Royal Gorge - 1/2 Day Arkansas River Rafting Trip

Guided

Duration: 4.5 hours

Buena Vista • Nathrop • Salida

Features

Small Group Sizes

Instant Book

Shuttle Included

Locally Owned

$130 Adult

(Ages 18+)

Description

Half-Day Royal Gorge Rafting Trip - Arkansas River

For experienced paddlers and thrill-seekers, an advanced rafting trip through the Royal Gorge delivers an adrenaline-packed adventure on one of Colorado’s most legendary whitewater runs. The Arkansas River features 145 miles of Colorado whitewater with Class II-V rapids. Situated in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, the Arkansas River drops over 5,000 feet over the first 125 miles from the headwaters in Leadville, through the pink granite walls of Browns Canyon National Monument, into the 1,000-foot shadows of the famous Royal Gorge Class IV-V section.

This stretch features continuous Class IV-V rapids, demanding precise paddling as you navigate steep drops, technical maneuvers, and powerful wave trains. Rapids like Sunshine Falls, Sledgehammer, and Boat Eater will challenge even seasoned rafters. Note: You must have previous experience paddling at least class IV rapids.

Duration of Adventure

4.5 hours from start to finish.

Looking for a longer trip? Check out the Royal Gorge - Full Day.

Location / Where to Meet

17921 U.S. Hwy 285,
Nathrop, CO, 81236

Our location is easily accessible from Buena Vista and Salida, making it an easy and exciting addition to any Colorado vacation.

Ages & Requirements

Ages 18+

Must be in good health with a good knowledge of paddling skills!
You must have previous experience paddling at least class IV rapids

What's Included

All river equipment and gear
Splash jackets/pants
Shuttle to and from the river

Not Included

Wetsuits (available to rent)
Neoprene booties (available to rent)
Gratuities are not included in your trip cost. While tipping is done at your discretion, tipping is one of the gauges we use in terms of customer satisfaction. If you are ever not satisfied, please let us know so that we can adjust our expeditions in the future.

What to Bring

Nylon shorts and a non-cotton shirt or polypropylene top (fleece top)
Light water-resistant jacket
Pair of tennis shoes – tie-on preferred (NO sandals) or wet boots
Wool socks will help keep feet warm in tennis shoes
Sunglasses with loss protector/keeper, with UV protection
Sunscreen (you'll be at over 8000′ altitude – lots of UV exposure)
Hat for sun protection (tie-on)
Personal water bottle that can be secured (with a clip)

Podcast

About the Outfitter

Bill and Jaci Dvorak have been outdoor educators together since their marriage in 1969. They have taught in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and England, where they have worked for several outdoor leadership courses, such as NOLS and Outward Bound. Proud to be a family-run outfitting business, Dvorak Expeditions offers rafting and custom fishing trips, instructional courses for youth organizations, and certified rescue swift water and rope training. Their world-renowned adventures have been featured in ESPN, National Geographic, the Chicago Tribune, travel books, Backpacker Magazine, Outside, television specials, local publications, and chambers of commerce.

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Dvorak Expeditions

FAQs

When does the Royal Gorge run?

Great question! The Royal Gorge typically has a long season, with trips offered from May through September.

Check out our guide to the seasonality of Colorado rivers for an overview of when rivers are running, difficulty, locations and more.

Is previous experience required?

Yes, this advanced trip is suitable for rafters with previous Class IV rafting experience. Beginners should consider alternative sections, such as the Browns Canyon Half-Day.

Are there photos available?

Yes, there will be photos available for purchase through our photo partner, Whitewater Photography, after the trip.

Do I have to paddle?

Yes, this is a Class IV trip and all guests are expected to be active participants.

Do I have to fill a raft?

Whether you come alone or bring 25 friends, we can accommodate you on a trip. We are limited to maximum group sizes on some rivers, but on many others there is no issue with a larger party.

What happens if there is an emergency on the river?

We have long-standing relationships with medical support teams serving our rivers and fortunately, rarely have had to rely on them. Our staff is professionals with trip leaders qualified EMTs, and all staff has first aid and CPR certifications. DVK requires all guides to be certified Swiftwater Rescue Technicians.

What safety training do your guides receive?

We have long-standing relationships with medical support teams serving our rivers and fortunately, rarely have had to rely on them. Please call us for specific information about the local facilities for your river trip. Our staff is professionals with trip leaders qualified EMTs, and all staff has first aid and CPR certifications. DVK requires all guides to be certified Swiftwater Rescue Technicians.

What if the weather is bad?

Mother Nature is still in control out West, so please realize that we cannot control her weather patterns or the water flows. But we can recommend all things to make your trip a well-prepared and comfortable experience regardless of the changes that may occur. We reserve the right to change river sections, move to adjacent rivers, or postpone the trip if water levels, weather conditions, or circumstances arise beyond our control. The client's river skills and abilities can also determine whether a particular river or trip is substituted.

Cancellation Policy

When a cancellation is made more than 48 hours before departure, all monies are refunded LESS a $25 per person fee. A reschedule fee of $20 per reservation may apply. With less than two days’ notice, no money will be refunded.

Our cancellation policy is firm. We operate under stringent federal regulations, restricting the number of guests per trip and the number of trips per season. We incur substantial expenses before each trip departs. In the event of late cancellation, Dvorak Expeditions cannot recover costs, nor can we make refunds. *ALL CANCELLATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED IN WRITING or EMAIL.*