# River Runners > River Runners is Colorado's original whitewater rafting outfitter, guiding the Arkansas River since 1972. Two outposts — Browns Canyon (Buena Vista) and Royal Gorge (Cañon City) — offer Class II family floats through Class IV-V advanced whitewater, half-day, full-day, and 2-3 day overnight trips. Trips run mid-May through early September (Labor Day). Contact: (719) 395-2466 or rafting@whitewater.net. ## Trip Categories - [All Rafting Tours](https://whitewater.net/rafting-tours/): Complete catalog of trips across both outposts, filterable by difficulty, length, and location. - [Family Friendly Trips](https://whitewater.net/family-friendly/): Class I-III gentle floats ideal for kids (ages 3+ and 6+), grandparents, and first-timers seeking wildlife and scenery over adrenaline. - [Beginner & Intermediate Trips](https://whitewater.net/beginner/): Class III (IV) rapids balancing excitement with accessibility — for adventure-curious guests who want real whitewater without expert-level demands. - [Advanced Trips](https://whitewater.net/advanced/): Class IV-V adrenaline-packed whitewater for physically fit, confident-swimmer adults (14+) seeking technical paddling and continuous rapids. - [Overnight Rafting Trips](https://whitewater.net/overnight/): Multi-day expeditions combining whitewater, riverside camping, guide-prepared meals, and star-filled Colorado nights. ## Signature Rafting Trips - [Browns Canyon Rafting Trip](https://whitewater.net/brownscanyon/): Class III (IV), ages 6+, $109+. Full and half-day options through Browns Canyon National Monument — the most popular section of the Arkansas with iconic rapids including Zoom Flume, Pinball, and Sidell's Suckhole. - [Family Float Beginner Rafting Trip](https://whitewater.net/familyfloatraftingcolorado/): Class II, ages 3+, $67. Gentle "Milk Run" section of the Arkansas — calm waters, wildlife viewing, and alpine scenery. The entry-level trip for young families and grandparents. - [Royal Gorge Rafting Trip](https://whitewater.net/royalgorge/): Class IV (V), ages 14+, $121+. Legendary rapids (Sunshine Falls, Sledge Hammer, Boat Eater) beneath 1,000-foot granite walls and the iconic Royal Gorge Bridge. Half and full-day options. - [Numbers Rafting Trip](https://whitewater.net/numbersrafting/): Class IV (V), ages 14+, $115+. Colorado's most continuous and technical whitewater — rapids No. 1-7 plus Widowmaker and Tight Squeeze in an alpine setting. - [Bighorn Sheep Canyon Rafting Trip](https://whitewater.net/bighorn/): Class III (IV), ages 6+. Half and full-day trips through high-desert red rock scenery near Cañon City. Family-friendly introduction to Class III rapids with bighorn sheep and wildlife sightings. ## Overnight & Multi-Day Trips - [2-Day Numbers Overnight Rafting Trip](https://whitewater.net/numbers-overnight-rafting-trip/): Two days of continuous Class IV-V whitewater through The Numbers with alpine wilderness camping, guide-prepared meals, and campfire evenings. - [3-Day Ultimate Rafting Trip](https://whitewater.net/arkansas-river-3-day-advanced-rafting-trip-colorado/): The greatest-hits expedition covering The Numbers, The Narrows, Browns Canyon, Bighorn Sheep Canyon, and the Royal Gorge — 51 miles of classic Arkansas River whitewater. Minimum age 16. ## Outpost Locations - [Buena Vista — Browns Canyon Outpost](https://whitewater.net/rafting-buena-vista-colorado/): Base camp along the Arkansas River six miles south of Buena Vista. Launch point for Browns Canyon, Numbers, and Family Float trips. Home to The Beach restaurant, bar, and live music venue. - [Cañon City — Royal Gorge Outpost](https://whitewater.net/rafting-canon-city-colorado/): Gateway to Colorado's most famous whitewater. Launches Royal Gorge and Bighorn Sheep Canyon trips. 