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Milk Run Beginner Inflatable Kayaking

Name: Arkansas Beginner Inflatable Kayaking Tour
Brand: River Runners
Price: 55.00 USD
Availability: InStock

An hour on the Arkansas with the family. Easy Class I water, mountain views, and lunch at The Beach when you’re done.

Trip Overview

Duration:

1hr On The River (2hrs Total)

Rapids:

Class I (II-)

Age Restriction:

10+

Departure:

River Runners Browns Canyon

Location:

Buena Vista, Colorado

Pricing:

$65 Per Person

Check Availability

Trip Overview

Duration:

1hr On The River (2hrs Total)

Rapids:

Class I (II-)

Age Restriction:

10+

Departure:

River Runners Browns Canyon

Location:

Buena Vista, Colorado

Pricing:

$65 Per Person

Check Availability

A Family-Friendly Float on the Arkansas River: Two Miles, Class I Water, and a Riverside Finish at The Beach

The Beginner Inflatable Kayak tour is built for families who want time on the water without committing to a full whitewater day. You’ll grab a paddle, hop in your own inflatable kayak, and float a 2-mile stretch of Class I (II-) water on the Arkansas River, just outside Buena Vista, with an expert guide leading the way. This laid-back part of the Arkansas is known as the Milk Run, and is the perfect introduction to river paddling. Keep an eye out for deer, waterfowl, and birds along the banks as you float through the mountain scenery.

Every trip launches in pods of 10, with a certified guide in each pod, so you’re never far from a helping hand. There’s a ferry across the river, a stop in clear water for a quick dip, and an easy paddle back to River Runners. When you finish, The Beach Restaurant and Bar is right there on the water’s edge. Kids can play in the sand while the adults relax with a well-earned lunch and a cold drink.

Ready to step up to whitewater? Browse every Arkansas River trip.

Your Day on the River:
Step-by-Step

Arrival & Preparation
Check in at River Runners 45 minutes before your scheduled trip time.
Get fitted for PFD, helmet, wetsuit, splash jacket, and neoprene boots.
Meet your guides and walk through paddling and safety instruction.
Take a short two-mile shuttle to the put-in.

Rapids & Fun
Launch in pods of 10, each with a guide.
Float a 2-mile stretch of Class I (II-) water with views of the surrounding mountains.
Ferry across the river, stop for a swim in clear water, then paddle back to River Runners.
Wrap up at The Beach Restaurant and Bar, right on the water at the same property.

Helpful Info

What to Wear & Bring

Essential Items:

Athletic moisture-wicking clothing
Swimsuit
Secure footwear (water shoes with a back strap or old tennis shoes)
Sunglasses with retainers

For the Weather:

Sunscreen
Water bottle
Light jacket or fleece (if the forecast calls for colder weather)

Do Not Bring:

Valuables or electronics (secure in your vehicle or with our check-in staff)
Flip-flops or Crocs

What We Provide:

Shuttle
Inflatable kayak and paddle
PFD
Helmet
Wetsuit
Splash jacket
Neoprene river boots

Pro Tips:

When applying sunscreen, avoid putting it directly on your forehead. Your helmet will keep this area shaded, and water splashes can cause sunscreen to drip into your eyes, causing irritation. Focus sunscreen on your face below the helmet line, and consider wearing sunglasses for added eye protection.
River conditions can change quickly. Wearing quick-drying clothing in layers lets you adapt easily if you’re chilly or warming up throughout the day.
Keep an extra set of clothes and a towel in your vehicle. It’s always nice to have something dry to change into after your river adventure.

Weather & Season

Rafting Season:

The Beginner Inflatable Kayaking Tour departs daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Departure times are 9:00 am, 11:30 am, and 2:00 pm.

On the Arkansas River, prime rafting season generally runs from mid-May through Labor Day (early September). In early season, snowmelt causes rivers to rise. You’ll encounter high water with fast and exhilarating rapids, especially from late May to mid-June. From late June through July, flows settle to ideal rafting levels with plenty of action and the most popular trips running, plus full summer weather. From August into early September and Labor Day, water levels decline slowly, resulting in scenic floats with smaller rapids.

Trips Run Rain or Shine:

At River Runners, we raft in all weather. Rafting is naturally a wet activity, and a little rain won’t stop the adventure. Trips depart as scheduled, rain or shine, unless conditions are deemed unsafe by our experienced guides. Rainy days often mean fewer crowds and more thrilling rapids. Dress for the weather and prepare to get wet. You’re in for an unforgettable experience regardless of the forecast.

