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The Numbers section of the Arkansas River near Buena Vista offers some of Colorado’s most technical and demanding whitewater rafting. Navigate six miles of Class III-IV rapids framed by towering peaks and cottonwood-lined banks in this full-day river challenge.
The Numbers section of the Arkansas River near Buena Vista offers some of Colorado’s most technical and demanding whitewater rafting. Navigate six miles of Class III-IV rapids framed by towering peaks and cottonwood-lined banks in this full-day river challenge.
The Arkansas River cuts a jagged path through Colorado’s Collegiate Peaks, daring rafters to test their mettle on its relentless currents. The Numbers section, just south of Buena Vista, is where water doesn’t simply flow—it challenges every stroke and command. Here, the river coils and churns, pushing seasoned paddlers and confident beginners alike through six miles of rapid-fire rapids that demand precision and teamwork.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Wilderness Aware Rafting · Buena Vista, Colorado
The Arkansas River cuts a jagged path through Colorado’s Collegiate Peaks, daring rafters to test their mettle on its relentless currents. The Numbers section, just south of Buena Vista, is where water doesn’t simply flow—it challenges every stroke and command. Here, the river coils and churns, pushing seasoned paddlers and confident beginners alike through six miles of rapid-fire rapids that demand precision and teamwork.
As you slide into your raft at the Johnson Village put-in, the river’s energy is palpable. Towering cottonwoods line the banks, their branches brushing the water, while 14,000-foot peaks loom overhead, their rugged profiles carved by millennia of glaciers and tectonic upheaval. The Numbers is renowned for its technical Class III-IV rapids—tight, fast, and unyielding. Each rapid tests your grip and agility as water slams and foams around rocks, tumbling downstream with unrelenting force.
This stretch of the Arkansas River holds a rich history shaped by both Native American tribes and early settlers who depended on its waters. The river corridor once served as a vital route in Colorado’s mining boom, threading through a landscape sculpted by shifting geologies and time.
Beyond its adventure appeal, the Numbers section sits within a crucial ecosystem, home to bald eagles and river otters that thrive alongside the whitewater. Conservation efforts here focus on maintaining water quality and managing recreational impact to preserve this rugged, living passage.
A professional river guide leads your trip, offering instruction and safety briefings before transport to the launch point. Expect a full-body workout navigating back-to-back rapids, with the option of a full-day trip extending into the Narrows section. Here, rapids sharpen further in a narrower river canyon, deepening the challenge and the thrill.
For preparation, dress in non-cotton, quick-drying layers with secure footwear suited for wet, slippery terrain. Hydration is critical; even in cooler mountain air, exertion and sun exposure increase fluid loss. Arrive ready to engage with the river’s momentum and respond to your guide’s cues.
Buena Vista’s proximity makes it an ideal staging ground for this adventure, with easy access from Denver and other Colorado resorts. Whether tackling a half-day or a full six-hour odyssey, the Numbers delivers a rigorous, scenic workout where every rapid tells the story of Colorado’s wild heart.
challenging.
3–6 hours.
Good physical fitness needed due to continuous paddling, balance, and potential cold water exposure.
Participants must be at least 14 years old, with some high water periods potentially raising the minimum age.
No prior experience is necessary, but a good level of fitness and comfort in water is recommended.
You will be offered an alternative trip or a full refund if the Numbers section is closed during high water periods.
All necessary equipment, including helmet, PFD, and paddles is provided; however, appropriate clothing and footwear are your responsibility.
Lunch is provided on the full-day trip, while half-day trips conclude before mealtime.
Yes, rental options for wetsuits, splash jackets, and river shoes are available on-site depending on conditions.
The Arkansas River corridor was a critical passage during Colorado's mining era and has cultural significance to local Native American communities.
Efforts focus on protecting water quality and balancing recreational use with ecosystem health to preserve the river's wild character.
Wilderness Aware Rafting operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The Arkansas River cuts a jagged path through Colorado’s Collegiate Peaks, daring rafters to test their mettle on its relentless currents. The Numbers section, just south of Buena Vista, is where water doesn’t simply flow—it challenges every stroke and command. Here, the river coils and churns, pushing seasoned paddlers and confident beginners alike through six miles of rapid-fire rapids that demand precision and teamwork.
The Arkansas River cuts a jagged path through Colorado’s Collegiate Peaks, daring rafters to test their mettle on its relentless currents. The Numbers section, just south of Buena Vista, is where water doesn’t simply flow—it challenges every stroke and command. Here, the river coils and churns, pushing seasoned paddlers and confident beginners alike through six miles of rapid-fire rapids that demand precision and teamwork.
As you slide into your raft at the Johnson Village put-in, the river’s energy is palpable. Towering cottonwoods line the banks, their branches brushing the water, while 14,000-foot peaks loom overhead, their rugged profiles carved by millennia of glaciers and tectonic upheaval. The Numbers is renowned for its technical Class III-IV rapids—tight, fast, and unyielding. Each rapid tests your grip and agility as water slams and foams around rocks, tumbling downstream with unrelenting force.
This stretch of the Arkansas River holds a rich history shaped by both Native American tribes and early settlers who depended on its waters. The river corridor once served as a vital route in Colorado’s mining boom, threading through a landscape sculpted by shifting geologies and time.
Beyond its adventure appeal, the Numbers section sits within a crucial ecosystem, home to bald eagles and river otters that thrive alongside the whitewater. Conservation efforts here focus on maintaining water quality and managing recreational impact to preserve this rugged, living passage.
A professional river guide leads your trip, offering instruction and safety briefings before transport to the launch point. Expect a full-body workout navigating back-to-back rapids, with the option of a full-day trip extending into the Narrows section. Here, rapids sharpen further in a narrower river canyon, deepening the challenge and the thrill.
For preparation, dress in non-cotton, quick-drying layers with secure footwear suited for wet, slippery terrain. Hydration is critical; even in cooler mountain air, exertion and sun exposure increase fluid loss. Arrive ready to engage with the river’s momentum and respond to your guide’s cues.
Buena Vista’s proximity makes it an ideal staging ground for this adventure, with easy access from Denver and other Colorado resorts. Whether tackling a half-day or a full six-hour odyssey, the Numbers delivers a rigorous, scenic workout where every rapid tells the story of Colorado’s wild heart.