The Numbers White Water Rafting
This stretch of river contains some of Colorado’s most exciting Class IV whitewater rafting! People travel from across the world to raft The Numbers. With constant splashes, a few medium-sized drops and non-stop action, you will want to be in good physical condition for this trip.
Enjoy amazing Rocky Mountain views of the impressive, snow-capped Collegiate Peaks and exciting non-stop Class IV rapids. Perfect for whitewater veterans and adrenaline-seeking first-timers looking for a memorable Colorado rafting challenge!
- If you need assistance booking your trip give our friendly Adventure Coordinators a call at 719-395-6494
- Free sanitized wetsuit package rentals are included with your trip!
- Check out our packing list and what to wear here
Details
Difficulty Level:
Advanced
Minimum Age:
14 Years Old
Meeting Place:
Buena Vista, Colorado
See this trip in action! Click below to watch our Numbers video.
RAFTING TRIP OPTIONS
Full Day of Rafting
Spanning an exhilarating 16 miles of continuous Class IV rapids, this full-day trip offers five hours of heart-pounding adventure and amazing views of the Rocky Mountains. Plus, you will have the chance to fuel up with our Ultimate Fajita feast, cooked fresh, and served riverside along your journey!
$209/Person
8:00am–3:15pm
8:00am–3:15p
$209/Person
$188.10
End Sale 10% off – exp. 8/15/24
8:00am–3:15p
$209/Person
$177.65
Summer Sale 15% off – exp. 6/15/24
8:00am–3:15p
$209/Person
8:00am–3:15p
$209/Person
$167.20
Last Chance Sale 20% off
Promo Code: LAST20
1/2 Day of Rafting
This half-day trip consists of continuous, exciting whitewater. Be prepared for an action-packed 1.5 hours on the river, with 7.5 miles of steep non-stop rapids. Be sure to soak in the beautiful scenery as you catch your breath before the next exciting rapid!
$139/Person
8:00 am–11:15 am
12:15pm-3:30pm
8:00 am–11:15 am
$139/Person
$97.30
Sale 30% off
Promo Code: POPULAR8
$139/Person
12:15pm-3:30pm
12:15pm-3:30pm
$109/Person
12:15pm-3:30pm
$109/Person
$118.15
Summer Sale 15% off – exp. 6/15/24
12:15pm-3:30pm
$139/Person
12:15pm-3:30pm
$139/Person
$111.20
Last Chance Sale 20% off
Promo Code: LAST20
3/4 Day of Rafting
All of the fun of the ½ day trip, plus our famous chicken and steak Ultimate Fajita Feast included! The time on the water will be the same as the ½ day trip of 1.5 hours. Lunch will be served hot at our facility; we believe it’s the perfect fuel for rafting!
$169/Person
8:00am-12:15pm
11:30am-3:30pm
8:00am-12:15pm
11:30am-3:30pm
$169/Person
$152.10
End Sale 10% off – exp. 8/15/24
8:00am-12:15pm
11:30am-3:30pm
$169/Person
$135.20
Last Chance Sale 20% off
Promo Code: LAST20
8:00am-12:15pm
11:30am-3:30pm
$169/Person
8:00am-12:15pm
11:30am-3:30pm
$169/Person
$118.30
FLASH SALE 30% off – Offer exp. 7/8
Express
Transportation, lunch, and rafting all rolled into one perfect trip! We will provide round-trip transportation in our comfort shuttles, then enjoy our Ultimate Fajita Feast at our boathouse before you take off on your 1.5-hour whitewater adventure!
$219/Person
Time dependent on pick-up location.
$219/Person
Time dependent on pick-up location.
What to Expect on the River
Non-Stop Class IV Action
Adrenaline Packed Rafting - ½ or Full Day Trip
Scenery Meets Thrills
Kick off at our Buena Vista outpost and gear up with helmets and Coast Guard approved life jackets. With a large inventory to fit all sizes, when needed, choose free use of sanitized wetsuits, splash jackets, and neoprene shoes. Then hit one of the most famous stretches of advanced Class IV whitewater in the world. It is rare to find such continuous whitewater when seeking an advanced raft trip. Expect tight channels, big splashes, medium sized drops, and challenging maneuvers as your crew paddles together in response to your experienced Guide’s commands, to successfully navigate this exciting section of river.
Cover either 7.5 or 16 miles of powerful whitewater, with 1.5 or 4.5 hours on the water depending on your choice of ½ or full day trip option. The Numbers section of the Arkansas River will surely satisfy your need for adrenaline. This section is fast, technical, and designed for adventurous rafters 14 and older who are ready for a challenge.
While there are not many opportunities to just sit back and soak in the scenery on this action-packed trip, there are a few. In between the splashes, take in sweeping views of towering mountains past tree-lined riverbanks. Back at the outpost after an unforgettable ride, change, take a hot shower if you want, check out your rafting photos, and relax with snacks, beer, or wine at Station 24 Cafe.
The Numbers Itinerary
Begin your Numbers rafting trip at our Buena Vista outpost along the Arkansas River. Meet your expert guide and get outfitted with helmets, and Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Choose free rentals from our large inventory of sanitized wetsuits, splash jackets, or river shoes, when needed. Then gather in our shaded picnic area before a 12 minute van or bus ride to your put-in.
Take a short shuttle to The Numbers put-in. Before launching, your experienced Guide will deliver a detailed safety briefing and paddle practice tailored for advanced Class IV whitewater rafting. Learn the techniques you’ll need to navigate powerful rapids and technical maneuvers.
