ITINERARY
PINE CREEK ARKANSAS RIVER

You must arrive at River Runners Rafting Resort in Buena Vista, Colorado 45 minutes prior to trip departure. You must be ready 15 minutes prior to your departure time for a safety orientation. When you arrive please park your vehicle and check in at our Rafting Resort office. At our office and retail store you will have the opportunity to use the restrooms, shop for light snacks and beverages that you may enjoy on your trip.

Once you meet your guide he/she will fit you with a life jacket and helmet and discuss river safety and guidelines. Whitewater river gear is provided on all Class V trips.

A short shuttle ride in one of our River Runner vans to the put in only takes about 25 minutes. Your guides will unload the boats and your trip leader will explain river safety and paddling techniques in a river safety orientation. Throughout the trip you can not help notice the incredible views of the surrounding 14,000 foot collegiate peaks. During each trip a professional photographer will take your photograph, while you are rafting.

High alpine and steep, technical best describe this class three to five stretch of whitewater on the Arkansas River. Previous class IV experience and good physical condition are required for this trip. Paddle Boats of four to six are the only option due to the nature of the river here, so everyone on the raft must participate as a team. The 15-mile stretch starts at 60 feet per mile in the Granite Gorge with class IV rapids, like "Maytag." There is nonstop technical whitewater throughout the trip. Quickly the pace picks up as you approach the steepest part of the river, "Pine Creek Rapid," rated at class V (close to 200 ft. per mile). This rapid was created by a massive glacial flood which spread boulders down the river for over fifty miles. We will get out and scout this mile- long rapid to see what lies ahead and to make a plan of attack! Then we will run one boat at a time with shore safety, including a safety kayaker. After the exhilaration of Pine Creek Rapid more large class IV rapids await like "Triple Drop" and "Giant Rocks." By this time we know you are ready for our riverside lunch and a break is well earned.

After lunch it is time for the continuous rapids of the Numbers! This section of river is relentless and it will take a great deal of paddling to negotiate these rapids successfully. Surfing is a highlight of the trip and we will stop several times to surf waves in our rafts and to take a rest from the action. A nonstop afternoon will end with a stop at the "Mystery Hole" and those who are curious will see for themselves what it is all about. We will finish at the Old Railroad Bridge. Paddlers will have a short ride back to our shop past "Elephant Rock" and through the old miner's tunnels. It has been a great day on the river and we hope you will enjoy a well-earned beverage of your choice!

At our Rafting Resort, enjoy a beverage or light snack while viewing a slide show of professional photographs of your trip. Photos are available for purchase. You may purchase a print or CDROM of all your photographs. Souvenirs are available for purchase; this is the world's largest selection of River Runners souvenirs. Our location allows for a unique experience offered by no other outfitter.   Hot showers are complementary to our guests. On site recreational opportunities include volleyball, horseshoes, and river fishing. Our retail shop offers snacks, ice cream, refreshments and souvenirs.