10 miles and 7 Class III rapids through a national monument. The most popular trip on the Arkansas.
Salida Town Run: Half-Day Rafting Through Downtown Salida
$99 per person
Trip Type
Rafting
Activity Level
Easy
River Section
Salida Town Run
✓ Book online until
3 hours before departure
Overview
The Salida Town Run is a half-day, Class I–II rafting trip on the Arkansas River. It covers 10 miles in about 3 hours, with roughly 2 hours on the water, and runs May 1 to August 15.
Meet us at the Salida River Adventures outpost to get outfitted, then hop on our shuttle for the 10-minute drive to the put-in, where your guide gives a safety briefing. The river starts north of town and floats through a wildlife preserve, so keep an eye out for deer, eagles and bighorn sheep. Then it splashes through the waves of the river park and right into downtown Salida.
It's mostly easy water, with just enough splash to keep the kids laughing. Our shuttle driver meets you downtown and brings you back to the outpost.
Who it's for
Families with young kids, first-timers, and anyone who'd rather take in the scenery than fight big waves.
Highlights
- 10 miles of mellow Class I–II water
- Floats through a wildlife preserve
- Finishes with the waves of the Salida river park
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
- 10 miles of mellow Class I–II water
- Floats through a wildlife preserve
- Ends with the waves of the Salida river park
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 hop on our shuttle for the 10-minute drive to the put-in, where your guide gives a safety briefing.
- Wetsuit and splash jacket at no charge, plus a helmet and life jacket
- Departures at 8:30 am, 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
2Float into downtown Salida
2
Float into downtown Salida
Start north of town and float through a wildlife preserve, then splash through the waves of the river park and right into downtown Salida. It's about 2 hours of mostly easy water.
- Watch for deer, eagles and bighorn sheep
- Just enough splash to keep the kids laughing
3Shuttle back to the outpost
3
Shuttle back to the outpost
Our shuttle driver meets you downtown and brings you back to the outpost to change.
- About 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
- Your phone only at your own risk, in a waterproof pouch ($13 at the counter)
- A towel and dry clothes to leave at the shop for after
Water levels & Season
Season
🌊
May 1, 2027
– August 15, 2027
Departures
⛅
8:30 am, 10:00 am, 2:00 pm
June has the biggest water. July to mid-August is warm and steady, great for families. Late August and September are mellow.
Guest Reviews
View all reviewsFAQ
Common questions about this trip.
How long is the Salida Town Run?
About 3 hours from check-in to drop-off, with roughly 2 hours and 10 miles on the water.
Where does the Town Run end?
Right in downtown Salida. The float starts north of town, drifts through a wildlife preserve and finishes with the waves of the river park. Our shuttle driver meets you downtown and brings you back to the shop.
What times does the Town Run leave?
8:30 am, 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, May 1 to August 15.
Will I get wet?
On Beginner trips, a little. On Intermediate and Advanced trips, yes. That's why wetsuits and splash jackets are included.
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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