High Water and FIBArk This Weekend

Father’s Day is coming up this weekend, which means high water on the Arkansas River and FIBArk in Salida, Colorado. Go rafting with River Runners and then celebrate Colorado whitewater rafting heritage at the nation’s oldest whitewater festival, which starts Thursday, June 13, 2013. Enjoy kayaking and rafting competitions, free live music, beer garden, kid’s zone, carnival rides and much more.

FIBArk stands for “First in Boating on the Arkansas”. The first FIBArk kayak race was on June 19, 1949. It has since developed into one of the premiere kayaking and rafting competitions in the world. This year’s title sponsor is Eddyline Brewery.

Cool off on the Arkansas River

You could not ask for better flows on the Arkansas River in Colorado right now. The river is running 2,900 cubic feet per second (cfs) in Browns Canyon (as of Wednesday, June 12, 2013). This is a fun and exciting water level, but is still appropriate for families with kids who are at least six years old and 50 pounds. If you’re not ready for class III rafting, try the class II Family Float. Please call about availability for Royal Gorge rafting trips and Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting trips, which were temporarily closed due to the Royal Gorge fire.

Peak Runoff on the Arkansas River

It’s Here!

Colorado’s Arkansas River rises each spring when the winter’s snowpack starts to melt, usually peaking around the third week of June. This year we are right on schedule with peak runoff expected in the next few days. If you are looking for high water, the time is now. Family-friendly whitewater rafting is still available during runoff. If you are nervous, try the class II Family Float.