Paddleboarding the Salida River with Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center

Buena Vista, Colorado, lies just a stone’s throw from the Arkansas River’s roaring currents and towering peaks of the Rockies. Here, the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center offers a standout water adventure: a guided paddleboard trip down the Salida Town River Run. Unlike typical flatwater SUP outings, this half-day run blends calm, reflective stretches with Class II rapids that put your balance and timing to a test guaranteed to pump your adrenaline.

The Salida River Run carves through the heart of this outdoor mecca, framed by rugged canyon walls of ancient Precambrian granite and dappled with cottonwoods and wildflowers that thrive along its banks. This section of river is notable for its manageable whitewater, creating an ideal playground for those eager to challenge themselves without prior paddleboarding experience. The energy shifts from placid pools to riffles and standing waves, offering continuous engagement with the river’s every swell and eddy.

Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center’s guides bring invaluable local knowledge, ensuring safety and sharing insights about the unique river ecology and nearby landforms. Buena Vista itself is a hub for adventure seekers, known for rafting, hiking, and climbing, but this paddleboard run provides a fresh perspective—gliding upright through a dynamic waterway surrounded by Colorado’s striking alpine scenery.

The business is a crucial contributor to the local outdoor scene, balancing thrill with accessibility. Whether you’re new to SUP or looking to up your whitewater skills, this trip offers an authentic encounter with the Arkansas River tributaries’ raw character. It stands apart for making an exhilarating river journey approachable, connecting paddlers of all levels with Buena Vista’s natural pulse in a way few adventures do.