| |
|
Rafting Colorado
Rafting Colorado Questions & Answers
FAQ's
 1) WHICH COLORADO RAFTING TRIP IS
BEST FOR US ?
That depends on your group. Generally, novices and
experienced boaters alike enjoy the family class whitewater of the isolated
pocket wilderness of Brown's Canyon. For
those rafting Colorado with some experience or who have done Brown's before or
who want fewer people around, Wildhorse Canyon (the
Narrows) is a good bet. It starts out more technically so there is less
warm-up time, more trees, fewer canyon walls, and great views of the high
peaks. It has more continuous whitewater but the drops are not as big as in
Brown's. For those thrill-seekers with solid
class III rafting experience, it's time to challenge yourself in the Numbers
section. This rafting section has Class IV-V rapids with few eddies or recovery
areas. It is narrow and steep and a real adrenaline rush! If you have the time,
a full day trip is best to get a good taste of what rafting's all about. For a
real wilderness trip, take the extra time to go on the Dolores in the spring.
2) WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO RAFTING IN COLORADO?
Regardless of water levels and weather conditions, the best time to go
is WHEN YOU WANT TO GO! Normally the peak runoff occurs in mid-June.
However, the highest water flow doesn't necessarily make for the best ride
since some rapids "wash out" at high water. Many groups feel normal water flows
provide the most enjoyable ride. Certain river sections (the Numbers or
Narrows) may be unrunnable at peak water flows or at lower water levels. May
& June trips have higher water levels, cooler temperatures, and chance of
rain. July and August trips are normally hot and sunny with occasional
afternoon showers and the water levels are more stable. As the summer
progresses the waters gradually recede making it a real challenge to negotiate
the boulder fields! Weekday trips and morning trips are less crowded than
weekend or afternoon trips for your Colorado rafting. Reservations are taken on
a first come, first serve basis, so the earlier you select the trip and your
date, make your reservation and pay the deposit, the more likely your chances
are of getting the trip and date you really want (Saturdays fill up fast -
space is limited).
Call now
for more information 800-332-7238 |
|
3) HOW SAFE IS COLORADO RAFTING?
Safer than driving your
car and statistically safer than skiing or golf! We have taken folks 86 years
old rafting and quadriplegics. Our experienced staff of guides and drivers are
all well-trained, conscientious individuals who place your safety above all
else. However, as a participant in our trips, you must realize that certain
hazards do exist in any adventure activity such as rafting, wilderness travel,
and related transportation. Although it is unlikely you will fall out, the
chances increase in a paddle raft and/or on advanced sections of the river.
When you register and participate in our trips, you do so with the
understanding that you are aware of and agree to accept responsibility for
these risks. Guests are required to read and sign a Liability Waiver.
4) DOES EVERYONE HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO SWIM?
NO!
Each person is issued a Type V whitewater lifejacket which must
be worn at all times on the river. These jackets are designed so that if
someone did absolutely nothing in the water, they would float with their chest
up and head above water. We do recommend that all participants be comfortable
in and around water without fear, especially on our bigger whitewater trips. We
provide detailed instructions before each Colorado rafting trip regarding how
to float and what to do should you fall out of the boat.
5) WHAT DO OUR COLORADO RAFTING TRIPS
INCLUDE?
Well-trained, personable guides, river & safety equipment,
rain ponchos, dry bags, and shuttles. One-day and multi-day trips include meals
and beverages. Variations in meals and camping arrangements may be made
according to your group's interest for your Colorado rafting trip.
6) HOW MANY PEOPLE MAKE A GROUP?
Group discounts on trip
prices begin at 10 people. The amount of discount depends on the number in your
group, the trip, and the date. Our operation can handle groups of most any
size, even 100+; however, most groups are much smaller. Maximum group size on
the Dolores is 25. This includes guides for a quality Colorado rafting
trip.
7) WHAT KIND OF FOOD IS PROVIDED?
