns Canyon, but this is a more demanding dog trip. Approval depends heavily on your dog, your group, and current river conditions.
EXPLORE BROWNS CANYON ›Our Class IV Numbers trip is not available for dogs. Dog-friendly rafting is limited to appropriate Class I-III sections.
IS YOUR DOG A
GOOD RAFTING DOG?
Loving your dog doesn't automatically mean they'll love rafting. Temperament matters more than size or breed.
GOOD CANDIDATES
- Comfortable around new people
- Generally calm and manageable
- Comfortable around water
- Able to settle in one place
- Responds reliably to their owner
- Comfortable wearing a dog PFD
- Enjoys outdoor adventures and new environments
RAFTING MAY NOT BE A GOOD FIT
- Highly anxious in unfamiliar situations
- Aggressive or strongly reactive around people
- Panics around moving or splashing water
- Cannot settle or remain reasonably controlled
- Strongly resists wearing a PFD
- Has physical limitations that make rafting unsafe
- Becomes overwhelmed by noise, motion, or crowds
Not sure? That's exactly why we ask you to call. Tell us about your dog and we'll give you a realistic recommendation.
WHAT TO BRING
A few simple items make the day much easier for both you and your dog.
DOG-FRIENDLY RAFTING FAQ
Can I just book online and bring my dog?
No. Please call us before booking. Every dog trip must be approved and arranged in advance.
How much does it cost to bring my dog?
Dogs are charged the same rate as one guest because dog trips require dedicated raft capacity and special arrangements.
Does my dog need a life jacket?
Yes. A properly fitted dog PFD is required while your dog is rafting.
Can my dog go through Browns Canyon?
Sometimes. We have taken appropriate dogs through Browns Canyon, but approval depends on the dog, group, river level, weather, and current conditions.
What is the best rafting trip for a dog?
Salida Valley is generally our first recommendation because of its gentler Class I-II water and relaxed pace. Other sections may be available depending on conditions.
Can dogs raft The Numbers?
No. Dogs are not permitted on our Class IV Numbers trip.
Does my dog need a waiver?
Yes. Approved dogs must have a completed dog waiver before rafting.
Can I attach my dog's leash to the raft?
No. A dog's leash should never be attached to the raft. Your guide will explain when your dog should be leashed and how to manage the leash safely.
READY TO RAFT
WITH YOUR DOG?
Give us a call before booking. We'll talk about your dog, your group, current river conditions, and which trip makes the most sense.
