SALIDA VALLEY FLOAT TRIP
GET ON THE RIVER WITHOUT THE BIG WHITEWATER.
Salida Valley is for people who want the river, the scenery and the fun of rafting without signing up for a day of big rapids.
Gentle Class I-II water carries you through the open Arkansas River Valley with wide mountain views, tree-lined riverbanks and plenty of time to relax between the smaller waves.
It is our easiest rafting trip and one of our best choices for families with younger children, first-time rafters, grandparents, mixed-age groups and anyone who would rather enjoy the river than battle it.
MORE FLOAT. LESS FIGHT.
You are still rafting the Arkansas River. The difference is that this section gives you more time to enjoy where you are.
GENTLE WHITEWATER
Smaller waves and easy Class I-II rapids add just enough splash and movement to keep the trip fun without turning it into an intense whitewater experience.
HUGE MOUNTAIN VIEWS
The open valley puts the surrounding mountains on display. Instead of narrow canyon walls, you get broad Colorado scenery stretching across the horizon.
EASY FOR BEGINNERS
No rafting experience is needed. Your guide handles the river while your group learns the basics, paddles when needed and settles into the ride.
HALF DAY OR FULL DAY?
The half-day gives you the classic Salida Valley float. The full-day gives you more time to slow down, enjoy the river and make rafting the main event.
HALF DAY
The easiest way to get your family onto the Arkansas River. Enjoy a few hours of gentle rafting, small waves and beautiful scenery while keeping the rest of your day open for exploring.
FULL DAY
Turn the float into a full day outside. Spend more time on the Arkansas River, enjoy the scenery at an easy pace and stop for a guide-prepared lunch along the river.
WHAT MAKES SALIDA VALLEY SPECIAL
Browns Canyon is about the rapids. Salida Valley is about everything happening around them. Smaller whitewater leaves more room for the scenery, wildlife and people in your boat.
SMALL WAVES
Enough moving water to make it feel like rafting, without the bigger drops and technical rapids found on our more advanced trips.
OPEN VALLEY VIEWS
Broad views across the Arkansas River Valley give this trip a completely different feeling from rafting through a narrow canyon.
WILDLIFE
Keep an eye on the riverbanks and sky for birds and other wildlife that make their home along the Arkansas River.
TIME TO TALK
Quieter stretches give your group time to laugh, look around and actually enjoy being together instead of waiting for the next big rapid.
GREAT FOR PHOTOS
Big scenery and gentler water create more opportunities to take in the landscape and come home with photos that show where you actually spent the day.
JUST ENOUGH SPLASH
This is still a river trip. Expect cool water, little waves and some splashing, especially as flows change throughout the season.
YES, YOUR DOG MAY BE ABLE TO RAFT WITH YOU.
Salida Valley is our first choice when guests ask about taking their dog rafting.
The mellower water and relaxed pace make this a much more approachable river trip for the right dog. Dog trips require advance approval so we can make sure the river conditions, your group and your dog's temperament are a good fit.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
We provide the river equipment. You bring clothes that can get wet and a crew ready for a good day outside.
A RELAXED TRIP SHOULD ACTUALLY FEEL RELAXED.
We are a small rafting company, and Salida Valley is exactly the kind of trip where that matters.
Smaller groups mean less time standing around, more interaction with your guide and more flexibility for families whose idea of a great river day is not being rushed through an assembly line.
Whether you are introducing a five-year-old to rafting, bringing grandparents along or just looking for an easygoing day together, we want the trip to feel personal from check-in to takeout.
SALIDA VALLEY FAQ
This is our easiest rafting trip, but it is still a day on a cold mountain river. Here are the questions we hear most often.
VIEW ALL RAFTING FAQSIs Salida Valley good for first-time rafters?
Yes. Salida Valley is our mellowest trip and one of our best choices for people who have never rafted before. No previous rafting experience is required.
What is the minimum age?
Salida Valley is generally available for ages 5 and older. Minimum ages can change when river conditions require it.
Is this just a completely flat float?
No. Salida Valley includes moving water and gentle Class I-II rapids. You should expect small waves and some splashing, but it is considerably mellower than Bear Creek or Browns Canyon.
Can I bring my dog?
Possibly. Salida Valley is one of our favorite options for dog-friendly rafting, but all dog trips require advance approval. Please call before booking. Dogs are charged the same rate as one guest and a properly fitted dog PFD is required.
What should I wear?
Wear quick-drying clothing that can get wet and avoid cotton when conditions are cool. We provide wetsuits, splash jackets and river shoes when needed.
Where do we meet?
All Monumental Expeditions trips meet at our rafting office inside Chalk Creek Campground in Nathrop, between Salida and Buena Vista. Please arrive about 30 minutes before your scheduled trip.
RAFT SALIDA VALLEY
Bring the kids, bring the grandparents, maybe even bring the dog. Sometimes the best river day is the one where nobody needs to prove anything.
Half-day and full-day trips • Ages 5+ • Class I-II • All river gear included
Mountain Views
Panoramic views of the Swatch Range and surrounding peaks.
Wildlife
Keep an eye out for bald eagles, herons, deer, and other native wildlife.
Great For Photos
Calm waters and big views make this a photographer's dream.
Relax & Unwind
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights, sounds, and fresh mountain air.
