Rafting The Numbers: What to Expect
This Numbers is a Class IV stretch of the Arkansas River, sought after by rafters and kayakers from around the world – and it is right here in Buena Vista, Colorado! The Numbers is an advanced 7.5 mile stretch with continuous, exciting whitewater. You will want to be in decent shape for this trip, as your guide will be calling on their paddlers to navigate the non-stop technical turns.
Once you meet at our Buena Vista outfitter, check-in, and get fitted for your PFD, helmet, and wetsuit rental (if applicable) you will get on our bus and drive to The Numbers put-in. This is about a 10-15 minute drive. On the way, your Trip Leader will give a brief explanation of what to expect.
Once you get to the put-in your guides will unload the rafts from the bus, and your trip leader will give a comprehensive safety talk, showing you how to respond incase of emergency. You will then meet your guide and they will show you where and how to sit on the raft. You will soon take off and start your big adventure.
There is some calm water before the rapids begin, where you will get familiar with paddle strokes, commands, etc.
Once you hit rapid Number One you will get a feel for how your team works together and how effective each paddle stroke is when you work together as a team. Enjoy your trip – it is adrenaline pumping and unforgettable! Feel free to ask your guide about local history of the area, if there is time in between rapids.
In early June, as the temp really starts to warm up, the river water levels start to rise due to melting snow. At a certain water level (CFS – cubic ft/s) The Numbers will close to commercial rafting for safety measures. The closure usually only lasts about a week or two, depending on how much snow melt there is. If you are planning your trip around rafting The Numbers, we suggest planning for later in June through late July for the ideal water level. We will be running trips until August 15th!
When you raft The Numbers with The Adventure Company, you can ensure your family is in safe hands. We are the only outfitter in the valley to only hire experienced guides. If our family was to come rafting, we would put them in a boat with one of our more experienced guides to ensure their trip is as safe and fun as possible. At The Adventure Company, we want that for every boat we send down the river. That’s why we only hire experienced guides. Many of our guides have been with us for 10+ years, and together have over 350 years of combined experience as professional raft guides.
We look forward to taking you and your crew whitewater rafting down The Numbers this summer! Be sure to book your trip in advanced. Ages 14+
While you’re here stop by Station 24 Cafe next door for fresh and convenient grab n’ go breakfast and lunch, local coffee, beer and wine, ice cream, and homemade pastries!
-Your friends at The Adventure Company
