10 miles and 7 Class III rapids through a national monument. The most popular trip on the Arkansas.
Rafting the Numbers: Half-Day Class IV Trip
$129 per person
Trip Type
Rafting
Activity Level
Challenging
River Section
The Numbers
✓ Book online until
18 hours before departure if no one is booked yet; 3 hours before if the departure already has bookings
Overview
The Numbers ½ Day is a Class IV rafting trip on the Arkansas River. It covers 7 miles of nonstop whitewater in 2.5 to 3 hours, with 8:30 am and 12:30 pm departures from May 14 to August 15.
The Numbers is the run local paddlers pick on their days off. At lower flows it's a technical playground of Class IV rapids: constant maneuvering, precise lines and quick reflexes as you thread waves, holes and rocky constrictions. When the water rises, it turns into big waves, powerful hydraulics and long wave trains that challenge even seasoned paddlers.
Either way, you'll be paddling hard and listening to your guide the whole way. Expect heart-pounding drops and an unforgettable day.
Who it's for
Experienced paddlers and adrenaline seekers ready for continuous exertion and changing conditions.
Highlights
- 7 miles of continuous Class IV rapids
- Technical at low water, big waves at high water
- Morning and afternoon departures
Trip Highlights
What's Included
- Your river guide
- Wetsuit and splash jacket
- Helmet and life jacket
- Shuttle to the put-in and back to the shop
What to Expect
- 7 miles of continuous Class IV rapids
- Technical at low water, big waves at high water
- Morning and afternoon departures
Your day, step by step
1Check in and gear up
1
Check in and gear up
Check in at our outpost at 7330 US-50 in Salida, finish your online waiver and get fitted for your gear. Then shuttle to the put-in for a safety talk from your guide.
- Wetsuit and splash jacket at no charge, plus a helmet and life jacket
- Departures at 8:30 am and 12:30 pm
- Ages 14 and up
2Run the Numbers
2
Run the Numbers
Seven miles of nonstop Class IV whitewater, the run local paddlers pick on their days off. You'll be paddling hard and listening to your guide the whole way.
- Technical waves, holes and rocky constrictions at lower flows
- Big waves and long wave trains when the water is up
3Back at the outpost
3
Back at the outpost
Ride the shuttle back to the outpost to change and catch your breath.
- About 2.5 to 3 hours in total
- Bring a towel and dry clothes for after
What's Included
Included
- Your river guide
- Wetsuit and splash jacket
- Helmet and life jacket
- Shuttle to the put-in and back to the shop
Not Included
- Trip photos
- Guide tip
- Water shoes
- Sunglass strap (chums)
- Sunscreen
- Drinking water
- We sell photos, water shoes, chums, sunscreen and water at the shop
What to Bring
- Quick-dry clothes like a sun shirt and board shorts, or leggings (comfier than swimsuit bottoms on the raft). No cotton
- Early season: a wool or synthetic layer to wear under your wetsuit
- Shoes that stay on your feet: water shoes, sandals with a heel strap or old sneakers. No flip-flops
- Sunscreen and a bottle of water
- A strap (chums) if you wear sunglasses
- Any medication you need, like an EpiPen or inhaler
- Leave your phone in the car. We don't recommend phones on this stretch
- A towel and dry clothes to leave at the shop for after
Water levels & Season
Season
🌊
May 14, 2027
– August 15, 2027
Departures
⛅
8:30 am, 12:30 pm
At lower flows the Numbers is technical: tight lines, rocks and precise moves. When the water comes up, it turns into big waves and powerful holes.
At peak high water (usually mid-June) the Numbers can close to commercial trips. We'll let you know.
Guest Reviews
View all reviewsFAQ
Common questions about this trip.
Is the Numbers OK for first-timers?
It's a serious step up from Browns Canyon: seven miles of nonstop Class IV, and you'll paddle hard the whole way. It's for fit, experienced rafters. Not sure you're ready? Call us and we'll tell you straight.
Can the Numbers close at high water?
Yes. At peak high water, usually mid-June, the Numbers can close to commercial trips. We'll let you know.
How far is the Numbers from the shop?
About 30 to 45 minutes. Trips leave at 8:30 am and 12:30 pm, May 14 to August 15.
When does online booking close for the Numbers?
18 hours before departure if nobody has booked that trip yet, or 3 hours before if it already has bookings.
Do I need to know how to swim?
You'll wear a life jacket the whole time, so you don't need to be a strong swimmer on Beginner and Intermediate trips. Advanced trips require strong swimming ability.
Which trip is right for my group?
Go with the least experienced person in the group. Beginner trips are calm, Intermediate trips have real rapids, and Advanced trips are for experienced rafters. Still stuck? Call us at (719) 626-1350. We want you on the trip you're supposed to be on.
What should I wear?
Quick-dry clothes like a sun shirt and board shorts. Lots of women find leggings comfier than swimsuit bottoms on the raft. Skip cotton. Early season, add a wool or synthetic layer under the wetsuit and splash jacket we give you. Wear shoes that stay on your feet: water shoes, sandals with a heel strap or old sneakers. No flip-flops.
What if it rains?
We raft rain or shine. You're going to get wet anyway. We'll only cancel for lightning or unsafe conditions.
What's your cancellation policy?
Cancel 72 hours or more before your trip for a full refund. Inside 72 hours, there's no refund.
Can I change my date?
Free if it's 72 hours or more before your trip. Inside 72 hours, you can pick a new date and time in the same calendar year, if space is available, for a $10 rebooking fee ($100 per person for overnights).
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