Lunch on day
trips is usually a make your own deli sandwich with fruits, veggies, chips,
dip, and cookies. On overnight trips, breakfasts usually consists of egg
dishes, meat, and fruit with dinner being a variety of gourmet entrees and
mouth-watering desserts created by our guides. That could include Italian or
Mexican dishes and/or Dutch Oven cooking. Our food gets rave reviews and nobody
has ever gone away hungry! Let us know if your group has any special food
requests.
8) WHAT ARE THE CAMPSITES LIKE?
They are scenic,
primitive and along the river. Outhouses or river toilets are used and there is
no running water. They are close to scenic hikes, rockhounding, and of course
fishing.
9) IS RENTAL EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE?
We have wetsuits,
wetsuit boots, paddle jackets and neoprene gloves available to rent for any
of our trips along with a limited supply of sleeping bags, tents, and ground
pads. Spinning rods are also available. It's a good idea to reserve rental
gear in advance. More Information on
Rentals
10) HOW ABOUT CHANGING ROOMS AND RESTROOMS?
We have a
large changing facility and flush toilets. Wilderness toiletry methods are used
on the river.
11) WHAT ABOUT GUIDE GRATUITIES?
All of our employees
are paid adequately for their service. However, if you feel someone has helped
make your trip especially enjoyable or educational, tipping is a nice way of
expressing thanks -- and is greatly appreciated! Letters from our guests about
their Colorado rafting experience are always warmly received as well.
12) HOW DO WE GET THERE?
Once you've made your
reservation and paid the deposit, you will receive information and a map on how
to get to the meeting point for your trip. The ARKANSAS is within a 2
1/2 hour drive of Denver and 2 hours from Colorado Springs (both with airports)
and most mountain resorts. We are located 7 miles south of Buena Vista (private
airport) on Hwy 285 in Nathrop. Charter buses are available from Front Range
cities at an additional charge. We recommend that your group plan car pools and
that each vehicle carry a map to our meeting
place. For Dolores trips you can fly to Durango, Albuquerque, or Grand
Junction and rent a car from there to just west of Cortez. Detailed directions
will be sent.
13) WHAT ABOUT WEATHER?
We pretty much go rain, snow, or
shine. Colorado rafting weather can be totally different only 1 mile away so
you can't depend on how it is where your group is leaving from. We may wait a
shower out before leaving, but usually our rain gear or wet suits will keep you
comfortable. Guides carry extra wool sweaters for emergencies in their dry
bags. It's best to dress for cold in layers that you can take off (polypro,
fleece, wool are better than heavy cotton garments). May and early June can be
cool, July & August warmer with occasional afternoon showers. WEATHER IS
NOT JUST CAUSE FOR CANCELLATION!
14) WHAT SHOULD I BRING FOR COLORADO RAFTING?
Short
trips: Wear clothes that dry quickly--shorts, bathing suits, tennis shoes
or river sandals--polypro shirt, sunglasses with strap, sunscreen, wool sweater
or fleece, and a change of dry clothes and dry shoes. Try to avoid wearing
cotton garments on the river. Cotton, when wet, will make you colder. No
drugs, alcohol or electronics on trips. (Alcohol in non-glass containers can be
consumed in reasonable amounts in the evenings on overnights). Overnight
trips: Packing list and available rental equipment will be sent upon
confirmation of trip.
15) WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO IN THE AREA?
For Arkansas
trips, there are a multitude of activities: hiking, mt. biking, 4-wheeling,
camping, fishing, backpacking, kayaking, wildlife viewing (deer, bighorn sheep,
elk, mt. goats), scenic drives, rock climbing, mt. climbing (this county has
the largest number of 14,000' peaks in the continental U.S. and most do not
require technical climbing), visiting ghost towns, museums and art galleries,
festivals, musical concerts, movies, train rides, rock hounding, hot springs
soaking and swimming, horseback riding, golf, tennis, pick-up games at the
river park in volleyball, basketball, or soccer. The Dolores River is close to
the Anasazi ruins at Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument and
the incredible Utah canyon country with its abundance of national parks.
Please contact us if you have
further questions!
Call now
for more rafting Colorado information 800-332-7238 |
