10 miles and 7 Class III rapids through a national monument. The most popular trip on the Arkansas.
Pine Creek Rafting: Class IV–V Full Day on the Arkansas
$229 per person
Trip Type
Rafting
Activity Level
Expert
River Section
Pine Creek
✓ Book online until
18 hours before departure if no one is booked yet; 3 hours before if the departure already has bookings
Overview
Pine Creek Full Day is a Class IV–V rafting trip on the Arkansas River. It covers 12 miles in 5 to 6 hours, leaves at 9:00 am and runs July 1 to August 15.
The day starts with a warm-up through the Granite Gorge, where Class III–IV rapids like Maytag, Bitchin' Camaro and Hopscotch get you ready. Then you'll scout Pine Creek rapid with your guide before running the steepest whitewater on the Arkansas River.
The whitewater isn't over yet. Seven more miles of Class III–IV through the Numbers take you to the take-out and a riverside lunch.
Who it's for
Rafters with prior whitewater experience who are comfortable in Class IV–V rapids. This is not a first trip.
Requirements
Prior whitewater paddling experience, good fitness for a long day of paddling and scrambling on rocky riverbanks, and strong swimming and self-rescue skills in moving water.
Highlights
- Pine Creek rapid, the steepest on the Arkansas
- Granite Gorge warm-up
- Seven miles of the Numbers to finish
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
- Pine Creek rapid, the steepest on the Arkansas
- Granite Gorge warm-up
- Seven miles of the Numbers to finish
Your day, step by step
1Check in and warm up
1
Check in and warm 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 river and warm up through the Granite Gorge.
- Wetsuit and splash jacket at no charge, plus a helmet and life jacket
- Departs at 9:00 am
- Ages 16 and up, prior whitewater experience required
2Scout and run Pine Creek
2
Scout and run Pine Creek
After Class III–IV rapids like Maytag, Bitchin' Camaro and Hopscotch, you'll scout Pine Creek rapid with your guide, then run the steepest whitewater on the Arkansas River.
- Expect some scrambling on rocky banks
- Strong swimming and self-rescue skills needed
3The Numbers and lunch
3
The Numbers and lunch
Seven more miles of Class III–IV through the Numbers take you to the take-out and a riverside lunch. Then the shuttle brings you back to the outpost.
- Lunch at the take-out
- 12 miles and about 5 to 6 hours in total
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
- Lunch at the take-out
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 water bottle (we bring extra 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
- Tell us about dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free) when you book
- A towel and dry clothes to leave at the shop for after
Water levels & Season
Season
🌊
July 1, 2027
– August 15, 2027
Departures
⛅
9:00 am
Pine Creek only runs when the water is right, July 1 to August 15.
Guest Reviews
View all reviewsFAQ
Common questions about this trip.
What experience do I need for Pine Creek?
Prior whitewater experience, good fitness for a long day of paddling and scrambling on rocky banks, and strong swimming and self-rescue skills in moving water. This is not a first trip.
Do we scout Pine Creek rapid?
Yes. You'll scout it with your guide before running it. It's the steepest drop on the Arkansas.
When does Pine Creek run?
July 1 to August 15, when the water is right. It leaves at 9:00 am and covers 12 miles in 5 to 6 hours, with lunch at the take-out.
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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