Alternate Routes:

Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. Occasionally, we may need to adjust trip plans due to changing river conditions like low or high water. If this happens, we’ll make every effort to keep you informed, but please note that changes may occur without prior notice.

Safety & Waivers

Safety First:

At River Runners, your safety is our top priority. Every rafting trip is guided by experienced professionals trained in river safety, CPR, and first aid. We provide thorough safety briefings, quality equipment including Coast Guard-approved Type V personal flotation devices (PFDs), and ongoing supervision to ensure your experience is not only exciting but secure. We’re committed to creating an enjoyable, memorable rafting adventure while keeping everyone safe.

Swimming Ability:

Our Family Float trips are designed with everyone in mind, so strong swimming skills aren’t required. We do recommend that guests feel comfortable in water and wearing a life jacket. This gentle river section is ideal for families, beginners, and those simply looking to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Waivers:

Before hitting the river, all guests age 18 and older are required to sign our liability waiver. This standard procedure helps ensure everyone is informed about the nature of rafting activities and any associated risks. Guests under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Cancellation Policy

Receive a full refund if you cancel your reservation at least 48 hours ahead of your scheduled float. If cancellations occur within 48 hours, you’ll receive a rain check minus a $10 per-person fee.

Hear From Our Happy
Adventurers

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 951 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Jc Connell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great time and our guide Shawn was awesome!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Cecilia Green 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an absolute ahhhmazing experience today.  We had Noah as our tour guide and could not have asked for a better time.  Thank You!   Everything was well explained and the conversations were so helpful and informative as we rafted.   Would recommend coming here for any age and stage in life.  There were little people on other rafts in our group that did wonderful too.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jakob Ekelöw 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great guide! Great river! everyone should do it! Thanks Jayson!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Neil Lacey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Enjoyed a great whitewater rafting trip with River Runners near Buena Vista. The River guide Shaun was excellent- he made the trip fun. He was a great coach in guiding us down River. Had a great experience with Courtney in making my trip reservation. They also recently opened a restaurant on the property and serve awesome fish tacos. Check out River Runners for an exciting and fun day on the water!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   River Runners 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. AWESOME TIME! Eryn is the best guide ever. She is the best guide I have ever seen, wow!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shawn McMillan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Such an awesome trip!! Our guide, "Dodge", was very nice, instructive, professional, kind, and honestly just fun to be with. I highly recommend for anyone!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chris T 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I very rarely leave reviews, but we had an awesome run with Tay! She was easily the best guide I've ever rafted with, including my past runs on other rivers in Colorado, Tennessee, South Carolina & Georgia. Literally everyone in the boat had a blast, kids and adults included! We will definitely ask for her again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kelsey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been coming to River Runners yearly for almost a decade. It’s one of the highlights of our summer! The guides are ALL fantastic (Ask for William, also known as Mr Pancake), knowledgeable, safe, and entertaining. It's a GREAT activity for families and adults, the scenery is stunning.

Beginner Inflatable Kayak Tour FAQs

Is this tour good for first-timers and kids?

Yes, that’s exactly what it’s designed for. The water is Class I (II-), the minimum age is 12, and every trip launches in pods of 10 with a lead guide and a sweep guide so you’re never far from help. Up to 24 guests can head out at the same time, which makes it a strong fit for larger families and groups.

What's included?

Shuttle, inflatable kayak, paddle, PFD, helmet, wetsuit, splash jacket, and neoprene boots.

How long does the trip take, start to finish?

Plan for about 2 hours total. That includes gearing up, the short two-mile shuttle to the put-in, safety and paddling instructions, and roughly 1 hour on the river.

When does it run?

Daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with departures at 9:00 am, 11:30 am, and 2:00 pm. Check-in is 45 minutes before your scheduled trip time.

Where do we meet, and where does the trip end?

You’ll meet at River Runners near Buena Vista, Colorado. The trip ends at The Beach Restaurant and Bar, right on the river at the same property, so kids can play in the sand while the adults relax with lunch and a drink.

Will we see wildlife?

Often. Keep an eye out for deer, waterfowl, and birds along the banks. Sightings depend on the day, but the river corridor is active.

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