Salida River Adventures is run by river guides, for people who want a great day on the water.
Our story
We started guiding on the Arkansas about 20 years ago, and in 2018 we opened Salida River Adventures. Our goal hasn’t changed since then, every guest goes home after a great day on the river.
That comes down to the details. Our guides know every rapid by name, and our gear fits and keeps you warm. We’ll match your trip to your group, whether that’s a mellow float with a seven-year-old or Class III in Browns Canyon with your friends. If something about your day isn’t right, tell us and we’ll make it right. The best compliment we get is a group that comes back the next summer with more friends.
The Shop
Every trip starts at our shop at 7330 US-50 in Salida. Check in, gear up and hang out on the back patio before you head to the river.
The Town Run and Bighorn Sheep Canyon are about five minutes away, and Browns Canyon is 20 to 30 minutes. When you get back, it’s high fives and photos from your trip.
Rafting safety
Most guides on the Arkansas have one to three seasons under their belts. Our whole crew averages about 12. We’re river professionals, and Matt and I are two of the most experienced guides on this stretch of river.
You might not think about that before your trip, but you’ll notice it on the water. Every trip includes a life jacket, a helmet and a safety briefing on the shuttle ride to the river. We watch water levels every day, and we only run each section when it’s right for the group in the boat.
Meet the team
We’re a small, family-run crew, and we put in long days all summer so yours goes smoothly. You’ll see us at the counter, on the shuttle and in the boats.
Owner / Guide / Operations Manager
18 years of full-time guiding on the Arkansas River. Over 10,000 miles, Class V guide. Favorite rapid: the Seven Stairs in Browns Canyon. Kyle is a fifth-generation Coloradan with a great love for the outdoors. During the summer you'll find Kyle guiding rafts, hustling on daily logistics, and chasing his dog Georgie. During the winter, Kyle coaches the Freeride Ski team at Monarch Mountain.
Owner / Guide / General Manager
18 years of full-time guiding on the Arkansas River. Over 10,000 miles, Class V guide. Favorite rapids: Zoom Flume in Browns Canyon and #4 in the Numbers. Matt moved from Missouri during college and never looked back. He calls Salida home year-round and loves the Arkansas River Valley. You can find him guiding boats on the Arkansas, searching for big brown trout or exploring the mountains on his motorbike. In the off season he loves a good powder day at Monarch Mountain or chasing warm weather in the Tiger camper.
Office & Reservations Manager
Becca runs the office and reservations. Her dog has more river miles than most guides.
Chief Greeter
Roy is our lead greeter and head water pup. He's usually the first to say hello when you walk into the shop, and he takes his job seriously, at least until someone offers a good scratch behind the ears.