Salida Canyon - Full Day

Guided

Duration: 7.5 hours

Buena Vista • Nathrop • Salida

Features

Beginner Friendly

Kid Friendly

Wildlife

Instant Book

Locally Owned

$135 Adult

(Ages 13+)

$129 Child

(Ages 10-12)

Description

Full-Day Salida Canyon Arkansas River Rafting Trip

Experience the beauty of the Arkansas River on a full-day rafting trip through Salida Canyon, where scenic mountain views and splashy Class II whitewater make for the perfect family rafting adventure. This stretch of river, just outside of Salida, winds through a high-desert landscape of rugged cliffs, pine-covered hillsides, and wide-open skies.

Ideal for families, first-time rafters, and those looking for a fun and scenic float, this trip offers a mix of calm stretches and mild whitewater, with gentle wave trains and small rapids, all with views of the towering Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Along the way, we'll stop to enjoy a riverside lunch. Wildlife sightings are common, with chances to spot bald eagles, great blue herons, and even bighorn sheep along the rocky slopes.

If you're looking for a fun and relaxing way to spend a few hours on the river, a half-day trip through Salida Canyon is the perfect trip for all ages.

Duration

Approximately 5 to 6 hours of clear crisp water - about 7.5 hours from start to finish.

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 5+
Minimum weight 45 lbs
No experience necessary
All equipment and gear included

What's Included

Riverside lunch
All equipment and gear included
Shuttle to and from the river

Not Included

Photos
Wetsuits
Neoprene booties

Gratuity

What to Bring

Splash jackets/pants are provided (or you can bring your own)
Nylon shorts and 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 Salida Canyon run?

Great question! Saliday Canyon typically runs all summer long, 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 the river trip all whitewater?

No, whitewater rapids are encountered as the river descends or twists between stretches of calm water. On many rivers, the extent of flatwater versus rapids depends on the gradient of the river. Also, depending on the time of year and snowpack run-off each season, water flow and the size of a river’s rapids will be lower or higher.

What if I cannot swim?

Many of our guests cannot swim. We supply the best Type 5 U.S. Coast guard PFDs (personal flotation devices) which keep you bouncing above the waves if you should for some reason fall out of your boat.

Do I have to paddle?

You have a choice. We offer paddle boat crews where four to seven people join a guide and paddle down the river. Alternately, you may enjoy the ride as a passenger!

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.

Is this Salida Canyon good for first-timers?

Absolutely, we take first-time rafters down our rivers all the time! A thorough safety orientation is always provided before you embark on your trip.

What safety training do your guides receive?

Our guides train under one of the most long-standing professional guide training programs in the country, among the highest standards for rafting companies worldwide. Full certification for first aid/CPR, Swiftwater Rescue, and minimum guiding qualifications for DVK require more than triple the state requirements.

Do I need to bring any special equiment or gear for my kids?

We have personal floatation devices PFDs, a minimum weight of 45 pounds, and river gear that is kid’s sized so rarely do you need to bring extra equipment for younger children. We always suggest personal rain gear to fit but we do offer child sizes in wetsuits and booties.

Can I purchase photos from my trip?

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

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.*