The Numbers White Water Rafting

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.