FAQ
RAFTING FAQ
First rafting trip? Bringing kids? Wondering what to wear, which trip to choose, or what happens if the weather changes? You're in the right place.
These are the questions we hear most often from guests rafting the Arkansas River with Monumental Expeditions.
WHICH TRIP FITS
YOUR GROUP?
Age is the easiest place to start. From there, think about how much whitewater your group actually wants.
SALIDA VALLEY
Class I–II
Mellow, scenic, and our gentlest rafting option.
BEAR CREEK
Class II–III
Splashier family rafting with a little more action.
BROWNS CANYON
Class III
Our classic and most popular Arkansas River trip.
THE NUMBERS
Class IV
Continuous, advanced whitewater for adventurous groups.
CHOOSING & PREPARING
FOR YOUR TRIP
The questions most guests ask before deciding which section of the Arkansas River to raft.
Which rafting trip is right for me?
Choose based on the youngest person in your group, how adventurous everyone feels, swimming ability, and overall comfort around moving water. Salida Valley is our mellowest trip, Bear Creek adds more action, Browns Canyon is our classic Class III trip, and The Numbers is advanced Class IV whitewater for ages 16+.
Do I need previous rafting experience?
No. Salida Valley, Bear Creek, and Browns Canyon are all appropriate for first-time rafters when conditions are suitable. The Numbers is a more demanding Class IV trip intended for adventurous guests ready for a more physical whitewater experience.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Not necessarily. We offer rafting trips that can work for non-swimmers, especially on easier sections. Everyone wears a properly fitted PFD. If someone in your group cannot swim or is uncomfortable around water, let us know so we can help choose the right trip.
Do I have to paddle?
Not always. We can run both paddle rafts and oar-rigged rafts. Paddle rafts involve more participation from guests, while an oar raft lets the guide handle more of the propulsion and steering. Contact us before your trip if an oar raft would be a better fit for your group.
What do Class I, II, III and IV mean?
Rapid classifications describe the general difficulty of whitewater. Class I is easy moving water, Class II adds small waves and obstacles, Class III brings larger rapids and more maneuvering, and Class IV is powerful, technical whitewater requiring stronger participation. Ratings can change somewhat with water level.
What does CFS mean?
CFS means cubic feet per second. It measures how much water is moving past a point in the river. Higher or lower CFS does not automatically mean better or worse rafting. Each section responds differently to changing flows.
WHAT TO BRING &
WHERE TO GO
You do not need to show up with a pile of specialized rafting gear. We provide the river equipment. You bring the basics.
What should I bring?
Bring quick-dry clothing, sunscreen, water, secure footwear, sunglasses if desired, and any medications you may need. Avoid cotton when conditions are cool. Leave towels, dry clothes, phones, wallets, and other things you do not want wet in your vehicle.
What rafting gear is included?
We provide your PFD, paddle, helmet when appropriate, and the rafting equipment for the trip. Wetsuits, splash jackets, river booties, and sunglass retainers are also available when needed at no additional charge.
Where do we meet?
All Monumental Expeditions rafting trips meet at our office inside Chalk Creek Campground at 11430 County Road 197, Nathrop, Colorado 81236. We are centrally located between Buena Vista and Salida.
How early should we arrive?
Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before your scheduled trip. This gives your group time to check in, use the restroom, get fitted for river gear, meet your guide, and be ready when the trip leaves.
Are there height or weight requirements?
The most important requirement is that every guest can be safely fitted in an approved PFD. We have youth and adult sizes available. If you have a very small child, a guest over roughly 300 pounds, or any concern about equipment fit, contact us before booking so we can confirm the appropriate trip and gear.
Will photos be taken during our trip?
Commercial trip photos are often taken by an independent river photography company and may be available for purchase after your trip. Guides may also take photos when conditions and trip logistics allow, but personal guide photos are not guaranteed.
BOOKING, WEATHER &
CANCELLATIONS
A few important details to know before you reserve your trip.
How do I reserve a rafting trip?
Start on our Raft Trips page, choose the section of river you want, and use that trip's booking link. If you are unsure which trip to reserve, call or text us at 719-581-2123 and we'll help you choose.
What is your cancellation policy?
Reservations are subject to a 14-day cancellation policy. Cancellations inside 14 days are not refundable and may be held as a rain check less processing fees. No-shows and cancellations within 24 hours do not receive refunds or rain checks.
Do rafting trips run in the rain?
Yes. Rafting trips normally run rain or shine. Colorado mountain weather can change quickly, and a passing afternoon shower does not usually stop a trip. We will make the call if weather or river conditions become unsafe.
What happens when the river is high or low?
River levels change throughout the season and can affect rapid size, speed, minimum ages, and which sections are best. We adjust trip recommendations to current conditions rather than treating one water level as ideal for every section.
When is rafting season?
Our rafting season generally runs from spring through mid-September. Spring and early summer often bring colder and faster water, while later summer typically brings warmer weather and more moderate flows.
I'm bringing a minor who is not my child. What do I need?
A parent or legal guardian must complete the participant waiver for that minor before the trip. Make sure the waiver is completed before arriving so it does not delay your group at check-in.
DOGS, GROUPS &
CUSTOM REQUESTS
Being a small outfitter gives us some flexibility. If your group needs something a little different, talk to us before booking.
Can I bring my dog rafting?
Dogs are allowed on select Class II and III trips with advance approval. You must call us before booking. Dog trips use an oar-rigged raft, your dog stays with your own group in the raft and shuttle, and a properly fitted canine PFD is required. Dogs are not permitted on The Numbers.
Is there a charge to bring my dog?
Yes. A dog is charged the same price as one guest because accommodating a dog requires its own rafting and shuttle arrangement for your party. Call us first and we'll explain the setup before you reserve.
Can we request a private raft?
We keep our trips small to begin with, and private or special raft arrangements may be possible depending on group size, trip, staffing, and river conditions. Contact us before booking if having your own raft is important to your group.
Do you accommodate larger groups?
Yes. We work with families, reunions, youth groups, church groups, company outings, wedding parties, and other group trips. Contact us early so we can look at availability and help keep everyone together.
Can you customize a rafting trip?
Our regular trips operate on established river sections and schedules, but we can sometimes accommodate special requests. Because we are a small company, the easiest way to find out what is possible is simply to call us.
Can we camp where we meet for rafting?
Yes. Monumental Expeditions is based inside Chalk Creek Campground, which offers tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. Campground reservations are handled separately from rafting reservations, but both are in the same location.
TALK TO THE PEOPLE
WHO RUN THE TRIPS
If you're trying to choose between two trips, wondering about current river conditions, or have something unusual about your group, call or text us.
It's usually easier than trying to guess from a website.
FIND YOUR ARKANSAS
RIVER TRIP
Compare all four rafting sections, minimum ages, whitewater levels, trip lengths, and pricing in one place.
