One of the most common questions we hear at Monumental Expeditions is:
“Which rafting trip should I choose?”
The good news is that there isn’t a wrong answer. Every section of the Arkansas River offers something unique, whether you’re looking for a relaxing family float, exciting whitewater, or a full-on adrenaline rush.
To help you decide, here’s a breakdown of our trips and who they’re best suited for.
Salida Valley Float
Best For: Families with Young Kids, First-Time Rafters, Scenic Float Trips
Class I-II Whitewater
Minimum Age: 5
If your idea of a perfect day on the river includes mountain views, wildlife, splashing around, and plenty of time to relax, the Salida Valley trip is a great choice.
This stretch flows through a beautiful open valley between Buena Vista and Salida with gentle rapids, calm sections, and incredible views of the surrounding peaks.
Many families choose this trip for younger children who are experiencing rafting for the first time.
You’ll enjoy:
- Beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery
- Gentle rapids
- Opportunities to swim on warm days
- Great chances to spot wildlife
- A relaxing pace that’s fun for all ages
Choose Salida Valley if you want a scenic adventure with just enough excitement to keep everyone smiling.
Bear Creek
Best For: Families Looking For More Action
Class II-III Whitewater
Minimum Age: 6
Bear Creek offers a perfect step up from the Salida Valley trip.
This section features more frequent rapids while still remaining family-friendly. You’ll paddle through fun wave trains and splashy whitewater while enjoying views of the Arkansas River Valley.
Many guests describe Bear Creek as the perfect balance between scenery and excitement.
Highlights include:
- More whitewater than Salida Valley
- Fun rapids like Silver Heels and Spider
- Beautiful canyon scenery
- Great option for adventurous families
Choose Bear Creek if you want a little more thrill without stepping into bigger whitewater territory.
Browns Canyon National Monument
Best For: Most Guests
Class III Whitewater
Minimum Age: 7
If you’re only going rafting once during your Colorado vacation, this is usually the trip we recommend.
Browns Canyon is the most popular rafting section on the Arkansas River for good reason. It combines exciting rapids, stunning scenery, wilderness views, and plenty of laughs along the way.
You’ll run famous rapids such as:
- Canyon Doors
- Zoom Flume
- Pinball
- Staircase
Browns Canyon is exciting enough for adventure seekers while still being approachable for many first-time rafters.
You’ll enjoy:
- Colorado’s most famous rafting destination
- Spectacular canyon scenery
- Continuous Class III whitewater
- Fun rapids throughout the trip
- A true Rocky Mountain adventure
Choose Browns Canyon if you want the classic Arkansas River rafting experience.
The Numbers
Best For: Thrill Seekers
Class IV Whitewater
Minimum Age: 16
Looking for big waves, technical rapids, and nonstop excitement?
The Numbers is one of Colorado’s premier advanced rafting trips and delivers some of the biggest whitewater available on the Arkansas River.
Unlike family-friendly rafting sections, this stretch features continuous rapids that demand teamwork and active paddling.
Expect:
- Large waves
- Technical maneuvering
- Fast-moving water
- Continuous action
- Plenty of adrenaline
This trip is recommended for adventurous guests who want a challenge and are comfortable with a physically active experience.
Choose The Numbers if your goal is maximum excitement and unforgettable whitewater.
Still Not Sure?
Here’s the quick version:
| If You Want… | Recommended Trip |
|---|---|
| Young kids and scenic floating | Salida Valley |
| Family-friendly whitewater | Bear Creek |
| The most popular overall experience | Browns Canyon |
| Big rapids and adrenaline | The Numbers |
At Monumental Expeditions, we’re a small family-run rafting company, and we’ll happily help you choose the trip that’s best for your group.
Whether you’re bringing young kids, planning a family vacation, or looking for the biggest whitewater on the Arkansas River, we’ll make sure you’re on the right trip.
Ready to hit the river?
We can’t wait to share our favorite stretch of the Arkansas River with you.