1 hour from Colorado Springs, 2 hours from Denver. ## The Beach (Buena Vista) - [The Beach Restaurant & Bar](https://whitewater.net/thebeach/): On-site riverside restaurant and bar at the Buena Vista outpost — pre and post-rafting food, drinks, and relaxation on the Arkansas River. - [Music at The Beach](https://whitewater.net/music/): Live music schedule and event lineup at the riverside venue. - [Event Venue](https://whitewater.net/eventspace/): Private event booking — weddings, corporate gatherings, and group celebrations with river access. ## Trip Planning - [Trip Planning Guide](https://whitewater.net/trip-planning/): Choosing the right trip, booking windows, peak season (June-August), and how to package rafting with other Colorado activities. - [Raft & Stay](https://whitewater.net/raft-stay/): Lodging recommendations near both outposts — cabins, glamping (Starlite Vintage Resort), hotels, and camping within walking distance of the river. - [Best Time to Go Whitewater Rafting in Colorado](https://whitewater.net/colorado-river-rafting/the-best-time-to-go-whitewater-rafting-in-colorado/): Month-by-month breakdown of water levels, rapid intensity, weather, and which trips run when. - [FAQ](https://whitewater.net/faq/): Answers on what to wear, what to bring, age limits, swimming requirements, group discounts, weather policies, and cancellations. ## About & Company Info - [Contact Us](https://whitewater.net/contact/): Phone (719) 395-2466, email rafting@whitewater.net, outpost addresses, and directions. - [Jobs](https://whitewater.net/jobs/): River guide, photographer, hospitality, and seasonal staff positions. - [Webcam](https://whitewater.net/webcam/): Live view of the Arkansas River from the Buena Vista outpost. ## Store & Extras - [Gift Cards](https://whitewater.net/gift/): Purchase rafting gift certificates redeemable on any trip. - [Trip Photos](https://whitewater.net/photos/): Purchase professional action photos from your rafting trip (via Arkansas Valley Digital Imaging on Royal Gorge trips, in-house on Browns Canyon). ## Blog - [Colorado River Rafting Blog](https://whitewater.net/colorado-river-rafting/): Articles on river conditions, trip selection, Colorado travel, and Arkansas River history. - [Class V Rafting on the Arkansas River](https://whitewater.net/rafting-pine-creek-on-the-arkansas-river/): Firsthand guide account of Pine Creek — Colorado's most continuous Class V whitewater. - [Ultimate Colorado Vacation at the Royal Gorge](https://whitewater.net/find-your-ultimate-colorado-vacation-at-the-royal-gorge/): Combining rafting with the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Route Railroad, trail rides, and area attractions. - [Rafting the Royal Gorge: Many Levels of Fun](https://whitewater.net/rafting-the-royal-gorge-offers-many-levels-of-fun/): How water levels (300-7,000 cfs) change the character of the Royal Gorge across seasons. ## Booking & Promotions - [Book Online](https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/riverrunnerswhitewaters/?full-items=yes): FareHarbor booking portal — real-time availability across all trips and dates. - [Royal Gorge Travel Discount](https://whitewater.net/royal-gorge-travel/): 10% off full-day or half-day trips with promo code RGTRAVEL. ## Optional - [Royal Gorge + Bridge Adrenaline Package](https://whitewater.net/royal-gorge-rafting-trip-royal-gorge-bridge-adrenaline-tickets/): Combination package — half-day Royal Gorge rafting plus Royal Gorge Bridge & Park admission, Sky Coaster, and zipline tickets. - [Royal Gorge + Train Ride Package](https://whitewater.net/reservations-royal-rafting-trip-royal-gorge-bridge-tickets/): Half-day rafting plus Royal Gorge Bridge admission and 3-hour Royal Gorge Route Railroad trip. - [Bighorn Sheep Canyon + Train Package](https://whitewater.net/bighorn-raft-railroad/): Family-friendly Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting paired with the Royal Gorge Route Railroad.