Hit continuous Class IV rapids for the ultimate advanced Colorado whitewater experience. Depending on your trip option, you’ll cover 7.5 or 16 miles, spending 1.5 or 4.5 hours on the water. This stretch is fast, steep, and packed with non-stop action, making it one of the most thrilling rafting trips in the world.
Return to our Buena Vista headquarters to rinse off with a hot shower, put on dry clothes, view your professional rafting photos, and wind down at Station 24 Café with snacks and drinks. Just two miles away, explore the mountain town of Buena Vista to round out your Class IV rafting adventure.
Rafting Trip Essentials
Dress for adventure with a swimsuit or quick-dry clothing, bring a performance layer and polyester fleece, if it’s a cooler day. Secure footwear is required — sandals with heel straps, water shoes, or sneakers are best. Flip flops and Crocs are not allowed. You can also plan on borrowing our sanitized wetsuits, splash jackets, or neoprene shoes at no extra cost.
Your Arkansas River rafting trip comes fully equipped. Every guest receives Coast Guard approved life jackets, helmets, a paddle, and sanitized wetsuits, splash jackets, and river shoes when needed. You’ll also have a professional, experienced Raft Guide, who’ll take care of you on and off the river to help ensure a safe, comfortable, and fun trip. Finally, your raft and emergency safety equipment are all top of the line to set you and your group up to win!
Pack sunscreen, sunglasses with a retainer strap, and a change of dry clothes for after your trip. These items along with souvenirs are available in our Outfitter Store. You may want cash or a card for guide gratuities, photos, or snacks at our Station 24 Café.
Group Trips & Lodging
Let us handle the details for your large group so you can enjoy each other’s company as you tackle the thrills on the Numbers. Our focus on ensuring a top quality experience will surely be a hit for your group. Conveniently located at our Buena Vista outpost, A Riverhouse Lodge may be ideal for your group of up to 18 people.
Looking to plan an unforgettable group adventure in Colorado? We offer special group discounts for parties of 12 or more. Whether it’s a bachelor or bachelorette party, corporate team-building trip, wedding group, family reunion, or a group of friends ready for the challenge, The Numbers is one of the most thrilling stretches of Arkansas River whitewater rafting. Our experienced guides and top-quality amenities make it easy to create a seamless group experience.
Stay just steps from the river at our on-site A Riverhouse Lodge near Buena Vista. Enjoy the convenience of our rafting headquarters which includes lodging, and our cafe. Combining comfort with convenience, it’s the perfect home base for rafting The Numbers and exploring the Collegiate Peaks. With easy access to dining, shopping, and mountain-town charm, your group can extend the adventure beyond the rapids.
Want to keep the excitement within your own crew? Select our Private Raft Option during booking, for a small additional fee. This ensures your raft is exclusive to your group—ideal for parties, corporate outings, or adrenaline-seekers looking for a more personal whitewater rafting experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The Numbers is a challenging 7.5-mile stretch of continuous Class IV whitewater on the Arkansas River near Buena Vista, Colorado. It’s famous for steep drops and nonstop rapids. Many rafters travel from Breckenridge and across Colorado to experience this exciting rafting adventure.
While physically fit beginners who are strong swimmers can join, we recommend prior rafting experience for the best enjoyment and safety. Our Buena Vista guides provide extra coaching on paddle technique to help newer rafters tackle Class IV rapids with confidence.
Avoid cotton clothing, denim, flip flops, and Crocs. Secure footwear and quick-dry clothing are essential. In Colorado’s mountain environment, wet cotton will chill you quickly—opt for synthetic layers to stay warm on the Arkansas River.
Never ignore your guide’s instructions, avoid bringing unsecured valuables, and do not remove your safety gear at any time. Do not attempt to stand up in the raft or swim against the current if you fall out—always follow your guide’s safety protocols on this challenging stretch.
Expect nonstop action, thrilling drops, and technical maneuvers through Class IV rapids, accompanied by breathtaking Colorado mountain scenery. You’ll navigate steep chutes and narrow channels framed by the Collegiate Peaks, making this one of the most scenic whitewater rafting trips in Colorado.
We provide wetsuits, splash jackets, river shoes, helmets, and life jackets—all sanitized and complimentary. Our Buena Vista outpost also supplies waterproof river bags for phones, so you can safely carry essentials on the Arkansas River.
Bring quick-drying clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses with straps, secure footwear, dry clothes for afterward, and gratuity for your guide. Consider a reusable water bottle to refill at our Buena Vista facility—staying hydrated is crucial at Colorado’s high altitude.
Our rafting headquarters is located at 12847 US Hwy 24/285, Buena Vista, CO, right along the Arkansas River. From Breckenridge, it’s an easy 70-mile drive via US-24, making our Buena Vista base the perfect gateway to Numbers rafting.
Class III and IV rapids are thrilling and challenging, suitable for confident paddlers who enjoy excitement and continuous action. On The Numbers section, expect long sequences of technical rapids that test your teamwork and paddling skills.
We monitor river conditions daily. If water levels affect safety, we adjust routes or offer an equally exciting alternate trip to ensure your safety. During high snowmelt in June, we may raise minimum age limits or switch to nearby Browns Canyon for a slightly calmer but still thrilling experience.
Depth varies from shallow, rocky sections to deeper pools, typically ranging from 3 to 15 feet, depending on snowmelt and seasonal water levels. These depth changes create the dynamic waves and drops that make Numbers rafting so exhilarating.
The Arkansas River near Buena Vista offers Class III–IV rapids in The Numbers and Browns Canyon sections, and even Class V in some areas during high flows. This variety makes Buena Vista one of Colorado’s top destinations for whitewater rafting adventures.
Map Shows the Trip Meeting Location
