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Run the famed Numbers on the Arkansas River — a three-hour, guide-led half-day rafting trip near Buena Vista, Colorado, that packs Class III–IV rapids, close canyon walls, and hands-on instruction for experienced paddlers and adventurous beginners.
Run the famed Numbers on the Arkansas River — a three-hour, guide-led half-day rafting trip near Buena Vista, Colorado, that packs Class III–IV rapids, close canyon walls, and hands-on instruction for experienced paddlers and adventurous beginners.
Book with AVA Rafting and Zipline
Book directly with AVA Rafting and Zipline for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
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Operated by AVA Rafting and Zipline · Buena Vista, Colorado
The river grabs your attention before you step into the raft: cold, quick, and impatient as it threads the canyon. On the Numbers section of the Arkansas River, rapids keep their own count — a legacy from 19th-century miners who found the churning water more memorable than names. Expect a concentrated rush of Class III–IV drops, clear views of granite walls, and occasional calm eddies that let you catch your breath and listen to water pushing downstream.
challenging.
3 hours.
Moderate to high: you should have basic cardiovascular fitness, upper-body stamina for paddling, and comfort in moving water.
Minimum age is 15 years and minimum weight is 50 lbs; check operator policies for exceptions or minors traveling with guardians.
No prior experience is required, but all guests must be competent swimmers and able to follow guide instructions; experienced paddlers get more challenging maneuvers.
Trips run in most weather; operators follow safety protocols—cancellation for refund is typically allowed with 24+ hours’ notice per provider policy.
Guides provide helmets, wetsuits, splash jackets, and personal flotation devices; bring secure footwear and season-appropriate layers.
Miners in the late 1800s numbered the rapids instead of naming them, leaving a practical naming system that persists today.
The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area manages access and promotes leave-no-trace river use; avoid transferring gear between water bodies to prevent aquatic invasive species.
AVA Rafting and Zipline operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with AVA Rafting and Zipline
Book directly with AVA Rafting and Zipline for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now